Posted: March 27, 2025
Are you interested in learning more about plants and giving back to the community through outreach and education? Then, the Penn State Extension Master Gardener volunteer program might be what you're looking for! Join us for a free, one-hour information session on Tuesday, June 10th at 7:00 pm to learn more about the Franklin County Master Gardener program.
If you enjoy learning about gardening and sharing your knowledge with others, the Master Gardener program may be right for you.
The Penn State Extension Franklin County Master Gardeners will host a free information session for the public about becoming a certified Master Gardener on Tuesday, June 10th at 7:00 pm.
Where: Penn State Extension Franklin County
Ag Heritage Building Rooms 7/8 (lower level)
181 Franklin Farm Lane
Chambersburg, PA 17202
Who are Penn State Extension Master Gardeners?
Master Gardener volunteers support Penn State Extension's educational programs in consumer horticulture. They develop their horticultural expertise through participation in educational training classes conducted by Penn State faculty and Extension staff.
What do Penn State Master Gardeners Do?
Penn State Master Gardeners help Penn State Extension better serve the home gardening public in many different ways. Programs and projects vary from county to county. Some of their activities include:
- Answering home garden questions at Extension office garden hotlines
- Teaching informal workshop classes and speaking to groups on home gardening topics
- Creating and maintaining educational demonstration gardens at the Extension office
- Teaching youth about plants and horticulture
- Holding plant sales to educate the public and raise funds for outreach programs
How do I Become a Penn State Master Gardener?
To become a Master Gardener, you need a keen interest in gardening, a willingness to learn more, and a strong desire to help others learn about gardening.
The Penn State Master Gardener program is county-based. Recruitment, training, and volunteer service occur at the county level of Penn State Extension. Each county recruits and trains Penn State Master Gardeners according to its specific volunteer needs.
If you are interested in applying, complete and submit an application form by July 31, 2025. You will be contacted to schedule an interview in early August to learn about your interests and general horticultural knowledge. To apply, you must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the county you're applying to.
To become certified as a Penn State Master Gardener, you must complete a minimum of 50 hours of basic training, score at least 80% on a closed-book final exam, and fulfill 50 hours of acceptable volunteer service during your first year in the program.
In subsequent years, to maintain your status as a certified Penn State Master Gardener, you are required to contribute at least 20 hours of Master Gardener volunteer service and attend at least 10 hours of continuing education annually.
Penn State Extension programs are open to all, regardless of their ability to pay. Please contact the Master Gardener Coordinator if you require reduced or waiver of fees to participate in this program.
Questions about the Program?
Please contact: Jennie Mazzone, Master Gardener Coordinator, Franklin County
717-263-9226, jrd5407@psu.edu
