Welcome to the Memorial University Botanical Garden Master Gardener Program!

Master Gardener programs run all over the world and are geared toward home gardeners who want to broaden and solidify their knowledge across a spectrum of gardening topics, while also giving back to their community. The courses in our program follow a hands-on approach to sharing Newfoundland-specific knowledge on predominantly ornamental gardening.

Completing the Master Gardener program is a pre-requisite to joining the Atlantic Master Gardeners Association, however many also do this program purely for their own interest.

For the Master Gardener certification, students must complete all required courses (see list below) for the program, plus 25 hours of approved volunteer service. Students must complete these requirements within four years to be eligible for certification. Once certification is obtained, you need to complete 25 hours of volunteer service and 4 hours of continuing education per year to remain a Master Gardener in good standing.

Guidelines for volunteer hours:

Master Gardeners are required to complete 25 hours of approved volunteer service. These hours would ideally be completed in the last year of your studies to make you eligible for membership in the Atlantic Master Gardener Association. For more information on what volunteer service is accepted, please see the AGMA website. Each student is required to keep track of their own volunteer hours. Please keep track of the dates, description of the event, and hours logged.

Required courses to complete the Master Gardener certification:

Plant Identification - 4 sessions

Soils

Botany for Gardeners

Lawn Care 101

Container Gardening or Succulent Dish Garden

Practical Skills for Home Gardeners - 2 sessions

Plant Nutrition

Pests and Diseases

Growing Fruit in Newfoundland

Vegetable Gardening in Raised beds

Practical Pruning

Weeds 101

Plant Propagation

Composting

 

FAQ:

Q: I did one of your courses before, does it count toward Master Gardener?
A: If the course was completed within the last 2 years (2023 onward) and is on the required course list, then yes it can count. Please see above for a list of required courses.

Q: How much is this going to cost?
A: Each course is priced individually, and a graduation fee (TBD) is required upon completion of the program requirements to gain your certificate.

Q: How long will it take me?
A: It depends on your individual schedule, but we require students to complete the program within a 4 year period, which starts when you complete your first course in the new program (launched April 2025). Once certification is obtained, you need to complete 25 hours of volunteer service and 4 hours of continuing education each year to remain a Master Gardener in good standing.

Q: I’m interested in taking some workshops at the Botanical Garden but I’m unsure/not interested in the Master Gardener program, can I still take them?
A: Of course! Anyone is welcome to take any of the workshops we provide.