As a Master Gardener you serve your community in a variety of ways, and in turn, you receive training on many aspects of horticulture while making meaningful relationships and having enriching experiences. Scroll to bottom for the Apply Link.
What does it mean to be a Master Gardener?
As horticultural trained volunteers, Master Gardeners extend research-based information through demonstration and educational programs using horticulture best practices, strengthening communities and families throughout Arkansas.
Master Gardeners serve their local community by answering questions, researching specific problems, planting educational and therapeutic gardens, providing public speakers and much more.
How much time is involved?
After completing your 40-hour horticulture training (one day a week for 5 weeks in the Fall) you are required to complete 40 working hours and 20 learning hours during your first year. In your subsequent years you will provide only 20 working hours and 20 learning hours.
What does it cost?
The required 40 hour Master Gardener training differs depending on which training option your location provides as well as host site fees. The Pulaski County Extension office will send you an email with details when the dates and fee has been set.
Who is eligible?
Anyone with horticultural skills, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help others.
What are the responsibilities?
Following a comprehensive training in horticulture, Master Gardeners have one year from the end of training to complete the agreed upon volunteer time. Usually the volunteer work is done on one of the over 30 projects in Pulaski County. These projects are located in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and West Little Rock. Here is a current list of projects.
Master Gardener volunteers are responsible for completing and reporting planned activities to the county through an online time clock tool. If daytime employment interferes with volunteer work, some projects have their workdays on weekends.
What are the benefits?
It is often said that the Master Gardener Program is more than ‘just a horticulture class’—and it is. As a Master Gardener you are afforded many of the resources of the University of Arkansas.
Master Gardeners receive many hours of training in botany, soil science, plant propagation, pest management, pesticide and herbicide usage, vegetable and ornamental plant gardening, plant and weed identification, pruning and other horticulture related subjects.