Master Gardeners

What is The Master Gardener Program?

The Master Gardener Program is a nationwide volunteer program that provides educational programs on horticulture topics.

Throughout New York State, Master Gardeners are trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening. They then go on to provide home and community gardeners with unbiased, research based gardening information through a “neighbors-teaching-neighbors” educational program.

Master Gardeners may teach such topics as:

Landscaping
Weed management
Composting & Soils
Fruits &Vegetables
Plant diseases
Herbs
Beneficial & harmful insects
Integrated pest management
Wildlife management
Water conservation
And much more!

Master Gardeners are an integral component of each county’s Extension program. The projects and functions carried out by Master Gardeners are based on the educational objectives of the local Extension program. 

What do our Genesee County Master Gardeners do?

• Staff the Consumer Helpline
• Work in gardens within the community
• Conduct gardening workshops
• Staff a booth at local Farmers’ Markets
• Judge 4-H exhibits at the County Fair
• Speaking engagements
• Host spring and fall Garden Galas
• Conduct Home Diagnostic Visits 

The Master Gardener program is a valuable asset for Genesee County residents, providing research based knowledge as an unbiased source of information to the community at large, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Master Gardeners donate their time and talents to our program. This varies year to year. In 2019, 85 Master Gardeners donated 4,318 hours to CCE. At the current NYS estimated value of volunteer time ($27.20 per hour, www.independentsector.org/volunteer_time) their time was worth $117,449. 

Our Help-line Master Gardeners fielded over 500 calls and questions on topics ranging from insect identification to disease diagnosis. For Genesee County residents who realize the benefits of gardening, the Master Gardeners are here to help.

Last updated September 29, 2023