Master Gardeners are experienced gardeners who want to learn more about growing plants. Master Gardeners receive extensive training through OSU/ CMN Extension. In exchange, they volunteer their knowledge and expertise to the public.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can become an OSU Master Gardener?
Individuals residing in Okmulgee County with an interest in both gardening and volunteer service are potential candidates for the program. No previous formal training is necessary.

 

Why should I become an OSU/CMN Master Gardener?

Volunteering with the OSU/CMN MG program will help you become knowledgeable about a wide array of gardening subjects. The training to become a OSU/CMN Master Gardener is designed to:

• increase your confidence and horticultural skills
• enable you to help the public with questions and problems involved with gardening
• help you contribute to your community
• give you the pleasure and reward of working with others who share your interests

OSU/CMN Master Gardeners receive advanced training classes and participate in field trips related to the program. The learning process and the opportunity for gaining knowledge never end.

 

Is the OSU/CMN Master Gardener Program for you?

To help you decide if you should apply to be an OSU/CMN Master Gardener, ask yourself these questions.

• Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?
• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
• Do I have enough time to attend training and to serve as a volunteer?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you.

 

Training

If accepted into the OSU/CMN Master Gardener program in your county, you will attend an OSU/CMN Master Gardener training course. OSU/CMN Extension professionals teach these classes during a week of training, held at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds. Please note that attendance is mandatory. The cost of course is $150, due by the first day of class.

 

The training program provides 40 hours of instruction and covers topics including lawns, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect, disease and weed management, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, home fruit production, flowers, and water conservation. Trainees will receive an OSU/CMN Master Gardener Manual of comprehensive horticulture subjects at completion of the training. Manuals will be loaded on a USB flash drive. Please advise if you will need a printed copy of the manual.

 

Volunteer Commitment

After successfully completing the training program, a volunteer internship year will begin. Certified OSU/CMN Master Gardener trainees agree to donate 40 hours of volunteer time to the program during their first year. Volunteer hours help MGs gain additional knowledge about plants and experience working with the community. After the initial year of internship, Master Gardeners are required to complete 20 hours of volunteer service annually, along with 20 hours of continued education.

 

What types of volunteer activities exist?

The opportunities for volunteer service are limitless. Examples include:

 

• Diagnosing plant, insect, and disease problems
• Attending and/or contributing to plant clinics, educational exhibits and lectures on garden topic
• Maintaining a demonstration or community garden
• Introducing gardening to senior citizens and/or young children
• Potentially work at the Okmulgee County Free Fair MG Booth
• Volunteering at various service projects in our community

OSU/CMN Master Gardeners are representatives of OSU/CMN Extension and follow research-based recommendations. The title OSU/CMN Master Gardener can be used by volunteers only when engaged in approved activities and may not be used for financial gain or for commercial credentials, recommendations or endorsements.

 

Master Gardener Application

Mission: Okmulgee County Master Gardeners are representatives of the OSU Extension program who are trained to communicate research-based educational information that helps people improve their home environment and quality of life through horticultural pursuits.

 

Participation Guidelines

Applicants for the OSU/CMN Master Gardener program must:

• be a resident of Okmulgee County
• have a high school diploma or equivalent
• possess a broad interest in horticulture
• support the objectives and the educational programs of the OSU/CMN Extension Program
• complete the basic 40 hour MG Training Course (No absences)
• complete 40 hours of volunteer work (MG approved projects) during the initial year of internship
• be committed to communicating research-based information from the OSU/CMN Extension program

After completing the first year of internship, MGs must meet an annual requirement of 20 hours of advanced Master Gardener training, 20 hours of MG volunteer time and attendance at 50% or more of the MG monthly meetings. You will be provided with a Master Gardener name tag. MGs are required to wear their name tags while volunteering for the program