MG SPROUTS was developed as a "project-in-a-box" program, a self-contained educational programming tool for Extension agents working with master gardener Extension volunteers (MGEVs). The program design incorporates programmatic materials and project management materials and follows best management practices for volunteer management. MG…

Extension agents' use of demonstration gardens was studied to determine how gardens are employed in horticultural programming, perceived benefits and challenges of using gardens for Extension programming, and desired competencies. Gardens are primarily used to enhance educational efforts by providing hands-on learning experiences. Greatest…

Responses from 282 current and former Master Gardeners in Missouri identified the most important benefits they derived from participation: increased knowledge, personal growth, and satisfaction of altruistic values. Social and career-related benefits received the lowest rankings. The most active volunteer Master Gardeners were most likely to…

More than 150 citizens, after studying under Washington State University Extension personnel and passing an examination administered by the State Department of Agriculture, find satisfaction in spending a few hours a week during the growing season in areas of heavy public traffic to answer questions from backyard gardeners and urban homeowners.…

Master Gardener mentors were used to prevent trainees from dropping out of Master Gardener training programs. Dropout was reduced from 26-27% (1995-97) to 2% (1998). Most trainees thought mentors were good to excellent but only 25% felt mentors influenced their participation. However, 73% of mentors thought mentoring was a factor in trainee…

Describes a program in vegetable gardening developed by Purdue University specialists in horticulture and computer technology. This computer program offers residents of Indiana individual garden plans based on their own specifications. (CT)

Focus groups arranged by local Native American Master Gardeners on two Minnesota reservations determined community interest in extension-horticulture programs. Topics of interest included food preservation and historical Native-American uses of plants. (SK)

Indiana's Cooperative Extension 4-H program has initiated a windowsill garden project for children in both urban and rural areas. (GB)

The 1987 Master Gardener program was presented at 16 locations in Iowa, where weekday sessions were supplemented with Saturday satellite telecasts. This cooperative extension service program provided special training in horticulture to members of the local community who would then work as volunteers through their local cooperative extension office…

Down-to-Earth is a program designed to increase 9- to 12-year olds' critical thinking and problem solving by teaching gardening through the scientific method. The combination of multi- and interdisciplinary topics has increased achievement and resulted in attitudinal and behavioral changes. (SK)