Master Gardeners

Welcome to the Hancock-Brooke Counties Master Gardener Program

Master Gardeners are adults in the tri-state area who have a strong interest in gardening, want to learn new gardening techniques, and a desire to help otheres. The program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others.

To achieve certification as a Master Gardener, the student receives 30 hours of education hours. In exchange for the training they receive, participants agree to provide 30 hours of horticultural volunteer service to their community. The fee for the class is $60.00 – which goes to cover the reference materials that the Master Gardener will receive. The classes begin the first Monday in March and last for 10 weeks. Some of the topics included are:

Volunteer Hours

Pre-certified Master Gardeners must give back to their community at least 30 hours of volunteer time in the year following the classes. Once these 30 hours are completed, they will become a Certified Master Gardener. This happens at the Harvest Banquet each August. To remain a Master Gardener, 12 volunteer hours and 6 educational hours must be given back each year after certification.

Master Gardeners plant donated plants in Weirton’s Cove Commons each spring. This year, they researched small ornamental trees and planted these trees in the parking lot of the new WV State Office Building. They also finished planting trees at the Veterans’ Memorial at the south end of Weirton.

They taught “Meet the Plants” gardening classes to elementary students in 14 classrooms in Hancock County. Master Gardeners coordinate the exhibits entered into the Hancock County Oldtime Fair and answer gardening questions at the Weirton Medical Center Foundation Home and Garden Expo.

Master Gardeners designed and landscaped the entrance to Swaney Memorial Library in New Cumberland. They hold a Plant Share each May, by potting plants that they grow or divide from their own yards.

Master Gardeners also work with their own churches, civic groups, friends and neighbors to improve the area that we call home.

Want an Application? All volunteers must be screened by WVU Extension. You can download and print the application here. If you have trouble, please call our office and request a volunteer application be mailed to you. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but only one set of classes are held each year (between March-May).

Other forms available for current Master Gardeners:
Report your volunteer hours by August 1 of each year
WVMG Recognition Program
Upcoming Master Gardener Regional and International events