Texas 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.
Is the 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.)
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; home fruit production; 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:
- Complete application
- Selected candidates will be required to complete virtual training and pass a background check with Texas A&M before being approved to complete the 2025 Master Gardener Training.
All background checks and online training must be completed by Dec. 13th, 2024 – no exceptions.
Steps to Become a 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 a Master Gardener?
Applications accepted November 22, 2024 – January 22, 2025
