Applications for the 2026 Master Gardener Program are now open!
The Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program that serves state citizens with horticulture education! This program trains and certifies volunteers who provide community service through county Extension offices. Master Gardeners are trained, certified volunteers for the University of Tennessee Extension County Offices.
Please note: the Master Gardener certification is not a professional credential and cannot be marketed nor advertised as such.
UT Extension offers a Master Gardener Certification Program that includes the following expectations:
- classroom learning component (40 hours)
- community service component (40 hours)
- continuing education units (8 hours)
2026 Applications are now open!
- Who: anybody with an interest in gardening and teaching
- When: Tuesday mornings from 10 am – 12:30 pm
- Where: UT Extension Office (6183 Adamson Circle)
- Cost: $200
This program will be a live format where lectures and labs are done together as a group during the class period while reading and supplemental exercises are to be completed at home each week. This training program will be held from January 27 to April 28, 2026.
The Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program generally covers the following topics:
- Environmental Stewardship
- Soils & Cover Crops
- Botany & Propagation
- Landscape Design (herbaceous)
- Woody Ornamentals & Trees
- Entomology & IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
- Plant Pathology
- Turfgrass and Weeds
- Fruits in Tennessee
- Vegetables
- Pollinators
Once certified, Master Gardeners are invited and encouraged to join the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County to maintain their certification and become part of a strong community organization with a commitment to public service.
Certified Master Gardener volunteers assist UT Extension staff by sharing research-based information with the general public. They also offer many educational programs throughout the community and provide countless hours of volunteer service.
Do you have a gardening question you need answered?
Do you need advice about what to plant in your yard?
If so, contact the Master Gardener Hotline at mghchotline@gmail.com for expert gardening advice and information.
For more information or to be added to the interest list for the next Master Gardener Class, please call the Extension Office at (423) 209-8560.