Apply for Basic Training

The application for the Fall 2025 Course is now closed.  Applicants will be notified August 20th about their acceptance into the course.  

The application will open for the Spring 2026 course in January 2026.  

Click the link below join the interest list for future Master Gardener courses. We will notify everyone on the interest list as soon as the application opens.

DC Master Gardener Basic Training

The DC Master Gardener program trains volunteers in sustainable urban gardening practices. Participants who graduate from the program become Certified Master Gardeners and go on to volunteer in their communities providing support to a wide range of garden-based projects and activities. 

What the Master Gardener program IS: 

• The mission of the Master Gardener program is to train volunteers.   

What the Master Gardener program IS NOT: 

• The Master Gardener program is not a workforce/vocational training program, or a horticulture course for home or professional gardeners.  

Eligibility

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older

• Applicants must be residents of the District of Columbia and be able to provide proof of address

• Applicants must have a clear understanding of the mission of the program and an explicit desire to volunteer

About the Volunteer Training 

The DC Master Gardener Basic Training will give students an overview of sustainable urban gardening theory and practice. The training is divided into two phases: the first is 48 hours of online learning; the second is 40 hours of volunteer experience. The curriculum is focused on sustainable urban gardening concepts and techniques that have practical application to the DC setting.  

The first phase of the training will run for 16 weeks. We will be forming a cohort of 24 students, 3 from each ward. 

12 classes will be held weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9pm, online, and will be synchronous, meaning that they will be virtual but students will be interacting with each other and with the instructor in real time (classes are not pre-recorded). 4 classes will be held in person on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm at different UDC farming locations in the city. At the end of the 16 sessions, students will take an exam which they are required to pass with 75% or more in order to go on to the next phase of training.  

The second phase of the training is 40 hours practical, hands-on volunteer experience. We believe that students develop a deeper understanding through practice. Once the participants complete their volunteer activities satisfactorily, they become certified Master Gardeners. Once certified, Master Gardeners are required to complete at least 20 volunteer hours and 10 continuing education hours per calendar year to remain active.  Volunteers who do not meet these requirements relinquish their right to the Master Gardener title.

Curriculum 

Participants will graduate from the DC Master Gardener Basic Training with sufficient skills to volunteer at various garden projects around the district. They will have a good understanding of sustainable urban gardening theory and practice. At the end of the training, students should feel confident in their ability to answer questions from the public about different aspects of gardening. They should also have a deep understanding of a handful of chosen topics and will feel confident in leading activities and delivering short workshops and classes on these subjects.  

The curriculum includes: 

• Agroecology  

• Soil

• Botany  

• Woody plants and trees

• Plant pathology

• Entomology

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Garden planning  

• Compost

• Water management and conservation

• Urban agriculture 

• Fruit and vegetable gardening 

Volunteer organizations include: 

• School gardens 

• Community gardens 

• Urban farms 

• Public parks and gardens 

• Non-profit organizations 

• Youth groups 

• Libraries 

Application process 

Applications will be screened to see if candidates meet minimum eligibility requirements (DC residency and above 18 years of age). Then applicants will sorted by ward to ensure that we accept an equal number of participants from each ward, while accepting an additional person from the wards that are currently underrepresented in the program.  Next, a commitee of Master Gardeners will anonymously score applicants' essays looking for those who express a strong interest in both sustainable gardening and volunteering with community projects/garden education.  We will select those with the highest scores while also prioritizing applicants who've applied multiple times.  

Cost 

The cost of the DC Master Gardener Basic Training is $300, be paid by check or money order. This amount covers program materials, payment for the instructors and additional costs to support the program. 

Financial aid will be offered to those who need financial assistance. Our goal is to support students who would otherwise not be able to participate in the program. Financial assistance will not factor into the selection process. 

The amount of financial aid available is limited and will only be available to 10% of our students. Please be prepared to provide proof of household income if you apply for financial aid. 

Contact 

Please feel free to reach out to Ali Schneiderman, the Master Gardener Coordinator at allison.schneiderman@udc.edu