Idaho Master Gardener Program

This program helps extend technical assistance and provide home horticulture information to the community through the use of qualified volunteers.

Idaho Master Gardeners develop and share expertise in a broad range of horticultural topics, including home food production, controlling garden and landscape insect pests, improving soil and more.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Individuals interested in becoming an Idaho Master Gardener should:

• Have an interest in, some knowledge of and experience with basic gardening and related horticultural topics
• Be able to communicate effectively with the public
• Be willing to complete 40 to 50 hours of instruction and provide a minimum of 30 to 50 hours of service

If you’re interested in enrolling in the Idaho Master Gardener program, please email elmore@uidaho.edu.

Classes

Idaho Master Gardener classes are taught by UI Extension Educator Brad S. Stokes.

There will also be a specialist and other extension educators to provide training in their expert fields.

Class Topics

Class topics include:

• Soils and fertilizers
• Role of organic matter
• Composting and mulch
• Plant disease and pest control
• Insects: beneficial and detrimental
• Turf management
• Pesticide safety
• Organic solutions
• Fruit trees, berries and grape management
• Basic tree pruning
• Weed identification and control
• Pasture establishment
• Xeriscaping: Water-wise landscaping and fire-wise landscaping
• Vegetable production
• Garden structures
• House plant management

Advanced Idaho Master Gardeners

Advanced Master Gardeners must complete 12 hours of education and 18 hours of volunteer service each year to qualify. Our alumni frequently return each year to take some of the courses in order to stay Idaho-certified.