If you are interested in becoming a Texas Master Gardener please attend an informational meeting on May 22, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hale County Extension office located at 225 Broadway, Suite 6. Entrance on the west end of building. Phone 806.291.5267

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 must contribute time as volunteers, working through their 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?

Training

If accepted into the Master Gardener program in your county, you will attend a Master Gardener training course. Classes are taught by Texas AgriLife Extension specialists, agents 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.

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 interest of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening. Other 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 volunteers can be best utilized.

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

Certification

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