A volunteer in training is expected to complete 100 percent of the prescribed hours of instruction. If, for any reason, you need to miss a class, please visit with your local LMG coordinator regarding missed class material.

In order to retain the Louisiana Master Gardener title, individuals are required to complete a minimum of 20 volunteer service hours and six continuing education hours each year. Documentation requirements and validation of volunteer service and continuing education hours are under the supervision of the local Master Gardener Program Coordinator or individual designated by the coordinator.

The Louisiana Master Gardener training program provides a balanced, integrated, practical course in gardening. Special topics, based on Louisiana gardening needs, are part of the curriculum and involve a balance of lecture and hands-on activities. The training is provided by LSU AgCenter Extension faculty and other horticulture experts.

Primary topics covered in the training include:

• Soils and Plant Nutrition
• Basic Botany and Plant Propagation
• Basic Plant Pathology and Entomology
• Vegetable Gardening
• Fruit Culture
• Woody Ornamentals
• Annuals and Perennials
• Lawn Management and Weeds
• Environmental Horticulture
• Diagnostics/Problem Solving

Classroom participation should include 100 percent attendance during the training period. If you need to miss a class session, please visit with your local LMG coordinator to make up the missed material. Class format differs by program, but most of the programs are held for three to six hours one or two days per week, and generally conducted at a parish Extension office. Upon completion of the formal coursework, participants are required to satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination on the materials covered.

To graduate as a Master Gardener, each trainee must pass a final examination. Examinations are prepared by the local Master Gardener Program coordinator in collaboration with class instructors.

Examinations are under the direction of the local LMG coordinator. As such, they may be open-book or closed. Final exams are designed to evaluate a trainee's ability to retrieve information from the Louisiana Master Gardener handbook and other horticultural resources.

A score of 70 percent or higher is needed to pass.

Louisiana offers 29 parish-level Master Gardener programs with volunteer participation in 58 parishes. LMG trainings are offered at various times during the year and at various parish Extension offices across the state.

To help you decide if you should apply to be a Master Gardener, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?
• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
• Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you.

The base fee for participation in the Louisiana Master Gardener Program is $150.

This amount covers costs for the training manual, name badge, certificate and supporting educational materials.

Additional overhead cost may be included as determined by the local Master Gardener Program coordinator and may vary from one parish to another depending on local situations.

2026 Southwest Master Gardener Class

Classes will be held at the Calcasieu Parish LSU AgCenter Office located at 7101 Gulf Hwy., Lake Charles, LA 70607.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm, between June 16th – August 11th.

The application link and more information can be found on this page: 2026 Classes. Applications are due by Friday, June 5th, 2026.

For more information, contact class coordinator, Robert Turley at 337-721-4080 or RTurley@agcenter.lsu.edu.

2026 Downriver Master Gardener Class (St. Bernard & Plaquemines)

Classes will be held between June 17th-August 19th, on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:00 PM.

Classes will be held at Docville Farm, 5124 E. St. Bernard Highway, Violet, LA, 70092.

Applications are due back to the coordinator by May 20th, 2026. Five scholarships are available to those in need of financial assistance and to teachers and non-profit employees interested in furthering their education.

For more information and an application, please contact Anna Timmerman at 504-278-4234 or atimmerman@agcenter.lsu.edu.

2026 North Central Louisiana Master Gardener Program

Classes will be held at the LSU AgCenter Lincoln Parish Extension Office, 307 N Homer Street, Ruston, LA 71270.

Classes will be held every Tuesday from June 30^th through September 8^th, from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.

For more information, contact class coordinator, Kyleigh Bass at 318-251-5134 or kyleighbass@agcenter.lsu.edu.

2026 Livingston Master Gardener Class

Classes will be held on Wednesdays between August 5th-November 11th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon. No class will be held on September 9th.

Classes will be held at the Southeastern Livingston Center located at 9261 Florida Blvd, Walker, LA 70785. At least one field trip will be planned to visit the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station.

A link to the online application and information about the upcoming class can be found here: 2026 Livingston Master Gardener Course Application – Fill out form

For more information, contact Clark Robertson at CRobertson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 225-686-3020.

2026 Feliciana Master Gardener Class

Classes will be held at the LSU AgCenter East Feliciana Parish Extension Office located at 4419 Idlewild Road, Clinton, LA 70722.

Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 9:00 am-12:00 noon, between August 12th – November 18th. One optional field trip will be offered.

The application link and more information can be found on this page: www.lsuagcenter.com/FelicianaMG. Applications are due by Friday, June 26th, 2026.

For more information, contact class coordinator, Jessie Hoover at 225-683-3101 or jhoover@agcenter.lsu.edu.

2026 Central Louisiana Master Gardener Class

Classes will be held the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday each month from August 19, 2026 – March 3, 2027 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

Classes will be held at Avoyelles Extension Office located at 8592 Hwy 1, Mansura, LA and a few field trips are planned.

For more information or to register contact Molly Lyles at mlyles@agcenter.lsu.edu or (318) 767-3968.

2026 Lafayette Master Gardener Class

Classes will be held on Thursdays from August 6 – November 12, from 8:45 AM - 3:00 PM.

Most classes will be held at ULL’s Ira Nelson Horticulture Center 2206 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA.

For more information or to apply online by May 31^st, please see Become a Lafayette Parish Master Gardener - Lafayette Parish Master Gardeners or contact the LSU AgCenter office in Lafayette at 337-291-7090.

2026 Tangipahoa Master Gardener Class (Tangipahoa and Washington)

Classes will be held on Wednesdays from August 12 – November 19, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 12 noon (no class on October 21). One or more optional field trips will be offered.

Most classes will be held at the Tangipahoa Parish LSU AgCenter Office at 305 E. Oak Street in Amite, LA.

The deadline to apply on this page is Friday, June 12, 2026.

For more information, contact class coordinator, Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson at 985-277-1850 or MHFerguson@agcenter.lsu.edu.

2026 Macon Ridge Master Gardener Class

Classes will be held at the Scott Research and Extension Center, 212 B Macon Ridge Road, Winnsboro, LA 71295.

Classes will be held in September and October and an orientation will be held in July. Classes will be held from 8:00 am – 12 noon on days of instruction.

For more information, contact class coordinator, Marcie Wilson at 318-766-3769 or mmwilson@agcenter.lsu.edu.