Become a Colorado Master Gardener^SM

Do you have a passion for gardening? Do you want to help others learn how to plant and care for lawns, trees, shrubs, flower and vegetable gardens and house plants?

Colorado Master Gardeners^SM are volunteers who assist horticulture staff at CSU Extension – Arapahoe County in helping residents with all aspects of garden and landscape care.

Training:

To become an Apprentice Colorado Master Gardener^SM, attend a 13-week training course for an in-depth horticultural education. You will then be qualified to share this knowledge by answering questions from citizens at the Extension Office. You may also staff booths at local garden centers and fairs, teach gardening classes, mentor youth gardening groups, assist horticultural therapy recipients and more.

The training is provided at a cost of $200 to cover the cost of training materials and administrative expenses, plus 50 hours of volunteer service as an Apprentice Colorado Master Gardener^SM during the growing season, April through October. The fee is due upon acceptance to the program.

For those not interested in volunteer service, training is available at a cost of $530. Participants will earn a Colorado Gardener Certificate.

Timeframe:

Applications are closed for the 2024 Master Gardener season. Applications will open next year for 2025 in August-September. Please click here to sign up to be notified when applications open next year.  Interviews with prospective applicants are conducted in October.

Individuals accepted to the program begin online classes in January.  After training, Apprentices complete 50 hours of volunteer service during the apprentice year. Successful apprentices will become Colorado Master Gardener^SM volunteers and will be invited to return for 24 hours minimum service per year. Volunteer office/phone shifts last four hours. Out-of-office service opportunities can vary from one to four hours.

Qualifications:

• Age 21 or older
• Gardening experience in Colorado
• Able to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours volunteer service
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups of people
• Complete an application form here: CMG 2022 Application
• Attend 13-week training course
• Undergo background check
• Reference checks

For more information:
Call 303-730-1920 or email to:

• Colorado Master Gardener Volunteers
  
  
• Lisa Mason, Extension Agent/Horticulture
  

Continuing Education:
Arapahoe County Extension offers continuing CMG volunteers a variety of educational opportunities:

• Seminars and classes on current topics
• Field trips and garden tours
• Diagnostic clinics
• Multi-county and regional education opportunities, including CMG Online, the Master Gardener Conference, and CSU Short Course.

Learn more about the Colorado Master Gardener^SM Program.