Crow Wing County Master Gardeners
Grow With Us – Become a Master Gardener!
Join Us!
The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer program started in 1977 with its first class of 25 people. Since then it has grown to include more than 3,100 active master gardeners who share U of M horticultural expertise in almost every county of the State of Minnesota.
A love of gardening, a search for knowledge and a desire to share that knowledge with others is central to why people join the Master Gardener program. They remain Master Gardeners to enjoy the friendship of others who share their interests, to gain and share research-based horticultural knowledge and to give back to the community through their volunteer commitment.
If combining your passion for people and plants sounds appealing, you may be a good Master Gardener candidate. A formal education in horticulture isn’t necessary–we will provide the training and resources to help you teach others. There are five steps to becoming a Master Gardener – each step is described in more detail below.
Program Priorities
Horticultural Skills
Share current research-based horticultural principles and practices with the residents of Minnesota.
Plant Biodiversity
Pollinator Health
pollinators thrive in home and community spaces through more intentional landscape practices.
Clean Water
Local Food
to grow local food on multiple scales
and in different types of locations.
Climate Responsiveness
and maintain resilient landscapes that
mitigate and adapt to our changing climate.
Nearby Nature
for health and wellbeing by working with
community groups to co-create projects.
Our Volunteer Work
What do Crow Wing County Master Gardeners do?
From gardening instruction for adults and children, to giving gardens and public planting projects and speaking engagements, Crow Wing County Master Gardener Volunteers participate in a variety of projects that interest them and make a difference in our community.
- Community Giving
- Public Education
- Public Garden Restoration and Maintenance
- Crow Wing County Fair
- Public Plantings
- Ecological Restoration
5 Steps to becoming a Master Gardener
Application
To become a University of Minnesota Master Gardener, you must first apply and be accepted into the program. Applications are accepted annually from August 1st to October 1st.
Commitment
You agree to volunteer service in exchange for training from the University of Minnesota. You also agree to participate in Master Gardener monthly meetings, where you receive continuing education and learn about new projects and other volunteer opportunities.
Training
Complete the Extension Master Gardener Core Course (a 49+ hour University of Minnesota class). The core course is held entirely online and is self-paced beginning in January. The cost of the core course is $320, or $369 with a printed Companion Guide. Financial assistance is available.
Internship
After completing the Core Course, Master Gardener interns are required to do 50 hours of volunteer work during their internship year. We place our new interns with a mentor, so no matter the event or activity you’ll be with knowledgeable people who will make sure you’re not on your own. You’ll have fun–and you will learn a lot!
Certification
You’ll receive a certificate and name badge designating you as a Master Gardener once you have completed the Core Course and fulfilled your internship requirements.
Remaining Certified
Once certified, Master Gardeners must volunteer a minimum of 25 hours and receive at least 5 hours of approved continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification.