How Can I Become a Master Gardener?
Become a Master Gardener
The 2023 Delaware Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Statewide Training Program, for residents living in New Castle, Kent or Sussex counties is held held twice weekly, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. in the fall beginning in September until the end of November. Classes will be offered hybrid with in person and online sessions using Zoom. Some training sessions will require travel to other Extension Offices within the three counties.
As a member of the 2023 Delaware Master Gardener training class, you are expected to:
- Complete the course of study
- Volunteer 40 hours by November 1, 2024
- Gain an additional 5 hours of advanced training by November 1, 2024
Applications will be accepted until late May. The training fee, if you are accepted into the training class, is $150.00. Selected applicants will be notified by the County Coordinator and will be required to confirm their acceptance, pay the training fee, and successfully complete a background check sent by the University by a set date in June, to enroll in the training. Candidates who do not complete background checks will not be considered.
Applicants will be notified by Mid July (by telephone, if possible) whether they will be seated for the class of 2023. All applicants are encouraged to attend a meet and greet event which will be offered in early June 2023. Additional details will be provided to the applicants at the end of May. If you are unable to attend this orientation event, please notify your County Coordinator.
Kent County: Megan Pleasanton, DSU mpleasanton [at] desu.edu, 302.242.5692
Kent County Application
New Castle County: Carrie Murphy, UD cjmurphy [at] udel.edu, 302.832.1425
New Castle County Application
Sussex County: Tracy Wootten, UD wootten [at] udel.edu, 302.236.0298
Sussex County Application