Our Mission

THE BRADLEY COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH A NETWORK OF VOLUNTEERS WHO PROVIDE RESEARCH-BASED INFORMATION AND EDUCATION TO TENNESSEE COMMUNITIES IN HOME GARDENING AND RELATED AREAS. AS PART OF OUR MISSION, THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS CONTINUED EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS.

A display table at a gardening event showcasing various information about planting flowers, including posters, brochures, and images about flower types, planting tips, and bulbs. There are decorative signs with the words 'Plant Tricks,' 'Flower Steps,' and 'Flower Power' and a green tablecloth with a sign labeled 'Bulbs/Flowers.'
Plants displayed on tables at a garden event hosted by Bradley County Master Gardener and University of Tennessee Extension, with people browsing in the background of a covered outdoor space.
A volunteer sitting under a green canopy tent with a
Group of people gathered outdoors around a young, leafless tree, some taking notes and others observing, on a sunny day with a grassy yard and trees in the background.

Become a Master Gardener

To become a Master Gardener in Tennessee, the first step is to complete a 14 week course. Our annual classes typically begin at the end of January and are held twice a week (once vitrual and once in-person). Presentations are given by a number of area experts, each class covers a different topic: soils, diseases, pests & insects, composting, vegetable gardening, landscaping, lawn care, pruning and others. A comprehensive Master Gardening handbook is included as part of the course and relevant publications are often provided with each class. Throughout the course, mentors are available to support participants by answering questions and exposing them to potential volunteer opportunities. In addition, there will also be opportunities during the class to go on field trips or outside the classroom gatherings to learn more on certain topics.

     Upon completing the course, you'll become a Master Gardener Intern.  To become a Master Gardener, 40 service hours (supporting community related projects, etc.) and 8 continuing education hours need to be completed within the first year of graduation. Thereafter, only 25 service and 8 continuing education hours are required each year to stay active in the program.

     By becoming a Master Gardener, you'll have an opportunity to strengthen your gardening skills & knowledge, give back to the community and enjoy partnering with other passionate gardeners. 

We encourage you to join us!

If you have a love for plants or you’re a newcomer to gardening then please contact Evangelon James at ej@utk.edu or call 423-728-7001 . You can also head on over to our Contact Us page to do this as well!

You can find out more about this program at our statewide Master Gardener site.