What is a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners are residents of the local community who take an active interest in gardening and in sharing their knowledge with others.

Is Master Gardening for you?

Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?

  • Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
  • Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
  • Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you!

How do you become a Master Gardener?

In Cobb County, application requests are taken year round. Applications are usually mailed in September and applicant interviews are held in October. The training class is conducted the following January through March. The training is designed to meet the needs of the home gardener. Class topics include vegetable and fruit gardening, plant disease identification, insect control, ornamental shrubs, tree care, turfgrass management, annuals, perennials, pest identification, pest control, and Xeriscaping.

After completion of the training, fifty hours of volunteer service are required within the first year (thirty answering the horticulture hot-line at the extension office and twenty hours working in community garden projects). In subsequent years, twenty-five volunteer hours are required to remain an active Master Gardener. For more information or to request an application, call the Cobb County Extension Office at 770-528-4070.

More information on the Master Gardener program in Georgia can be found at http://www.caes.uga.edu/departments/hort/extensio/mastergardener/index.html

Attention Teachers - Become a Georgia Master Gardener

  • Learn how to teach engaging K-12 lessons utilizing the new Georgia GPS ’s in your outdoor classroom.
  • Learn gardening & landscaping techniques tailored for school grounds to create an outdoor classroom.
  • Earn 5 PLU’s while you learn about gardening in Georgia plus hands-on activities for your students.
  • Give back your required 50 volunteer hours at your own school.

For more information see the following documents:

Teacher MG Program 2008 Overview
Teacher MG Program 2008 Requirements
 Teacher MG Program 2008 Team Application
Teacher MG Program 2008 Team Member Application