I did a thing today.
I applied to become a Master Gardener Volunteer through the University of Minnesota.
Until about a month ago, I didn’t even know the program existed.
We were catching up with a friend whose mom had recently retired, and I asked what she’d been doing with all her free time. Along with spending time with her grandkids, she’d enrolled in the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. That was the first time I’d ever heard of it. Our friend didn’t know many details, only that it was through the University of Minnesota, involved classes, and that she was really enjoying it.
It sounded interesting, but I immediately started making assumptions about who the program was meant for. Surely they were looking for people with horticulture degrees, years of gardening experience, or some kind of formal training. I filed it away in the back of my mind as something I’d look into someday when I was “ready.”
Then it came up again.
Later that week, I was talking with my mom about the pollinator meadow Brandon and I planted through the habitat grant we received, and she casually mentioned that three of her neighbors are Master Gardeners.
That stopped me.
How could that be? They’re ordinary people with ordinary gardens. As far as I knew, none of them had formal horticulture backgrounds.
The program had come up twice in one week. It started feeling like one of those little nudges you’re supposed to pay attention to.
What Is the University of Minnesota Master Gardener Volunteer Program?
The following weekend, my best friend came to visit. We spent most of the weekend walking around outside, talking about everything we were working on, when I mentioned the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and how many people we seemed to know who had gone through it.
She immediately started asking questions I couldn’t answer.
How much does it cost?
What’s the time commitment?
What do you actually learn?
Who can apply?
I kept answering with some version of, “I don’t know.”
Finally, clearly annoyed with my self-doubt, she pulled out her phone and started digging through the University of Minnesota Extension website.
By the end of our conversation, I knew the application deadline, the tuition cost, the volunteer commitment, and—most importantly—that applicants don’t need a degree or professional background in horticulture.
Turns out, it’s a University of Minnesota program that trains regular people to become community gardening resources—teaching classes, running diagnostic clinics, helping out at community gardens, whatever the local need is.
Who Can Apply to Become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
I still wasn’t convinced.
I kept thinking about everything I didn’t know.
I don’t know the technical names for plant anatomy. I don’t know much about taxonomy—I actually had to Google the word taxonomy. I wasn’t sure there would even be enough volunteer opportunities in my area to complete the required hours.
In my mind, I was just a girl who loves houseplants, grows a vegetable garden, can identify a handful of edible mushrooms and berries, and recently fell headfirst into native wildflowers after Brandon received a habitat grant that gave us the chance to plant our own pollinator meadow.
Then I caught myself.
Every person who walks through our front door gets a plant tour.
In the winter, I’m showing them the newest leaf unfurling on a houseplant. In the summer, I’m dragging them outside to admire whatever wildflower just bloomed—sometimes only after asking iNaturalist what it was called.
Maybe I wasn’t giving myself enough credit.
Words of affirmation is my biggest love language, so before I submitted an application, I decided I needed to hear it from someone involved with the program.
I found my county Extension office on the University of Minnesota website and gave them a call. They connected me with our county’s Master Gardener Volunteer coordinator.
As luck would have it, I caught her while she was grocery shopping.
She could have easily asked me to call back another time.
Instead, she spent nearly thirty minutes answering every question I had.
Even more surprising?
She turned out to be one of my parents’ neighbors.
Within the first five minutes, my anxiety started melting away.
Val assured me they weren’t looking for people who already knew everything. They were looking for people who were genuinely curious about plants and willing to keep learning.
When I told her about my interests, she met every one of them with enthusiasm.
Taxonomy? That can be taught.
Houseplants? They actually need more volunteers with that interest.
Our native wildflower project? She immediately started talking about volunteer opportunities where that knowledge would be valuable.
By the end of the conversation, I realized I’d spent weeks talking myself out of something I hadn’t even asked about.
Turns out, anyone who is at least 18 years old, curious about plants, and willing to volunteer in their community can apply. You don’t need a horticulture degree or professional gardening experience.
So…
I applied.
I know space is limited, and I also know not everyone who applies is accepted.
We’ll cross that bridge if we get there.
For now, I’m simply proud of myself for applying anyway.
Whether I’m accepted or not, this experience reminded me how often we disqualify ourselves before anyone else has the chance. It also introduced me to an incredible community of people who genuinely want to help others learn. Even if this application doesn’t work out, I walked away with new local connections, a better understanding of the resources available through Extension, and an even greater appreciation for the work these volunteers do throughout Minnesota.
If you’re sitting on the sidelines waiting until you know a little more, grow a little more, or feel a little more qualified, maybe don’t wait.
Curiosity counts for something.
Sometimes it’s enough to simply be willing to learn.
You might discover you’re a lot more qualified than you think.
If I’m accepted, I’ll share the entire experience here—from the coursework and volunteer projects to the lessons I learn along the way. If you’re thinking about applying yourself, I hope you’ll follow along.
How Much Does the University of Minnesota Master Gardener Volunteer Program Cost?
The 2027 Core Course fee is $340, or $409 if you’d like the optional printed Companion Guide. Limited financial assistance is available, and details are included with the application.
One thing I learned while researching the program is that some counties reimburse part of the tuition after you complete the course. My county reimburses 50% of the fee, but every county is different, so it’s worth calling your local Extension office to ask whether reimbursement is available where you live.
What Is the Time Commitment for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program?
During your internship year, you’ll complete 50 volunteer hours sharing research-based horticulture information with your community.
After your first year, remaining an active Master Gardener Volunteer requires 25 volunteer hours and 5 hours of continuing education annually.
The Core Course takes approximately 60 hours to complete and is entirely self-paced, allowing you to work through the material anytime between January and December.
University of Minnesota Master Gardener Volunteer Program Deadlines (2026–2027)
Applications for the 2027 University of Minnesota Master Gardener Volunteer Program are open through October 1, 2026.
Hennepin and Ramsey counties use separate application links. Applicants from all other Minnesota counties can apply through the statewide application available on the University of Minnesota Extension website beginning August 1.
If accepted, you’ll complete a background check and Safety of Minors training before registering by December 1, 2026. Coursework begins in January and can be completed anytime throughout the calendar year, with a final deadline of December 31, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a horticulture degree to become a Minnesota Master Gardener?
No. The University of Minnesota is looking for people who are curious about plants, willing to learn, and interested in volunteering in their communities. Professional gardening experience isn’t required.
Is the Master Gardener course online?
Yes. The Core Course is self-paced and completed online, allowing you to work through the material on your own schedule throughout the year.
Is becoming a Master Gardener worth it?
I can’t answer that yet—but that’s exactly why I’m writing this all down. If I’m accepted, I’ll be sharing what the coursework is like, whether the volunteer commitment is manageable, and whether I think the experience is worth the investment for an everyday gardener.