2024 Program: Enrollment is now closed for this year. Please put your name on the list for next year's announcement or check back here early in 2025.

Important: Each county has a different schedule, enrollment process, and class format.

For Salt Lake County, the core training classes began on March 12, 2024, and will be delivered live over Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-7:30 pm through April 23. 

Many other counties begin their programs in January and they may be in-person or online or a mix. It is expected that the volunteer component of 40 hours will be completed in the same county as you complete the classes. Please click on the tab "County Locations" above to find the contact information for other counties and information on attending their program.
If you are interested in joining the program in 2025, please fill out this form to get first announcement  which will be sent in December of 2024 - CLICK HERE. Please be aware that frequently this first email goes into junk folders.

Program Description

The purpose of the USU Extension Master Gardener Program is to develop a network of trained volunteers who can provide the Salt Lake County community with unbiased, research-based horticultural education and technical assistance in gardening and home horticulture. USU Extension Master Gardeners volunteer on several projects throughout the Salt Lake County area. 

USU welcomes students with disabilities. If you have, or suspect you may have, a physical, mental health, or learning disability that may require accommodations in this course, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as early as possible prior to the start of the program (University Inn # 101, 435‐797‐2444drc@usu.edu). All disability related accommodations must be approved by the DRC. Once approved, the DRC will coordinate with faculty to provide accommodations.

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Classes

Master Gardener course participants attend 14 college-level lectures taught by Utah State University Extension Specialists and Extension Faculty.  After completion of the basic curriculum, first year trainees may participate in hands-on workshops, webinars and live events and become an integral part of the educational community while sharing their research-based knowledge through volunteer service (see below).   

The basic curriculum includes, but is not limited to the following topics:

  • Basic Botany
  • Soils and Fertilizers
  • Irrigation
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Trees, Shrubs and Flowers
  • Weed Science
  • Entomology
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Turfgrass
  • Water-wise Landscaping
  • Plant Pathology & Diagnostics

Class Volunteering

Volunteering is the heart and soul of the program.  To receive final Master Gardener Certification, participants must complete 40 hours of approved USU service projects in the county in which they are enrolled.  A large part of our program in Salt Lake County is supporting Wheeler Historic Farm and Park by maintaining various garden demonstration areas. The following are examples of additional volunteer opportunities:

  • Demonstration garden management
  • Public education presentations
  • Small-group teaching opportunities
  • Guided garden tours
  • Information Booths at community fairs/shows
  • Gardening Help Desk/Plant diagnostic clinics 

Gardening Questions? Answers Here!

Request a Master Gardener Guest Lecture

All requests must be done by phone (385) 468-4820*

Topics that a Master Gardener may speak on:

  • Basic Gardening (composting, soils, seasonality, plant requirements, etc)
  • Vegetable gardening (soils, nutrients, fertilizers, varieties, raised beds, etc)
  • Water-wise and native plants
  • Tree, shrub, and perennial flowers
  • Basic lawn care

USU Extension's protocol for Master Gardener teaching requests:

  • The contact person (you) must call our office (385) 468-4820 and speak with our Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator.
  • We will take your contact information and discuss event details to post to our volunteer schedule so they can sign-up to teach.  Advanced planning is highly recommended. Even if the class isn't to be held until Fall, call us early in the year to be accommodated.
  • If a volunteer(s) signs up, they (the volunteer) will contact you directly.**

*You must have a minimum group size of 30 people.

**If you are not contacted  by a volunteer within 10 days after your teaching request was recorded, it indicates that there are no available volunteers to fulfill your request. If this occurs, we apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. The USU Salt Lake Extension Master Gardener program is a volunteer organization; therefore, there may be occasions where an event cannot be filled.