Master Gardeners are trained to provide science-based solutions to help people solve their gardening and landscape problems.
Cumberland County Youth Summer Gardening Camp
Through their local outreach they educate people who are doing gardening projects in many communities. They teach people to grow their own produce and to use pesticides carefully.
The Master Gardener program began in Pennsylvania in 1978 in Luzerne and Clearfield counties, and is now active in 63 of the 67 counties.
Statewide Highlights
- 2,460 active Penn State Master Gardener volunteers
- 372 newly trained Master Gardeners
- 203,357 volunteer hours reported valued at $4,601,969
- 474,953 adult contacts
In 27 counties, Master Gardeners assisted with projects researching the reintroduction of the American chestnut, vegetable and flower varieties, sweet corn insect pests, and pollinators.
Pollinators
Penn State Master Gardeners are doing their part to help the plight of pollinators in Pennsylvania. Knowing that gardeners can help by providing food, nesting habitat, and reducing the use of pesticides, Master Gardeners created the Pollinator Friendly Garden certification program.
The Pollinator Garden Certification walks gardeners through the steps to creating a pollinator friendly garden. Gardeners can then apply to be certified. So far, 450 gardens in 51 counties (including the governor's mansion) have had their gardens certified "Pollinator Friendly."
Home Lawn and Garden Newsletter
The Home Lawn and Garden newsletter is celebrating its one year anniversary! Penn State Extension Master Gardeners and horticulture educators provide information on lawn care, gardening resources and tips for homeowners.
Join the 6,325 subscribers to the Home Lawn and Garden newsletter.
Garden Helplines
Master Gardeners maintained a garden helpline in 43 counties. They reported 16,165 contacts with people who sought this service via telephone, email or visits to the county office. Through their website, the Master Gardeners have been answering questions submitted by homeowners across Pennsylvania, connecting with the community, and delivering Penn State resources to home gardeners every day.
Frequently Asked Topics:
- Plant Disease Questions (3,387)
- Plant Cultural Problems (2,634)
- Insect Questions (1,704)
- Soil Health (1,103)
- Weed or Invasive Identification and Management (1,046)
Master Gardeners Speak
- 1,228 speaker's bureau talks
- 401 symposiums with 2,915 attendees
- 232 radio, TV or internet spots
Master Gardeners Write
- 711 articles published in a newspapers or blogs
- 3,587,457 people reached by the newspapers
- 89,886 visited blogs
Master Gardeners in the News
- 327 news articles, radio, TV or Internet spots covered Master Gardener projects
Master Gardeners Partner
- 317 community organizations Master Gardeners Contribute
- 37,752 pounds of fresh produce donated to local food banks from Master Gardener led gardens Master Gardeners Teach Youth
- 206 schools and 44 camps 34,908 children educated by Master Gardeners
Cumberland County Youth Summer Gardening Camp
Youth learn about the monarch life cycle at Ag Progress Days
