Extension seeking master gardener

Do you think you need a “green thumb” to become a Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV)? Think again! While some gardening experience can be helpful, what matters most is a willingness to learn and a commitment to serving others. 

If you’re passionate about plants and making a difference in your community, you already have what it takes — just be sure to submit your application by Nov. 24.

I work with more than 50 Master Gardener volunteers through the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in Bibb County. The service our volunteers provide is invaluable to the Bibb County community. 

Many initially join the program to learn more about gardening; however, the bonds that develop while learning and volunteering together are often the biggest rewards. 

Master Gardeners aren’t just gardeners, each of them brings a unique skill set to support the extension office and the community in numerous meaningful ways. They are problem-solvers and community builders who enjoy activities such as:

• Answering homeowners’ gardening questions
• Teaching youth and adult groups about gardening
• Maintaining the educational native plant garden at the Museum of Arts and Sciences
• Supporting the community garden at the Brookdale Resource Center
• Continuing to learn and grow through new projects and experiences.

The first step in becoming an extension volunteer is to complete an application for a 12-week horticultural training course. You will learn about ornamental plants, trees, edibles, turfgrass, troubleshooting problems and much more.  

On Feb. 12, 2026, we will begin training a new group of volunteers from several Middle Georgia counties. Training sessions will be held on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the extension offices of Bibb and Houston counties. 

The program combines classroom learning with hands-on horticultural training. Classes will be taught by UGA specialists, county agents, university professors, arborists and other local experts. 

One highlight is an overnight trip to the University of Georgia in Athens, where participants can visit gardens and research facilities (lodging and food costs not included).

After the classroom course, trainees must complete 50 hours of volunteer activities within 12 months to become certified MGEVs. To maintain active status in each subsequent year, volunteers are required to complete 25 service hours and 10 hours of continuing education. 

The cost of the training program is $275, which includes an extensive full-color textbook, The Georgia Master Gardener Handbook. Because class size is limited and we value getting to know our applicants, interviews will be conducted in December. 

Ready to grow with us? If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener Extension Volunteer, please contact your local Extension office.

 Bibb County residents may contact Kathy Hensley, at kensley@uga.edu for application materials or additional information. Houston County residents should reach out to Christine Kelly at christine.kelly@uga.edu.