To qualify as a Master Gardener volunteer, you need a good basic knowledge of, and interest in, ornamental horticulture and general home gardening. If you are an experienced gardener and would like to learn more, promote gardening, and volunteer within your community consider becoming a Master Gardener!
Master Gardeners in Training (MGiTs) must successfully complete an educational component and the required annual volunteer hours for two years before they become certified as Master Gardeners. There are three paths toward completing the educational component for certification as a Master Gardener in Ontario: online study through Dalhousie University, University of Guelph, or by Certification Examination. If you have a current degree in horticulture, you are eligible to become a Master Gardener after the completion of your two years of volunteer duties. MGiTs generally are expected to complete their on-line education within three years.
The commitment to volunteer and continued learning is critical.
Courses start periodically through the year so Master Gardeners in Training can start almost any time. Our group pays one half of all fees for courses successfully completed by Master Gardeners in Training who need financial assistance, conditional on available funds.
The PEC Master Gardeners meet once each month between September and June.
If you are interested in more information about becoming a Master Gardener please contact us at pecmastergardeners@gmail.com
And if you’d like some inspiration on becoming a Master Gardener, here’s a great article written by an MG. While Master Gardeners in Ontario are not directly tied into a university’s horticulture/agriculture program the program is very much the same, with the same benefits. Here’s the article written by Marie McCartan, an Iowa Extension Master Gardener: Why I Became a Master Gardener
Here’s an FAQ from Master Gardeners of Ontario which should answer any further questions you might have:
Master-Gardener-of-Ontario-FAQ
You can also download our membership brochure here: