Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program

The Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) program in Georgia is a volunteer training program designed to help University of Georgia Cooperative Extension staff transfer research-based information about gardening and related subjects to the public by training home gardeners to be volunteer educators.

Steps to Becoming a Henry County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer:

Step 1: Application & Selection

Space in the annual training course is limited, and participants are selected based on their interest in being an Extension volunteer, their interest in community service, as well as their knowledge, expertise, and experience in related areas. Selected applicants will complete an interview, reference check, and background screening before being approved for the program. The program is not just for horticultural education but to train volunteers to conduct outreach programs in the community in a variety of ways.

Step 2: Training Classes

The Master Gardener Training Course prepares selected MGEV Trainees for their volunteer role. Trainees complete a minimum 50 hours of horticultural training consisting of lectures and hands-on activities. Examples of classes include soil science, pest management, growing vegetables and fruit, and many others. Participants also receive a copy of the 8th Edition Georgia Master Gardener Handbook.

To pass the course and continue in the program, Trainees must receive a course average of 70% or higher on the final. There will be open book quizzes after each session that will help you prepare.

Step 3: Required Volunteer Activity

Within the first year after training, the MGEV Trainee must do 50 hours of volunteer service Extension-approved projects, the Trainee is recognized as an official Master Gardener Extension Volunteer and receives a certificate of their title achievement.

To remain a current, active MGEV, volunteers complete at least 25 hours of volunteer service, 10 hours of continuing education each year and track their hours using an online record-keeping system. Henry County has many Master Gardener Extension Volunteers who engage in numerous outreach programs.

Notice for out-of-county applicants:

The Henry County Master Gardener Program is open to residents of surrounding counties. However, Trainees are expected to complete their volunteer service within Henry County on Extension-approved projects.

The application period for 2026 is closed. We will have the ones for 2027 posted by August 2026. Thank you for your interest in the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program. Please contact Timothy Daly at 770-288-8421 or tdaly@uga.edu with any questions or concerns. 

Volunteer activities include:

• Plant Clinics
• Gardening with youth at elementary schools
• Master Gardener Plant sale
• Henry County Farmer's Market booth 
• Shade House Garden
• Nolan House Demonstration Garden
• County 4H Project Achievement Awards program
• Extension General Support
• Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Administration
• Arbor Day tree give away
• Making presentations
• MGEV Scholarship Program
• Cubihatcha Water Reservoir with 3rd graders
• Mentoring interns
• Working with seniors
• Working with local libraries on MG Sprouts for children 6 to 8
• Symposium to teach area residents about gardening

For more information contact Timothy Daly at  (770) 288-8421 or tdaly@uga.edu