The Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer program conducted by the Texas 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 AgriLife Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to their communities.
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?
Requirements to become a certified Master Gardener:
If accepted into the Master Gardener program, you will be required to attend 72 hours in specialized training courses and lectures designed to advance your knowledge. 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 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. In Harris County, you would get the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of settings including our demonstration gardens, community gardens, schools, correctional centers and assist with other AgriLife programs such as 4H. 60 hours of volunteer service in Extension approved activities is required to become a certified Master Gardener.
Requirements to maintain certification:
- 30 hours of volunteer service annually in approved activities
- 10 hours of continuing education from approved sources
To be notified about upcoming orientation dates for the 2025 training, please sign up here for the mailing list: https://forms.gle/