Big Spring Master Gardener Association

Who Are We?

The Big Spring Master Gardener Association (BSMGA)is the local group of The Tennessee Extension Master Gardener (TEMG)Program. The program trains volunteers in research-based horticulture and connects them with opportunities to educate and serve Greene County, TN., through UT Extension.

FAQs

The Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program trains and engages with volunteers to provide the public with research-based information on lawn and garden topics. TEMGs are volunteers who have a love of plants and horticulture coupled with Extension training to equip them to teach and assist Tennessee residents.

BSMGA volunteers serve Greene County in many ways, including:

Community Education

Answer gardening questions at our Extension office
Teach gardening classes and workshops
Assist with school and youth gardening programs

Community Projects

Boys & Girls Club of Greeneville & Greene County
New Hope Cemetery
Depot Street Farmers Market
County fairs
‘Ask Us!’ Services
Demonstration Gardens

Program Support

Organize educational events and field trips
Create displays and educational materials
Photograph events and projects
Assist with volunteer coordination and recordkeeping

Leadership Opportunities

Serve on committees
Coordinate projects and events
Mentor new volunteers
Help organize local TEMG programs

As a Big Spring Master Gardener volunteer, you can:

Expand your gardening knowledge
Learn from Extension specialists and educators
Meet fellow gardening enthusiasts
Serve your community
Promote environmental stewardship
Share research-based gardening information

Complete a Volunteer Application

All applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old
Complete an official UT Extension volunteer application
Pay any required program fees
Meet volunteer screening requirements based on level of involvement

Once accepted, participants are designated as Intern Extension Master Gardeners.

Complete the Training Course

Interns must complete:

A minimum of 40 hours of horticulture training
Required workshops and class sessions
Course exams with a passing average

Training topics may include:

Plant science
Soils and composting
Pest management
Vegetable gardening
Landscaping
Trees and ornamentals
Sustainable gardening practices

Complete Volunteer Service & Continuing Education Requirements

To become certified, interns must:

Complete 40 hours of approved volunteer service within one year of finishing training
Record volunteer hours in the TEMG online database
Complete 8 hours of continuing education

Volunteers and youth at Boys and Girls Club

Outreach Programs

two volunteers at depot street farmers market

ASK US! Services and Gardening Resources

volunteers at TN Extension Master Gardener State Conference

BSMGA Happenings

Interested in Joining the Big Spring Master Gardener Association?

More Information Here!

Meet the Coordinator!

Hi! I’m Anna Parsons, one of the UT/TSU Extension Greene County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents, specializing in Consumer Horticulture. I also serve as the coordinator of the Big Spring Master Gardener Association. I work with our Master Gardeners and the community to provide research-based gardening education, volunteer opportunities, and programs that help Greene County grow.

Have a gardening question or want to get involved? I’d love to hear from you!

Anna Parsons

Extension Agent I, Greene County

Local Horticulture Resources

Join the Big Spring Master Gardener Association

Residential and Consumer Horticulture

Connect with Anna

"Greene County Plant Press"

Horticulture Resources from UTIA

UT Hort

Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program

Soil Testing

UT Extension Pubs