Be a Volunteer
Be a Volunteer
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Are you ready to become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
Are you ready to become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
We are always looking for volunteers who love to learn, grow and share with their community. Do you love gardening or horticulture? Are you noticing you are the one your friends gravitate to for gardening advice? Do bugs in the garden intrigue you? Being a Sherburne County Master Gardener might be a great fit for you. Master Gardener volunteers are committed to providing quality, research-based horticultural information and educational activities that enhance our community’s environment and quality of life.
We are always looking for volunteers who love to learn, grow and share with their community. Do you love gardening or horticulture? Are you noticing you are the one your friends gravitate to for gardening advice? Do bugs in the garden intrigue you? Being a Sherburne County Master Gardener might be a great fit for you. Master Gardener volunteers are committed to providing quality, research-based horticultural information and educational activities that enhance our community’s environment and quality of life.
How do I become a Sherburne County Master Gardener Volunteer?
How do I become a Sherburne County Master Gardener Volunteer?
The application period for the 2025 program year has ended. For the application period for 2026, we generally accept applications between August 1 and October 1. Applicants are notified in November for the induction of the 2026 program, with the Core Courses starting in January 2026. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer in 2026, just let us know by e-mailing quincy@umn.edu and we’ll put you on our notification list.
The application period for the 2025 program year has ended. For the application period for 2026, we generally accept applications between August 1 and October 1. Applicants are notified in November for the induction of the 2026 program, with the Core Courses starting in January 2026. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer in 2026, just let us know by e-mailing quincy@umn.edu and we’ll put you on our notification list.
There is a fee of $340 (or $399 with a printed companion guide) for the initial Core Course and background check. Financial assistance may available. (subject to change)
What are the certification requirements to become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
What are the certification requirements to become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
After being accepted into the Master Gardener program, a volunteer becomes an Intern and begins learning by completing a 16 week Core Course horticultural education program taught by University of Minnesota Extension staff (approx 40+ hours).
After being accepted into the Master Gardener program, a volunteer becomes an Intern and begins learning by completing a 16 week Core Course horticultural education program taught by University of Minnesota Extension staff (approx 40+ hours).
Topics covered in the Core Training include:
Topics covered in the Core Training include:
Soils
Fruits
Vegetables
Entomology
Plant Pathology
Landscape, Lawn Care
Indoor Plants
Herbaceous Plants
Wood Plants
Pesticides
Gardening with Wildlife
Inclusive Volunteering: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
In addition to completing the Core Course training, during the first year, Master Gardener Interns in Sherburne County, are required to support 50 hours of volunteer service. After the first year, to remain certified, Sherburne County Master Gardener Volunteers complete 25 hours of volunteer service and 5 hours of continuing education annually. The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a wonderful way to volunteer your time, knowledge and talents and continue to learn more at the same time.
In addition to completing the Core Course training, during the first year, Master Gardener Interns in Sherburne County, are required to support 50 hours of volunteer service. After the first year, to remain certified, Sherburne County Master Gardener Volunteers complete 25 hours of volunteer service and 5 hours of continuing education annually. The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a wonderful way to volunteer your time, knowledge and talents and continue to learn more at the same time.
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