If the Extension services in your county or reservation offers the Master Gardener program, they will determine the time and location of the class. For further information regarding the Montana Master Gardener program in your county contact your local MSU county or reservation Extension office.

The costs of the Extension Master Gardener courses are determined by the county or reservation Extension service that offers the course. Inquire with your local county or reservation Extension office for more information. 

You must pass the open book exam with an 80% or better to become certified.

During or upon completion of your training, you will meet with the program coordinator in your county or Reservation to discuss your talents and the needs of Cooperative Extension. You will choose a volunteer placement that will best utilize your knowledge and skills while helping Extension to meet community needs. Volunteer commitments may include but are not limited to: 

  • Answering horticulture questions at your local Extension or reservation offices or answering questions to individuals in your community.
  • Staffing clinics or workshops.
  • Staffing booths at fairs and farmers markets.
  • Writing horticulture articles.
  • Support the design, installation and maintenance of community gardens.
  • Teaching Master Gardener classes.
  • Preparation for Master Gardener classes.
  • Applied research through the county Extension office.
  • Other volunteer placements that help meet the needs of the community.

As a representative of Montana State University, Master Gardener volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in the same manner that all Extension employees follow.  A volunteer who is unable to adhere to the MSU Extension Master Gardener Code of Conduct may be "deselected".  Such decisions will be determined by the county or reservation Extension agent or Master Gardener Coordinator, in conjunction with the state Master Gardener Coordinator. 

You will receive the title “Master Gardener” upon certification. You may not use the name “Master Gardener” to promote any private entity such as a business or consulting service.  The training and education received from the Montana Master Gardener program may be listed as qualifications on a resume, however, you may only represent yourself as a Master Gardener when you are performing volunteer work for an Extension sponsored program.

To be considered a certified Montana Master Gardener you must complete the in-class training, pass the exam, and fulfill the volunteer requirement.

Unfortunately, Montana does not have a reciprocation policy for those that move to Montana from out-of-state. To become a certified Montana Master Gardener, you would have to certify in one of our course levels. 

An active Montana Master Gardener is a Master Gardener who has participated in and tracked volunteer activity along with obtaining continuing education units during the current calendar year.

The Montana Master Gardener Handbook is available through Montana State University Extension Publications. In some counties, books are pre-purchased for class participants. To purchase the Montana Master Gardener Handbook, contact Extension Publications via the contact information below: 

Tel: (406)994-3273
orderpubs@montana.edu

Buy online


For further information regarding the Montana Master Gardener program in your county or reservation contact yourlocal MSU Extension Office.

Sara Eilers
PO Box 173140
410 Leon Johnson Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717
Tel: (406) 994-2120 
sarah.eilers1@montana.edu