Master Gardener Students Volunteer Requirements
Between the beginning and end of the MGT class, all students enrolled in Master Gardener Training must complete a 60 hours volunteer apprenticeship, which serves as the hands-on learning segment of the course. All volunteer work is done under the supervision of an MMGA certified Master Gardener.
Requirements: Students must complete at least 15 hours of their apprenticeship by May 31st, and may begin participating in MMGA continuing education offerings after May 15th. Students must complete at least an additional 30 hours of volunteering (for a total of 45) by September 1st in order to be eligible to continue with the Fall section of the course.
For students, apprenticeship is divided into several categories, each with different numbers of required hours. The purpose of this is to give students experience in each of the areas in which Master Gardeners serve the community. Those required hours add up to 48; the additional 12 hrs may be in any category except education.
The categories are as follows:
Approved Gardening, 12 – 24 hrs: MG students are required to spend a minimum of 12 hours gardening at a pre-approved garden site, under the guidance of a certified Master Gardener. Gardens at Elm Bank are available for students to work at. Weather permitting, there will be an MG available to supervise gardening every day after class, and sometimes on mornings before class, allowing students to accrue gardening hours without extra travel time. Additionally, many students choose to arrange for gardening hours before or after their helpline times. There are also other approved gardens, such as Tower Hill and NEWFS Garden in the Woods. In addition, many certified MGs volunteer in gardens which serve the public; these gardens are at various locations in eastern MA. MG students may volunteer at these pre-approved gardens under the guidance of a certified MG.
Helpline, 8- 24 hrs ( 4-hour shifts): Master Gardeners run helpline services located at Elm Bank in Wellesley and Tower Hill in Boylston. The helpline is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10-2 (this varies seasonally and by location). Students sign up for helpline shifts on the first day of class, and will be paired with an experienced MG while on the helpline. It is important to note that Helpline hours must be completed during the workdays indicated. Helpline cannot be done on weekends or evenings.
Outreach, 12 -24 hrs: Outreach occurs when a Master Gardener is sharing horticultural information with the public (helpline is a specialized outreach category). Examples include horticultural information booths at fairs (helpline live), children’s programs, Speakers Bureau and school gardens. MG students will be paired with an experienced Master Gardener when volunteering for outreach. Outreach opportunities occur at a variety of times in various locations around eastern MA.
MMGA administration, 6 hrs: MG students are required to perform 6 hrs of administrative work supporting the MMGA, an all-volunteer organization. Examples include attending membership meetings, attending a committee meeting, helping with a committee, setting up for an educational event, or assisting with paperwork.
Continuing Education, 6 hrs (may begin once a student has completed 15 hrs in any other category): MG students must take 6 hours of continuing education, in addition to scheduled coursework. Students are welcome to take advantage of MMGA continuing education opportunities, including garden tours, visit-a-master-gardener tours and lectures. MMGA education is free of charge to current students. Students may also choose to take outside horticultural education from approved organizations, which include Tower Hill, MHS, New England Wild Flower Society and Arnold Arboretum.