Process for applying to the Penn State Master Gardener Program
Penn State Extension in Franklin County trains Master Gardeners every year, with the next training class starting October 2025. 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 in their communities.
Applications for the 2025-2026 class are now OPEN. If you are interested in applying, complete and submit an application form by July 31, 2025.
As a Penn State Master Gardener trainee, one must complete a minimum of 50 hours of basic training with lessons led by Penn State Agricultural Educators, program assistants, and Master Gardeners. Topics include botany, plant propagation, insects and diseases, plant identification, diagnostics, and much more. Master Gardener trainees must fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service during their first year in the program. To maintain Master Gardener certification, an additional 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education is required annually.
Volunteer activities carried out by Master Gardeners may include upkeep and programming in a variety of demonstration gardens, hosting educational booths at local festivals and events, delivering presentations on various gardening topics for local schools and organizations, and assisting with programming sponsored by the Master Gardeners, such as composting, pollinator gardens, plant sales, and answering questions for the garden hotline.
There is a program fee of $250 to cover the cost of training materials and expenses. This fee provides each candidate with an award-winning Master Gardener Manual, valued at $145. Financial assistance is available to individuals if this fee represents a barrier to their participation in the program.
We will host an information session prior to the application due date where you can meet Master Gardeners and get your questions answered.
Please address any questions to the Franklin County Extension Office at 717-263-9226
