Joining the Okanagan Master Gardeners (OMG) is a rewarding way to deepen your gardening expertise while giving back to your community. Here’s what you need to know about the process.
How to become a Master Gardener with the Okanagan Master Gardeners
To become a Master Gardener, you will first complete the Basic Training Program (BTP). This comprehensive educational program includes 78+ hours of instruction on topics like botany, sustainable gardening, and pest management, delivered through a mix of online lectures and in-person workshops. After successfully passing the program’s final exam with a score of 80% or higher and completing all assignments, you will become a Master Gardener-in-Training (MGiT).
Over the next two years, MGiTs must fulfill at least 65 volunteer hours, complete 5 hours of continuing education, and document their activities. Once these requirements are met, participants receive their Master Gardener Certificate.
To maintain certification, members must complete 15 volunteer hours and 5 hours of continuing education annually. This process ensures Master Gardeners are well-trained, committed, and ready to serve their communities as gardening educators and advocates.
Pre-requisites for Enrollment in the Basic Training Program
Applicants should have:
- Basic gardening knowledge and experience.
- A commitment to the volunteer nature of the Master Gardeners program.
- The ability to interact with the public in educational settings.
- Attendance at an orientation session (required before enrolling).
Upcoming Basic Training Program Information
The BTP is offered approximately every two years in the Okanagan. The most recent program (in 2022) cost $600, though pricing for the next course has not yet been finalized. We are actively working on the next program’s schedule, location, and costs.
If you’re interested, contact us at info@okanaganmg.org to be added to our waitlist. You’ll be the first to know when registration opens for the next program.
The Basic Training Program Coordinators for the Okanagan Master Gardeners are:
- Melanie R.
- Anne-Marie S.
- Barb L.
- Gabriella Z.
Here is a list of previous Basic Training Programs held by the Okanagan Master Gardeners:
- 2022 OMG BTP
- 2019 OMG BTP
- 2016 OMG BTP
- 2014 OMG BTP
- 2012 OMG BTP
- 2010 OMG BTP
- 2009 OMG BTP
Presented by Jeanette M., Horticulture Instructor at Okanagan College
OXA Un-H20 Garden in Kelowna, BC
September 2022
What to Expect at the Orientation Session
The OMG Basic Training Orientation Session provides an overview of the BTP and the commitment required. It includes:
- Information about course logistics, costs, and expectations.
- A short gardening quiz and group discussion to assess knowledge, experience, and commitment.
Course Materials
Course materials for the Basic Training Program might include:
- The Master Gardener Manual from Washington State University Extension
- Sustainable Gardening: The Oregon–Washington Master Gardener Handbook from Oregon State University
- The Home and Garden Pest Management Guide for BC
- Natural Insect, Weed and Disease Control by Linda A. Gilkeson
- The BC Supplement or the Okanagan Supplement
Steps to Becoming a Master Gardener
Here are some more details on the process of becoming a Master Gardener in the Okanagan region.
Step 1: The Basic Training Program (BTP)
To become a Master Gardener, you’ll first need to complete our comprehensive Basic Training Program (BTP). This program provides 78+ hours of instruction from field experts on a wide range of gardening topics, including botany, sustainable gardening, soils, pest management, and more.
• Program Format: The BTP typically runs for 12 weeks and includes a hybrid format of online lectures and in-person workshops held in Kelowna or Summerland.
• Course Materials: Includes resources such as the Master Gardener Manual, the Okanagan Supplement, and other local gardening guides.
• Attendance Requirements: Students must attend at least 72 of the 78 hours of instruction to graduate. If more than one session is missed, makeup sessions or audits may be required.
• Assignments & Final Exam: Weekly homework assignments are required, and students must score at least 80% on the final exam to pass.
Step 2: Becoming a Master Gardener-in-Training (MGiT)
Upon successfully completing the BTP, you’ll be a Master Gardener-in-Training (MGiT). In this role, you’ll complete the following requirements over two years:
• Volunteer Hours: A minimum of 65 hours of volunteer service, which may include participating in advice clinics, community outreach, or public education projects.
• Continuing Education: Five hours of continuing education in your second year.
• Documentation: Submission of volunteer hours and documentation of clinic activities.
Step 3: Certification as a Master Gardener
Once you’ve met all the requirements as an MGiT, you’ll receive your Master Gardener Certificate and become a full member of the Okanagan Master Gardeners and the Master Gardeners Association of British Columbia (MGABC).
Ongoing Membership Requirements
To maintain your status as a Master Gardener, you’ll need to:
- Complete at least 15 volunteer hours annually.
- Participate in at least 5 hours of continuing education each year.
We look forward to welcoming you into the Okanagan Master Gardeners community! 🌱