Routt County Master Gardeners
Growing Plants. Growing People.
It can be a real challenge to garden in Routt County but the results can be amazing. Cooperative Extension and our team of Master Gardener Volunteers are here to help you come up with creative strategies to become a successful gardener despite the small number of frost-free days (59 days), low average temperature (39 degrees), and high elevation (above 6,500 feet). Our Agents and Master Gardener Volunteers are here to answer your questions, like what’s bugging your beans, or which trees grow best here, or when can I expect the first fall frost?
Routt County is very lucky to have a thriving, active group of Colorado Master Gardeners who volunteer more than 2,000 hours each year to serving our community. These dedicated volunteers assist Routt County Extension staff by providing knowledge and research-based information to the public. Their reward? Thriving landscapes all over the county and life-long friendships!
Master Gardeners Seasonal Office Hours
Routt county master gardeners hold office hours on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting on the first Thursday of May and running through the first Thursday of September. All are welcome to come by with questions. Master Gardeners also offer on-site visits for information and advice on raised beds, plant placement, soil amendment, tree management, rodent control, weed issues, and more.
If you would like to schedule an on-site visit, please contact us with a few potential dates and any questions you would like addressed. Visits are scheduled at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
You can also email or call the master gardeners during office hours at (970) 879-0825 to ask a question. Please bring photos (or attach them to your email) so the gardeners can better help you. Our volunteer master gardeners typically respond within a week during the growing season.
Who are the Colorado Master Gardeners?
The Colorado Master Gardener program is a unique intersection between University Horticulture expertise and community volunteers interested in educating locally. We’re hands-on in educational school gardens, we’re helping grow food for local communities, and we’re passionate about pollinators.
The Master Gardener Program is a community-based, horticulture training and volunteer program through CSU Extension. After completing in-depth training, Master Gardeners help the gardening public solve their horticulture-related problems with scientific, research-based knowledge, while providing meaningful outreach.
Interested in becoming a Master Gardener?
If you live in Colorado and love gardening and volunteering, consider joining! Applications are accepted in August for classes starting in November.
Green School
Want to take the classes but don’t have the time to volunteer? Build your gardening knowledge with CSU Extension’s Green School, an online program focused on the science and practices of successful plant care. Learn how to manage fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals through every season using proven, climate-aware techniques.