Which Horticulture Training is Right for You?

Maine Gardener Training → For Your Garden

Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training → For your career

Master Gardener Volunteer Training → For your community

Learn more about each training below.

a mixture of different types of young seedlings in plastic flats of potting mix.
Photo by Kate Garland.

Maine Gardener Training

For: Gardeners wanting to take their gardens to the next level.

Details: 18-week self-paced, virtual course. No volunteer or apprenticeship required.

Reward: Enhanced gardening skills and knowledge.

Visit: Maine Gardener Training webpage. 

Two people planting seedlings in a raised garden bed with greenhouse and garden area in the background
P. Hargest Photo

Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training

For: Individuals starting a horticulture career, enhancing existing skills, or launching their own business.

Details: 18-week self-paced, virtual course, plus 200-hour apprenticeship

Reward: Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training microcredential and the title Certified Maine Horticulture Apprentice.

Visit: Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training webpage.

woman weeding vegetable garden; photo by Edwin Remsberg
Photo by Edwin RemsbergPhoto by Edwin Remsberg

Master Gardener Volunteer Training

For: Gardeners who want to give back to their community by volunteering.

Details: 18-week self-paced, virtual course, plus 40-hour volunteer internship

Reward: Title of Certified Master Gardener Volunteer and joining a community of people working to better our communities.

Visit: Master Gardener Volunteer Training webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

If I have completed one of these training programs, can I transfer into another? 

Answer: While all three trainings cover the same core topics, each has additional unique content.

To transfer to the Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training:

  1. Enroll in the Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training
  2. Complete Module 1 of the training. You may receive credit for Modules 2-5 based on your prior training which may exempt you from having to retake those modules and quizzes. You will have access to review the material if you choose.
  3. Complete MHAT specific requirements including an apprenticeship agreement, 200 hour apprenticeship, and apprenticeship evaluation.

For information on transferring to the Master Gardener Volunteer program, refer to the Master Gardener Volunteer transfer policy.