Horticulture - Master Gardener Program in Cumberland County
Become a Cumberland County Master Gardener Volunteer!
A Master Gardener knows
- how to turn leaves, grass, and kitchen scraps into garden gold — compost
- how to amend soil and benefit the environment
- the difference between beneficial insects and pests
- how to get the most out of Maine’s short growing season
- the knowledge to solve common gardening problems
Maine’s Master Gardener Program provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the science of horticulture. Trainees receive current, research-based information from Extension educators and horticulture experts.
In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise in many ways for community programs and activities.
As part of a national Cooperative Extension effort, Master Gardeners are recognized as well-trained practitioners who serve their communities.
Master Gardener Projects might include:
- teaching children about the environment
- developing school gardening projects
- designing and building barrier-free gardens for persons with disabilities
- developing demonstration gardens to test different plant varieties
- planning and conducting educational workshops
- designing and constructing displays for special events
- Maine Harvest for Hunger program, a program to assist in feeding the homeless and hungry
Master Gardeners can help direct their own advance training.
Here are examples of how Maine Master Gardeners have helped each other learn more: In several Maine counties, Master Gardeners have created demonstration gardens, which are excellent places to teach other gardeners at field days, workshops and tours. They also provide places where Master Gardeners can experiment with new techniques, design theme gardens and hone their gardening skills.
The 2013 Master Gardener Application process is completed; please connect with us to be placed on the interest list for 2014.
For more information, contact University of Maine Cooperative Extension Cumberland County at 207.781.6099 or 1.800.287.1471 (in Maine) or extension.rlreception@maine.edu.