2026 Certification classes will be held every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning February 17 and continuing through April 28, except that there will be no class on March 10. Classes will be held at McCulloch County AgriLife office, 114 W. Main, Brady, TX 76825. Tuition is $200 payable to CTMGA. For a couple who agree to share the handbook, $80 may be deducted from the second tuition ($320 total per couple). Deadline for application and payment is February 4, 2026 at 5 p.m.
- Apply online at https://evs.tamu.edu/application/master-gardener. Be sure to enter McCulloch for the volunteer county, even if you reside in another county.
- You will receive an email acknowledging your application and requesting payment of tuition and signature of Volunteer Agreement. Your check will be held until the class has the required number of applicants and will be returned if the class does not “make”.
- After the required number of paid applications are received to make the class, you will be approved to proceed. Follow email instructions to complete a volunteer training module from AgriLife Learn (costs $12, must set up an account for the AgriLife Learn platform; takes about 3 hours to complete but can be done in multiple sessions and it will count for education required for certification)
- Follow the instructions sent via email from Sterling Volunteers to complete the background check (the $12 covers this background check).
- A trainee must receive a minimum of 50 hours of instruction, pass an examination administered by Extension and volunteer a minimum of 50 hours of service to earn the title of “Texas Master Gardener.”
To maintain status as a certified Master Gardener from year to year (after the initial certification) you must:
- Pay annual dues (currently $15)
- Contribute 20 volunteer hours per year
- Participate in 10 continuing education hours per year
- Complete a new background check every three years
- Sign the Volunteer Agreement every three years