Texas Master Gardener is a volunteer development program offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and is designed to increase the availability of horticultural information and improve quality of life through related projects in Galveston County. What to learn more about Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Program?
Is the Extension 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 look forward to sharing your knowledge with people in the community?
- Do you have enough time to attend training and complete volunteer service hour requirements?
If you answered yes to the above questions, the Extension Master Gardener program could be for you!
Training
If accepted into the Extension 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.
Volunteer Commitment
In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer 50 hours of their time to Galveston County AgriLife Extension. The type of service performed by Extension Master Gardeners varies according to community needs and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Extension Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening, plant and maintain demonstration garden, provide plant clinics, seminars, speakers bureau, outreach events, or displays at farmer’s markets or community centers. EMGs may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may provide advice and direction on establishing community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with news or radio releases related to gardening. The Master Gardener Coordinator in the County Extension office decides how volunteer time can be best utilized.
Certification
Participants become certified Extension Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.
*It is important to note that once certified, not always certified. Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are required to re-certify yearly by obtaining 10 hours of Continuing Education and 20 hours of Volunteer Service in order to retain the status of Certified Texas Master Gardener. A volunteer who does not complete the requirement of annual certification could lose their certification status.
Interested in becoming a Texas Master Gardener? Please email Horticulture Administrative Assistant – Galveston County at [email protected]. Include in the email your first name, last name, phone number, and statement expressing interest in becoming an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer .
Want to know more about the training program in Galveston County?
2024 Texas Master Gardener Intern Class – Galveston County