The TEMG Master Gardener Program

The Tennessee Extension Master Gardener (TEMG) Program is a volunteer service organization offered by the University of Tennessee Extension. The purpose of the Master Gardener program is to train citizens as horticulture educators and environmental stewards for their communities. All volunteers are trained with 40 hours of horticultural classes and return 40 hours of volunteer community service through their Extension office along with 8 additional continuing education hours. Recertification is necessary with 25 hours of service and 8 hours of continuing education on a yearly basis to maintain certified status.

Volunteers work in partnership with their counties to expand the educational outreach by providing home gardeners with researched-based information. These volunteers, known as Extension Master Gardeners, support the Extension Service by…

• running plant clinics
• answering phone requests for horticultural information
• establishing and maintaining demonstration gardens
• working with the disabled, youth, elderly, and other special groups in the community
• designing and implementing community involvement projects
• coordinating local Master Gardener training programs
• assisting with local and state fairs

The certification requirements for a Tennessee Extension Master Gardener are as follows:

• Attend a minimum of 80% of the scheduled class sessions for the training program.
• Perform and report 40 hours of service work and 8 hours of continuing education within 12 months of beginning the training program.
• Certification is renewable annually upon completion of volunteer and educational requirements.

If you live outside Davidson County, to locate your county extension information go to: UT Extension County Offices

TEMG Training Topics include:

Applications for the 2023 class are now closed - check back in the fall for details on 2024 classes and application process.

The 2023 Davidson County Master Gardener Classes

The 2023 classes for Davidson County will start in January run through early May.

Specific times and location are to be determined. Enrollment is not guaranteed upon application. A Master Gardener will contact you in October regarding our interview process. After all interviews are completed, you will receive a letter advising you of your selection status. There are no prerequisites to be a Master Gardener.

We understand not everyone has the time and ability to commit to the volunteer portion of the Master Gardener program. In order to accommodate those solely interested in expanding their horticultural knowledge, a fall Fundamentals of Gardening course will be offered. This course will cover the essentials of farming and gardening. It will be offered via Zoom and in person. Details to come.

The fee for the 40-hour in person Master Gardener course is $150.00. Couples may share one handbook and register for $250. The course fee pays for your course materials, name badge and the new Tennessee Master Gardener handbook. Annual dues following certification are $20. Do not send money with your application. If you are accepted, you will be contacted at a later date with information about the payment of the fee.

Thank you for your interest in the Master Gardeners of Davidson County Training program.