Become a Baltimore City Master Gardener

Steps to becoming a Master Gardener in Baltimore City 

Step 1: Apply to become a trainee -
Application period for the 2025 class ended on Oct. 31, 2024.  The next application opportunity is Fall 2025.

Details: An initial in-person class is held in January at the Cylburn Arboretum classroom, located at 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215.  Further classes are held in person or on  Zoom from 6:00-9:00 p.m. every Wednesday February through May. There are also several additional in-person training classes, with locations, dates and times to be decided. 

Selection Process:  A panel interviews and selects a cohort of trainees who demonstrate a commitment to volunteering as garden educators, a willingness to work cooperatively, and the desire to learn and apply new skills and knowledge. 

• The training class is intended to develop volunteer educators; it is not workforce training or a course for hobbyist gardeners.

Fee: The class tuition is $315, to be paid at the first in person class, and includes the 671-page MG handbook and course-related materials. Applicants also pay a fee (approximately $15) for a standard volunteer background check. Sliding fee tuition scholarships are available for those who qualify. Please let us know if you would like to apply for a scholarship and we will put you in contact with the University of Maryland Extension Director for assistance.

Step 2: Complete the training and pass the exam

Requirements to successfully complete the Baltimore City Master Gardener Program are as follows:

• Attend 75% of the classes. 

• Complete payment for the tuition and the background check;

• Achieve a 75% score on the final exam; 

• Complete 40 volunteer hours during your first year as a Master Gardener Intern to become a certified Master Gardener.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to send them to them to:  baltcitymg.boardtreasurer@gmail.com.

Step 3: Complete your BCMG Intern volunteer service

To help Interns gain practical, hands-on experience and develop educational skills, they must complete and report 40 hours of approved volunteer service by December 31st of their trainee year to become certified as a Master Gardener. Intern volunteer opportunities are regularly sent out via email and posted on the BCMG website calendar with an easy online signup link. 

Step 4: Maintain active BCMG status

To maintain active Master Gardener status, Master Gardeners must complete and report a minimum of 20 hours of approved volunteer service and 10 hours of approved continuing education in each calendar year. We forward invitations to attend training sessions and participate in volunteer activities throughout every year to help you meet this requirement.

What to expect from the BCMG training

Master Gardener training is intended to provide trainees with a basic foundation about sustainable urban gardening theory and practice.  Classes are taught by specialists, educators, and other horticulture professionals. 

Topics typically include ecology, water science, botany, entomology & invasive insects, integrated pest management & pesticide safety, soils, Baywise & conservation landscaping, plant nutrition & pruning, plant pathology & diagnostics. plant propagation, woody & herbaceous plants, container gardening, native & invasive plants, turf & turf alternatives, vegetable & small fruit gardening. 

Activities may include a greenhouse tour and a demonstration garden visit.