Master Gardener Program

master gardner teachers
Master Gardener Program
Nebraska Master Gardener Logo

Who We Are

Master Gardeners Serve Our Community:

  • Volunteers of the University of Nebraska Extension.
  • Improve the efficiency of the Extension Service and allow educators to develop proactive programs.
  • Extend practical applications of university-based research on gardening in Nebraska.
  • Learn and share principles and practices of environmental horticulture.
  • Volunteer to promote environmental awareness to a broad level.
  • Serve as ambassadors of goodwill for the county and Nebraska Extension.

A Typical Year for Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Master Gardeners:

  • Staffing the Horticulture Helpline and Helpdesk at the Extension office 5 days a week and answering over 14,000 lawn and garden questions.
  • Designing and maintaining thirteen community garden demonstration projects.
  • Consulting at numerous "Ask the Master Gardener" events.
  • Speaking to many local civic groups about home gardening.
  • Raising vegetables for the local food bank in our HOPE Garden project.

Application and Training

Ideal applicants are committed to volunteering and able to communicate horticulture knowledge with diverse people in Douglas-Sarpy County.

Master Gardeners in the office courtyard

Qualifications:

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Available to spend time volunteering, attending classes, and participating in field trips.
  • Love gardening and have a desire to learn and practice environmentally-friendly horticulture methods and share this information with others.
  • Eager to learn horticulture by actively participating in an intensive 48 hour 8-week training program every Friday in February and March, and a plant clinic in the June.

The program includes classroom training via lectures and group activities. Interns must receive a passing grade on a test. For $255.00, interns will receive 48 hours of instruction, reference materials including a Master Gardener Handbook, a name badge, t-shirt and a monthly MG newsletter.

Volunteer Service & Training Commitment:

  • Master Gardener Interns volunteer 40 hours of their time by December 31st per annum to become a certified Master Gardener.
  • To maintain certification as a Master Gardener Master Gardeners are required to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours and complete at least 15 hours of continuing education annually.

How to Apply

Visit the Nebraska Master Gardeners Website

Download the 2025 Brochure

Applications are made available only at Master Gardener informational meetings. These meetings are designed to inform the public about the qualifications necessary to be accepted into the internship program. Master Gardener Intern applicants must attend one informational meeting.   

2025 Information Meetings:

  • November 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. – Omaha Office, 8015 West Center Road
    • This meeting is in person and no registration is needed.
  • November 16, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. – Sump Memorial Library

For more information contact:

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