You can find information on the Colorado Master Gardener Program here: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/about/become-a-colorado-master-gardener-2/.)

Master gardeners are garden educators, providing yard and garden information to residential clients as representatives of Colorado State University.

Application Process

To become a Colorado Master Gardener, you have to submit an application. Applications will be accepted August 1-31 at the link above. Initially, there is an application and background check. 

Training

The core training (called Green School) is online using the Canvas platform and runs from the end of October/early November 2024 to March 2025. It is a mix of self-paced and live, virtual sessions.

The live, virtual sessions take place Wednesday night and Thursday mornings and last 1.5 hours. You pick one of those sessions to attend per week. 

Volunteer Requirement

Master gardeners complete a 50-hour volunteer apprenticeship and that is completed their first year, between April and October 2025.

Or there is a two-year option where a 60-hour apprenticeship must be completed by October 31, 2026. 

Volunteer Activities

The apprenticeship is completed by participating in CSU-sponsored activities. Contact your local Extension office for information.

Continuing Master Gardeners

After the apprentice year, to remain in the program, master gardeners complete 24 volunteer hours and 12 hours of continuing education--all of which are available through CSU. 

Training without the Volunteer Requirement

If you are interested in just the training, without the volunteer requirement, you can register for Green School through the Certified Colorado Gardener program. You then have three years after that to apply to become a Colorado Master Gardener if you decide you'd like to do that and have time for the volunteer component.

Training Cost

The cost for accepted master gardeners is $200. For the non-volunteer track, the cost is $545 Regular Price (or if you register early, the price is $495) for the non-volunteer track.

For More Information About the Program in Garfield County

Contact your local CSU Extension office <personal data hidden>.