So you always wanted to become a Penn State Master Gardener?
Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program is Accepting Applications
Do you have a strong interest in gardening? Are you a life-long learner? Do you want to help others and share your gardening enthusiasm and knowledge? Then consider becoming a Penn State Master Gardener.
Penn State Extension in Fayette County is now accepting applications for the 2025 Penn State Master Gardener program. This program consists of a volunteer training course designed to provide experienced home gardeners with information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others. To learn more about the program, contact Susan Shoemaker at svs7524@psu.edu.
Weekly classes will be held on Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:15 pm starting October 2024 and ending March 2025. Classes will be held on-line via Zoom.
After completing the instructional classes, 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 monitoring pollinator gardens, consulting on various public gardens including community gardens, answering garden related questions on the Garden Hotline, planting and maintaining demonstration gardens, and teaching in schools.
There is a program fee of $200 to cover the cost of training materials and expenses. Applications are being accepted until August 31, 2024. If interested, contact your local Master Gardener Coordinator. The mission of the Penn State Master Gardener volunteer program is to support Penn State Cooperative Extension by utilizing research-based information to educate the public on best practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship.
Please contact Susan Shoemaker at svs7524@psu.edu or call 724-438-0111.
To apply online: click here
2025 Class Schedule
