Idaho Master Gardener Program

This program works to 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

“Helping people grow” is the motto of the Idaho Master Gardener program, reflecting the goal to help UI Extension meet the needs for gardening information in our communities.

Community Impact

Idaho Master Gardeners make a difference in their communities by:

• Sharing information to help citizens beautify personal and public places, be more self-sufficient in food production, become better stewards of the environment and successfully grow healthy plants
• Helping operate programs that teach youth to appreciate horticulture, grow their own food and care for the world around them
• Operating plant diagnostics clinics to help people solve gardening problems
• Teaching classes for civic organizations, church groups, garden clubs and schools
• Creating projects to beautify buildings, parks and other public places
• Developing and managing community vegetable gardens
• Bringing the joy of gardening to children and adults

Eligibility and Requirements

Individuals interested in becoming an Idaho Master Gardener should:

• Have an interest, some knowledge and experience with basic gardening and horticultural topics
• Be able to communicate effectively with the public
• Complete a minimum of 30 hours of instruction and a minimum of 30 volunteer service hours

Training and Classes

Training is offered every other year, February through mid-May. Each three-hour weekly class is taught by experts in their field. During off years, the Extension office offers the Idaho Victory Garden Series, a six-week, beginner gardener class. Contact the Extension office for more information.

Topics may include:

• Soils
• Entomology
• Organic gardening
• Weeds
• Pruning
• Composting
• Fruits
• Hydroponics

For more information, please contact Ember Powell at 208-883-2267 or emberp@uidaho.edu or visit the UI Extension's Idaho Master Gardener website.