Extension Master Gardener Program

The Texas Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer program conducted by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System.  Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and are able to communicate with diverse groups of people. What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through their county’s Texas AgriLife Extension office to provide horticultural information to their communities.

Note: Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas AgriLife Extension. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of Texas AgriLife Extension. The title “Texas Master Gardener” can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.

Our application deadline has passed. If you’d like to be added to the waiting list, please complete the 2026 application. We will know if any spots open before the first day of the training, February 5th.

Jump right to the application!

Is the Extension Master Gardener Program for me?

• • Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with people?
  • Do you want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?
  • Do you have an interest in earth stewardship and conservation?
  • Are you eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
  • Do you have enough time to attend training and complete volunteer service hour requirements?
  • Do you have special interests that could benefit the community or an interest in developing one? (i.e., growing your own veggies and fruit, bird or butterfly knowledge, native gardens, entomology, etc.)

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Training

If accepted into the Master Gardener program, you will be required to attend 50 hours of specialized training courses. The program offers instruction in lawn care; ornamental trees and shrubs; insect, disease, and weed management; soils and plant nutrition; vegetable gardening;  garden flowers; perennials and annuals; water conservation and teaching techniques.

Volunteer Commitment

In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer their time to their county’s AgriLife Extension program by donating 50 hours of volunteer service back to the community.  The type of service performed by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, but mainly revolves around transfer of knowledge. Some Master Gardeners answer emails for information related to gardening; others staff plant clinics or displays at nurseries, community centers or garden centers. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish and monitor community garden projects, work with youth, or assist their agent with classes and workshops. The County Extension Agent decides how volunteer time is best utilized.

Certification

Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment. To re-certify, Master Gardeners must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer service hours each year.

Steps for Your Master Gardener Application

The application will consist of a two-tier process:

1. 1. Complete application
   2. Selected candidates will be required to pass a background check with Texas A&M before being approved to complete the 2026 Master Gardener Training.

2.  

Steps to Become an Extension Master Gardener

Step 1

To gain the title of Master Gardener Intern, a Trainee:

• • Will receive a minimum of 50 hours of instruction
  • Will attend all classes
  • Will complete weekly homework
  • Will complete a final examination 

Step 2

To be certified as a Big County Master Gardener, an Intern:

• • Must complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service in a span of 12 months in AgriLife-initiated projects in the Big Country area.

Step 3

Recertification as a Master Gardener is an annual process that requires:

• • A minimum of 20 volunteer service hours and a minimum of 10 continuing education credits by the end of each calendar year following certification.

Ready to Become an Extension Master Gardener?

We are now accepting applications for our 2026 Texas Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Applications are due by Wednesday, January 15th. 

Four ways to apply:

• Apply online at: 2026 Online Master Gardener Training Application  

• Download Application an application and e-mail it in to the address on the applications.

• Come by our office and fill out an application at 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene

• Call our office, and we can e-mail you an application. 325-672-6048.

Acceptance is not on a first-come, first-served basis. Our training committee will review all applications received by January 15th and will determine those who will be accepted into the program. You will hear back on January 16th with the decision and will receive further instructions.

See a copy of the 2026 tentative training schedule below. Please take a look at the 2 dates for our all day Saturday trainings before applying. 

2026 Extension Master Gardener Training Schedule