master gardener program?

[ms.shell]

has anyone done this? or is anyone familiar with this program interested in sharing?
i looked into this yesterday and registration is going on now. it costs $125.
i did not realize that is a volunteer program and that master gardeners are expected to volunteer their time. i have been thinking for years that i should be volunteering in some capacity, but with two children, my own garden and house, i don't know realistically that i can volunteer many hours.
because of the expense NOW, i did not mention this to dp and figured i wouldnt be doing this this year.
but dp called from work and was talking with a master gardener who sounded like she had a wealth of knowledge and dp mentioned that they talked about the program and he thought he should "send" me. i told him the cost and that registration is now and he said we should look into it.
so i am asking you all what you know about this program and whether it is worth it. how many hours are master gardeners expected to volunteer? is the educational program valuable and in depth, or does it cover info that could easily be learned elsewhere (gardening books, the internet, personal experience). I would like to hear anything anyone has to say regarding this program.

[philomom]

I love being a master gardener. Yes, the class was one full day for 8 hours, 12 weeks. The first year they require 66 hours of service to literally "weed out" those who aren't serious. The following years are like 20-25 hours which I have had no trouble eaking out even though I'm a homemaker. The biggest thrill for me is getting to volunteer in some very cool places like the zoo, botanical gardens and other places where the general public cannot step behind the scenes but I can because I'm weeding, pruning or helping in some way. We also run the help hotlines in our area where folks can call a number and get garden advice. I've enjoyed working a couple of shifts in an office with phones, pens and no kids... make me feel like a grown-up again.

[Owen'nZoe]

I was just talking to one of the other board members of our community garden about this. She is a master gardener, and was filling me in on the program. Costs must vary based on location, because she said the classes cost her several hundred. She thought it was a terrific program, but did say that it was not at all geared towards organic gardening, and they did spend a fair amount of time learning about chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pest control methods. She has been able to get all of her volunteer hours (and then some!) in with the work she has done helping set up our community garden (this is our first year). She also said that there is a continuing education requirement.

[ms.shell]

ew, well i wonder if that means you are supposed to volunteer to spread chemicals on gardens?
i guess it would be okay to learn about those methods; i have always been organic and know nothing about the chemicals, and if i will be talking to people to help them, it would make sense to know about those things in order to broaden my knowledge for organics, iykwim. but if i will be expected to spray pesticides or spread chemical fertilizers at the botanical gardens or whatever, no thank you. lol. so i would have to attract attention as a weirdo and refuse to do those things, lol.
hmmm. well the master gardener dp was speaking to today said her garden is all organic, and as i know these methods are catching on more mainstream, i bet it would not be unheard of and hopefully the botanical garden and or demonstration garden IS organic. i know i can choose my volunteer opportunties, tho, as i called the dept a bit ago. 70 hours is a lot, really, tho; i hope they do give you the whole year to get them done.

[Owen'nZoe]

The woman I was speaking with does do all organic, as well, so I think you can definitely be an organic master gardener.

[sidandspencersmom]

i just filled out my app for classes starting in August. The program here is 4 hr class once a week for 11 weeks, then 60 hrs of volunteering. i am so excited to begin.

I say, go for it! Can't hurt!