Are you an Arkansawyer with a passion for gardening? If so, why not become an Arkansas Master Gardener? The process for becoming an Arkansas Master Gardener has recently changed, so I thought I’d give a quick shout out to my readers who might be interested.
What’s changed?
Rather than a solid week of education classes in January (which is sometimes difficult for people to schedule), trainees now attend classes once a week on Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30 and November 6, 2019.
Application deadline is September 13, 2019. Yes, very soon! There’s no time to sit around wondering whether or not you should do this. (Registration info below.)
But what if you don’t live in Arkansas? ? There’s no need to feel left out. Master gardening programs exist all across the country! More on this later…
Training Classes
The date isn’t the only thing that’s changed. The class method has changed too. No matter where you live in the state, all master gardener trainees will participate together via Zoom sessions live-streamed from the State Extension Office in Little Rock (to the extension facility closest to you). Fayetteville friends, for you this would be the Washington County Extension Office. In my opinion, this is a great change because every trainee will now benefit from the same horticulture specialists. Equal-steequal no matter if you live in Paragould or Prairie Grove.
Seriously, this program brings in the state’s most knowledgable experts.
The Zoom class cost is $100. One thing I know for sure— this will be a hundred dollars well spent! A priceless investment, really. One that comes with community and friends and a wealth of learning and information.
Option Two
If the fall training class doesn’t work for you, there is a second online course option, recorded from the webinars, offered from January through March as a self-paced home study. The online course is $155.
Registration
Interested? Call your local Extension office. Not sure who that is? Click HERE to find out.
FYI—after trainees complete 40 hours of education, they are required to complete 40 hours of volunteer time and 20 hours of education in 2020 to become full-fledged Arkansas Master Gardeners. (Subsequent years, you’ll need 20 hours of service and 20 hours of education time annually.)
Oh phooey, you don’t live in The Natural State?
No worries. Master gardening programs exist across the country. Click HERE to find out more about master gardening in your state.
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Joining the master gardening organization is a great way to give back to your community while spreading your love of horticulture.
Now is the thyme to share this post with your friends who might be interested in becoming an Arkansas Master Gardener. Thank you for spreading this news!
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
How much will it cost.and what will I need to joint. How long does the class take and do they teach you about fruits and vegetables.
Hi there! You’ll need to check with the extension agent in your county because costs vary according to location. During the first year, training includes 40 initial horticulture hours, 40 hours of volunteer work, and 20 hours of additional learning. Subsequent years are 20 hours of volunteer work and 20 hours of horticultural learning. My training included an overview of vegetable and fruit gardening. Here’s a link to more info: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/master-gardeners/become-a-master-gardener.aspx
My experience of being a master gardener has been awful. Designed and planted a pollinator garden and other master gardeners tilled it all up and put the zinnias in their home garden. I received a $500 grant for native pollinators and the master gardeners planted non natives so had to decline the grant. Their mission statement does include that a master gardener club can quickly get a bad reputation. Many do not make it to their second year.
How awful! I’m sorry to hear your experience has been so bad. I agree, new master gardener retention can be an issue and many never find their groove with the organization. In Washington County, those in officer roles have worked really hard to get people involved and comfortable. It’s one of my favorite organizations but it took me a while to feel like part of the group. I’m curious which county is yours?