Composting 101: The what, when, where, why, and how of composting (PDF powerpoint slides, 2.6 MB)

Read our Composting brochure (PDF, 880 K)

View a handy Composting Recipe Card (PDF). It includes basic ingredients and instructions for composting.

Also, be sure to visit UM Extension's Gardening Information page on Soils & Composting.

Yard and Garden Line 763-241-2732
Leave a message 24 hrs a day. A Master Gardener will return your call within 3 days.

Publications on the Internet
Many University of Minnesota Extension publications are available for free on our website at: www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo

A love of gardening, a search for knowledge and a desire to share that knowledge with others is central to why people join the Master Gardener program. They remain Master Gardeners to enjoy the friendship of others who share their interests, to gain and share research-based horticultural knowledge and to give back to the community through their volunteer commitment.

If combining your passion for people and plants sounds appealing, you may be a good Master Gardener candidate. A formal education in horticulture isn’t necessary—we will provide the training and resources to help you teach others. There are five steps to becoming a Master Gardener –

Application

To become a University of Minnesota Master Gardener Sherburne County, you must first apply and be accepted into the program. The application process starts early – we begin sending out applications in October.

Commitment

You agree to volunteer service in exchange for training from the University of Minnesota. You also agree to participate in Master Gardener meetings in your county, where you receive continuing education and learn about new projects and other volunteer opportunities.

Training

Training is held once each year in the metropolitan area in January and February. Master Gardeners attend a 48-hour class at the University of Minnesota known as the "Core Course" or Horticulture 1003 if taken for U of M credit. The course is taught by Extension faculty, and a textbook and mini-reference library are provided to each participant. For more information about the Core Course training, including times, locations, fees, and specific course content, visit the Minnesota Master Gardener page.

Internship

Following completion of Core Course Training, Master Gardener interns are required to do 50 hours of volunteer work and 8 hours of continuing education during their internship year (which ends December 31). We make an effort to ensure that our new interns are placed with other, more seasoned volunteers and we assign a mentor to each new intern. So whether you volunteer at an “Ask a Master Gardener" event, the Diagnostic Clinic or another event, you’ll be with knowledgeable, helpful people who will make sure you’re not on your own. You’ll have fun—and you will learn a lot!

Certification

You’ll receive a certificate and name badge designating you as a Master Gardener once you have completed the Core Course and fulfilled your internship requirements.

Remaining Certified
Once certified, Master Gardeners in Sherburne County must volunteer a minimum of 25 hours and receive at least 10 hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification.

Advanced Training

After you are certified, you are eligible to attend other training programs and workshops. These courses offer more technical information. Advanced training opportunities include:

• Tree Care Advisor
• Pesticide Applicator
• Plant Healthcare Advisors
• Household Insects
• Shoreline Restoration
• Special one-time classes

In Sherburne County, our trained Master Gardeners are required to volunteer 50 hours the first year after training and at least 25 hours annually thereafter. Active volunteers must complete at least 10 hours of additional education each year. For more information on the Master Gardener Program in Sherburne County, contact:

Tana Haugen-Brown University of MN Extension - Sherburne County Extension Educator - Horticulture & Ag e-mail: thbrown@umn.edu phone: 763-241-2720 or 800-433-5236

or visit the University of Minnesota Master Gardeners page.