The training provides gardeners with the opportunity to improve their horticultural knowledge and skills and then share their experience with the public through organized volunteer activities. Return to the Top Maricopa County Master Gardener Training Classes are taught by University of Arizona Extension professionals and other horticulture experts. The program covers the challenges specific to gardening in the low desert. Classes typically meet once a week for a three-hour session for 17 consecutive weeks. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
Partial scholarships are available, and can be requested on the application form.
Return to the Top Commitment To become a certified Master Gardener participants must complete the initial training class and donate 50 hours of volunteer service. There are a wide variety of service opportunities available ranging from answering gardening questions from the public, to planning a state conference, to working with school gardens. To remain in the program after the first year a donation of 25 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing education are required. Anyone with an interest in horticulture can apply for the Master Gardener program. If you have an interest in improving your skills and knowledge and the desire to work with people, the Master Gardener program may be for you.