Registration is now closed for the 2025 Master Gardener Training Class. If you would like to be notified when registration for the 2026 class is open, scroll down and fill out the form to be added to the waiting list.
Classes are normally held Tuesdays from February through May, and in 2026 will be held in the evening. If you are interested, please read all the following details on how to join.
The Texas Master Gardener Program is open to all people regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion or national origin. It is a volunteer program designed to train volunteers that help the Texas A&M AgrilLife Extension Service provide public education in horticulture and related areas. To become a certified Master Gardener you must:
- Complete the process to join the Master Gardener Training Course as outlined below
- Attend all classes/hours in the scheduled course (around 50 hours total)
- Contribute and report 50 hours of approved volunteer service within the 12 months following the completion of the course.
Allison Schwarz, Tom Green County AgriLife Horticulturist and coordinator for the Concho Valley Master Gardeners Association, offers The Master Gardener Training Class once a year, generally on Tuesdays from February through May.
To join the training course:
- Apply online at https://evs.tamu.edu/application/master-gardener
- Once 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 2.5 hours to complete but can be done in multiple sessions)
- Follow the instructions sent via email from Sterling Volunteers to complete the background check (the $12 is to cover this background check)
- Sign and return a copy of the Volunteer Agreement to the Tom Green County Extension Office
- Pay class tuition – $225 for the 2025 class (make check out to “Tom Green Hort Fund” and remit to the Extension Office)
- A registration confirmation letter will be sent upon completion of registration steps
To maintain status as a certified Master Gardener from year to year (after the initial certification) you must:
- Pay annual dues (currently $10)
- Contribute 20 volunteer hours per year
- Participate in 10 continuing education hours per year
- Complete a new background check every three years