Become a Master Gardener
The Master Gardener trainings are provided online all year through D2L.
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension trains gardening enthusiasts of Pinal County as Master Gardener Volunteers who help their fellow citizens grow better gardens and more sustainable landscapes.
Who Should Apply to be a Pinal County Master Gardener Volunteer?
Anyone with an interest in environmentally responsible landscaping and gardening in Pinal County AND a desire to teach those principles and skills from research-based materials to others.
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.
Cost: $200 and purchase of the Arizona Master Gardener manual available here: https://shop.uabookstore.arizona.edu/main/wildcats/Pre-Order/Cooperative-Extension/AZ-Master-Gardener-Manual
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.
· The University of Arizona’s research-based training manual 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, and quiz, at the convenience of your schedule.
· 25 hours of volunteer service during the first year to become an Associate.
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 Pinal County.
Class Topics Delivered Weekly
Master Gardener course Home Horticulture course
Botany Botany
Cacti and Succulents Cacti and Succulents
Citrus
Desert-Adapted Plants/Natives Desert-Adapted Plants/Natives
Xeriscape, Herbacious Ornamentals
Entomology Entomology
Irrigation & Landscape Watering Irrigation & Landscape Watering
Landscape Design
Integrated Pest Management Integrated Pest Management
Soils & Fertilizers
Tree & Shrub Pruning Tree & Shrub Pruning
Turf Turf
Vegetable and Herbs Vegetable and Herbs
Plant Propagation
Volunteer Graduation, Certification, and Continuing Requirements
To successfully complete the training program and graduate:
· Complete the course and quizzes and final exam.
· Complete a minimum of twenty-five (25) hours of approved volunteer service within Pinal County during the year of the training course and submit these hours to the Volunteer Tracking System.
· Complete registration as a University of Arizona Designated Campus Colleague (DCC)
To receive the title Certified Master Gardener, participants must complete the training program and earn an additional 25 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 6 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 course. Tuition for the Home Horticulture class is $200.00 and does not include a volunteer commitment.
QUESTIONS?
For questions, contact: Terry Ellsworth, Master Gardener Program, Administrative Support Assistant II (520) 836-5221 tellswor@arizona.edu
We look forward to you joining us!