The Master Gardener training course consists of  30 hours of instruction.  In addition, 40 hours of volunteer community service are required to become a certified Master Gardener.  Hours may be earned by doing activities related to horticulture in the community.  Examples are:  working at a telephone hotline,  developing educational materials,  staffing a Master Gardener information booth at the county fair,  designing and planting community beautification projects, working with youth to create a school garden, using horticultural therapy with the  elderly,  becoming a 4-H garden leader, and setting up garden programs at the Friendship Shelter.