The mission of the Penn State Master Gardener volunteer program is to support Penn State Extension by utilizing research-based information to educate the public on best practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship.
Are you interested in learning more about gardening and sharing that information with other gardeners? You might be want to train to become a Master Gardener in Bedford County.
Training for new Master Gardeners begins the first week in October and continues through March. Classes meet weekly via Zoom on Thursdays at 6 pm, except during holidays. There are also hands-on classes throughout the training which will require in-person attendance.
Candidates must agree to volunteer 50 hours to the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program during the first year. In subsequent years, 20 hours of volunteer time and 10 hours of continuing education are required to maintain the Master Gardener certification. Volunteer activities currently carried out by the Master Gardeners include planting and maintaining demonstration gardens, presenting gardening programs, answering garden-related questions on the Garden Hotline, and teaching about plants to youth, among others.
There is a program fee of $200 to cover the cost of training materials, including the award-winning Master Gardener Manual (textbook), hands-on materials, and other expenses.
There will be an Open House for potential candidates to meet MG and discuss the program on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 5-7 PM at the Bedford County Extension Office. Your interview can be conducted at this time.
If you have applied to the program, you will be notified and scheduled for an interview. Interviews will be held in late July and early August. We cannot accept every applicant into the training program.
Thank you for your interest in the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program in Bedford County. The 2024-2025 application acceptance period will end August 12, 2024.
Please click this link to apply for the 2024-2025 Master Gardener Basic Training in Bedford County.
Please contact Kay Kring for additional information at kmk255@psu.edu or 814-623-4800.
