Purpose of the MS Master Gardener Program
The Master Gardener Volunteer program allows the local Extension Service to reach an ever-increasing gardening audience. It provides the local center with a highly visible way to meet the public demand for information and to develop a strong clientele support group.
The program is not meant to be a substitute for providing educational programs to the public. It is also not intended to be a training ground for the Green Industry personnel. The purpose is to increase Extension's capacity to reach these and other audiences by expanding the capabilities of the Extension staff.
The volunteer staff operates under Extension organizational policies in delivering unbiased, research-based information to the public. County programs are supported by the State Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Extension specialists at Mississippi State University.
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.
