By Scout Nelson
Enroll in the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Master Gardener Program if you love gardening and want to support your community. For people who wish to learn about gardening, resource conservation, and combating food insecurity, the program will begin offering easy online training in 2025.
The Extension Master Gardener Program is a national volunteer initiative in partnership with land-grant universities. NDSU is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Core Course.
Participants will undergo a 40-hour training, with classes held weekly from January 24 to April 4, 2025. The training covers essential topics like vegetable and fruit production, soil health, composting, tree maintenance, and more.
Esther McGinnis, NDSU Extension horticulturist and Master Gardener director, explains, “The ten-week training is designed to be flexible for both working individuals and for those wintering in other states.” Students can join live Friday morning classes from home or watch recorded lectures at their convenience. Those near Fargo can also attend classes in person on the NDSU campus.
After completing the course, participants must volunteer 48 hours on horticultural projects over two years to become certified Extension Master Gardeners. Volunteer opportunities include answering gardening questions, teaching children to garden, growing produce for food banks, and maintaining pollinator gardens.
The course fee is $225, with a non-volunteer option available for $450. Applications for the 2025 class are open until November 1.
For more information, visit ndsu.ag/mastergardener25.
Photo Credit:pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: North Dakota, Education, General