Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMGs) are trained volunteers dedicated to educating and training the public in the latest gardening techniques and information. These volunteers support the Extension Service by running plant clinics, answering horticultural inquiries, establishing demonstration gardens, and engaging with diverse community groups. They design and implement community projects and coordinate Master Gardener training programs.

The Master Gardener program aims to train citizens as knowledgeable volunteers for The University of Tennessee Extension and Tennessee State Cooperative Extension Program. This partnership helps extend educational outreach by providing home gardeners with research-based information.

In support of Extension in Tennessee, the mission of the Knox County Master Gardener program is to educate and serve the community by providing relevant research-based horticultural information and promoting sustainable environmental stewardship practices.

Knox County Master Gardeners will be a premier resource to community members and organizations for research-based horticultural information and environmental stewardship. KCMG will work with community organizations to deliver these services.

Our organization has a rich history of engaging the community and promoting sustainable gardening practices. Over the years, we have managed 124 landscape and ornamental gardens, showcasing eco-friendly techniques for residential landscapes. Our efforts include participating in 146 fairs, festivals, and garden shows, reaching over 98,136 Tennessee residents. Additionally, we have delivered 598 educational presentations, providing valuable horticulture information to 22,329 citizens. Through these activities, we have made significant contributions to the community, fostering a love for gardening and environmental stewardship.

• Do you enjoy working with plants and gardening?
• Do you have a Volunteer spirit and a desire to help others?
• Whether your thumb is bright green, not-so-green, or brown, join our training classes and share your interests with our community.

The Knox County Master Gardener training is held every spring, typically from January through April each year. We offer both morning and night classes, based on the year. Morning classes are held on even years (2026, 2028, etc.) and night classes on odd years (2027, 2029, etc.). Applications can be submitted anytime before November 1st of each year, but earlier is better as applicants are contacted in the order received.

Residents of Knox and surrounding counties are invited to participate in the 2026 UT-TSU Extension – Knox County Master Gardener volunteer training.

Need more information about MG training? Plan to attend a free live ZOOM presentation by UT-TSU Extension – Knox County Master Gardener Coordinator Rylan Thompson. Learn how to become a Master Gardener Volunteer!

Please RSVP @ cthomp55@tnstate.edu or call 865-215-4593

Dates: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025 at 11am-12pm, Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 at 11am-12pm, or Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 at 11am-12pm.

The Master Gardener training classes this year will be held in the morning. The time and day of the week and location will be determined.

Class topics include Basic Botany, Integrated Pest Management, Soil Science/Nutrition, Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Ornamentals, Native Plants, and more!

Applications should be submitted by November 1st, 2025. The cost is $200 and is due by December 1st, 2025. The registration fee includes all training materials and is due after receiving an acceptance letter. Upon completing the training course, participants are required to complete 40 hours of volunteer service in Knox County and 8 hours of continued education. For more program information or to apply, please contact the Knox County Master Gardener program coordinator, Rylan Thompson, at 865-215-4593 or cthomp55@tnstate.edu

The Tennessee Extension Master Gardener program is open to all gardening enthusiasts, whether you are a beginner or a professional!

Below is the link to the Tennessee Master Gardener Program application. Click to download the file. After filling out the application, please mail the completed form to:

Rylan Thompson
Master Gardener Coordinator
UT-TSU Extension – Knox County
400 West Main St., Suite 560
Knoxville, TN 37902