Volunteer with Broomfield Extension

Colorado Master Gardener program

Master Gardeners describe themselves as “plant people helping people grow,” and we look for volunteers interested in providing outreach using research-based horticulture information. If this sounds appealing to you, here are the steps to becoming a Colorado Master Gardener:

• Apply online. Training is offered each winter, and applications are accepted Aug. 1 through Sept. 15. Following an application review and background/reference checks, we will schedule an interview. If accepted, the training fee is $200.
• Train. Newly-accepted volunteers begin as Apprentices. As an “apprentice” it means you’re in training to become a Master Gardener. We provide 10 weeks of core training courses that occur through hybrid instruction: online, live webinars (also recorded), and in-person when possible.
• Volunteer. Following training, we require a 50-hour volunteer commitment in Broomfield your first year. The CMG Volunteer’s audience is exclusively home gardeners. Subjects of interest include landscape plants, turf, trees, house plants, vegetable gardens, insects, and greenhouses. Types of volunteer service include answering phone calls and emails from Broomfield residents, staffing diagnostic clinics, teaching gardening classes, writing newspaper and website articles, working in Broomfield’s demonstration garden, and mentoring community gardening and greening projects.
• Annual Renewal. Continuing CMGs must contribute at least 24 hours of volunteer service annually and complete 12 continuing education hours (often provided by CSU in your local county or online). CMGs in good standing complete renewal paperwork and contribute annual dues (typically $25) to recommit for the upcoming year.

For more information about volunteering, visit the Broomfield Master Gardener page or contact us.