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. 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. You can learn more about the Sumner County program here: https://sumner.tennessee.edu/sumner-county-master-gardeners/ Registration for Sumner County opens in December and classes begin in January. Watch our web site for details later this year on dates, fees, and how to register. Just do it! It will be one of the best decisions you ever make for yourself and your community. https://mastergardener.tennessee.edu/ |