Interested in learning more?
You are welcome to attend a couple of our meetings before pursuing membership. (We are presently meeting at DeGroot's Nurseries, London Line, in Sarnia, the 1st Tuesday of the month from 7 - 9 p.m.) Please call 519-542-4312 if interested in attending a meeting. Prospective members must pass an eligibility test. When the commitment is made to fulfill the required volunteer hours and to complete the required educational course(s) or self-directed study, they are then accepted into the program.
MG Certification Training information, with thanks, from the Simcoe County Master Gardeners web site: http://www.simcoecountymg.com/
There are now three ways to train to become a Master Gardener in Ontario. You will have 3 years to complete the educational component of your requirements.
Included in the requirements to become a Master Gardener in Ontario is the
completion of 10 hours of administrative work and 20 hours of volunteer
service each year.
The Nova Scotia Agricultural College Master Gardener Program is being altered to fit Ontario needs. The courses cost $250 each. The training and much of the testing are on-line. You will be allowed 6 months to complete each course.
You must register on your own and report your progress to your local group. Your final transcript will be proof of your completion and should be forwarded on to the administrative office of Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI) in order to establish your certification.
University of Guelph Courses
You may take 3 online courses from the University of Guelph. You must register on your own as would any other student. Each course is $495. Your transcript will be proof of your completion and should be forwarded on to the administrative office of Master Gardeners of Ontario, Inc. (MGOI) in order to establish your certification.
The courses from the University of Guelph are
You may choose to prepare on your own (self-directed study) and take the
Interim Exam. You will be given a list of the required knowledge for the exam
and may take up to two years to prepare for the exam.
The Exam
The exam is an open-book exam that is to be completed in 2 ½ hours under supervision of an invigilator chosen by your local coordinator. The cost of the exam is $100. You are required to pass this exam with a mark of 70% or more.
The Commitment
1. To successfully complete the educational courses or self-directed study and exam within two years of beginning the program.
2. To provide a minimum of 20 advice (to the public) and 10 non-advice (e.g., administrative) hours per year of involvement in the Master Gardener program.
3. To pay an annual membership fee to Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc.
TO MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION, MEMBERS MUST BELONG TO A GROUP AFFILIATED WITH MASTER GARDENERS OF ONTARIO INC. (annual fee).
For further information, contact the Sarnia-Lambton MG group at 519-542-4312 or mastergardeners@ebtech.net