Cooperative Extension: Garden & Yard

Maine Master Gardener Volunteers

Public and private gardens are important tools for enhancing physical and mental health. They also play a key role in sustaining the health and vitality of our natural communities. For the last few years, gardening has been on the rise with our experts experiencing a tremendous influx of gardening questions. As it becomes more and more challenging to sort through information online, Maine gardeners need access to reliable research-based information, now more than ever. Extension trains and supports Master Gardener Volunteers, who help extend University knowledge to their neighbors through the teaching of sustainable gardening practices.

The Master Gardener Volunteers program provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the art and science of horticulture. Trainees receive current, research-based information from UMaine Extension educators and industry experts. In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise in many ways for community programs and activities.

In 2021:

990 Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) gave more than 28,830 hours for educational and food security projects!

Doing the Garden Angel program was such a positive experience for me and for the couple I helped. He has Parkinson’s and she had a stroke. It was so nice to be able to help them and help them adapt so they could get outside and do some yard work. They loved being outside and participating in a way that was safe for them! 

— Lynn Batchelder, York County MGV

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I  designed and installed a pollinator bed at the local elementary school as well as helped fund a school garden and greenhouse. This has been hugely successful.  People are always dropping by to sit and watch the pollinators (butterflies) and the school children are loving the vegetable garden. They plant, harvest, and have their classes and lunches there.

— Elly Andrews, Hancock County MGV 

Who Can Become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

We strive to offer Master Gardener programs that are inclusive of and represent the communities in which they serve. Master Gardeners are people who want to use their gardening skills to create positive change in their communities. Whether working with students on a school garden, teaching a workshop on making great compost, growing and donating produce to Maine Harvest for Hunger or beautifying a public space, Master Gardener Volunteers take an active role in making things happen!

Everyone who successfully completes the 40+ hours of training and volunteers 40 hours towards community gardening programs and activities can become a Master Gardener Volunteer.

For additional information or questions, please contact us at extension.mastergardeners@maine.edu.