Become a Maricopa County Master Gardener

The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County trains Master Gardener Volunteers. Master Gardeners are active volunteers providing education on the best practices in home landscape and gardening to their communities.

Using research and science-based information, Master Gardeners help create more sustainable gardens and more livable cities better prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

Master Gardener Volunteers
  • Answer landscape and gardening questions
  • Perform outreach and education in the community
  • Provide maintenance of the Demo Garden and landscape at the Cooperative Extension Office
  • Support Master Gardener events and other program efforts

To become a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer:

  • Go through the interview and selection process
  • Complete the Horticulture Course
  • Complete 6-week volunteer training after horticulture course
  • Complete volunteer hands-on labs during volunteer training
  • Complete a minimum 50 approved volunteer hours within one year after the horticulture course

 

Fall 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Horticulture Course

  • Course Dates: July-November 2026
  • Course delivery location: Online anywhere with an internet connection, usually in the convenience of the home.
  • Required Weekly Zoom Meetings: Morning and Evening sessions to choose from each week.
  • Tuition: $375.00 non-refundable payment. Limited scholarships funds through the Arizona Herb Association may be available if accepted into the program.

The Master Gardener Volunteer Horticulture Course is offered twice a year, the Spring session starts in January and a Fall session starts in July, yearly.  

Fall 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Interest List. Applications will open end of February 2026.

If you are interested in taking a horticulture course without becoming a volunteer, please check out our Home Horticulture course. Click here for the Home Horticulture course webpage.

Acceptance Into the Course

  • There are routinely more qualified applicants for the program than available openings. Many successful applicants have applied more than once.
  • Selection is NOT first-come first-served, but on a demonstrated willingness to volunteer in the community.
  • Invited applicants will participate in an interview process via Zoom in April/May with Master Gardener Program staff and select Master Gardener volunteers.
  • 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.

Important Skills for Master Gardeners

  • Public speaking and education delivery
  • Customer service
  • Curiosity and a desire to learn
  • Organization and attention to detail
  • Love of plants

 

 

Course Format

Using University of Arizona’s education resources, the Master Gardener Training Course is delivered through Desire 2 Learn (D2L), 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 an opportunity for questions and personal interaction.
  • The University of Arizona’s research-based training material will give students rich educational experience in home gardening and landscaping.                                             

Course and Weekly Time Requirements

  • 5-7 hours of weekly study time, reading and videos, weekly quiz, and assignments at the convenience of your schedule.
  • 1 hour 15 minute required weekly live Zoom meetings 

Completing Horticulture Course

  • Graduate from the Master Gardener Volunteer Horticulture Course by.....

    • Attending the weekly Discussion group with no more than 3 absences
    • Completing all weekly quizzes and assignments
    • Complete Final Exam with at least 70%

     

Course Outline (subject to change)
  • Foundations of Horticulture- Basic Botany, Plant Growth Environments (air, sun, soil, water relationships to plants), Irrigation
  • Landscaping Principles- Basic Landscapes, Landscape Trees, Landscape Plants, Cacti and Succulents, Pruning
  • Growing Food- Citrus, Vegetable and Herbs, Fruits
  • Plant Problems- Pests, Diseases and Abiotic Problems, Plant Problem Analysis, and Integrative Pest Management 

 

 

Contact Program: MCCE-MasterGardenerProgram@arizona.edu 

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as sign language interpreter, by contacting the Master Gardener Program Coordinator, 602-827-8211. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.