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Orientation to MSUE and Master Gardener program Plant Science Soils for Plant Growth Herbaceous Ornamental Plant Culture Lawn Establishment, Care and Maintenance Vegetable Culture Small Fruit Culture Tree Fruit Culture Woody Ornamental Plant Culture Integrated Pest Management Indoor Plant Culture Household Pests
The formal training program is provided by MSU Extension. Instructors are Extension staff members, experienced Master Gardeners and other experts.
The training program provides a balanced, integrated, practical course in plant science. Special topics, based on local needs, may be added. Core training is held during a two to three month period, with follow-up training or in-service provided during the year according to local needs and resources.
Attendance: Each Master Gardener trainee is expected to attend every classroom session. If a participant misses more than one session and does not make provisions to make up the session, he or she cannot become a Master Gardener.
Examination and quizzes: To become a Master Gardener, every trainee will take weekly quizzes and pass a final examination with a score of 70% or better. The final examination is a take-home test and emphasizes an individual's ability to gather accurate information from class notes and other reference material. This emphasis on problem solving techniques and resources will help Master Gardeners as they give horticulture assistance to others.
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The Master Gardener training course consists of 40 hours of core instruction. An equivalent amount of volunteer time, 40 hours, is required as a prerequisite for becoming a Master Gardener.
For hours to be credited toward the required minimum, the volunteer activities should:
At least 20 hours of the required 40 hours should be spent working on MSUE directed projects and activities.
For the remaining 20 hours, participants are encouraged to volunteer their time in a way that is especially meaningful to them. Approval by the county Master Gardener coordinator must be obtained before engaging in any volunteer activity. Through volunteering, Master Gardener trainees enrich their knowledge of horticulture, help others through education and launch exciting ideas.
Documentation: It is the responsibility of the Master Gardener trainee to document their time and report that time in writing to the county coordinator for tabulation.
Time limits: An individual has one year from the end of the Master Gardener training course to complete the required volunteer hours.
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Participants will receive Master Gardener certification after successful completion of the educational training course and the volunteer requirement. Certificates and name badges will be awarded then.
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A Master Gardener may recertify for participation in the program for another year by:
An inactive Master Gardener is one who is unable to commit an additional 15 hours of service plus five (5) hours of training now, but would like to recertify in the future. For recertification the inactive Master Gardener must attend or have attended five hours of acceptable horticulture training for each year of inactive status. (See Recertification section for examples of training).
Master Gardeners on inactive status for more than three years are required to take the Master Gardener core training to assure that their knowledge base be current.
The MSU indemnification policy is extended to Master Gardener volunteers performing services solely for and under the direction of MSUE. All Volunteer Master Gardeners must undergo a criminal history check before being accepted into the program.
The title MSUE Master Gardener is to be used only and exclusively by individuals trained and certified to help MSUE and the title is valid only when volunteer is participating in the Michigan Master Gardener Program.
Training and experience gained by participating in the Michigan Master Gardener program are valuable, and may be rightfully listed as qualifications when seeking employment. Employed Master Gardeners are allowed to display credentials at their place of business.
On Master Gardener speaking engagements it is appropriate to receive payment for expenses only, such as supplies and mileage. If an honorarium is offered, it may be accepted and given to the county Master gardener program.
Master Gardeners do not give specific recommendations for use of fertilizers and pesticides. Master Gardeners must encourage others to follow label recommendations included with all products.
Failure to comply with the above guidelines and policies may result in expulsion from the program at the discretion of the supervisory extension agent.
For more information regarding the Master Gardener Training Program in Van Buren County, please call or email Beth Clawson at the MSU Extension Office, (269) 657-8213.
