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
• Honey bee care

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.

“Our Master Gardener chapter is successful because of the cooperation and hard work and enthusiasm of the members.”

Pat Hill
Noxubee County

“I know how to grow things, but there was a lot of stuff I didn’t know about gardening. Becoming a Master Gardener taught me more about the science of it.”

Susie Harmon
Lee County

“The smiles and thanks from those who have benefited from our Master Gardener volunteer projects have been my inspiration.”

Paul Cavanaugh
Forrest County