Program Overview

The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program®

The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program is a horticulture education and volunteer training program dedicated to enhancing Michigan communities. Volunteers are committed to improving the quality of life through horticulture-based service, environmental stewardship, food-security initiatives and community beautification efforts across the state.

Mission

The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program serves two primary functions:

To offer research-based horticulture education to motivated and active adult gardeners (18 years or older) through an MSU Extension-led program.
To equip MSU Extension with trained volunteers who educate communities on environmentally and economically sustainable gardening practices through horticulture-based outreach and service.

Educational Requirement

The educational component of the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program begins with the successful completion of the MSU Extension's Foundations of Gardening (FOG) course. This fully online course is offered in the winter and fall each year at a cost of $350, with partial scholarship opportunities available before registration.

To become an MSU Extension Volunteer, participants must obtain a FOG certificate, apply and be accepted as a volunteer, and complete a local onboarding session. There is no additional cost for the volunteer application or onboarding process. Prospective volunteers should wait to apply until they are enrolled in the FOG course.

Local onboarding sessions vary in timing across the state, depending on the demand for new volunteers. These sessions, available only to FOG certificate holders, combine online and in-person learning over 2–3 days. Before enrolling in local onboarding, FOG graduates must first be accepted as MSU Extension volunteers. Information about local onboarding opportunities can be obtained by contacting your local MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator.

Volunteer Commitment

The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program values volunteer service as equally important as its educational component. Trainees have the opportunity to educate and inspire their communities through horticulture-based activities. Volunteer projects may include designing school gardens with children, developing horticultural therapy programs for senior centers, or assisting neighborhood beautification teams with site and plant selection.

To earn the Extension Master Gardener certification, trainees must complete the educational component and contribute 40 hours of volunteer service within Michigan.

To maintain active MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer status, individuals must complete at least 20 hours of community service in Michigan and 10 hours of continuing education annually.

MSU Extension MSU Extension Master Gardener Program®