Learn More About Extension Master Gardener
Frequent Questions & Answers
Access your password-protected volunteer resources, reporting tools, and program materials here:
Volunteer login
We're happy to connect you with trained volunteers who can answer your horticulture questions, or guide you to trusted K-State resources to explore on your own.
Visit our Garden Resources page
Research-based assistance may include:
- Flowers and ornamentals
- Growing fruit and vegetables
- Lawns and landscapes
- Pest identification and management
- Soil and fertility
- Trees and shrubs
Kansas Extension Master Gardener is a volunteer program in which K-State Extension trains individuals in horticulture fundamentals and engages them as volunteers to share their knowledge and skills with their community.
You don't need to be an expert!
Some basic experience and knowledge are preferable, but you don’t need to be an advanced gardener to apply or become a Kansas Extension Master Gardener. The training program is designed to provide all necessary horticultural and environmental education.
Anyone with an interest in horticulture can apply for the Kansas Extension Master Gardener program.
If you want to improve your skills and knowledge and you like to work with people, our volunteer program may be for you.
Master Gardeners share:
- Passion for learning
- Desire to improve their community
- Willingness to learn more about horticulture
- Interest in joining a worthy and fun organization
- Time to volunteer locally
- Joy of sharing knowledge and skills with others
If you are interested in Kansas Extension Master Gardener, contact your local extension office to see if the program is offered in or near your area.
The program is administered at the county level where recruitment, training, and volunteer service occur.
Each local Kansas Extension Master Gardener program is unique and has different requirements, but the journey typically involves:
- Acceptance to a local program
- Completing basic training
- Giving back through volunteer service
Contributing approved volunteer service hours and completing advanced education each year is typical.
Volunteer service is designed to:
- Provide a variety of garden education experiences
- Be tailored to meet local community needs
- Capitalize on the individual skills of volunteers
Advanced Training:
- May focus on each volunteer's area of interest
- Builds specialized knowledge and skills
- Can include webinars, workshops, field trips, guest speakers, and more
Kansas Extension Master Gardener activities vary by county, and dependent on community needs.
Volunteers may assist with:
- Citizen science projects
- Community events
- Demonstration gardens
- Field research
- Garden fairs and tours
- Food banks
- Lawn and garden “Hotlines" or "Response Lines”
- Public outreach
- Plant sales
- School gardens
- Therapeutic horticulture programs
- Youth education
Some local programs may also offer opportunities to serve on committees or contribute skills in areas such as graphic design, newsletters, photography, and more.
Gardening offers many benefits! It's a lifelong way to keep learning, stay active, feel a sense of accomplishment, and support both physical and mental health.
Through the Kansas Extension Master Gardener program, volunteers also:
- Connect with others and build community
- Help provide access to fresh, healthy food
- Contribute to solutions for big issues like hunger, climate change, nutrition, and community development
- Share gardening's broad appeal to reach diverse audiences
Read news articles about what Kansas Extension Master Gardeners are doing across the state
It may be possible to join a neighboring program. If this is not an option, there are other K-State Extension programs or resources you may be interested in:
To explore the Junior Master Gardener journey, whether you're a young participant or an adult interested in starting a local program - visit our Junior Master Gardener page. You can also learn more about the program through the national Junior Master Gardener website.