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
  • Mentor Master Gardeners in training
  • Provide maintenance of the Demo Garden and landscape at the Cooperative Extension Office
  • Support Master Gardener events and other program efforts

 

 

Spring 2026 Volunteer Training Course

  • Tentative Course Dates: January- May 2026 
  • Course delivery location: Online anywhere with an internet connection, usually in the convenience of the home. 
  • Required Weekly Zoom Meetings: Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. -7:45 p.m. (no more than 3 absences during the course)
  • 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 Training Course is offered twice a year, the Spring session starts in January and a Fall session starts in July, yearly.  

If you are interested in the Spring 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course, please add your name and email to our course interest list. When the Spring 2026 application opens, you will be emailed. Applications are planned to open in mid-August.

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 mid-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
  • Experience or strong interest in plants, gardens and landscapes

 

 

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. 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 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 with your assigned small group and Master Gardener Mentor. Trainees may not miss more than 3 weekly meetings and absences must be made up during the 18-week course to be considered for graduation.
  • 20 hours minimum of approved volunteer hours are required during the 18-week course to graduate.

Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course Graduation Requirements

  • Complete the University of Arizona Designated Campus Colleague
  • Attend the weekly Discussion group with no more than 3 missed and made up absences
  • Complete all weekly quizzes and assignments
  • Complete and turn-in course Wrap-Up
  • Volunteer and log a minimum of 20 volunteer hours during the 18-week training course to graduate as an Associate. Associates have one year from the date of graduation to complete a total of 50 volunteer hours (20 hours minimum during training course +30 additional hours) to become a Certified Master Gardener. 
Course Outline
  • Orientation, Practice Week
  • Botany – Part 1
  • Botany – Part 2
  • Soil, Water & Plant Relationships
  • Soil, Fertilizer & Composting
  • Vegetable Gardening
  • Irrigation
  • Entomology
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Plant Problem Diagnosis
  • Plant Selection, Planting and Care
  • Landscape Design
  • Turf and Weed Management
  • Pruning Tree and Shrubs
  • Citrus
  • Cacti & Succulents
  • Wrap up, Final

 

 

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.