Become a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer or take our Home Horticulture Course
We are excited to announce that we are transitioning from county-led courses to two statewide courses a year. We will hold them in the spring and fall, starting in fall 2026. Not all counties will participate in each course. The following Counties and Tribal Nations are participating in the fall 2026 course. If your county or office is not listed, please reach out to your local Extension office and ask about when they are holding their next class. Participants can expect a robust, college-level standardized curriculum across the state, with specialized county-level training.
Home Horticulture Course
The 18-week Home Horticulture Course provides the same science-based gardening information Master Gardeners receive without the commitment to serve as a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer. Course fees are $500 plus the cost of purchasing your Arizona Master Gardener Manual from the University of Arizona Bookstore.
Certified Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension trains Master Gardener volunteers. Master Gardeners are community educators who volunteer though providing education in home landscape and gardening to their communities. They help promote environmentally responsible gardening, water conservation, and healthy communities through expert, science-based information.
Master Gardener Volunteers
- Answer landscape and gardening questions
- Perform outreach and education in the community, which may include public speaking
- Depending on County provide maintenance at an approved garden or at a Cooperative Extension Demonstration Garden
- Support Master Gardener events, fundraising, and other program efforts
To become a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer:
- Fill out the application by October 31st.
- Go through the interview and selection process
- Complete the Certified Master Gardener Volunteer Course
- Complete additional volunteer training and hands-on labs
- Complete your county’s yearly required volunteer hours within one year after course completion
About the training courese
Certified Master Gardener Volunteer Course (20 Week Course plus additional volunteer training)
- Course Dates: January through May, 2027
- Course delivery location: Online, anywhere with an internet connection, usually in the convenience of the home. We will also host in-person county workshops so volunteers can get to know one another, and meet other Master Gardeners.
- Required Weekly Zoom Meetings: Tuesday Morning and Evening sessions to choose from each week.
- Tuition: $350.00 non-refundable payment, and it is your responsibility to purchase the AZ Master Gardener Manual. It can be purchased here. Financial aid is available through your county. Please note on the application if you need it, and your county will send you an application.
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 based on a demonstrated willingness to volunteer in the community.
- Invited applicants will participate in an interview process via in-person or Zoom in May/June with Master Gardener Program staff and select Master Gardener volunteers.
- Agreement to uphold the program mission, its policies, and to participate in the University of Arizona's Designated Campus Colleague (DCC) system is 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 the University of Arizona’s science and research-based education resources, the Certified Master Gardener Training Course is delivered through Brightspace, an online classroom.
- Students complete the online training portion from home at a time that is convenient for them during the week.
- A weekly live Zoom meeting will provide an opportunity for additional expert training, questions, and personal interaction.
- The University of Arizona’s science- and research-based training materials will provide students with a rich educational experience in home gardening and landscaping.
Course and Weekly Time Requirements
- Weekly 6-8 hours engaging with course materials and mandatory attendance at the one-hour Zoom discussion session. You may attend either a morning or an evening session each week. With no more than three missed discussions during the course.
Graduate from the Certified Master Gardener Volunteer Course by:
- Attending the weekly Discussion group with no more than 3 absences
- Completing all weekly quizzes and assignments
- Score at least 70% on the final exam
Course Outline (subject to change and vary by county)
- Foundations of Horticulture- Basic Botany, Plant Growth Environments (air, sun, soil, water relationships to plants)
- Landscaping Principles- Basic Landscapes, Landscape Trees, Landscape Plants, Pruning, Irrigation
- Growing Food- Selection, planting, and care of fruit, herbs & vegetables
- Plant Problems- Pests, Diseases and Abiotic Problems, Plant Problem Analysis, and Integrative Pest Management
County Specific Training
- Your county will have specific topics for your region in applicable modules
- Your county will also host workshops and events to help build community with other Master Gardener volunteers and provide additional training that will help you succeed as a volunteer.