Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training

For your career.

2 people planting in a raised bed with greenhouse in background

“ I have been looking for a cost and time friendly way to gain some knowledge and skills to shift into the horticulture industry and this class seems to have been just the thing I needed!” – Program participant

Flexible, Online Learning At Your Own Pace

Ready to Enroll?

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 course is closed. 

We will be pausing all three of our training programs for a year to focus on updating our training content, as part of our five-year review cycle. Check back summer 2027 for information on the next session.

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to the Maine Home Garden News for updates.

Would you like to host an apprentice? 

Learn More About Hosting a Trained Horticulture Apprentice at Your Business or Organization

About the course:

Flexible online learning plus a hands-on apprenticeship experience make this course ideal for those starting a horticulture career, enhancing existing skills, or launching their own business.

We offer three versions of our in-depth training, based on your interests. Which of our in-depth courses is right for you?

What’s Included:

  • Engaging videos
  • Informative readings
  • Interactive activities
  • Thought-provoking reflection questions

Learn about:

  • Introduction to the Industry and Food Security
  • Foundations of Horticulture: Ecology, Botany, Propagation, Soils, Composting
  • Food Production: Vegetable Gardening, Garden Maintenance, Food Safety, Small and Tree Fruits
  • Garden Pests and Diseases: Prevention, Identification and Management
  • Maine Landscape and Design: Plant Selection, Design, and Maintenance
  • Full Learning Standards Available Here. 

Experience:

200-hour apprenticeship that offers hands-on industry experience. Participants will be responsible for finding their own apprenticeship, with guidance and assistance from training staff.

Earn:

  • Maine Horticulture Apprentice micro-credential and certificate. Learn about UMaine’s Micro-Credentials
  • 7 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

Course Details:

  • 2025 Course Fee:  $600, with self-selected sliding scale options available ($300 and $150). Please contact us if the course fee is a barrier for participation.
  • Schedule: Typically late October through late March with several breaks
  • Format: Online, self-paced through the Brightspace learning platform, with optional live or recorded Zoom Q&A sessions.
  • Technology Requirements: This is an online course. Reliable internet, an email address, and a device with video/audio (laptop, desktop, tablet) are required. Older devices or outdated software may cause technical problems with the course, and smartphones are not recommended.
  • Is online learning right for you? Learn more about the technology and skills required for online learning as well as options for those with limited computer or internet access here.
  • Time commitment: 18 week course, 4 -5 hours per week
  • Refund Policy: 50% refunds available before November 1st, 2025 (for 25/26 course).
  • Access: You will have access to the course content in Brightspace through the end of 2026.
  • Transferring: Information about transferring between our training programs available under “FAQs.”

Have Questions?  Contact us at: extension.gardening@maine.edu

For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Rebecca Gray, 207.356.1348; extension.gardening@maine.edu.

Our Other Training Programs:

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Maine Gardener Training: for your garden. 

 

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Master Gardener Volunteer Training: for your community.

 

 

We would like to thank the Maine Horticulture Apprentice Micro-credential Advisory Committee for volunteering their time and their expertise to assist us in creating this training program.

Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training Advisory Committee

  • Gary Fish, Sarah Scally and Carole Neil, Horticulture Program, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
  • John Pietroski and Amanda Couture, Maine Board of Pesticide Control
  • Lee Skillin, Skillin Greenhouse and Vice President of Maine Landscape and Nursery Association
  • Don Sproul, Executive Director of MELNA
  • Charlene Gray, University of Maine
  • Cheryl Rich, Southern Maine Community College
  • Avy Claire and Cathy Rees, Native Gardens of Blue Hill
  • Laura Wilson, Kate Garland, Mari Glatter, Pamela Hargest, Rebecca Long, Rebecca Gray, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).