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
- Be willing to complete 40 plus hours of instruction and provide a minimum of 40 hours of service
Training and Classes
Training is offered annually, mid-January through May. Each three-hour weekly class is taught by experts in their field.
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.