What is a Master Gardener?
The Texas Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer program conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people. What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through their county’s Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office to provide horticultural-related information to their communities.
Note: Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The title “Texas Master Gardener” can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.
Is the Master Gardener program for me?
• 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
The yearly-held Ellis County Master Gardener Intern Class is a 50+ hour class and is held weekly starting in September and runs through the first part of November (complete the form at the bottom of this page if you are interested). Once accepted into the Master Gardener program, you must attend classroom training courses. The program offers instruction in lawn care; ornamental trees and shrubs; insect, disease, and weed management; soil and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening; home fruit production; garden flowers; perennials and annuals; and water conservation.
Volunteer Commitment
Participants are asked to volunteer their time to their county’s Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program in exchange for training. 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 telephone requests for information related to gardening. Others staff plant clinics or displays at community events. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent(s) with news or radio releases related to gardening.
Certification
Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.
If you are interested in more information please send an email to ellismg@ag.tamu.edu or submit the form below.
Become an ECMG
Form to request application