About Alabama Extension Master Gardeners

The Alabama Extension Master Gardener program represents an effective partnership between the land grant universities of this state, Alabama Extension agents, and motivated volunteers. The concept of the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program began at Washington State University. In Alabama, it began in 1981 with Extension agent Gary Murray and Mary Lou McNabb, a Cornell Extension Master Gardener, who moved to Huntsville. 

2026 Spring Registration

Registration for the 2026 spring course opens November 1 and closes December 12. Both the online application and payment must be submitted by the deadline to participate in the course. The course fee is nonrefundable.

• Early Bird—November 1-15 ($150)
• Regular—November 15-30 ($175)
• Late—December 1-12 ($200)*

*Late registration is available for the 2026 spring session only.

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply Online

• Apply online by visiting https://www.aces.edu/go/mgapply. Note: This link will activate November 1 and deactivate December 12.
• For questions or issues with applying online, contact your county Extension office.

Step 2: Payment

• After submitting your application, you should receive an email from no-reply@aces.edu. Follow the email’s instructions, enroll in Canvas, and pay the course fee. If you do not receive an email, check your spam folder.

Step 3: Complete a Background Check

• Local Extension agents help Extension Master Gardeners gain hands-on volunteer experience both in and outside the classroom. Therefore, background checks are required to be submitted.
• On January 5, applicants will receive an email with instructions for completing a background check. These must be completed online through Truescreen—Auburn University’s background check vendor—by January 30.

Step 4: Complete the Training Course

• Complete the online course materials over a 14-week period.
• Attend face-to-face sessions through a county Extension office. Note: Lab dates and times vary based on location. Consult your home horticulture Extension agent for more details. 
• Receive the Extension Master Gardener intern certificate upon completion of training.

Step 5: Volunteer Requirements

• Complete 50 Extension volunteer hours in your community by the end of the next calendar year.  

Step 6: Get Involved

• Once certified, Master Gardeners remain active members by contributing 25 hours of volunteer service and completing 10 hours of continuing education hours annually. 

2026 Spring Course Information

The 2026 spring session course dates run from February 5 through May 14. This is a hybrid course that requires both face-to-face and online participation.

This course aims to equip volunteers with reliable, research-based gardening information in support of Extension’s mission to educate Alabama residents. The course includes research-based gardening information on topics such as home lawns, trees, shrubs, annual and perennial flowers, and vegetable gardening.

Extension Master Gardener interns integrate online and face-to-face learning activities to reinforce learning. Face-to-face sessions for the spring 2026 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer training are hosted in the following counties: Baldwin, Calhoun, Clarke, Coffee, Houston, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lee, Madison, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Walker. Those residing outside of these counties may register and participate in the spring 2026 training. However, they are required to travel to a host county.

For more information regarding class times and specific locations, contact the nearest county Extension office hosting a training.

Refund/Withdrawal Policy

Refunds are unavailable. Nonvolunteers, known as Garden-U participants, pay a higher price for the online portion of this training. Master Gardener interns receive reduced tuition in return for their volunteer service commitment following training. Master Gardener interns who are unable to complete the required 50 hours of volunteer service within 12 months have two options:

• Pay $2 per hour of unmet volunteer service up to $100 to cover the cost of instruction and staff time.
• Switch from the Master Gardener Course to the Garden-U course. There is a $100 transfer fee for those who choose this option. The remaining $50 covers our administrative fees.