Become a Mississippi Master Gardener

Learn, share, and grow when you volunteer with the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s popular certification program!

How to become a certified Mississippi Master Gardener:

1. Contact your local Extension office.
2. Register for online training.
3. Complete the online course.
4. Complete 40 hours of volunteer service.
5. Receive your Mississippi Master Gardener certification.
6. Share your expertise in horticulture with the community.

Maintain your certification annually by:

1. Participating in 12 approved education hours.
2. Completing at least 20 volunteer service hours.

Find out more about the Mississippi Master Gardener program!

You’ll learn about a variety of gardening topics:

• Botany
• Soils
• Vegetables
• Ornamental plants
• Insects
• Plant diseases
• Lawn care
• Urban trees
• Plant propagation
• Fruits and nuts
• Weed control

Serve Your Community as a Mississippi Master Gardener

• Volunteer for 20 hours annually after your first year.
• Answer local horticulture questions.
• Plant demonstration gardens that educate the public.
• Work with scientists on research projects.
• Participate in community beautification efforts.
• Teach 4-H’ers or other community children about gardening.

“Being a Master Gardener is so satisfying and so rewarding. The sharing and companionship with others is the most important part of the program. Helping people by sharing plants and flowers makes them feel better.”

Betty Holland
Calhoun City

“Mississippi Master Gardeners got me gardening again with salad tables after the doctors told me I couldn’t get out in the dirt anymore. Now I’m able to get out, plant plants, work in the dirt, pick my vegetables, and enjoy the meal.”

Jim Murray
Hattiesburg

“The Master Gardener program is so much fun. It combines sharing knowledge and making new friends with common interests.”

Peggy Roder
Oxford