Do you have a strong interest in gardening? Do you enjoy sharing your gardening knowledge to help others be more successful gardeners? Then consider becoming a Penn State Master Gardener.
Penn State Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who support the outreach mission of Penn State Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate the public on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship. The Penn State Master Gardener program is ideal for those who have a desire to learn research based-information on gardening and to share their knowledge with the public.
The Penn State Master Gardener training course for certification is designed to provide home gardeners with information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others. Each candidate interested in the program submits an application, attends an information session, and completes an interview.
The course consists of online classes, monthly hands-on sessions at the county office, and a mid-term and final exam. Weekly classes are held on Thursday evenings, 6:00pm-8:15pm, from October through March. Topics include botany, plant diseases, soils, fertilizers, composting, integrated pest management, entomology, plant propagation, indoor plants, vegetable gardens, teaching and communications, lawn care, pruning ornamental plants, tree fruit, small fruit, landscape design, woody ornamentals, herbaceous plants, native plants, weeds/invasive species, becoming a successful Master Gardener, and plant diagnostics.
To achieve certification, candidates must complete the training course, score a 80% or higher on the midterm and final exam, complete a New Class presentation, and volunteer 50 hours to the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program during the first program year (October 1 - September 30). In subsequent years, 20 hours of volunteer time and 10 hours of continuing education are required.
The training course fee of $200 covers the cost of the Penn State Master Gardener manual, training materials, and expenses. Payment plan information is available upon request. The course fee may increase for future class years.
Master Gardener Training Information Sessions were held on Thursdays, June 27 and July 11, 2024.
The application deadline for the October 2024 - March 2025 training course was July 31, 2024.
To be added to the interest list for a future course year or if you have any questions, please contact the Penn State Master Gardener Coordinator in Cumberland County.
Ellie Stuart
Office: 717-240-6500
Email: ems40@psu.edu
