Program Purpose

Certified Advanced Louisiana Master Gardener volunteers will extend the educational outreach capacity of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service in areas such as home, school and community gardens, emphasizing environmental sustainability and nutrient management.

Program Requirements

The Advanced Louisiana Master Gardener Program is open to current Louisiana Master Gardener volunteers in good standing who have completed all initial coursework and at least three consecutive years of volunteer service.

Program Fee

Advanced LMG Program Fee - $100

Purchasing the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual can be done through the LSU AgCenter Online Store. You may be able to rent a core manual from your local LSU AgCenter Office or borrow a copy from a fellow LMG volunteer who has completed the Advanced LMG Program.

Program Expectations

• Complete all three program phases.
• Demonstrate mastery of concepts by passing exams with a score of 70% or higher.
• Present information to public (LMG groups, civic organizations, etc.).
• Maintain required volunteer and continuing education hours.

Program Phases

Phase 1

Pesticide Safety Review – Part of your responsibilities as an Advanced Louisiana Master Gardener volunteer will be explaining pesticide safety and environmental awareness to the public. Prior to submitting your Advanced Louisiana Master Gardener application, you should obtain the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual through the LSU AgCenter Online Store (or borrow a copy from a fellow LMG volunteer). Review this material and pass a multiple-choice test administered by the Louisiana Master Gardener Program. You are not required to obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator License but are welcome to pursue this through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry if you choose.

Submit application – A fillable PDF document can be found at the bottom of this page. Please submit the completed form to the LMG State Coordinator at LMGCoordinator@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Phase 2

Complete 5 Core Classes

• Nutrient Management
• First Detector/Plant Diagnostics
• Integrated Pest Management
• Water Quality/Irrigation
• Communication Skills

Phase 3

Complete 2 Interest Area Classes. Select topics will be offered each year.

Graduation

Program Delivery

Core class will be held online utilizing the Microsoft Teams Classroom platform. All classes will be recorded for use by participants wanting to review the information at a later date and time. Logistics regarding dates and times for Interest Area Classes will be determined during year two. A tentative calendar can be viewed on the "FAQs and Schedules" page.