Who can be a Master Gardener Volunteer?

YOU CAN! We’re looking for volunteers who like to learn, grow and share!  Master Gardener volunteers are committed to providing the highest quality, research-based horticultural information and educational activities that enhance our community’s environment and quality of life. Financial assistance is available!

Why become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

Do you have a love of gardening? Do bees just make you “buzz” with enthusiasm? Do you enjoy sharing with others about a topic that is important to you?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program — Hennepin County, may be for you! Master Gardener Volunteers take their knowledge and love of horticulture and plants into the Hennepin County Community, sharing it with others.

Volunteers learn while they are volunteering; they also learn by attending monthly continuing education sessions offered by our program, as well as other CE classes available through by the University of Minnesota, MN Landscape Arboretum and Minnesota Horticultural Society. The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is the perfect way to volunteer your time and talents AND learn more at the same time.

How do I become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024 Program Year (deadline was October 1).  If you’d like to apply for 2025, e-mail hcmg@umn.edu and we’ll notify you when we’re accepting applications again, usually around August 1.

Class of 2024 Application Process:

Program Information

There is a fee of $340 (or $389 with a printed companion guide) for the Core Course and background check. Financial assistance is available.

During the first year, Master Gardener Interns are required to donate 50 hours of volunteer service and complete 12 additional hours of continuing education over and above the Core Course. After the first year, 25 volunteer hours plus 12 continuing education hours are required annually to maintain certified Master Gardener status.

What are the certification requirements to become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

After being accepted into the Master Gardener program, a volunteer becomes an Intern and complete 50+ hours of Core Course horticultural education taught by University of Minnesota staff. Topics covered in the Core Training include:

  • Soils

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Entomology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Landscape, Lawn Care
  • Indoor Plants

  • Herbaceous Plants

  • Wood Plants

  • Pesticides

  • Gardening with Wildlife

  • Inclusive Volunteering: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

After completing the Core Course training, during the first year, Master Gardener Interns in Hennepin County are required to donate 50 hours of volunteer service including researching questions from the public, plus 12 additional hours of continuing education over and above the Core Course. After the first year, to remain certified, Master Gardener Volunteers complete 12 hours of continuing education and 25 hours of volunteer service annually.

Get Connected

Connect with Hennepin County Master Gardeners and the University of Minnesota Yard and Garden on social media.