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URI Outreach Center

Master Gardener Program

Is Master Gardening for you?

To help you decide if you should apply for URI Master Gardener Training, ask yourself these important questions:

  • Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in the community?
  • Do I have enough time during the evening and the daytime to attend the training and to complete my volunteer work?
  • Am I eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program?
  • Do I want to learn more about environmental stewardship?

Training

Faculty members, Cooperative Extension staff, URI Master Gardeners, and local experts offer instructions in the basics of plant science and sustainable gardening. Trainees learn about soil and plant nutrition, plant physiology, insects and diseases, turf management, pruning, composting, pesticide safety, and fruit and vegetable production and organic gardening.

The training is offered each winter and early spring for at least 16 weeks. Tuition includes the comprehensive Rhode Island Sustainable Gardening Manual. Upon successful completion of the training course the Trainee becomes a Master Gardener intern and must complete 50 hours of volunteer service before earning the title of URI Master Gardener.


Certification

URI Master Gardeners are agents of the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension. As such they are covered by the University's liability insurance. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners must follow the recommendations of the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension. The title "URI Master Gardener" can only be used by those who actually serve as agents of Cooperative Extension and complete the volunteer commitment. The title and certificate may be used on employment applications as an educational achievement by active volunteers only. It cannot be used in commercial advertising.


Volunteer Internship

When you finish your training, you'll be expected to complete a 50-hour internship within one year of completing the certification program. Interns can work in a variety of existing approved Master Gardener projects. Typical ongoing opportunities include fielding gardening questions of your Rhode Island neighbors at local exhibits or on the Cooperative Extension Gardening Hotline. Demonstration garden projects include working in our greenhouses or vegetable or rose demonstration gardens. On-going community garden projects exist around the state. Also, several opportunities exist in Providence at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. URI Master Gardeners also speak to local groups around the state. The program coordinator and the URI Master Gardener Association will coach you and support your efforts to work in approved Master Gardener volunteer projects and teams.


Other Benefits

After receiving the title of URI Master Gardener, you are eligible to attend other continuing training programs and workshops. These courses offer more technical information.

You will also qualify to join the URI Master Gardener Association. Along with the camaraderie, you will share their knowledge and expertise and offer help and assistance to the general public. Regular membership meeting, gardening seminars and tours are among the many activities sponsored by this group.