Master Gardener Volunteers and Home Horticulture

Extension’s Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) and Home Horticulture program make research-based gardening guidance accessible across Maine. MGVs complete 64 hours of training and serve on community projects that promote sustainable practices, food security, and environmental stewardship. In 2024, 655 volunteers contributed 26,801 hours of service—an estimated $818,776 in value—while Extension staff and volunteers answered 1,929 gardening questions by email, phone, and in person. Educational programs and projects reached 13,378 people directly (5,504 youth and 7,874 adults) and 33,604 more indirectly through videos, newsletters, social media, maps, and publications. Participants reported starting or expanding gardens, increasing yields and home-grown food consumption, and adopting best practices in soil care, water use, fertilizer, and pest management. By pairing credible, university-based information with hands-on learning and community partnerships, the program strengthens household food security, supports Maine’s green industry, and improves public health and the environment.