1️⃣ Come to a Meeting
The best way to start is to come to one of our meetings and meet our members. We’re a lively group, passionate about gardening. We meet at 7:00 pm on the first Wednesday of every month except January, July and August. Meetings combine in-person (in the Halton/Hamilton region) and virtual (Zoom) formats.
Simply email us to let us know you’d like to attend. Our Membership Coordinator will send you details about the next meeting and answer any questions. At the meeting, you’ll be invited to introduce yourself and share why you came. For example: “I’ve always enjoyed my garden and I’m eager to learn more,” or “I have a large garden and would like to share my passion with others.”
2️⃣ Apply to Join
Came to a meeting and want to join? Here’s what happens next:
- Email haltonmastergardeners@gmail.com or use the contact form to let us know you’d like to become a member.
- Complete the application form.
- Once your application is reviewed, our Membership Coordinator will set up an interview on Zoom.
- Once you’re accepted, you’ll sign a Master Gardener Agreement so you know what’s expected. You’re now a Master Gardener in Training (MGiT)!
3️⃣ Learn as a Master Gardener in Training
All Master Gardeners aim to inspire and motivate the public about gardening while expanding their own horticultural knowledge. As an MGiT, you’ll attend monthly meetings and take part in activities, including advice clinics for the public and yearly social events.
MGiTs can be paired with a mentor, and are often partnered with one or two Master Gardeners for on-the-job training at public events. Your gardening expertise will grow quickly as you hear questions from the public and work out the answers. All Master Gardeners and MGiTs complete 30 hours of volunteer work a year.
4️⃣ Complete the Education Component
To become a certified Master Gardener, MGiTs complete an educational component. There are three ways to do it, and you may take up to 3 years. All costs are the responsibility of the MGiT.
University of Guelph
Required courses:
- Plant Identification
- Soils and Plant Growth
- Integrated Pest Management
Dalhousie University
Master Gardener Training Program. Required courses:
- The Science of Gardening
- Maintaining the Garden
- Plant ID
- The Art of Gardening
Self-Study and Exam
Best suited to motivated learners or those with horticultural experience or education.
Have questions? We’d be happy to help.
