The Michigan Master Gardener Program is a horticulture education and volunteer training program offered by MSU Extension-Livingston County in conjunction with Michigan State University Extension. This is a twelve week educational program and volunteers do 40 hours of volunteer service in the community within one year of the course completion.

The Livingston County Master Gardener program runs during January to the end of March each year. The evening classes are scheduled for twelve consecutive Thursdays from 6-10 p.m. Periodically, a fall class that runs from August to the end of October is available, depending on public interest.

Classes include: soils, fertilization and composting, plant botany and exotic forest pests, tree fruit, small fruit, household pests, vegetables, indoor plants, woody ornamentals, plant diagnostics, plant health care, turf grass and flowers.

Classes are held at the MSU Extension Meeting Room at 2300 E. Grand River, Howell. During the registration period, the first week is open to Livingston County residents only. After the first week, residents of other counties are accepted.

Registration for the winter class begins the first week in September, 2010.  It is held at Livingston County East Complex Building, 2300 East Grand River Avenue (west entrance). The class capacity is 36 participants. Registration is on a first come-first served basis.

The cost of the course includes classes and the Master Gardener Manual. Cost is $250 per person.

Volunteer projects that are open to Master Gardeners include working at the yearly "Don't Guess.Soil Test" program, working at an advice table at the Brighton, Hartland or Howell Farmers Markets, helping with the Junior Master Gardener program and assisting the Livingston Conservation District on various programs. Many others are available.