Maricopa County Master Gardener
Training
The Master Gardener Volunteer training is provided twice a year, a Spring session starting in January and a Fall session starting in July.
Next session: Spring 2022
Orientation week: January 10, 2022
Class Dates: January 17 to May 6, 2022
Applications Available: Our application for the Spring 2022 session has closed.
If you would like to be notified when our next application period opens, please use the following link to provide your information: https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5uK8QBKhmI6gzK6
Notification of Acceptance: October 29, 2021
Tuition: $300.00 payment is due in full by November 23, 2021
Location: Course location is online anywhere with an internet connection, usually in the convenience of the home
A computer or tablet and internet service is required for this online course.
Who Should Apply to be a Maricopa County Master Gardener Volunteer?
Anyone with an interest in environmentally responsible landscaping and gardening in the low desert AND a desire to teach those principles and skills in their community from research-based materials is a candidate for the Master Gardener program.
Acceptance into the Course
There are routinely more qualified applicants for the program than available positions. Many successful applicants have applied more than once.
- Selection is not based on your application date, but rather a demonstrated willingness to volunteer in the community.
- Agreement to uphold the program mission, its policies, and participation in the University of Arizona's Designated Campus Colleague (DCC) system are all required for acceptance into the program.
Asynchronous Course Format:
Using University of Arizona’s education resources, the Master Gardener Training Course is delivered through Desire 2 Learn, an online classroom.
- Students engage in the online training portion from their home at a time that is convenient for them during the week.
- A weekly live Zoom meeting will provide opportunity for questions and personal interaction. Trainees will be organized into small groups of 6-9 people to create meaningful online interaction preparing them for volunteering in their community.
- The University of Arizona’s research-based training material will give students a rich educational experience in home gardening and landscaping.
Course and Weekly Time Requirements:
- 5 hours approximately of weekly study time, reading and videos, at the convenience of your schedule.
- 1 hour weekly live Zoom meetings with your assigned small group and Master Gardener Mentor.
- 20 hours of volunteer service over the course.
Course Overview:
Master Gardener Training classes are taught by University of Arizona Cooperative Extension faculty, industry professionals and other horticulture experts. Students will learn the fundamentals of selecting, installing, and maintaining healthy, appropriate landscapes and gardens for the Arizona low desert. The course fee covers the books and materials.
Class Topics Delivered Weekly
- Botany
- Cacti and Succulents
- Citrus
- Composting
- Desert-Adapted Plants
- Entomology
- Irrigation & Landscape Watering
- Landscape Design
- Pest Management
- Plant Problems Diagnosis
- Soils & Fertilizers
- Tree & Shrub Pruning
- Turf
- Vegetable and Herbs
Volunteer Graduation, Certification, and Continuing Requirements
To successfully complete the training program and graduate, participants must attend all classes with up to 3 missed and made-up classes and perform 20 hours of volunteer service during the course.
To receive the title Certified Master Gardener, participants must complete the training program and earn an additional 30 hours of volunteer service within 1 year. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are made available during training.
To maintain Certified Master Gardener status, a minimum of 25 volunteer hours and 12 continuing education hours are required per calendar year.
Not Interested in a Volunteer Commitment? There is a Home Horticulture Course
Those who want the gardening knowledge but do not have the time to volunteer or unable to meet the requirements to become a certified Master Gardener Volunteer, may select the Home Horticulture option on the same application.
Home Horticulture slots are limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Tuition for the Home Horticulture class is $300.00 and does not include a volunteer commitment.
There are limited seats available in a non-certification audit course.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about the application and a Master Gardeners perspective, contact:
Ginger Roberts, Master Gardener
virginiaroberts@arizona.edu
For all other questions, contact:
Patty Howard, Master Gardener Program Administrative Assistant
(602) 827-8282
patriciahoward@arizona.edu
We look forward to you joining us!
Rebecca Senior
Assistant in Extension for Ornamental Horticulture
Master Gardener Course Coordinator
602-827-8276
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as sign language interpreter, by contacting the Master Gardener Program Coordinator, 602-827-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.