What is a Texas Master Gardener?
The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer development program offered by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and is designed to increase the availability of horticultural information and improve the quality of life through horticultural projects. Program objectives are implemented through the training and “employing” local volunteers, known as Master Gardeners. They aid Extension by conducting school garden projects; answering telephone requests for horticultural information; establishing and maintaining demonstration gardens; working with special audiences in the community; and designing and implementing community improvement projects, as well as coordinating Master Gardener projects.
Only individuals trained in the Texas Master Gardener program are allowed to use the Texas Master Gardener title. This title is for use in assisting the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
How To Become A Master Gardener?
To become a certified Master Gardener you must first enroll as a trainee and complete a minimum of 50 hours classroom or educational hours. Our courses take place here in Nacogdoches at the Courthouse Annex, at SFA, and other locations around Nacogdoches. We also meet with other counties in Overton for guest speakers coming in from College Station. Classes take place Tuesdays and Thursdays each week beginning January through March. The program costs $120 for the class or $170 for couples (if they share books). You will obtain a manual, various course registrations, a name tag (upon graduation), etc. for your registration.
After you have completed the 50 hours of classroom study and passed the test you must complete 50 hours of volunteer service. You will have 1 year to complete the 50 hours of volunteer service. After the completion of the 50 hours volunteer service you can become a certified Master Gardener.
In order to retain the Texas Master Gardener title in Nacogdoches County, individuals
are required each year to be re-certified. To get your re-certification you must participate in a minimum of 12 hours of re-certification training (education) and provide an additional 12 hours of volunteer service through the local Extension office. In addition to the hours required, there is a fee of $12.00 due annually and payable around the first of the year.
The regular monthly meeting of the Nacogdoches County Master Gardener Association takes place the first Monday night of each month beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Annex.
When to use the Master Gardener Title
The Texas Master Gardener Title is to be used only when doing unpaid
volunteer work in this program. However, when Texas Master Gardeners speak
before groups on horticultural subjects it is permissible for them to accept
unsolicited reimbursements or gifts. It is recommended that Master Gardeners
and Interns alike wear their Master Gardener badge to their service project.
Should you become a Master Gardener?
To aid you in deciding if the Master Gardener program is suited for you or if you are suited for it, ask yourself the following simple questions:
1) Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many varieties of plants?
2) Do I wish to learn about and employ environmentally responsible gardening practices?
3) Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
4) Am I prepared and committed to complete the required volunteer service?
5) Am I willing to share my knowledge with others in the community?
6) Do I want to become a member of a closely-knit organization which promotes community involvement?
If you are able to answer “yes” to these questions, the Nacogdoches County Master Gardener program could be for you. This is a commitment from which you will reap benefits for years to come; it’s a constant learning experience, and the friendships you make will last for years to come. Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Their charter is to support all Extension programs and in all volunteer work.
