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Thank you for showing an interest in the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Program. The LSU AgCenter Master Gardener Program is designed to develop volunteers for the purpose of aiding educational outreach efforts for the LSU AgCenter carried out by your respective county agent. Master Gardener volunteers are highly trained and provide proven, research-based educational programs to Louisiana residents.
Before submitting the application, make note of the class times and dates as all classes are required to obtain the status of Master Gardener apprentice. Also note that volunteers selected for the 2025 Master Gardener class will be screened (background check) to ensure the safety of all participants and potential audiences.
Acceptance into the LSU AgCenter Louisiana Master Gardener Training Program is based upon your qualifications and the current volunteer needs of the County Agent. If selected participants will be notified by September 1st, 2025, if accepted into the program. Only those who have been accepted will be contacted.
Please thoroughly read the entire application and fill it out to the best of your abilities. The information you provide will aid the selection committee when selecting the participants that will be allowed to register for the 2025 class.
If accepted, you will be required to pay a $190 course fee, covering the cost of training materials, name tags, and classroom supplies. Do not send payments with this application.
This year's class will start on Monday September 15, 2025 at 6 pm at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. We will have classes every week at the same time and place until December 2, 2025. The application deadline is Friday August 22 at midnight. We will be utilizing online videos for the lecture portion that students will watch at home, and we will meet weekly in person for chapter discussion, quizzes, and hands on activities. In-Person classroom time will be utilized for chapter discussion with activities and demonstrations as needed. Chapter quizzes, evaluations, and a pre/posttest are utilized to measure progress. Students will be required to attend all training sessions, field trips (if applicable), review all program material, and complete all required activities. Topics covered during the training include: Master Gardener Program History, Botany, Plant Propagation, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Soils, Pesticide Safety, Lawn Care, Vegetables/Herbs, Soil Testing, Fruit Trees, Annuals, Herbaceous Plants, Plant Nutrition, and Pruning.
Upon completion of this class, there is an additional requirement of 40 hours of service within the first year of completing coursework (2026) to obtain Certified Master Gardener status. Each year following Certified Master Gardeners are required to complete 20 hours of service and 6 hours of education to maintain active status in the program, with some hours of service devoted to direct education of the public (youth or adult). The hours of service must have approval from Bert Hammett or Ashley Barfield prior to being logged into Master Gardener system or will not be counted towards your required total. All requirements will be further discussed upon orientation for those accepted into the Master Gardener Class of 2025.
