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How to Become an Extension Master Gardener

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Extension Master Gardener Program application process and timeline

Step 1 (early fall):

The application process is open; the applicant must complete a form about their previous volunteer experiences and why they are interested in the program. We do not expect applicants to be experts in horticulture. This is why we have a 40-hour educational course!

Step 2 (early November): 

Extension Agents and the Program Director review applications and decide whom to accept into the program.

Step 3 (mid-November): 

We will email applicants as to whether they have been accepted or rejected.

Step 4 (Early December):

Course fees are due. Background checks are run through the NDSU Human Resources Dept. If an individual doesn’t pass the background check, the course fees minus the background check fee will be refunded. Background checks are required because our Extension Master Gardeners frequently work with youth. Furthermore, EMGs handle project grant funds.

Extension Master Gardener Core Course

The course normally starts in mid- to late-January and ends in early April. In total, we have ten weeks of classes for a total of 40 hours of classes and videos per week. Students have the option of joining the live Zoom class on their computers on Friday mornings from 9 AM to noon (central time). Alternatively, students may watch the recorded class video at their own convenience. Fargo students may attend the live classroom training. In addition to the 3 hours of classes on Friday, one lecture is pre-recorded and is required viewing.

Classes are taught by NDSU faculty and Extension personnel. Short quizzes will be posted each week and a final test will be given at the end of the course. All quizzes and the final test are open-note and open-book. To pass the class, students must have a cumulative average of 80%.

Course topics may vary slightly from year to year. Here are the most common topics:

  • Annuals (Bedding Plants)
  • Botany Basics and Plant Physiology
  • Composting
  • Container Media
  • Entomology
  • Fertilizers and Nutrient Disorders
  • Garden Soils and Soil Tests
  • Houseplants
  • Landscape Design
  • Perennials
  • Pesticide Safety
  • Plant Diagnosis Introduction
  • Plant Pathology
  • Plant Propagation
  • Pollinator Gardens and Bee Lawns
  • Raised Garden Beds
  • Seasonal Checklist
  • Seed Starting
  • Shrub Selection
  • Shrub Pruning
  • Small Fruits
  • The Science Behind Home Garden Remedies
  • Tomato Problems
  • Tree fruits
  • Tree Selection for North Dakota
  • Tree Planting
  • Tree Pruning
  • Turfgrass Establishment and Maintenance
  • Vegetable Cultivar Selection
  • Vegetable Growing
  • Weed Identification and Management
  • Wildlife Management

Volunteer Commitment

After completing the core course, students are considered Extension Master Gardener Interns. Interns have just under two years to complete 48 hours of volunteer service. Volunteer hours must be reported by October 15th of each year. Once the 48-hour internship is complete, the individual will be certified as an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.

Subsequently, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers maintain their active volunteer status by volunteering 20 hours each year and taking 10 hours of continuing education. Free continuing education is provided to maintain and upgrade skills.