Begin by completing an application form to become Master Gardener. Applicants are interviewed by a panel of experienced Carver-Scott Master Gardeners. Qualified applicants are accepted into the program following the completion of a background check. Once accepted they become an intern and attend a 48-hour Core Course taught by educators from the University of Minnesota. Locations for the Master Gardening Core Course alternates between the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus and the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. The 2013 core course meets at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
In exchange for receiving the training, Master Gardener interns return 50 hours of volunteer time to the program the first year. To remain certified in subsequent years, Master Gardeners volunteer a minimum of 25 hours and must have at least 7 hours of related continuing education.
Additional information and the 2013 applications for the Master Gardening program will be found here in July, 2012.
Applications are due in August and interviews are held in October. We look forward to hearing from you.
