Extension Master Gardener Program

A gardening class online?

It may seem counterintuitive to learn about gardening and composting online, yet the mission of UVM Extension is to make University resources accessible to individuals across the State of Vermont. By offering our courses online, we are able to provide these resources in a cost-effective and accessible way to reach people in many different locations - rural and urban - who would not otherwise have access to one physical location. Plus, we are reducing our carbon footprint by offering the course online! A rough estimate shows we save around 12.29 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents by offering each course in this way. Our online courses also provides flexibility to schedule your learning around work, family, and leisure time.
 

Getting an Extension Foundation Account

The course is hosted on the online Campus Site of the national Extension Foundation.

To register for the course (and other courses we offer), you must have an Extension Foundation account. You may use your Google or your Microsoft account to create an account at this site and subsequently log in. If you do not have either, then please select the "Create new account" button at the Login for the Extension Foundation Online Campus or use the Account Creation Form which does not require email validation.

If you have any problems or questions about creating your account, see the Extension Foundation's Campus Help Page.

The course syllabus subject to change.

View the 2027 Course Syllabus (PDF).

We accept VSAC and AmeriCorps grants to cover course costs.

Some of our volunteer-led local Extension Master Gardener Chapters and other organizations also offer scholarships for students in certain locations in the state.

Learn more about scholarships and grant awards.

Extension Master Gardener Manual

The required text for the course is the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Manual available for $75 plus shipping through PennState. This 880-page book is comprehensive and covers topics included in and beyond the scope of the course. 

The manual is NOT included in the registration fee. Please order the manual upon registration.

Other Access Options

If you are unable to purchase the manual, we have placed copies in multiple libraries around the state, see list below.

You may lend the book from one of these libraries directly or through an interlibrary loan. Talk to your local librarian for details about how to make an interlibrary loan request. Please keep in mind that the library loan period will likely be shorter then the duration of the course, so you may need to renew the book several times. This period varies by library, so be sure to ask your librarian about their loan period policies. Some libraries will offer an extended loan period, so be sure to ask your local library if this is possible.

One copy of the Penn State Master Gardener Manual, are available at the following locations:

• Burlington -- Fletcher Free Library
• Burlington -- UVM Howe Library
• Brattleboro -- Brooks Memorial Library
• Montpelier -- Kellog-Hubbard Library
• Rutland Free Library
• St. Albans Free Library
• St. Johnsbury Athenaeum
   

The course offers two tracks: Track 1 for volunteer certification and Track 2 is an at-your-own pace option. Read about each track below.

You can use our course track decision tree (PDF) to help you decide which track is the best fit for you.

About Track 1 (Volunteer Certification Track): Become an Extension Master Gardener!

The UVM Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Certification program, also known as Track 1, requires an application process and background check for Vermont residents interested in participating. Students who are interested in this track have access to the online course with a weekly schedule that includes real-time Q&A sessions with instructors, quizzes, weekly activities and strict due dates. Students in this track commit to completing all course assignments on time, and go on to a 40-hour volunteer-internship requirement over a 2-year period after the course.

Track 1 is only open to students who have lived in Vermont for more than 1 year by the close of the course.

Expectations of Track 1 (Volunteer Track) Students:

• Commit to completing all course requirements on time (including weekly readings, pre-recorded lectures, quizzes and final exam) and attending all the weekly Zoom sessions on Thursday evenings. We estimate that Track 1 students devote about 6 hours per week to successfully complete the course.
• Complete volunteerism paperwork during the first week of the course: Volunteer Application, a background check consent form (if you have lived in Vermont for more than a year) or fingerprinting process (if you have lived in Vermont for less than a year); and our Minor Protection Training.
• Participate in a 40-hour volunteer internship (over 2 years).

Benefits to Becoming a Certified Extension Master Gardener:

• Course completion letter and intern badge.
• Certified Extension Master Gardener badge and certificate (upon completion of 40 volunteer hours).
• Access to UVM faculty and staff expertise and other professionals.
• Learn from other Extension Master Gardeners.
• Give back to your community.
• A network of EMG colleagues that includes thousands of Vermonters.
• Access to a number of special offers, discounts and educational opportunities.

