Applications for the 2025 Master Gardener Program are now closed.
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)
2025 Applications are now closed.
To join our 2026 Master Gardener interest list, call our office at (423) 209-8560 or email Haley Treadway at haleytreadway@utk.edu. Check out the below information to see how the 2026 class may be similarly structured.
- Who: anybody with an interest in gardening and teaching
- When: Monday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
- Where: UT Extension Office (6183 Adamson Circle)
- Cost: $200
Classes will be held in a hybrid format. This means that participants will be expected to watch lectures virtually from home anytime before class each week. Then, the in-person lab on Monday evenings will provide hands-on learning to supplement subject matter learned online. This training program will be held from February 3 to May 5, 2025.
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.