Community Horticulture Education Program

Launched in 2026, this program delivers reliable, research-based horticulture education in communities across Maine through trained Master Gardener Volunteers serving as community educators.

Volunteers who present through this program complete specialized training in effective teaching and audience engagement. Topics include communication skills, accessible and inclusive presentations, how adults learn, and more.

How it Works

Planning an event and need a speaker? We offer research-based presentations on a variety of gardening topics, reviewed by Extension experts and delivered by trained Master Gardener Volunteers.

To request a speaker:

  1. Review the presentation topics
  2. Read the host requirements
  3. Email us at extension.chep@maine.edu

Available Presentation Topics

Presentation topics and locations are currently limited as we continue to train volunteers and expand offerings.

Growing Native Plants from Seed

Learn how to grow native plants from seed with practical, beginner-friendly techniques suited for Maine gardens. Designed for gardeners who are new to growing native plants, this presentation focuses on easy-to-grow native perennials and covers the process from sowing seeds to transplanting seedlings, including seed-sowing methods, protecting seeds from critters, and dividing perennials. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to get started growing native plants in your garden. 

  • Length: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes time for Q&A)
  • Format: In-person or virtual 
  • Audience: Adult
  • Available in the Following Counties: 
    • In-person or virtual: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Oxford, Sagdahoc
    • Virtual only: Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington, York

Maximizing Your Garden Harvest

Learn how to grow more food from your garden with practical, space-saving techniques that boost productivity all season long. This presentation covers succession planting, companion planting, intercropping, vertical growing, season extension, and soil health practices to help you maximize yields, improve plant health, and make the most of your garden space. Whether you’re working with a small garden or simply want to get more from the space you have, you’ll leave with strategies to increase your harvest throughout the growing season.

  • Length: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes time for Q&A)
  • Format: In-person or virtual
  • Audience: Adult
  • Available in the Following Counties: 
    • In-person or virtual: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Oxford, Sagdahoc, York
    • Virtual only: Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington

Pollinator-Friendly Gardening

Discover the fascinating world of pollinators and why they’re essential to our ecosystems and food supply, then learn simple and impactful ways to support them in your garden. This presentation explores pollinator diversity, the challenges they face, and how to create vibrant, pollinator-friendly gardens using native plants, thoughtful design, and low-impact practices. Plus, learn about Maine’s Pollinator-Friendly Garden certification program.

  • Length: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes time for Q&A)
  • Format: In-person or virtual
  • Audience: Adult
  • Available in the Following Counties:
    • In-person or virtual: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Oxford, Sagdahoc
    • Virtual only: Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington, York

Soil Health

Discover why healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. This presentation introduces the physical, chemical, and biological factors that influence soil function including soil organic matter and the soil food web. Learn how to assess the health of your garden soil and use test results to guide improvements. To wrap up, you’ll explore a menu of practical techniques to build and protect soil health.

  • Length: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes time for Q&A)
  • Format: In-person or virtual
  • Audience: Adult
  • Available in the Following Counties: 
    • In-person or virtual: Cumberland, Sagdahoc, York
    • Virtual only: Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Oxford, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington, York

Soil Testing and Amending – Coming soon!

Explore how soil testing can help you build a more productive, resilient garden. Learn how to collect soil samples, interpret results, and amend your soil to address common deficiencies with confidence. You’ll also gain practical skills for starting a new garden or raised bed, selecting quality materials, and avoiding common mistakes.

  • Length: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes time for Q&A)
  • Format: In-person or virtual
  • Audience: Adult
  • Available in the Following Counties:
    • In-person or virtual: Cumberland, Sagdahoc, York
    • Virtual only: Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Oxford, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington, York

Host Requirements

As a host, you agree to:

  • Provide an appropriate physical or virtual meeting space
  • Manage event registration, if registration is required
  • Promote the event
  • Ask permission before taking photographs. Recording of presentations is not allowed. 
  • Share speaker-provided resources with registered guests
  • Comply with non-discrimination policies

For in person events, please also provide:

  • Projector with HDMI or VGA input and cord
  • Projector screen or white wall
  • Access to electricity

Please note: Amplification (microphone and speakers) is recommended for accessibility. Presenters will bring their own laptop and connectors. Reach out to us to discuss outdoor presentation requests.

Presentation Fee

Standard fee: $200

Payment is due no later than the day of the presentation, unless other arrangements have been made.

We strive to keep programs accessible. If your organization has financial constraints, please indicate this in your request. Priority for fee accommodations is given to events that are free, open to the public, and reach underserved communities.

Refund policy: 

  • Host cancellations: We will do our best to reschedule; refunds are not available.
  • Presenter cancellations: We will attempt to provide a substitute. If not possible, a full refund or rescheduling will be offered.

Can’t Host Right Now?

Request a Presentation

Due to limited capacity, not all requests can be fulfilled. Requests are accepted up to six months in advance, and early submission is strongly encouraged. Requests made less than one month prior to an event are unlikely to be accommodated.

If you require additional accommodations (e.g., equipment or resources), please include those details in your request.

Ready to Get Started?

Email us at extension.chep@maine.edu with your preferred dates and times, presentation topic(s), and location. We’ll follow up within 10 business days.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Community Horticulture Education Program or need to request reasonable accommodation, please contact Pamela Hargest at extension.chep@maine.edu or 207.949.4524.