Track 1 - EMG Certification is a Good Fit for someone who is:

• A Vermont resident for 1+ years (required).
• Comfortable using a online-course platform and Zoom.
• Able to commit to the course schedule and complete all assignments on time.
• Eager to make a difference in your community.
• Enjoys sharing knowledge with members of your community / general public.
• Committed to research- / science-based home horticulture information.
• Able to interact amicably and professionally with others.
• Committed to environmental stewardship.
• Dedicated to completing 40 hours of volunteerism within 2 years of taking the course.
• Committed to maintaining volunteer certification. 

About Track 2: At-Your-Own-Pace

Track 2 is open to students outside Vermont and Vermonters who would like to take the course at their own pace. Track 2 students have access to all course content but pursue the course at their leisure with a completely optional weekly schedule, assignments and due dates. There is no volunteer requirement and no Extension Master Gardener volunteer certification for Track 2 students. Students who successfully complete the course receive a Home Horticulture Certificate of Completion that may be used for personal or professional advancement purposes.

Expectations of Track 2 (At-Your-Own-Pace) Students:

• If interested in a Home Horticulture Certificate, complete the course quizzes and final exam before the course closes.
• It is estimated that Track 2 students spend 3 to 5 hours each week to complete assignments, quizzes, and watch recorded sessions.

Track 2 Benefits:

• No schedule, no hassle.
• Access the materials for your own learning as your leisure.
• Receive the Home Horticulture Certificate of Completion.*

*Please note: The Home Horticulture Certificate of Completion does not imply that the holder is representing the University of Vermont as a certified Extension Master Gardener volunteer.

Track 2 is a Good Fit for Someone who is:

• Not a Vermont resident.
• Not interested or doesn't have time to volunteer.
• Self-motivated.
• Interested in navigating course content at their own leisure without following the course schedule.
• Interested in gardening information for your own knowledge.
• Working in a field related to gardening and wants to learn more about the science of gardening.
• Interested in a professional qualification (The Home Horticulture Certificate of Completion can be used as a professional qualification on a resume).

Registration Deadline

The registration deadline for the 2027 course is midnight, January 8, 2027. We are unable to accept students to the course after this date but would be happy to add you to our contact list for next year's course.

If you registered for the course but have not received communication by the registration deadline, please reach out.

Dropping the Course / Refund Policy

The final date to drop the course and request a refund is midnight on January 29, 2027. We are unable to process refunds after this date. We can, however, move Track 1 students over to Track 2 upon written request.

Accommodations

To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Deb Heleba at debra.heleba@uvm.edu or 802-656-1777 by January 8, 2027 so we may assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. If you have additional questions about the course, please reach out to Deb Heleba at debra.heleba@uvm.edu. Thank you!

I work at the University of Vermont -- does our tuition remission benefit apply to this course?

No, since the EMG course is offered as a non-credit course and is not listed with the UVM Registrar’s office, it is not available for tuition remission. That said, we do accept VSAC and Americorps awards. 

As a Track 2 student, can I attend the live Zoom sessions?

Our Track 2 students have access to all content as our Track 1 students. The only difference is that, since the Track is at your own pace, Track 2 students do not participate in the live Zoom sessions but rather have access to the recordings posted the next day. The good news is that as a Track 2 student, you still have the option to ask questions of our instructors – all students are asked to post a question in advance of the Zooms (required for Track 1 students, optional for Track 2). The Zoom sessions review the answers to the questions that all students pose. So, you won’t be missing anything as a Track 2 student and can truly enjoy the content at your own pace.

If I register and complete the course as a Track 1 (volunteer certification) student, can I volunteer where ever I want after the course?

If you successfully complete the course as a Track 1 student, you become eligible to serve as a UVM Extension Master Gardener volunteer. However, volunteer activities must be conducted through approved UVM Extension Master Gardener projects, programs, and partnerships. Volunteers have some flexibility in where and how they volunteer, but volunteer hours must be completed through approved Extension Master Gardener activities rather than any garden or organization you choose independently.

What are some examples of volunteer activities the program approves?

Our educational mission means that activities must provide gardening education and outreach to benefit the public and must align with UVM Extension's commitment to sharing research-based horticultural information. A list of approved EMG projects are available on our website. Beyond these place-based educational demonstration gardens, examples of approved volunteer activities include:

• Staffing “Ask-an-EMG” tables and booths at farmers markets, fairs, library events, and more.
• Creating educational materials, articles, displays, or outreach content for the program.
• Teaching gardening workshops or giving presentations to community groups.
• Participating in approved community/citizen science projects.
• Organizing volunteer-run chapter activities.