Master Gardener

Sheboygan County Master Gardener Program

About Master Gardeners

Master Gardeners are individuals who have an interest in horticulture, have taken Master Gardener training offered by UW-Extension and share their time and expertise with others. It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes UW-Extension Master Gardeners from other gardeners.

The purpose of the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program is to provide unbiased, research-based horticultural information to the citizens of Wisconsin through Master Gardener volunteers. Master Gardeners receive training in horticulture through the University of Wisconsin Extension. In return for their training, Master Gardeners volunteer in UW-Extension horticulture programs and projects which enhance the community.

The first Master Gardener Program was initiated in Washington State in 1972. In response to overwhelming requests for horticulture information, Extension Agents came up with the idea of trading specialized training in horticulture for a commitment to spend a specified number of hours doing volunteer outreach work for extension. The Extension Master Gardener Program started in Sheboygan County in 1988. There are currently about 104 members in the Sheboygan County association.