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Q: What is a Master Gardener?
A: The Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program extends the outreach of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln by providing volunteers with science-based horticulture education, which prepares them to share their knowledge with others.
Q: What do Master Gardeners do?
A: The Nebraska Master Gardener program is a horticulture-related volunteer training program. It has been part of UNL Extension since 1976. Master Gardener volunteers are trained by UNL Extension faculty and staff. Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers to provide horticulture-related information to their community in a variety of ways. New volunteers are required to complete 40 hours of service during their first year; returning Master Gardeners are required to complete 20 hours of volunteer service per year.
Q: What does the training look like?
A: No qualifications or prior knowledge about horticulture is needed. New Master Gardener volunteers are required to complete 40 hours of education during their first year. Much of this education will be covered through self-paced training using an online platform called TopHat - an online book embedded with videos and quizzes to prepare you for the open-book exam at the end. New volunteers need to pass this open-book exam to earn their Master Gardener certification. You will be able to access TopHat at home or anywhere with internet, at anytime of the day so training is flexible with your schedule. Education topics include integrated pest management, weeds, insects, diseases, plant selection, landscape management, soils, and fertility. The content level is focused on the home gardener, but the material is also appropriate for employees in the green industry. Additional classes will be held for advanced training: Zoom video classes on Tuesday evenings in February-March and in-person classes in Grand Island, NE, during the day in March.
Q: Is there a cost?
A: While the goal of the Nebraska Master Gardener program is to remain affordable, there is a cost for initial training. The 2026 registration fee for new Extension Master Gardeners is $250.
Q: How do I sign up?
Find an application online at
https://mastergardener.unl.edu/ne-emgv-webform-application-page-2026/
Have additional questions? Want to try out a monthly meeting of the Adams County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers?
Stop by the Adams County Extension office at 2975 South Baltimore Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska, and ask for Rita Brhel. You can also contact Rita at (402) 461-7209 or rbrhel3@nebraska.edu.