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Master Urban Gardener Program

The Master Urban Gardener (MUG) program is an intensive, skill-building training program. Whether you’re just getting started or have been gardening for decades, MUG covers everything you need to know to thrive in one of Boston’s community gardens- from vegetable gardening and composting to community organizing.

Each winter, 30 community gardeners join the program. The MUG program is open only to Boston residents who are active community gardeners and demonstrate a commitment to sharing their skills with others.

The MUG program consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction, followed by 30 hours of volunteer service. The 2012 MUG classroom sessions will be offered on 6 consecutive Saturdays from January 14 - February 18. The classes will be hosted at the Boston Natural Areas Network office, at 62 Summer Street in Downtown Boston.

Each Saturday will feature topical lectures as well as participatory activities. Topics include:

  • Vegetable garden planning for bigger harvests
  • Botany and soil science for gardeners
  • Managing weeds, pests & diseases without chemicals
  • Composting in community gardens
  • How to facilitate garden meetings and workshops

Rather than paying a fee, Master Urban Gardeners give volunteer service to Boston’s gardening community. A suggested $30 donation helps to cover materials costs for the program. MUG participants choose from a number of service projects including Community Composting, Tending the Learning Garden, Urban Orchards and Public workshops and celebrations. By donating their skills and time, MUG participants gain invaluable in-the-field experience, while giving back.

Applications for the MUG course are due December 1. Please download an application using one of the links below. BNAN staff will arrange phone interviews with all eligible candidates in December. Questions? Please contact Erika Rumbley, Garden Educator at 617-542-7696 x15 or erika@bostonnatural.org.

Mug Application 2012.pdf

Mug Application 2012.doc