Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program
What is a Master Gardener?
A Master Gardener:
- Has an interest in all types of gardening, such as ornamental or vegetable.
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Wants to teach others to garden.
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Is trained by Cooperative Extension personnel.
What Does a Master Gardener Do?
Master Gardeners help County Extension Agents reach more residents who have gardening problems by:
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Supplying a variety of educational projects related to gardening.
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Teaching Horticulture to beginning gardeners.
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Using special talents, such as writing, photography, and drawing to benefit others.
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Answering gardening questions at Extension Offices during regular phone hours.
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Working information booths at community events and malls.
How Do I Become a Master Gardener?
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You become a Master Gardener by successfully completing the training program and then volunteering your time.
How are Master Gardeners Trained?
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Master Gardener training classes are conducted by Cooperative Extension Service specialists, agents, and other professional personnel.
Master Gardeners are Trained In……
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Botany, Entomology, Pesticide Use and Safety, Plant Pathology, Soils and Fertilizers, Volunteerism, Flower Gardening, Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Landscape Design, Lawn Care, Organic Gardening, Tree and Shrub Care.
How Much Does the Training Cost?
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The cost of the Master Gardener Training program varies from county to county. Fayette County charges $150 to cover the cost of supplies and literature used in the training, which the Master Gardener keeps as reference materials.
What Current Volunteer Opportunities are Available?
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Extension Backyard Vegetable, Herb and Flower Gardens
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Growing Community Program
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Master Gardener Newsletter
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UK Arboretum
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Seedleaf
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Foochain
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Reforest the Bluegrass
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Board and Association Service
How Do I Enroll?
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Classes are taught every other year. The next training will be held fall of 2026. Application forms are included in the By the Yard Newsletter. If you do not already receive the newsletter and would like to be added to the distribution list please E-MAIL or call (859) 257-5582 us and we will be glad to add you to the list.
Current Master Gardener Volunteer Hours Reporting
(Current MG's only)
Click here to enter your volunteer hours
Master Gardener Newsletters
Continuing Education (Current MG's only)
To remain a certified Fayette County Extension Master Gardener in good standing there is an annual requirement to complete 10 hours of Continuing Education from an array of approved options. The following list involves options available to fulfill this requirement for 2024. Additional options will be added and brought to your attention as the year progresses. You will be required to sign in and may be required to complete a feedback form following completion of the activity. For many events, a contact person with e-mail address is provided. Contact this person indicating your intention to attend. You will then receive an evaluation form which must be returned within two weeks of the event to receive credit.
Gardeners Toolbox Classes (1 credit for each class attended)
All classes begin at 6:00 PM on Tuesday and/or Thursday at the Fayette County Extension Office located at 1140 Harry Sykes Way, Lexington KY 40504. Pre-registration is required. To register for classes, go to: https://ukyfayette.pacecommunity.net/
State Master Gardener Conference (6 hours credit)
Local Events Programs (within Fayette County)
This option includes visits to local gardens and horticulture-related events. The person coordinating each activity and contact information is provided in parentheses. You need to contact this person via e-mail to indicate your intention to attend. Unless a separate independent registration is indicated for the event, you will then be listed as attending and will receive an evaluation form to be completed and returned to the contact person within two weeks of the activity to become eligible to claim CE credit for the event. Please note that travel time is not counted toward CE credit.
Field Trips (outside Fayette County)
These options include programs at various gardens and horticultural sites outside Fayette County. Each participant is required to arrange transportation independently. The contact person coordinating registration to receive CE credit is provided in parentheses. You need to contact this person via e-mail to indicate your intention to attend. Unless a separate independent registration is indicated for the event, you will then be listed as attending and will receive an evaluation form to be completed and returned to the contact person within two weeks of the activity to become eligible to claim credit for the event. Please note that travel time cannot be counted toward CE credit.
Click on the box below to view the listing of scheduled events. Be sure to check back as events will be added as dates are confirmed.
