The Master Gardener Program in New York State is a group of volunteers trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening.

The program is part of our community horticulture outreach activity, educating home gardeners, youth in schools and after school programs, community gardeners, and consumers of horticulture products.

Master Gardener Open House, at the Demonstration Garden. September 2006

Neighbors teach neighbors about landscape, fruit, vegetables, herbs, beneficial and harmful insects, plant diseases, integrated pest management, wildlife, soils, composting and much more.

We are looking for individuals who have communication skills and are interested in teaching others about horticulture topics. The program is flexible to allow diverse program participation. Those willing to volunteer their time sharing horticulture information woud meet the goal of the community horticulture program in
Chemung County.

Grant award from WalMart as they dollar-matched our proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale. Summer 2006

About twenty-five local master gardeners respond to garden hotline questions, write articles about gardening, help students with school gardens, and participate in public events related to gardening. CCE staff members train master gardener volunteers in the science and art of gardening. And Chemung County master gardeners are part of the nationwide education program.

Individuals with an interest in and enthusiasm for sharing gardening knowledge are welcome to apply. A basic understanding of horticulture will be augmented with CCE sponsored trainings.

For additional information contact us here, or download these documents:

• brochure
• application

Master Gardeners work on two gardens in Chemung county. One is the Demonstration Garden, and the other is the John Jones, on the Community Gardens page.

In Chemung County:
607 734 4453

In Steuben County:
607 664 2313

Or email us here!

• Gardening and horticulture information provided!
• Plant and insect specimens may be submitted for identification of maladies and suggestions of their management.
• Samples will need to remain at the office for identification. Fee is $5.00.
• Soil samples may be submitted for pH testing and fetilizer or lime recommendations for a $2 fee.