The Master Gardener volunteer program started at Washington State University in 1973. The name came from the German word “Gartenmeister,” which roughly translated means “Master Gardener.” The originators of the program had worked in Germany and learned that Germans bestow titles for hard‐earned proficiency levels in various crafts.
The New Hampshire program started in 1993. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers, who share their enthusiasm for gardening with the general public.
By serving as volunteer educators in their community, Master Gardeners help UNH Cooperative Extension reach more people.
A UNH Extension Master Gardener is a NH resident who is a:
- volunteer who is willing to work on horticultural projects that extend the outreach capabilities of UNH Cooperative Extension
- gardener with interest, experience, and knowledge of any type of gardening
- teacher who is eager to share gardening knowledge and experience with others
- student curious to learn scientifically based gardening information
This is a volunteer program and is not to be used for professional advancement or commercial advertising.
Some projects that Master Gardeners are involved with:
- Education Center Infoline - answering garden questions from the public
- School/youth gardens - using school gardens to teach many topics
- Community gardens - helping residents learn to grow their own food
- Historical museum and nature center garden interpretation - providing interpretation about past and current garden benefits
- Speakers Bureau - presenting approved programs to garden clubs, library groups and other civic organizations
- Writing articles for local publications - sharing knowledge via written media
- Ask a Master Gardener Info Booth - providing knowledge at Farmers’ Markets, community fairs, public expos
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are required to:
- attend a 12-week Master Gardener class
- complete 55-hours of volunteering during the “internship” year
- fulfill a minimum of 20 hours of approved volunteering and 10 hours of continuing education annually
- submit hours regularly
- follow the procedures and guidelines outlined in the UNH Extension Volunteer agreement
How to Become a Master Gardener Volunteer
The next Extension Master Gardener in-person volunteer training will take place from September 1-November 17, 2026, on 12 Tuesdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The location will be in the Plymouth.
Anyone who is interested in participating may apply using the link below. Applications are welcome at any time, and all applications will be kept on file and reviewed prior to the next class.
Participants are chosen in part due to their location so that regional cohorts are formed and travel needs are reduced. Location of applicants may dictate the next location so early applications are helpful in determining future training sites.
If the dates and location of the in-person class are not convenient, applications may be submitted for future classes which will take place September-November or March-May in other parts of the state.
We will also be offering a hybrid class soon which includes a combination of self-paced on-line learning, evening Zoom meetings and several weekend in-person field trips. This format is open to a wider geographic area and to people for whom a weekday class is not convenient.
If you are interested in either class, use the link below to complete an application.
The class fee is $400 and includes a manual, access to professional instructors, resources, observation tools, and more. Financial assistance is available.
Anyone who is interested in the training must complete an application. Applicants will be interviewed prior to acceptance into the class.
For questions, contact Ruth Smith at ruth.smith@unh.edu
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