The Georgia Master Gardener Volunteer Program is an educational program offered through county offices of The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service.  Through this program, individuals are trained and certified in horticulture and related areas.  These individuals, in turn, volunteer their expertise and services, under the direction of their County Extension Agent, to assist others through horticultural projects that benefit the community.  Master Gardeners bring the latest horticultural information and practices from the world of scientific research to their communities' landscapes and gardens.

Through the Master Gardener Program, thousands of people in the United States and Canada have been trained as volunteers to stimulate the love for and increase the knowledge of gardening, and to voluntarily and enthusiastically share this knowledge with others.

We are always looking for new recruits to enter our certified training program. For more information on becoming a Clayton County Master Gardener, read the information below or email your questions by visiting our "Contact Us" page, or call (770) 473-3945.

Become a Clayton County Master Gardener!

Call (770) 473-3945

Clayton County Extension Service
1262 Government Circle
Jonesboro, GA 30236                                                                                                                 

hortpa@uga.edu

                                          
What is a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in gardening and in sharing their knowledge with others.   They have been trained and certified by the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Service.  They provide research-based horticultural information to the community through volunteer service.

What is the Cooperative Extension Service?

Is the Master Gardener Program for you?

Do you want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?

• Are you eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
• Are you motivated to share your knowledge with people in your community?
• Do you have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service requirements each year?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you!

How do you become a Master Gardener?

In Clayton County, application requests are taken throughout the year at the Clayton County Extension Service. Applications are typically mailed in September and reviewed/accepted in November. The training classes are conducted the following January through March at a location to be determined. The training is designed to meet the needs of the home gardener and is research-based from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Class topics include vegetable and fruit gardening, plant disease identification, insect control, ornamental shrubs, tree care, turfgrass management, annuals, perennials, pest identification, pest control, and Xeriscaping. Several expert speakers are scheduled for each class session.

After completion of the training, 50 hours of volunteer service are required within the first year.  After that time you will be awarded your Master Gardener name badge.  In subsequent years, 25 volunteer hours are required to remain an active Master Gardener. For more information or to request an application, email us or give us a call.