Join a network of trained volunteers making a real difference in Bastrop County through science-based horticulture education and community service.
2026 Fall Intern Class
Applications are open until July 15th, 2026 for our upcoming intern training class. Grab your spot before seats fill up.
What is the Master Gardener Program?
The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer development program offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, designed to increase access to reliable horticultural information and improve quality of life through community gardening projects.
Master Gardeners are highly trained volunteers who provide residents with unbiased, research-based information on environmentally responsible gardening, landscaping, and problem-solving. They form a network of highly qualified, concerned people who are capable of implementing a wide range of activities useful to the community.
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 local Extension office to provide horticulture-related information to their communities.
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 intensive 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.
Qualifications & Benefits
Qualifications
- Basic gardening interest
- Enthusiasm for acquiring and sharing horticulture knowledge and skills
- Ability to relate unbiased, research-based information to the public
- Ability to attend classes covering a wide range of topics
- Willingness, commitment, and time to volunteer
- Ability to pass a basic background screening
Benefits
- Satisfaction of serving your community through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
- Interaction with people in your community who share your interests in gardening and landscaping
- Deeper understanding of the science and art of horticulture and its applied sciences
- Over 50 hours of specialized, expert-led instruction
Volunteer Commitment
In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to their County Extension program. The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs and the abilities and interests of each volunteer.
- Staff plant clinics and community events
- Speak to local groups and conduct gardening workshops
- Help establish community garden projects
- Assist with social media outreach related to gardening
Master Gardeners are representatives of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The title of “Texas Master Gardener” may be used only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.
What you’ll learn
The program provides a minimum of 50 hours of instruction taught by Texas A&M AgriLife specialists, staff, and local experts. Topics include:
How it works
Apply
Submit your completed application, and pay the class fee. $185 for individuals, $290 for couples sharing a book. Applications are reviewed by the Bastrop County Extension office.
Complete 50+ Hours of Training
Attend the intern training course — all Saturdays starting August 1, 2026, with one Friday class. Classes are taught by Texas A&M AgriLife specialists and local experts.
Present Landscape Plan
To apply what you’ve learned from the Texas Master Gardener Handbook and lectures, class participants prepare and present a landscape design plan
Complete 50 Volunteer Hours
To finish your certification, complete 50 hours of volunteer service within one year of training. You’ll be assigned a project at the Bob Bryant Demonstration Garden, working alongside other Master Gardeners to gain hands-on expertise.
Certified Texas Master Gardener
Maintain your title each year with a minimum of 10 hours of re-certification training (CEUs) and 20 additional volunteer hours.
Ready to grow with us?
For more information, email the Bastrop County Master Gardeners Association or download the resources below.