What is a Master Gardener?

Master gardeners are trained through the University of Minnesota. We are a group of volunteers dedicated to educating and supporting the public on a variety of horticultural topics.

We are dedicated to providing activities that support our communities. Our activities benefit schools, community gardens, youth programs, environmental education programs, farmers markets and much, much more.

Our Mission

The mission of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to use research-based horticultural knowledge and practices to deliver educational outreach and project-based efforts that inspire change and promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy environment.

How does the Community Benefit from a Master Gardener’s Program?

  • Environmental

    Our programs improve the natural environment through educational and outreach programs. We foster good stewardship of our ecosystems by encouraging eco-friendly practices within our landscapes, helping reduce the spread of invasive plants and diseases, and sharing practices that preserve our native plants and animals.

  • Commumity

    Master gardener programs partner with community organizations to broaden our reach in supporting the mission of promoting healthy communities. We work alongside nurseries, farmers markets, schools and city planners, all with the goal of improving not only the lives of the people within our communities but also the land that sustains us.

  • Health

    Master Gardener programs improve the health and well-being of those in our community through our educational outreach initiatives. We strive to encourage practices that ensure clean rivers and lakes—as well as clean drinking water—and sustainable techniques for growing local, healthy food.