DC 

About the program

The DC Master Gardener volunteer training program trains volunteers in sustainable urban gardening practices. Residents who complete the course become certified Master Gardeners and go on to volunteer in their communities providing support to a wide range of garden-based projects and activities.  

After going through the Basic Training and getting certified, Master Gardener volunteers work towards building a healthier city in partnership with DC residents. 

Mission

The UDC Master Gardener Program trains and empowers volunteers in all 8 wards of the District of Columbia to connect local communities with sustainable, culturally relevant horticultural practices that are research-based and urban focused. 

Vision

We cultivate a network of diverse, knowledgeable Master Gardeners who provide education and support for community-based garden projects throughout the city. Master Gardeners aim to inspire change and promote individual and community health and well-being and environmental stewardship.

Who can become a Master Gardener?

Any District of Columbia resident, 18 years of age or older, who wants to volunteer in their community. They should like working with people and plants and have a thirst for knowledge.

Why join the program?

The number one reason to join the program is to help people! You'll also have the opportunity to learn new gardening skills as well as hone your existing skills. You'll also learn how to solve gardening problems, and be able to teach others to do the same. Best of all, you'll meet new people who enjoy gardening just as much as you do!

What are the steps to become a Master Gardener?

1. Application Process

Participants submit an application to the Master Gardener Coordinator. Applications are sorted by ward, so that at least 4 applicants are accepted from each ward.  Then, essays are evaluated by an Application Review Committee to find applicants who are most interested in the volunteering component of the program.  Then the applicant is notified by the Master Gardener Coordinator whether or not they have been selected as a MG Trainee. 

2. Trainee

The next stage of the program is 48 hours of basic training.  Master Gardener Trainees are taught about a variety of horticultural subjects by specialists, educators, and other horticulture professionals. 

Once the course has been completed, participants take a Final Exam. If they pass the exam (75%), participants move on to the next phase of the program and are considered a Master Gardener Intern. 

3. Intern

Once a Master Gardener Trainee has completed the Master Gardener Basic Training and passes the final exam, they become a Master Gardener Intern.  Interns must complete at least 40 hours of approved volunteer service over a twelve-month period to achieve the status of Master Gardener. 

4. Certified Master Gardener

After completing those golden 40 volunteer hours, participants become Certified Master Gardeners. Our goal is to have Master Gardeners remain involved in the program beyond the first year. In order to remain active, Certified Master Gardeners must:

• Provide at least 20 hours of certified volunteer service each calendar year.

• Complete at least 10 hours of continuing education each calendar year.

Volunteers who do not meet the 20 hours per year requirement relinquish their right to the Master Gardener title.