Who wants to be a Master Gardener and Why?

Question

I was approached this weekend about taking courses and doing voluneer work in order to become a Master Gardener. I've been thinking about it and just may do it because the voluneer work part sounds like fun and it would be a great way to learn more about gardening. I was just wondering if anyone else was considering becomming a Master Gardener as well. I would also like to hear from already certified Master Gardeners about their experiences while getting certified. What were the courses like and did you have to do volunteer work as well?

This is an opinion question and thumbs down are not allowed.

Answer 1

I was an MG a few years back. The training was quite in-depth and very informative. Some of the classes were easier, some quite complex, like the classes on plant genetics. In addition to the time for classes, we had requisite field trips and volunteer time, ranging from plant-clean up at local government sites to taking high school kids on an agricultural related field trip. The initial time was quite fun and informative. I really enjoyed working the hotline. What was most frustating was how cliqueish the established MG's were. Plus our area is spread over 2 counties, and the county the program was based out of got the most help. It became very frustrating as the volunteer opportunities close to me were minimal and not interesting. I was most disappointed as the initial impression was that there would be a larger group of people that would get together and work on a project. It was not like that - we were frequently left on our own with no support. It became too frustrating and I left.

From what I have heard, our area is an anomaly, most MG programs are much better that this. My advice to you is to really check out your area, go and see what the volunteer opportunities are, talk with established MG's to see how they feel about the local program. Good luck!

Answer 2

5 years ago I thought maybe? Then I decided Oh heck I'm going to retired in 2 years why bother! Now I'm just plain too old. I do well to keep my flowers up now. I did take some classes at the college in my county and I do have a certificate but it's not the same.
Lucky me when you reach 65 in my state school is free. I guess they figure if you can get up and attend classes at that age you shouldn't have to pay.
My cousins have one of the largest landscape architecture companies within 4 counties. Sometimes I make garden pond money by designing gardenponds for them.
That is my first love.

I can tell you this, now is the time to do it, so if your are thinking about it, I say go for the gold!
Not for one minute will you regret it.
Not sure if all Universities are the same but in most cases there is an apprenticeship.
Landscaping is at an all time high. In my area employment has increased 35% for MG and LA's. Actually I was considering Landscape Architecture.

................Sptfyr..............
Auction items for gardening?
Look this up in search for questions?
We need the bids! lol!

Answer 3

I have been thinking about this as well! I spoke to a couple of MGs recently at the regional fair and they said the materials you get for the courses are fantastic. The training where I live (MO) begins in January. Volunteer work and some meetings are required in addition to the courses. It sounds really interesting.

Answer 4

From what I've seen there is a great deal of difference in each states program. When I took the North Dakota course we had people drive long distances from S Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. My cousin from the eastern part of the state took her classes in Minnesota. So shop around if you are able. Tuition runs anywhere from $100-250. The best part of the program isn't so much about facts as it is about meeting like minded people. RScott

Answer 5

I would love to be a MASTER gardinger, but unfortunately I am not. I love doing work in my backyard. I am to old to try it. It too bad. I think that at your age you should try it.
Good luck.
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