Who are Master Gardeners?

Volunteer Master Gardeners are part of a funded  programme by Garden Organic to promote local food growing, currently in four UK areas (NEW! Fifth area launched in April 2011).

Excited cauliflower (c) Ray Spence funded by BLF

Master Gardeners have the important – and exciting role of supporting people and communities grow their own. To offer them reasons to grow food, remove barriers against, teach growing skills, and offer support.

They believe everyone can grow food, whether in a garden or allotment, or on their windowsill or communal land. Whatever the crop; whatever the space. Food growing is important for a healthy diet and lifestyle, saving money, learning skills, and bringing communities together.

Master Gardener profile

Food growing advice at Culpeper Community Garden, London

Each volunteer has different growing experience, from a couple of years to many decades, but all united by a passion to inspire others to have a go.

• Many are already supporting their local growing groups, such as Edible Islington sites or members of Norfolk Organic Group.
• Others have been spotted nudging friends and neighbours to grow their own.
• Several are keen enthusiasts wishing to share their experience and learn new skills from other growers
• Some want to develop personal skills and confidence

Master Gardeners in training

We cater for all groups, each supported by a local co-ordinator who gets to know their skills and preferences. Some love doing presentations, for example, other hate them and prefer writing articles. Some engage with schools; others their tower-block neighbours.

Read Master Gardener blogs here (Warwickshire, Islington, South London, Norfolk, Lincolnshire)

Master Gardener role

Food growing demonstration

• Promote food growing to the community, eg through events, talks, articles, community groups, schools – and other innovative ways to bring people together.
• Regularly support 10 householders just beginning to grow their own food, offering seasonal advice for 12 months.
• ‘Graduate’ as Master Gardeners after 30 hours a year volunteering (about half a day a month). Most continue beyond.
• Feedback hours, activities, successes and problems to their local  volunteer co-ordinator and website

Master Gardener locations

Click here to read about our future programme areas

Alys Fowler awards Master Composters (click image for more)

We’re very grateful for the hours and enthusiasm our volunteers bring to the programme and we keenly celebrate and recognise their achievements.

This image is from the Master Composter conference 2009. Over 200 volunteers from several areas gathered to share experiences.