Madison County Master Gardener's Association

When and where did the Master Gardener Program begin?

The Georgia Master Gardener program began in Atlanta in 1979.

What is the purpose of the Master Gardeners Program?

To extend the training opportunities of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in horticultural programs. The program is designed to train highly skilled volunteers who agree to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours of service to the Cooperative Extension. TOP

How do I become a Master Gardener?

Residents of Madison County should contact the Madison County Master Gardener's Association at the Madison County Extension Office located in Danielsville, Georgia. The Master Gardeners Association maintains a list of individuals who have expressed an interest in becoming certified. When enough people have expressed an interest in becoming certified then the individuals will be contacted to see if they are still interested. When enough people have expressed an interest in becoming a Master Gardener then classes will be arranged. Residents of other counties, please contact your local county extension office. TOP

What is required to become a Master Gardener?

Upon acceptance into the program the students complete 20 training sessions, usually twice a week for ten weeks. Each session is approximately three hours. Topics include landscape design, plant propagation, nuisance wildlife control, annuals and perinnals, turf selection and maintenance, and proper planting techniques. Participants take a mid-term and final exam on the material covered. TOP

What if there is not a Master Gardeners program in my county. Can I still become certified as a Master Gardener?

Yes it is possible to join another county's program, if one does not exist in your county. Coordination between your counties extension office and the county hosting a Master Gardener's program is required. The first step is to contact your local county extension office. TOP

What do Master Gardeners do?

Master Gardeners provide a range of services to the local extension office including: providing education opportunities by answering horticultural questions either by phone at the extension office, in person or via e-mail; providing gardening demonstations at local events; staffing plant clinics; writing articles for newspapers; providing youth with opportunities to garden; and, by working in community gardens. TOP

Can I use the title "Master Gardener" in my business?

No, it is against the Polices of the Georgia Master Gardeners Program to use the title Master Gardener in your business. Master Gardeners may not use the title for any commercial publicity of private business. Given implied Extension Office endorsements to any product or business is a violation of the University of Georgia policies which may result in immediate withdrawal of all certification privileges. Please see section II of the Georgia Master Gardener Policies for more information.

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