Become a Certified Master Gardener
If you are interested in gardening, would like get involved with other gardeners, make some new friends and learn a lot, become a certified Master Gardener. In Texas, all Master Gardener programs are under the direction of the Texas A&M AgriLife programs at Texas A&M University. In Bell County, become a “certified” Master Gardener by attending classes on Wednesday afternoons from January through May at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Belton. Complete studies, activities and homework, put in required educational and volunteer service hours and you can become a certified Master Gardener in the state of Texas.
If you are interested in participating in the Master Gardener training program, please call the Master Gardener Help Desk at 254-933-5304. Your name and email will be added to the list of prospective students. You will be notified by email when to submit your application, registration fee and background check form. See information below.
The next Master Gardener training class
offered by the Bell County Master Gardeners begins in January of 2022. Classes meet weekly from January through the end of May. Read more below.
Deadline for 2022 applications is *November 30, 2021. Class size is limited, 25 seats will be awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call or email the Bell County, Texas A&M Extension Office to find out enrollment availability, (or to get on the waiting list). 254-933-5304 or bell.mg@agnet.tamu.edu
For more information about the next Master Gardener training class, download and read the class application information letter. Application Information Letter
2022 Class Schedule (Subject to changes as needed) Print for info and records.
When notified that you have been accepted into the class:
Complete the Class Application and Background Check Form. The enrollment fee for the class is $200. Make the check out (no credit cards, please) to BCMGA or Bell County Master Gardener Association. Mail or hand deliver the application, background form and check to the Texas A&M Extension Office, 1605 N. Main St., Belton, TX 76513.
Class Application for 2022 – Fillable
Background Check Form (Required Background Check)
“They are back!”, Hummingbirds in Central Texas. Photographer: Randy Brown
Fee Description: $200 covers various expenses, travel expenses for speakers, bus fees, admission fees to various gardens, master gardener handbook, landscaping kit and required background check.
Required Orientation, Wednesday January 5th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Classes begin Wednesday, January 12, 2022 and will be held in the Master Gardener Learning Center or AgriLife Classroom as directed each Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In March, you’ll have a Wednesday off for Spring Break. The Master Gardener Learning Center is located one building over (north) from the Bell County Extension Office located 1605 N. Main St., Belton, TX 76513.
Master Gardener Training, Reinstatement & Transfer Info
For more information, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk any Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 254-933-5304, or email us at bell.mg@ag.tamu.edu
BCMGA Mission Statement
The Bell County Master Gardeners Association assists the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in providing high quality, relevant, research-based horticultural education and service to the residents of Bell County and the state of Texas through outreach, teaching, and demonstration projects.