Hi Ashley! 

Thanks for reaching out to me about the master gardener program!

Here is a basic overview of the programs and how they compare to one another. I have also attached the training schedule and syllabus so you can get a sense of timeline. We will also have a Meet and Greet in January, 3 lab sessions between January and April, and then a kickoff event in April to start off the season. Volunteering begins more or less in May. Approximate dates for events will be available during your interview, which will remain subject to change upon the hire of our new Horticulture agent. The prices noted below all have scholarship options if you have a need for that type of resource.

https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/faq/ [cmg.extension.colostate.edu] Green School (Master gardener track or Certified Colorado Gardener Track)

Colorado Gardening Certificate ($475/Early Bird-$530/Regular)

Green school training, as outlined above in syllabus.

Once all courses (quizzes and tests) are passed, you will receive this certificate in the mail within 2 months of completing the curriculum.

You will have access to the educational content for one year.

Master Gardener ($200)

Green school training, as outlined above in syllabus.

3 in-person lab sessions.

50 hours of volunteer time in your first year as an apprentice (2024).

Social connectedness and making a difference in your community via the master gardener program.

When you participate as an apprentice, there are specific projects we ask you to participate in during your first year. I am attaching an outline of the distribution of those hours from last year, which will likely change slightly for next year and will be available in January. Below is an outline of the various projects.

Green School Training Schedule:

https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2023/08/2024-CGC-Green-School-Training-Schedule.pdf

Green School Full Syllabus: 

https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2023/08/CGC-Green-School-Course-Syllabus_2023-24.pdf

Click here to see active CMG projects in our county: https://jeffco.extension.colostate.edu/horticulture/colorado-master-gardener-program/master-gardener-projects/ [jeffco.extension.colostate.edu]

Here is the direct link to the apprenticeship application! CSU | Application for Colorado Master Gardener Volunteer (qualtrics.com) [colostate.az1.qualtrics.com]

Thanks, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!

Erin K. Decker

Colorado State University Extension

Volunteer Coordinator

Colorado Master Gardener and Native Plant Master Programs

She/They/Ella

<personal data hidden>

ph.<personal data hidden>

Hours | Monday + Friday 8:30a - 2:30p | Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 8:30a - 5:00p