Louisiana Master Gardener Program

The Louisiana Master Gardener Program, operated by the LSU AgCenter, is a premier volunteer development initiative dedicated to extending research-based horticultural education throughout Louisiana. Since its inception in 1994, the program has trained over 5,500 certified Master Gardeners who serve as trusted educational resources in their communities. In 2024 alone, the program trained 300 new volunteers who collectively contributed 83,391 hours of service—equivalent to nearly 50 full-time employees and generating an economic impact of $2.4 million. Master Gardener volunteers provide proven, university-backed gardening information to Louisiana residents while completing advanced continuing education. The program emphasizes sustainable gardening practices, pollinator protection, fruit tree cultivation, and home composting, making it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking to enhance their landscapes and environmental stewardship. Through 29 parish-level programs and an Advanced Master Gardener track established in 2015, the organization continues to innovate how communities approach native plants, sustainable horticulture, and environmental conservation across Louisiana.