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The Master Gardener Training Program
The Master Gardener program is broken up into two title certifications,
Master Gardener Intern and Master Gardener. The following topics outline the information you need to know about the certification process.
• Master Gardener Intern: A Master Gardener trainee must complete a minimum of 50 hours of instruction to earn the Master Gardener Intern certification. (This requirement is covered in the educational training class that begins in January and ends in May.)
• Master Gardener: The Master Gardener Intern has a maximum of one year to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service in order to earn Master Gardener “certification”.
• When to use the Master Gardener Title: 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. 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. Master Gardener trainees, Interns, and Master Gardeners are encouraged to participate in local Master Gardener association groups and to attend State/Regional Master Gardener conferences.
• Master Gardener Re-certification: In order to retain the Texas Master Gardener title in Bell County, individuals are required each year to participate in a minimum of 6 hours of recertification training (education) and provide an additional 12 hours of volunteer service through the local Extension office.
BCMGA Reinstatement Process and Form
Transfer of Membership Process Into REV1
Here is the schedule of classes beginning January 26, 2023
| Spring 2023 Master Gardener Intern Class Schedule | 9:00AM–1:00PM | |
| Date | Topic | Instructor(s) |
| 1/26 | Master Gardener Orientation (mandatory) | Local experts |
| 2/2 | Earth-Kind | Tim Hartman |
| 2/9 | Plant Growth and Development | Jayla Fry |
| 2/16 | Propagation | Local experts |
| 2/23 | Water | Becky Bowling |
| 3/2 | Turf | Michael Potter |
| 3/9 | Entomology/IPM | Wizzie Brown |
| 3/16 | Plant Pathology | Kimberly Cochran |
| 3/23 | Fruit | Monte Nesbitt |
| 3/30 | Vegetables | Juan Anciso |
| 4/6 | Soils | Jake Mowrer |
| 4/13 | Propagation | Local experts |
| 4/20 | *Field Trip | TBA |
| 4/27 | *Herbs & their uses | Local experts |
| 5/4 | Graduation | 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM |
| * class topics may switch | ||
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.