Master Gardener

Interested in Becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer?
To qualify, you must:

Attend all classes ( may miss one!)
Pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher.
Complete 20 hours of volunteer service with in 1 year.
Pay $250 fee (includes the Master Gardener manual and all class supplies)
Sign Master Gardener Volunteer Commitment

Community service hours in horticulture related activities, events, or programs are required by all program participants to receive their Master Gardener Certification. Students must fulfill a minimum volunteer commitment of 20 hours within one year of completing a course. Examples of service to Missoula County can include, staffing a mobile diagnostic lab, working a Saturday at the Clarkfork Market answering gardening questions, helping out your local neighborhood with a beautification project, working in the new Rocky Mountain Gardens, or help out with office needs for the county Hort agent.

Keeping your Certification Active

In order to be certified and maintain good standing as a Master Gardener, participants agree to complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service and 4 hours of continued education per year. Missoula County opportunities include: working in a community garden, giving gardening presentations at schools and to civic groups, manning Info-Booths, telephone and office work, researching and writing grants, fair judging, fund raising, land research, and other opportunities as they present themselves.

The Montana Master Gardener Program serves as an education and volunteer service organization. The program’s purpose is to provide technical assistance and unbiased, research-based information in consumer horticulture to people in all Montana communities through qualified volunteers. Through the Master Gardener program we empower individuals with sound horticultural practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment. The program is based on a philosophy of shared ownership. MSU extension agents, staff, and volunteers share vision, ideas, and responsibilities for the program.

If you are interested in joining an active community, volunteering and growing your gardening prowess this is for YOU!

The Fall Course Schedule Saturday 9 am - 12 pm at the GW Marks Exploration Center 1075 South Ave W Missoula
Week 1 Sept 27 9am-12 pm
Week 2 Oct 4 9am-12pm
Week 3 Oct 11 9am-12pm
Week 4 Oct 18 9am-12pm
Week 5 Oct 25 9am-12pm
Week 6 Nov 1 9am-12pm
Week 7 Nov 8 9am-12pm
Week 8 Nov 15 9am-12pm
Week 9 Nov 22 9am-12pm