To learn about the Colorado Master Gardener program in Pueblo County, click the follow links to jump to those topics:
About the program
CMG impact graphic
Training details and schedule
Engaging in local projects
Application Info – Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice
Report and renew
Colorado Gardener Certificate option
Growing Plants. Growing People.
The Colorado Master Gardener program is a unique intersection between University Horticulture expertise and community volunteers interested in educating locally.
Who are Colorado Master Gardeners (CMGs)? We’re hands on in educational school gardens, we’re helping grow food for local communities, and we’re passionate about pollinators. Some of us are tree huggers, most of us are plant (and insect) lovers. We all get that gardening here takes grit. Which is why we’re providing local expertise for Colorado’s diverse plants and people
We are Master Gardeners. Powered by CSU. Grow with us!
About our program
About our program
We’re looking for volunteers interested in education and outreach using research-based horticulture information. As a Master Gardener, you’ll be a Colorado State University (CSU) Extension volunteer giving back in your local community.
Newly accepted volunteers begin as Apprentices. This means you’re in-training to become a Master Gardener. We provide 14 self-paced training courses that occur online, and Q&A and lab sessions held in-person. In Pueblo County, one training session is offered each year starting in November through April. Classes are held online through a program called Canvas, and some live on Zoom. The Q&A and lab sessions are held in the office on most Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings during training.
Following training, apprentices are encouraged to engage in local projects which vary widely. We require a 50-hour volunteer commitment your first year and you volunteer in your community.
Master Gardener Impact Graphic
Master Gardener Impact Graphic
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Training Details
Training Details
Colorado Master Gardeners receive in-depth horticulture training provided by University faculty, staff, and specialists. Training is critical to ensure that all volunteers have access to the information necessary to support our mission.
Our program’s training includes both in-person and online classes offered through CSU Online. Courses are specific to Colorado’s climate, soil, environment, insects, wildlife, and plants. Training is a big commitment and includes online classes, reading (online, no textbooks required), homework, Q&A sessions, and a few labs. The program is interesting, fun and encourages social interaction with your fellow trainees.
Topics include: Soils & Amendments, Botany, Vegetables, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Plant Pathology & Diagnostics, Turfgrass Management, Weed Management, Small Fruits, Science of Planting Trees, and Tree Care.
Apprentices must complete all on-line modules, and pass the final exam (open book, open note, researching encouraged) with a 75% or better.
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Engaging in local projects
Engaging in local projects
The CMG Volunteer’s audience is exclusively home gardeners. We answer many questions including those on landscape plants, turfgrass, and trees as well as house plants, vegetable gardens and greenhouses.
Types of volunteer service can include answering phone calls and emails from home or at the Pueblo County Extension office, staffing diagnostic clinics and booths, teaching gardening classes, writing newspaper and website articles and mentoring community gardening and greening projects.
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Apply to become a Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice
Apply HERE to become a Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice
This option has a lower cost, but 50 volunteer hours are required after completion of the course. Tuition for this course is $200.00, plus the 50 hours of volunteer time.
The deadline for applications for the 2025 Master Gardener training class is August 31, 2024. Space is limited. Acceptance into a program is at the discretion of the local county staff and all volunteers must pass a criminal background check. Volunteer interviews are standard to assess the commitment, strengths, and interests each applicant will bring to the program. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination and we proudly uphold the CSU Principles of Community.
Colorado Master Gardener Application Process
Online application here: https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_28XILNR3giv06Sa
Interview – in person or via Zoom
Reference check
Background check
Payment
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Report & Renew Annually
Report & Renew Annually
Colorado Master Gardeners are active across the state and their impacts are impressive. We have a user-friendly reporting system so that logging hours, reporting outreach and signing up for projects is simple. We’re required to report our efforts locally and to the state annually – we want to show off the good work our volunteers are doing!
After we’ve put our outdoor gardens to bed, we start our annual renewal process for all Master Gardeners. The Master Gardener year runs from November 1 to October 31. Continuing CMGs must contribute at least 24 hours of volunteer service annually and complete 12 continuing education hours (often provided by the local CSU Extension office or online). CMGs in good standing complete renewal paperwork online and contribute annual dues ($35) to recommit for the upcoming year.
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Colorado Gardener Certificate Option
Colorado Gardener Certificate Option
No volunteer hours required, but the cost for the 15-week course is $545.
Adults (aged 18+) interested in taking the Colorado Master Gardener (CMG) training without a volunteer commitment may enroll in the same course for a higher fee in lieu of volunteer service. This option is referred to as the Certified Colorado Gardener Certificate program.
Training Courses & Expectations
You’ll receive in-depth horticulture training provided by University faculty, staff, and specialists.
- Our program’s training includes both in-person and online classes offered through CSU Online. Courses are specific to Colorado’s climate, soil, environment, insects, wildlife, and plants. Training is a big commitment and includes online classes, reading (online, no textbooks required), homework, Q&A sessions and a few labs.
- Topics include: Soils & Amendments, Botany, Vegetables, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Plant Pathology & Diagnostics, Turfgrass Management, Weed Management, Small Fruits, Science of Planting Trees, and Tree Care.
Earning your Certificate
Upon completion of the course, you’ll receive a Colorado Gardener Certificate. However, because there is no subsequent volunteer commitment, participants do not become Colorado Master Gardeners.
The Colorado Gardener Certificate may be displayed in a place of business and used in business marketing.
Enrolling
To enroll in this option, complete the online Colorado Gardener Certificate Enrollment Form and pay the fee of $545.
Registration opens 10/1/24
Registration information: csugreenschool.org
Application deadline is 10/30/24.
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