What is the Extension Master Gardener Program?
How does the program work?
When will the Master Gardener classes be offered?
When can I use the title "Master Gardener"?
What if I am already a certified Master gardener?
What is the cost of the Master Gardener Program?
Where can I find the textbook for the class?
Where do I learn more about the Master Gardener program in my area?
Where can i find more information about Extension and other programs?
What is the Extension Master Gardener Program?
The Master Gardener Program was first started by the Washington State Cooperative Extension Service in 1972. It grew out of a need to meet an enormous increase in requests from home gardeners for horticultural information. Master Gardeners have become a vital part of Extension's ability to provide consumers with up-to-date, reliable information. Master Gardening has also given its participants a sense of community spirit, accomplishment and intellectual stimulation.
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How does the program work?
Cooperative Extension staff, State Extension Specialists, and local gardening professionals teach a series of classes to train volunteers in research-based home horticulture practices. Beginning in 2010, there will be three levels to the Master Gardener Program. The eight-week Level 1 Extension Master Gardener course will teach basic yard and garden installation and maintenance. Level 2 is an advanced Master Gardener course for those that have prior gardening knowledge and/or experience. The Level 3 master Gardener course will be an intensive three day training on the Montana State University campus that will be available the summer of 2011.
Classroom participation enhances your educational experience as students are encouraged to network and share their own experiences, thereby also learning from each other. There is a fee to offset program operating expenses. Upon completion of your training, you will receive a certificate and be asked to volunteer community service time through the Montana State University Extension Service.
Level 1 Master Gardener:
The Level 1 Master Gardener will be available to the County Extension agents January, 2010. This eight-week course (16 hours) will be taught by the local Extension agents, plant professionals, volunteers, or via Adobe Connect and the Internet. During the beginning of the Level 1 Master Gardener course you will receive the Montana Master Gardener Handbook and other informative handouts pertaining to the class. In the Level 1 Master Gardener course you will learn:
- Introduction to Montana State University Extension and the Master Gardener Program
- Soils and fertility (N-P-K-Fe)
- Plant growth and development Part 1
- Growing food from your yard and garden
- Flowers
- Trees, shrubs, vines and pruning
- Lawns and irrigation
- Yard and garden maintenance/composting
- Intro to integrated pest management (IPM)
Following the completion of the Level 1 master Gardener course, you will be required to pass an open-book exam and fulfill your volunteer commitment of 20 hours of volunteer commitment. The cost, time and location will be determined by the county Extension agent or Master Gardener coordinator.
Level 2 Master Gardener:
The eight-week (16 hour) Level 2 Master Gardener will be available to the County Extension agents March, 2010. The classes will be taught by the local Extension agents, plant professionals, volunteers, or via Adobe Connect and the Internet. The Level 2 Master Gardener course is an intermediate/advanced gardening course for those who have prior knowledge or experience in gardening. The Level 2 Master Gardener course will teach you:
- The role of Master Gardener in Extension
- Binomial nomenclature
- Fertility, plant nutrients (more emphasis on micronutrients and microorganisms)
- Plant growth and development Part 2
- Entomology, plant diseases and abiotic disorders
- Vegetable and fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Trees, shrubs, and lawn Integrated Pest management (IPM)
- Advanced pruning and woody ornamental care
- Propagation
- Water Conservation
Following the completion of the Level 2 master Gardener course, you will be required to pass an closed-book exam and fulfill your volunteer commitment of 30 hours of volunteer commitment. The cost, time and location will be determined by the county Extension agent or Master Gardener coordinator.
Level 3 Master Gardener:
The Level 3 Extension Master Gardener course will be offered in the summer of 2011. This three day intensive training offered through the Montana State University Extension Service will be held on the campus of Montana State University-Bozeman. The class will begin with a 2-week online preparation course followed by the three-day training on campus. There will be approximately 30 hours of class time, a 30-40 hour volunteer commitment. The Level 3 Master Gardener course will emphasize a hands-on curriculum. There will be more information on the Level 3 Extension Master Gardener course in the near future.
What is a "Volunteer Commitment"?
During or upon completion of your training, you will meet with the program coordinator to discuss your talents and the needs of Cooperative Extension. You will choose a volunteer placement that will best utilize your knowledge and skills while helping Extension to meet community needs. Volunteer commitments may include:
- Answering horticulture questions at local Extension offices
- Staffing Clinics
- Staffing booths at fairs and farmers markets
- Writing articles
- Helping design, install and maintain community flower and vegetable gardens.
- Teaching Master Gardener classes
- Helping set up Master Gardener classes
- Applied research through the county Extension office
- Other volunteer placements that help meet the needs of the community
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When will the Master Gardener classes be offered?
The Level 1 Master Gardener course will be available to the Extension agents January, 2010. The Level 2 Extension Master Gardener course will be available March, 2010. If the Extension service in your county offers the Master Gardener program, they will determine the time, place and location of the class. For further information regarding the Montana Master Gardener program in your county, contact your local MSU County Extension Office.
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When can I use the title "Master Gardener"?
You will receive the title "Master Gardener" upon completion of each course Level of the program. However, you may not use the name “Master Gardener” to promote any private entity such as a business or consulting service.
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What if I am already a certified Master Gardener?
If you are already a Certified Montana Master Gardener you will be considered a Level 2 Master Gardener. However, for you to be recognized as a Montana Master Gardener you must contact your county Extension Service so that we can create a state-wide database for those that have completed the course. Please bring your certificate or proof of course attendance to your county Extension Office or contact the state wide coordinator at:
Extension Horticulture
Toby Day
P.O. Box 173140
312 Leon Johnson Hall
Bozeman, Montana 59717
Tel: (406)994-6523
toby.day@montana.edu
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What is the cost of the Master Gardener Program?
The cost of the Extension Master Gardener courses are determined by the county Extension Service that elects to offer the course. Inquire with your local county Extension office for more information.
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Where can I find the textbook for the class?
The Montana Master Gardener’s Handbook will be handed out the first day of the Master Gardener Class or is offered through Montana State University Extension Publications. To purchase the Montana Master Gardener’s Handbook contact Extension Publications.
 Distribution Center
Communications & I.T.
Po Box 172040
Bozeman, MT 59717
Tel: (406)994-3273
Fax: (406) 994-2050
Location: 115 Culbertson
orderpubs@montana.edu
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Where do I learn more about the Master gardener program in my area?
For further information regarding the Montana Master Gardener program in your county or city, contact your local MSU County Extension Office.
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Where can i find more information about Extension and other programs?
The Montana State University Extension Service provides many other programs and information including:
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