Become a Baltimore City Master Gardener

If you are a Maryland adult who likes working with people and plants and you are committed to teaching science-based gardening practices in Baltimore communities, then you are invited to join the group of 180+ trained, Baltimore City Master Gardener (BCMG) volunteers who support a range of garden-based projects and activities. Learn gardening skills from experts; discover the best ways to deal with urban gardening challenges and work with fellow volunteers, community partners, and city residents who share your enjoyment of gardening.

Baltimore City Master Gardeners are volunteer educators representing a  University of Maryland Extension (UME) program that advances the UME mission of educating residents on sustainable horticultural practices that help to build healthy landscapes and communities.

Steps to becoming a Master Gardener in Baltimore City 

Step 1: Apply to become a trainee -
Applications for the 2025 class begin on Sept. 1, 2024.  Apply HERE.  (Deadline for Submission is Oct. 31, 2024)

Application: An initial in-person class will be held January 2025 at the Cylburn Arboretum classroom, located at 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215.  Further classes will be held in person or on  Zoom from 6:00-9:00 p.m. every Wednesday beginning February 11, 2025 and continuing through May 6, 2025.  No class will be held on April 15.   There will also be several 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. 

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:

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.