Hardeman County Master Gardeners

Hardeman County Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and to help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people.

What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through their cooperative Extension office to provide horticulture-related information to their communities.

Is the Master Gardener Program for You?

To help you decide if you should apply to be a Master Gardener, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?
  • Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
  • Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
  • Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you. Contact the Hardeman County Extension office to pick up an application.

Training

If accepted into the Master Gardener program in your county, you will attend a Master Gardener training course.  Classes are taught by Agricultural Extension Service specialists, staff, and local experts.

The program offers a minimum of 50 hours of instruction that covers topics including lawn care; ornamental trees and shrubs; insects, disease, and weed management; soils and plant nutrition; vegetable gardening; home fruit protection; garden flowers; and water conservation. The training is offered at various times during the year. Check with the County Extension office for specific locations, dates, and times.

Volunteer Commitment

In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to their County Extension program. The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening. Others staff plant clinics or displays in shopping malls or community centers. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with other activities related to gardening. The Master Gardener Coordinator in the County Extension office decides how volunteer time can be best utilized.

Hardeman County Master Gardeners are representatives of the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service.

Certification

Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.

For more information on Master Gardening activities in Hardeman County contact

Lee Sammons
Hardeman County Extension Office
200 E Market Street
Bolivar, TN  38008
Phone 658-2421
Email lsammons@mail.ag.utk.edu

2009 Master Gardener Class

New Master  Gardener Class
Tuesday Nights    6-9 pm

Classes usually begin in the fall -
 but let us know if you'd like to schedule a spring class too!

14 weeks ~ $80 fee
Contact Lee Sammons  
for information or
stop by the extension office!

Tennessee Master Gardeners

Master Gardners of Hardeman County Tennessee

County Extension Office
200 Market Street E.
Bolivar, TN 38008
Ph 731-658-2421
Fax 731-658-5549
info@HardemanCountyMG.org