Master Gardener Volunteer & Home Horticulture Training
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide educational information to Cooperative Extension clientele. They undergo intensive training.
The primary focus of the volunteer work is providing science-based horticultural information to the community. Some examples of volunteer work are:
- staffing horticulture help lines in the Cooperative Extension offices
- giving talks, demonstrations, etc. to groups
- sharing horticulture information at festivals, farmers' markets, etc.
- assisting students in school wildlife habitats
- providing horticultural advice to individuals, groups, and establishments
2027 Master Gardener Volunteer Training - This 17 session class will be held at the Prescott Cooperative Extension office, 840 Rodeo Drive, Bldg C, Prescott, beginning January 20, 2027. Class will be held on Wednesday mornings, 9:00am to 12:30pm.
This year's topics include: botany, soils, composting, irrigation, ecosystems & native plants, planting/staking/pruning landscape plants, perennial fruits, wildlife, insects, pathology, integrated pest management, vegetables & annuals, weed management, wildlife management, hydroponics, houseplants, lawns, and interacting with the public.
Requirements for becoming a Certified Master Gardener:
- Attend the 17-week class (January 20, 2027 to May 12, 2027)
- Comply with the University of Arizona requirements to become a UA volunteer
- Volunteer at least 50 hours within 13 months of training and for each subsequent year volunteer at
least 25 hours and attend 12 hours of continuing education - Pay non-refundable fee of $300 when accepted into the class (fee includes handbook)
Please return the application by December 1, 2026 to Mary Barnes, barnesm@arizona.edu . Applications will be reviewed and attendee selections made by mid-December. We do have a space limitation.
2027 Home Horticulture Class -This class is for those who would like to learn science-based gardening practices, with no volunteer commitment. Course topics include: basic botany, climate, soils, compost, fertilizer, water and irrigation, vegetables, fruit trees, selecting and planting landscape plants, pruning, weed management, insects, and wildlife. The 2027session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 6:00pm to 8:00pm, September to October, specific dates to be determined. The fee will be $125.00. If you would like to receive an application please send the request to Mary Barnes, barnesm@arizona.edu . Applications will be available in August, 2027.
Please email questions to Mary Barnes at barnesm@arizona.edu