Welcome!

We are so excited that you are interested in joining the Madison County Master Gardener family! Our 2026 Intern Class is now open for registration. Read below for more information regarding the class and our chapter!

What is a TN Extension Master Gardener?

The TEMG program trains and certifies volunteers who provide community service through county Extension offices. Tennessee Extension Master Gardeners are trained volunteers that help the Extension Service share the latest and greatest gardening information with those in their community! All volunteers are trained with 40 hours of horticultural classes and return 40 hours of volunteer community service through their Extension Office and local Master Gardener association.  Our local association is called the Madison County Master Gardeners.  Once you complete the initial certification, 25 hours of service and 8 hours of education are required to maintain annual re-certification.

I encourage you to visit the state TEMG website to learn more about the Mission of UT Extension and the purpose of the TEMG program.

Before You Decide to Participate:

Please review the following requirements for completion of the program and certification.

  • You must attend a minimum of 80 percent of the classes, which allows for 2 regular session absences. The Saturday workshop is required.
  • You must give 40 hours of volunteer service in horticulture back to the community over the next year. (Don't worry, we have established projects for you to work on)  

If you can fulfill these requirements, we would love to have you as an addition to this organization.  If you do not wish to pursue certification, but are interested in other opportunities for horticulture learning, please contact me, Mary Glenys Espey, for more information margespe@utk.edu or call the Madison County Extension Office at 731-668-8543.

Class Information:

This interactive training features hands-on & virtual learning. Interns will complete an online chapter and activities each week before coming to class for a related hands-on session. Come learn from horticulture professionals from across the state and build relationships that will last a lifetime!  Classes will be held on a weekly basis.  All classes will be held at the West TN AgResearch and Education Center at 605 Airways Blvd, Jackson, TN, 38305. Each week will feature a different core topic area and include: lecture, discussion, reading material, hands-on lab activity, supplemental materials, and study guide.

2026 Class Schedule:

Tuesdays 9:00am-1:00pm + Saturday Workshop 9:00am-3:00pm

  • Tuesday: January 27th (Local Kickoff!)
  • Tuesdays: February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
  • Tuesdays: March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
  • Tuesdays: April 7th, 14th, 21st
  • Saturday Workshop: April 11th    *this workshop is mandatory, as it covers five of our activities forcourse topics

Registration

The registration fee is $200.00 and includes the TN Extension Master Gardener Handbook, access to our class website, supporting documents, and Master Gardener Name Badge upon completion of certification.  Needs based scholarships are available upon request.  Registration deadline is Monday January 5th.  To Register for the class, follow the simple steps below.


Step 1

Submit fee payment of $200


Step 2

Complete the Application Packet. This includes the Volunteer Application and the TEMG Training Agreement. Please print and bring these to the first class!

  • You will ONLY need to complete sections A through E in the Volunteer Application portion.
  • Make sure to include your signature at the VERY BOTTOM of the second page.
  • Bring these forms with you to our first class!  If you don't have a way to print the forms, I will have extras at our first class.
That's it!  You are ready for the 2026 TEMG Training in Madison County!!

Make sure to check your e-mail regularly for important updates and information.  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mary Glenys Espey at margespe@utk.edu.