What programs does CSU Extension offer for Gardening?
Colorado Master Gardenersm (CMG) –
“I want to be a volunteer for the Colorado Master Gardener program in my county.”
Colorado Master Gardeners are select individuals who have undergone specialized training from CSU to become active volunteers in their home county. Following completion of training**, CMG’s volunteer at the local county Extension Office, host info booths at area farmers’ markets, and assist with various types of local gardening programs.
Participants must apply to become a CMG volunteer. Once accepted to the program, participants must complete a specified number of volunteer hours and horticultural continuing education each year. Currently, the fee for the CMG training is $170, followed by a $25 renewal fee for each year in service.
Colorado Master Gardenersm is a registered service mark of Colorado State University Extension. It is used to identify volunteers serving in an official CSU Extension activities. It may not be used to infer credentials or otherwise imply endorsement of a private business. It may not be used on marketing materials of a business.
Colorado Gardener Certificate (CGC) –
“I want to take the course work but I don’t have time to volunteer. “
The Colorado Gardener Certificate is available for those wanting to obtain education on gardening in Colorado (training occurs with the CMG program). CGC students will not represent Colorado State University Extension as a volunteer following training. However, at the end of training, students will receive a certificate of completion showing that they have undergone the training course. The Colorado Gardener Certificate may be displayed in a place of business and used in business marketing. Participants in this training do not have a volunteer commitment, thus there is a higher fee for this program. Currently, the fee for the CGC training is $530.
**All Colorado Master Gardenersm trainees who successfully complete the CMG training will receive the Colorado Gardener Certificate.
Certified Gardener Program Offering – Online Classes
“I want to take the course work but I don’t have time to volunteer, or sit in a classroom for 6 hours. “
If you’re interested in the Colorado Master Gardener program, but don’t have the time available during the day to attend the classes or do the volunteering component, you may be interested in the online Certified Gardener program. Designed to be flexible and structured around your needs, the certified gardener training allows you to earn digital badges by taking individual courses, bundling courses, or completing the full program. Whether you’re a backyard gardener, interested in landscape pruning or home composting, or are a green industry professional, the CSU Extension Certified Gardener Program can be tailored to your goals.
- Although it is based on the Colorado Master GardenerSM curriculum, Certified Gardener is different in a few key areas:
- Certified Gardener does not have a required volunteer component.
- Because the Certified Gardener program is completely online, you are not bound by seasonality. Courses are offered at various times throughout the year, and you can register and take only the ones you want when it fits your schedule.
- The Certified Gardener program offers badges in specific areas that may be taken individually or as a bundle. In contrast, the Colorado Master Gardener program covers all topic areas in a face-to-face format without the ability to register for only specific courses.
- Learn more about the Certified Gardner program at https://www.online.colostate.edu/badges/certified-gardener/
