Sep. 12—ST. PAUL — The application period to become a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer is open through Oct. 1.
Extension Master Gardeners share science-based horticulture knowledge and practices with people across Minnesota, promoting healthy landscapes and communities through various projects and volunteer efforts, a release said.
“Our understanding of the benefits of gardening is expanding to include personal and community wellbeing, pollinator health, the importance of climate resilient landscapes and more,” Tim Kenny, statewide director of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, said in the release. “Becoming a Master Gardener volunteer is a great way to invest time and energy in local activities and efforts that support healthy people and a healthy planet.”
The University of Minnesota has trained thousands of Master Gardener volunteers over the years. Currently, more than 3,800 volunteers are active in the program, and they will contribute an estimated 185,000 hours of their time in communities across Minnesota this year.
To become an active Master Gardener volunteer, individuals are asked to complete the Core Course and 50 hours of volunteering in the first year. After the first year, volunteers are asked to commit 25 hours to annual volunteer work as well as five hours of continuing education.
Applications for the 2026 training are due Oct. 1. The Horticulture Core Course for the program begins online in January 2026, including optional weekly live Zoom Q&A sessions Tuesday nights January through May with University of Minnesota and Extension educators and faculty.
Core Course topics include botany and horticulture; soils, composting and fertilizers; integrated pest management; plant pathology; entomology; growing fruits and vegetables; herbaceous and woody ornamental plants; lawns; weeds; indoor plants and propagation; living with wildlife; plant diagnostics; inclusive volunteering; and community engagement.
All ages and experience levels are welcome. Course fees are $340-$399 and some financial assistance is available.
To learn more about the program and apply, visit
or call
(612) 625-9864.