The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is accepting applications now through October 1 for its program, including the 2027 Horticulture Core Course, beginning December 29, 2026. People in all of Minnesota’s 87 counties and of any experience level are welcome to apply.
In 2025, 3,498 certified Master Gardener volunteers across the state contributed 208,400 volunteer hours, reaching 143,650 Minnesota residents around the state. Through their broad and continuous public presence — and by their targeted educational efforts — Master Gardener volunteers helped their neighbors understand and effectively use science and research-based horticulture information.
Because of this volunteer-led work, people in Minnesota are learning how to grow food locally; plant pollinator-friendly gardens; create resilient landscapes that help manage stormwater runoff; improve plant biodiversity and access to natural spaces; and address climate change. Volunteers, meanwhile, enjoy exploring their specific passions and interests while helping their communities.
Tim Kenny, the statewide director of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, said the program has hit record participation numbers in recent years — thanks in part to programming that includes in-person experiences, hands-on learning, neighbor-to-neighbor engagement and more.
“How people get information has changed dramatically,” Kenny said. “Most of the work that we do now is engagement and learning by doing. I think that’s the future of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program.”
Applications for the 2027 training are due October 1. The Core Course for the program begins online on December 29, including optional weekly live Zoom Q&A sessions Tuesday nights through May 2027 with University of Minnesota faculty and Extension educators.
To become an active Master Gardener volunteer, individuals are asked to complete the Core Course and 50 hours of volunteering in the first year. After the first year, volunteers are asked to commit 25 hours to annual volunteer work as well as five hours of continuing education.
Core Course topics include botany and horticulture; soils, composting and fertilizers; integrated pest management; plant pathology; entomology; fruits and vegetables; herbaceous and woody ornamental plants; lawns; weeds; indoor plants; backyard wildlife; plant diagnostics; science communication skills; inclusive volunteering; and community engagement.
Volunteers are especially needed to grow the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Brown, Cass, Nobles and Polk counties in the year ahead.
Learn about the program at z.umn.edu/about-mgs. To apply, visit z.umn.edu/MGinfo, write mgweb@umn.edu, or call 612-625-9864.
