El Paso Master Gardener Program
The El Paso Master Gardener program is just one of many Master Gardener volunteer programs throughout the United States, Canada and several other countries. Although the training covers basically the same topics, programs differ according to location and each offers different volunteer opportunities.
In El Paso, approximately 25 individuals are selected each year for the training and 60 hour internship which are required for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Master Gardener certification. The Master Gardener program is not a gardening class in itself – it is more like a docent training program as applicants must be able and willing to share with the community what they have learned.
The 50-hour course is held only once a year, usually from August through November. Classes are taught on Thursdays from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM by Texas A&M University personnel and community experts. Topics include landscape design, plant and soil science, plant propagation, native plants, tree care and maintenance, insect management, diagnosing plant diseases and other subjects. A $150.00 fee ($195.00 for commercial applicants), payable on the first day of classes, covers all course materials and handbook. A portion of the fee is used to perform a criminal background check on all course participants.
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. To be notified about the next Master Gardener training program, please send an email to elpasomg@tamu.edu or El-Paso-TX@tamu.edu; call the Extension Office (915) 860-2515 or Master Gardener Hotline (915) 566-1276; or download the Information letter and Application by clicking here.
