Pima County Master Gardeners are university-trained volunteers who serve as community educators. They work with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to provide researched-based information on environmentally responsible gardening and landscaping to the public.

Services to County residents include:

• Free plant clinic to answer plant and gardening questions
• Workshops and classes on gardening and landscaping
• Information booths at various farmers markets and libraries
• Bi-annual plant sale - next one is Saturday, October 12th 8am-11am
• Demonstration gardens - offering regular free tours led by Master Gardeners

There are currently approximately 150 active Master Gardener Volunteers here in Pima County.

One of the many functions of Pima County Master Gardener Volunteers is to staff the Plant Clinic. They answer landscape and gardening questions over the phone or examine plant samples brought into the clinics.

Persons qualify to become Master Gardener Volunteers by completing a 50 hour training course and giving 50 hours of service to one or more of the approved Master Gardener Projects. Classes are conducted in Tucson, beginning in January and continuing to mid May. Following the course, graduates enter an intern period for up to one year during which the initial 50 hours volunteer service is given. When the internship has been completed the intern receives full Master Gardener Volunteer status.

To maintain Master Gardener Volunteer status, a volunteer must participate in 50 hours of service activities and complete 10 hours of continuing training annually.

Some Master Gardener Volunteers also present landscape and gardening programs throughout the city. Demonstrations are held from October through April at various public libraries including each Wednesday afternoon at the Wilmot Library and Friday afternoon at the Oro Valley Library.

Application forms will be accepted from April 1st through August 31st. For more information contact the Pima County Cooperative Extension Center in Tucson at 520-626-5161, or by contacting the Pima County Cooperative Extension Satellite Office in Green Valley at 520-648-0808.

PLANT CLINIC: Call or stop by our free clinics to get answers to all your plant and gardening questions.

TUCSON
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
520-626-5161
4210 N. Campbell Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85719

GREEN VALLEY
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 11:30am
520-648-0808
1100 E. Whitehouse Canyon Road
Green Valley, AZ 85622