140 highly-trained Ramsey County Master Gardener volunteers teach the public and enhance our community, volunteering 6,500+ hours with Ramsey County citizens annually.
Our Mission
The general Master Gardener mission is to teach the public “horticulture & environmental stewardship.” The Master Gardeners in Ramsey County seek to also:
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Teach the public environmentally-sound landscaping practices – Including:
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Composting
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Proper tree, shrub, and turf care
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Proper weed, insect, and animal pest management
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Build realtionships within different Ramsey County cultures--particularly Hmong and Hispanic cultures
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Teach youth to enjoy the benefits of gardening, in ways that enhance our environment
Core Projects
Ramsey County Master Gardeners have determined several “Core Projects” which best serve our mission and focus our volunteer time on these projects. They are:
Staffing Ramsey County Compost Site “Q&A Booths”
At Ramsey County Compost Sites, we advise county citizens on home composting, yard waste reduction, and environmentally-sound yard care. FREE.
Staffing the 'Ask a Master Gardener' Phone Line
We answer yard and garden-related questions of every type imaginable! FREE.
Staffing Our Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic
We staff this clinic from mid-April through mid-October, at 2020 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood MN 55109. County citizens bring in plant or insect samples, and Master Gardener teams diagnose the problem and offer information or solutions. FREE.
Staffing Farmers’ Market “Q&A Booths”
We staff question and answer booths at several Farmers' Markets during the produce season. We answer citizens questions and provide information on other resources. FREE.
Teaching at Community Projects
The public requests Master Gardener help with numerous community projects. We select projects that best fit our mission and send Ramsey Master Gardener volunteers to help. EXAMPLES:
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Teaching schoolchildren to plant rain gardens to protect our water supplies
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Answering citizens' questions at community gardens and environmental celebrations.
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Teaching vegetable growing techniques to community gardeners.
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Helping communities start community gardens & grown their own healthy food.
These projects tap into and bring together diverse communities--allowing us to reach out to public sectors that might not otherwise obtain needed information. They attract some of our most dedicated volunteers, and involve people from myriad backgrounds in the magic of gardening.
Common Questions
Why do you accept so few applicants for the Ramsey County Master Gardener Program?
We have a small staff and we limit intern numbers so that we may provide interns the personal support they need to become effective long-term volunteers.
What do you seek in a Ramsey County Master Gardener applicant?
A successful applicant is committed to serving the needs of Ramsey County residents through the above projects. A formal education in horticulture isn’t necessary—we will provide the training and resources to help you teach others.
This year’s Ramsey Master Gardener interview day or course times aren't convenient for me. What may I do?
You may wish to reapply for next year’s intern class. Please e-mail your home county, name, address, phone #, and e-mail address, to: rcmg@umn.edu
Why do you have Core Projects? Why can’t I do any activity I wish?
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Ramsey County Master Gardener projects focus on teaching the public.
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Our staff is paid with county tax dollars, and we therefore work to fulfill specific county missions.
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We design our Core Projects to provide Master Gardeners the best opportunities to hone their skills.
What if I have an idea for a new project for Master Gardeners to do?
We review all new project requests for their fit with our mission and our ability to provide the resources needed. Like any other organization, we have to carefully prioritize where we send our limited personnel and financial resources. As much as we might like the idea, we can’t do it all!
I don’t feel like I know enough about gardening. Do I really have to help people in person?
Master Gardeners usually serve the public in teams, and we work to ensure that our new volunteers are placed with other, more seasoned volunteers. So whether you are scheduled at a Compost Site or community event, you’ll be with knowledgeable, helpful people who make sure you’re not on your own. You’ll have fun—and learn a lot!
Ramsey County and the University of Minnesota Extension partner to provide the Ramsey County Master Gardener program for citizens.
University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
