MS Master Gardener Volunteer
Selection Criteria for Volunteers
Individuals accepted into the program will be asked to sign a Memorandum of Agreement that outlines the training and volunteer expectations.
Qualifications
- Previous volunteer experience
- Gardening experience and expertise
- Communication skills (listening, talking, writing)
- Ability and desire to learn
- Interest in helping people
- Willingness to provide unbiased, research-based information
- Training facility limitations
Responsibilities
- Enhance county home horticulture on behalf of, and under the supervision of, the Mississippi State University Extension Service, through volunteer work.
- Represent the Mississippi State University Extension Service in a professional manner.
- Adhere to the policies of the Mississippi Master Gardeners program.
Examples of Volunteer Service
Upon completing the 40 volunteer hours commitment, volunteers will become certified Master Gardeners. Volunteers are expected to keep a record of their volunteer activities, hours, and contacts.
The 40 hours of volunteer work are to be completed within one year following the last core training class.
- 4-H presentation coach
- Answering telephone hotline
- Exhibits at fair/malls/shows
- Demonstration/teaching gardens
- Newsletter editor
- Master Gardener Volunteer personnel records
- School gardens
- Plant clinics
- Speakers bureau
- Office work
- New class coordinator
Possible Projects
- Staffing plant clinics in the Extension office or other locations
- Developing, setting up, and staffing educational exhibits
- Planting and maintaining demonstration areas (turf, flowers, vegetables, water conservation, native plants, etc.)
- Serving as 4-H horticulture project leaders
- Teaching 4-H horticulture enrichment units in local schools
- Speaking to civic groups and garden clubs
- Conducting horticulture tours
- Answering horticulture questions that come to the county Extension office by phone, office visitor, and letter
- Conducting horticulture therapy programs at nursing homes
- Judging horticulture exhibits or school science fair projects
- Judging 4-H horticulture demonstrations or illustrated talks
- Mailing newsletters, publications, and bulletins to noncommercial horticultural clientele
- Appearing on television or radio programs to discuss home horticulture topics
Individual Activity Report Form - PDF
Publications
News
Gardeners who want to improve their own skills and give back to their communities can take advantage of an online training and certification opportunity this fall.
Registration for the next class of Master Gardeners opens Aug. 13 and closes Sept. 12. Participants can begin their training Oct. 1, and all coursework must be completed by Dec. 2. These expert volunteers are trained and certified in consumer horticulture and related areas by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Garden enthusiasts of all ages are welcome Oct. 21 to Fall Garden Day at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mississippi State University facility.
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Dates have been set for the fall 2023 slate of Master Gardener courses.
Success Stories
Lincoln County Master Gardeners have been bringing gardening to nursing home residents in Brookhaven since 2018.
Susie Harmon laughs when she relates her granddaughter’s observation of her favorite pastime.
Paul Cavanaugh became a Master Gardener when he came off the road as a truck driver and his wife encouraged him to find a hobby.
