ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Master Gardener Program
​​ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ master gardeners are credentialed by the UAF Cooperative Extension Service and are located in communities throughout the state. The prerequisites for becoming a master gardener include familiarity with ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ gardening conditions and a commitment to 40 hours of volunteer time.
The training provides a broad horticultural background and includes the topics of botany, soils, vegetable production using organic and conventional techniques, integrated pest management, greenhouses, lawns, houseplants, trees/shrubs, flowers and invasive plants.
**NEW**
Online master gardener course open for registration
Registration is open for a new ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ master gardener course, which will be taught over Zoom.
Casey Matney and Darren Snyder, agriculture and horticulture agents with the University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, will lead the course. It provides a broad horticultural background and includes ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥-specific lessons on botany, soils, vegetable production using organic and conventional techniques, integrated pest management, greenhouses, lawns, houseplants, trees and shrubs, flowers and invasive plants.
​​ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ master gardeners are credentialed by the UAF Cooperative Extension Service and are located in communities throughout the state. The prerequisites for becoming a master gardener include familiarity with ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ gardening conditions and a commitment to 40 hours of volunteer time.
Classes will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. from Dec. 2 to Feb. 27, 2026, with a break for the holidays. Registrants will receive a recording of each class. Register at .
The cost is $250, which includes a copy of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥â€™s Sustainable Gardening Handbook.
For more information, contact Casey Matney, camatney@alaska.edu, 907-262-3443.
Contacts by Region
Events
Volunteering Responsibilities
Master gardeners are required to volunteer 40 hours. Your instructor will provide directions for your volunteer work. Master gardener volunteers work independently and may become involved in beautification projects. Examples of volunteer activities include the following:
- Teaching garden classes
- Working with youth and adult groups, such as horticulture therapy groups, community gardeners, and 4-H clubs
- Staffing garden clinics and displays
- Answering phone inquires on horticultural topics
- Developing demonstration gardens
Master Gardener Associations
The Interior Master Gardeners meet the first Tuesday of the month to discuss new topics, grow our skills and connect with fellow gardeners. This is a great opportunity to learn, share, and socialize with our community.
What to expect:
Education: Each month features an educational presentation from a guest speaker or one of our own master gardeners. We'll cover a wide range of topics, including pest management, soil health, plant propagation, and more.
Business meeting: We'll briefly discuss important updates, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.
Socialization: Catch up with friends, share your latest gardening triumphs and challenges, and get advice from experienced gardeners. This is your chance to connect with others who share your passion.
Location: 725 26th Ave., Suite 101, Fairbanks.
For more information, contact Matthew Anderson, mranderson@alaska.edu, 907-474-2427.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.
This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.