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Become a Grey County Master Gardener
Grey County Master Gardeners (GCMG) are volunteers whose mandate is to share current, science-based horticultural information with the gardening public - in person, in print, via media and online.
Prior to becoming a Grey County Master Gardener (MG), candidates or Master Gardeners in Training (MGiT) intern in a 2-year training program. During this internship, each Grey County Master Gardener-in-Training (MGiT) is mentored by an experienced Master Gardener and supported by the team.
Interested in becoming
a Master Gardener?
There are three key requirements that must be completed to become a Master Gardener:
1: Education
To be completed within 3 years of joining. This includes either 3 online University of Guelph courses or 4 online Dalhousie University Master Gardener courses. The tuition of approximately $600/course is the responsibility of the MGiT. If you have a solid horticultural background, writing the Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI) Certification exam is a third option. MGOI exam fees (~$100) are payable by the MGiT.
Guelph University Courses Include: Plant Identification; Soils and Plant Growth and Integrated Pest Management. They are offered through the University of Guelph Open Ed Horticulture program and more information can be found here.
The Dalhousie University Master Gardener Courses include: Science of Gardening, Maintaining the Garden, Plant Identification & Use, and Art of Gardening. More information is available here.
2: Volunteer
Fulfil the 30 hour annual minimum Master Gardener business volunteer obligation each year and attend at least 50% of Grey County Master Gardener meetings annually.
3: Internship
All MGiTs must complete a two-year volunteer internship before MG status can be granted. This can be completed concurrently to the education requirements.
Once you have become a Master Gardener, to retain your status as an MG annually you must:
1: Contribute a minimum of thirty (30) hours of volunteer service each year.
Volunteer time is divided in two categories: “Supporting your MG group and MGOI organization” (administrative work) and “Helping to educate the public about horticulture” (public facing). You are expected to participate in both.
2: Continue to learn
As Master Gardeners are expected to provide current and up-to-date advice and information to the gardening public each MG must engage in continuing education each year and complete a minimum of 6 Continuing Education Units each year.