Brazoria County Master Gardeners are volunteers who work with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to improve gardening skills throughout the community. We share our gardening knowledge through community service and outreach, gardener training and educational programs.
Times are exciting for the Brazoria County Master Gardeners Association (BCMGA). Since our first Master Gardener Training Class held in 1995, we continue to grow stronger. Our Speakers Bureau offers gardening programs to civic groups, garden club and the general public. We are developing our Demonstration and Plant Trial Gardens. Our Spring Plant and Fruit Tree Sales keep getting bigger and better.
Is the Master Gardener program for me?
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- Do you want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?
- Are you eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
- Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with people?
- Do you have enough time to attend training and complete volunteer service hour requirements?
- Do you have special interests that could benefit the community or an interest in developing one? (i.e. bird or butterfly knowledge, native gardens, wildflowers, etc.)
- Do you have a sincere interest in nature or gardening?
Training
If accepted into the Master Gardener program, you will be required to attend over 50 hours in specialized training courses. The program offers instruction in lawn care; ornamental trees and shrubs; insect, disease, and weed management; soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening; home fruit production; garden flowers; perennials and annuals; and water conservation. The training classes for new Master Gardener interns begin in January each year with classes one day a week for approximately 10 weeks. To learn more about the Master Gardener intern class and add your name to the wait list for the next class, contact the Brazoria County Horticulture Agent, Kimberly Mayer.
Volunteer Commitment
In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer their time to their county’s AgriLife Extension program. The type of service performed by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer requests for information related to gardening. Others volunteer time at the Brazoria Environmental Education Station, BEES, tending the demonstration gardens and sharing their knowledge with the community. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden projects, or collaborate with other area non-profit organizations that support the Master Gardener mission.
Certification
Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.