Master Gardener Training
Program participants hone their knowledge through 11 weeks of classes in horticulture taught by Colorado State University professors, specialists and agents. Beginning with basic botany, the program focuses on plant health issues such as soil composition, plant selection and care, disease diagnosis, and insect identification and control. Topics include water-wise gardening, home vegetable and fruit production, turf management, irrigation, flower and tree care, plant care during drought.
The Master Gardener program is an ideal stepping-stone toward a career in horticulture, too. The program is recognized by the Green Industry as an excellent vocational education course, and many people considering a career in horticulture start with Master Gardener training as an all-around introduction to advanced plant care.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Colorado Master Gardener Program in Boulder County is innovative and flexible in its outreach and works to match volunteer interests, skills and schedules. We combine partnerships with the Green Industry, elementary and secondary schools, and community service programs to promote environmentally responsible horticulture throughout our community.
In the first year, Colorado Master Gardener apprentices return 50 hours of volunteer time to the program during the next growing season. Volunteers help the community by staffing the Master Gardener office, staffing clinic sites at nurseries and garden centers on weekends, working with elementary schools, writing articles, teaching classes, mentoring youth or other special populations, and working with the Boulder County Jail project or the Adaptive Garden Project, among many other activities. Special events and projects vary from season to season. Click here to read about some of our ongoing projects.
After the first year, Colorado Master Gardeners get 12 hours of continuing education and give 24 hours of volunteer service a year. Active Master Gardeners are invited to attend special lectures and events free of charge and may re-attend basic training sessions if desired.
Boulder County Master Gardeners
The Colorado Master Gardener program has played an active role in the education of Boulder County gardeners for more than 25 years.
Participants receive intensive training in horticulture in exchange for community volunteer service answering gardening questions, teaching classes, mentoring special populations, writing articles, and maintaining demonstration sites.
Are you interested in gaining knowledge and helping others? The Colorado Master Gardener program is for you!
Two training sessions are offered each year in Boulder County:
Spring session classes (January-March) are held one day a week during business hours. Fall session classes (September-December) are held two days a week during evening hours.
Those with limited time may choose to receive a Colorado Gardener Certificate, which provides the same training for a higher class fee with no volunteer commitment.
