To learn more about the Master Gardener Program go to the Cornell University Master Gardener Volunteer Orientation website.
Volunteer Orientation to NYS Master Gardener Program Standards goes into detail about what to expect in the training itself.
What is a Master Gardener?
The Master Gardener Program is a national program of trained volunteers who work in partnership with their county Cooperative Extension office to extend information throughout the community. The first Master Gardener program was started in Washington state in 1972. Forty-six states now have Master Gardener programs with over 72,000 Master Gardeners in North America and 1800 of them are in New York State.
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany/Cattaraugus County assisting to expand the agency's educational outreach by providing home gardeners with research-based information. We reach a diverse population including:
- Home Gardeners
- Community Gardeners
- Youth in after-school programs
- Nursing Home Residents
- Consumers of horticultural products
- Physically and mentally challenged
Master Gardeners are available to speak to clubs, at organization lunches or dinners, festivals, fairs and grand openings. We cover a wide range of topics related to home grounds and gardens which include:
- Landscapes
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Herbs
- Houseplants
- Beneficial and harmful insects
- Plant diseases
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Wildlife Management
- Soils
- Birds
- Composting
- Water Conservation
- and much, much more.
Master Gardener trainees receive free instruction in plant nutrition, soils, vegetable and fruit culture, trees, shrubs and lawns, diseases and insects that affect plants, pruning, and much more. After this instruction, trainees complete an examination and are certified as Master Gardeners. Advanced instruction is offered and special seminars and workshops are held so that Master Gardeners are kept current on gardening information and methods.
What are the qualifications and how to become an Allegany-Cattaraugus Master Gardener?
Master Gardener trainees should have:
- A basic interest and knowledge about landscape and food gardening
- Enthusiasm for acquiring and sharing horticultural knowledge and skills
- Ability to communicate
- Willingness to participate in educational activities and enough time to do so
- Volunteer selection is made after completing both a writeen application and an interview
Master Gardener Training for Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties
Do you love gardening and want to share your passion and knowledge with others? If you are a resident of either county and have a sincere interest in volunteering, we are currently recruiting applicants to apply to our Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
For details, please contact the Belmont office 585-268-7644, 1-888-256-2762.