(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Wright County.)

“Do you have an active interest in gardening?” asks Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension Educator. “Do you have a desire to share your gardening interest with others? Are you willing to learn more about gardening and other horticultural topics? Are you able to communicate with groups of people? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have the qualities we look for in the Extension Master Gardener program.”

In 2020, 2,558 certified Extension Master Gardeners volunteered across the state of Minnesota, contributing 70,000 volunteer hours and reached over 49,000 Minnesota residents. These volunteers are extremely dedicated and put in time and effort towards continuing education. Applications are now open to those who believe they have the skills and passion it takes to be an Extension Master Gardener!

The process of becoming an Extension Master Gardener begins with a Core Course which can be taken online or in person. The core course takes approximately 50 hours to complete and costs $295. An optional printed copy of the manual can be purchased for $25. Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. Potential students can talk to their local program coordinator if the cost is a barrier to their ability to join the program. Program organizaers are happy to work with individuals to find a solution that works for all.

Extension Master Gardeners work hard to give back to their communities each year. First year Extension Master Gardeners will put in 50 hours of volunteer time. Each year after that the required amount is just 25 hours. Many volunteers far exceed this number because they are excited and passionate about the program. The local program coordinator and fellow volunteers will help newly-recruited Master Gardeners to discover volunteer opportunities within the county. These opportunities may be tailored to specific areas of interest.

If interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener or learning more about the program, please contact the local program coordinator. The applications are now available at www.z.umn.edu/mg2022onlineapp. All applications must be submitted no later than October 1, 2021. For more information, please contact Adam Austing at (763) 682-7381 or email AAusting@umn.edu.

“We look forward to welcoming new volunteers in 2022!” Austing said.