The Colorado Master Gardener Program and Certified Colorado Gardener Program are now accepting applications.
Newly accepted Colorado Master Gardener volunteers begin as apprentices. A 10-week core training course takes place through hybrid instruction of online, live webinars (also recorded) and in-person instruction.
After training, apprentices are encouraged to engage in local projects, which vary widely. A 50-hour volunteer commitment is required for the first year. There is a two-year apprentice option that allows 60 hours to be completed over two years.
The cost is $200. For more information, visit bit.ly/3k1Kq4B.
The Certified Colorado Gardener Program offers full and short course options. Both courses provide in-depth horticulture training provided by Colorado State University faculty, staff members and specialists. There is no volunteer commitment.
The full course cost is $530 and includes access to 12 self-paced online classes, two live webinars and weekly class reviews with CSU subject matter experts.
Trainees must complete seven online classes and attend or watch two live classes, attend at least five weekly class review sessions and pass the comprehensive final with a 70% or better.
The short course cost is $195 and includes five classes in each short course. Short courses are self-paced, online courses with the exception of Colorado Gardening Challenges and Plant Pathology, which occur as live classes at a set time. There are no weekly class reviews.
For more information, visit bit.ly/2SWt11p.
