Become a ...

Texas Agricultural Extension Service
Zerle L. Carpenter, Director
The Texas A&M University System
College Station, Texas

Who are Texas Master Gardeners?

     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 to help others, and 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 cooperative Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to their communities.

Is the Master Gardener Program for Me?

     To help you decide if you should apply to be a Master Gardener, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?

• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?

• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?

• Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?

     If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you.  Contact your local Extension office to see if there is a Master Gardener Program in your county; not all counties have one.  If there is a program, obtain an application from the Master Gardener Coordinator at that office.

Training

     If accepted into the Master Gardener program in your county you will attend a Master Gardener training course.  Classes are taught by Texas A&M Agricultural Extension Service specialists, staff, and local experts.

     The program offers a minimum of 50 hours of instruction that covers topics including lawn care; ornamental trees and shrubs; insect, disease, and weed management; soils and plant nutrition; vegetable gardening; home fruit production; garden flowers; and water conservation.  The training is offered at various times during the year at various locations across the state.  Check with your County Extension office for specific locations, dates, and times.

Volunteer Commitment

     In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to their County Extension program.  At least 50 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training is required to earn the title of :Texas Master Gardener."

     The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners.  Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening.  Others staff plant clinics or displays in shopping malls or community centers.  Master gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops.  They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with news or radio releases related to gardening.  The Master Gardener Coordinator in the County Extension office decides how volunteer time can be best utilized.

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

Certification

     Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.

Texas Agricultural Extension Service The Texas A&M University System L-5072 Educational programs of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture.  Zerle L. Carpenter, Director, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, The Texas A&M University System. 10M-6-94, Revision HORT