Master Gardener Basic Training for Lackawanna County
Photo Credit: Ann Marie Warren, Master Gardener of Lackawanna County
Did you know that turning a vacant lot into green space can reduce crime rates, or that just 30 minutes of gardening can relieve stress and depression? From air purification to helping us live longer, plants have a powerful impact not only on our health, but also on the well-being of our communities. Unfortunately, many people believe that they need a green thumb to get involved with gardening and sustainable horticulture projects. With Penn State Extension's Master Gardener program, though, anyone can become a force for photosynthesis - all you need is excitement about the natural world and a passion for volunteering!
The Penn State Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program that supports the outreach mission of Penn State Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate the public and our communities on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship. No prior experience is required, as all volunteers go through a 40-hour Basic Training in horticultural science. Trainees must then complete 50 hours of volunteer service within their first year to achieve their official Master Gardener certification. Master Gardeners maintain their certification by completing 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education each year.
When asked why they wanted to join the program, nearly every Master Gardener cites a love of learning and a passion to share horticultural knowledge with others. If you fit that description, you too can become a Master Gardener!
There is an application, a course fee, and an interview/selection process to join the Penn State Master Gardener program. Lackawanna County Application
The next Basic Training course offered in Lackawanna County will begin in October 2025. Application deadline is August 1, 2025. For more details contact Lackawanna County Coordinator, Jill Baer at jab8010@psu.edu.
