Do you have an interest in horticulture and a desire to learn even more? Do you want to help others by sharing your gardening enthusiasm and knowledge? Then consider becoming a Penn State Master Gardener this fall!
Master Gardeners Teach!
Penn State Extension Mercer County is now accepting applications to interview for our Master Gardener Basic Training program. This program provides extensive horticultural training that enables participants to educate fellow Pennsylvanians on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship.
Program specifics are as follows:
- Weekly classes begin in early October and run through March of the following year.
- Classes are held on Thursday evenings, online via Zoom.
- Access to a stable internet connection, and a computer, tablet, or smart phone is required to complete the course.
- After completing 40 hours of instructional classes, candidates are required to volunteer 50 hours with 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.
- A program fee of $200, due upon acceptance into the program, covers the cost of training materials and related expenses.
Examples of Master Gardener volunteer activities include:
- Answering garden-related questions on the Garden Hotline.
- Engaging with community members and leaders on public gardens, including community gardens.
- Teaching youth (with programs like Mr. Yuk or Ag Literacy).
- Speaking at garden clubs, libraries, and other civic organizations.
- Advancing the Seed-to-Supper program, which teaches basic vegetable gardening practices.
- Consulting on new garden designs.
- Engaging in community outreach for important topics like Spotted Lanternfly and Tick awareness.
- Participating at fairs, community days, and more.
Our Master Gardener volunteer program 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.
Individuals ready to pursue the path to become a Master Gardener can express interest utilizing our online Application.
Still have questions?
Contact Kinorea Tigri, Master Gardener Coordinator and Extension Educator, Horticulture
- Direct office line: 814-350-7748
- kkt5317@psu.edu
