Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program

For your community.

Purple Coneflower

Flexible, Online Learning At Your Own Pace

Applications for 2025-2026 course are 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 about how to apply for the next training.

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to the Maine Home Garden News for updates and explore local horticulture volunteer opportunities and county resources.

About the course:

Flexible online learning plus hands-on volunteering make this program ideal for those looking to give back to their communities.

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:

  • Course Orientation, Volunteerism, Food Systems and 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:

Complete a 40-hour volunteer internship in 2026 to become certified as a Master Gardener Volunteer, and 20 hours a year annually to stay enrolled.

Earn:

  • The title of Maine Master Gardener Volunteer
  • 7 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
  • Maine Master Gardener Volunteer digital badge. Learn about UMaine’s Micro-Credentials

Course Details:

  • 2025 Course Fee: $400, with self-selected sliding scale options available ($200 and $100). Please contact us if the course fee is a barrier for participation.
  • Schedule: 
    • Online training: Typically late October through late March with several breaks.
    • 40-hour volunteer internship: After online training, typically March – December
  • 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 Older devices or outdated software may cause technical problems with the course, and smartphones are not recommended.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.
  • Time commitment: 18 week course, 4 – 5 hours per week followed by a 40-hour volunteer internship.
  • 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 the calendar year.
  • 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:

Monarch butterfly flying over Joe Pye weed with a summer sky and a few thin clouds.

Maine Gardener Training: for your garden.

 

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Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training: for your career.

 

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