How to Become A Master Gardener

Do you love plants and talking about plants? 

Do have an interest in volunteering with community projects that share and teach others about gardening and nature?

Would you enjoy taking classes and working alongside trained volunteers and agriculture extension agents to increase your knowledge?

Then you have what it takes to become a Master Gardener!

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers that help the Tennessee Agriculture Extension Service share the latest research-based gardening, landscape and environmental stewardship information in their communities.

Each year, more than 50 Tennessee counties offer a 14-week Master Gardener training program through their local UT Extension office.

All volunteers start as interns while receiving 40 hours of horticultural classes and within one year return 40 hours of volunteer community service through projects managed by certified Master Gardener leaders and their Extension office. 

To remain certified, Master Gardeners volunteer at least 25 hours a year and complete at least 8 hours of continuing education, which may include presentations by guest speakers at our monthly meetings or other learning opportunities offered locally or statewide throughout the year.

As a Master Gardener in Tennessee, you become part of a group that in 2023 performed more than 200,000 hours of volunteer service and educational outreach that represent a value of $5.6 million to their communities across the state. 

Registration for 2026 Intern Class is now open!

How to Apply: Visit the Sumner County Extension office at 658 Hartsville Pike in Gallatin for short in-person discussion about the program, complete an application and mentorship match survey, and pay course fee. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost: $200 per person, $350 per couple.

Class Schedule:

Welcome Event: Thursday, Jan. 29, 6-8 p.m. at the Hendersonville Public Library

Regular Classes: Every Tuesday from Feb. 3 through April 21 from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Sumner County Extension Office in Gallatin.

Capstone Volunteer Service Project: Tuesday, April 28, 9 a.m. to Noon.

Class Format: Each class will have two 45-minute Zoom lecture sessions from horticulture specialists from across Tennessee and a 90-minute hands-on lab activity.

Once certified, you will join a large, active, and vibrant Master Gardener Association across Tennessee and locally in Sumner County, which has about 150 active members.

To learn more about our association and community projects, continue to monitor our website and follow our social media pages on Facebook (Master Gardeners of Sumner County) and Instagram.

Questions? Call 615-452-1423 or email UT Extension Agent Emily Richards at ericha40@utk.edu

Just do it! It will be one of the best decisions you ever make for yourself and your community.

https://mastergardener.tennessee.edu/