---

   The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is accepting applications now through Oct. 1, 2025.

   Extension Master Gardener volunteers share science-based horticulture knowledge and practices with people across Minnesota, promoting healthy landscapes and communities through various projects and volunteer efforts.

   Priorities for the program include providing information about horticulture skills, local food, pollinator health, plant biodiversity, green spaces, clean water and climate resilience. Becoming a Master Gardener volunteer gives participants a chance to explore their specific interests while helping the state of Minnesota.

   “Our understanding of the benefits of gardening is expanding to include personal and community wellbeing, pollinator health, climate-resilient landscapes and more,” said Tim Kenny, the statewide director of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. “Becoming a Master Gardener volunteer is a great way to invest time and energy in local activities and efforts that support healthy people and a healthy planet.”

The University of Minnesota has trained thousands of Master Gardener volunteers over the years. Currently, more than 3,800 volunteers are active in the program, and they will contribute an estimated 185,000 hours of their time in communities across Minnesota this year.

Applications for the 2026 training are due Oct. 1. The Horticulture Core Course for the program begins online in January 2026, including optional weekly live Zoom Q&A sessions Tuesday nights January through May with University of Minnesota and Extension educators and faculty.

   To become an active Master Gardener volunteer, individuals are asked to complete the Core Course and 50 hours of volunteering in the first year. After the first year, volunteers are asked to commit 25 hours to annual volunteer work as well as five hours of continuing education.

   Core Course topics include botany and horticulture; soils, composting and fertilizers; integrated pest management; plant pathology; entomology; growing fruits and vegetables; herbaceous and woody ornamental plants; lawns; weeds; indoor plants and propagation; living with wildlife; plant diagnostics; inclusive volunteering; and community engagement.

   The Master Gardener Volunteer Program seeks to welcome all, to eliminate barriers to participation, to make scientific concepts understandable and available to everyone and to inspire lifelong horticultural learning. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

   To learn more about the program and apply, visit z.umn.edu/MG_info or call 612-625-9864. Photos for publication can be found in this gallery. If you’d like to speak to a local Master Gardener volunteer or visit a local garden, contact Extension News Media Manager Sarah Jackson at [email protected].

   Note: Volunteers are especially needed to grow Master Gardener volunteer programming in 2026 for the following counties: Brown, Cass, Freeborn, Grant, Jackson, Kittson, Koochiching, Mahnomen, Nobles, Pope, Red Lake, Roseau, Wabasha and Wilkin.

---