Who are Texas Master Gardeners?

Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are willing to learn and to help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people. What 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 the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office to provide horticultural-related information to their communities.

Is the Master Gardener Program for Me?

To help you decide if you should apply to be a Master Gardener, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?
• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program?
• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
• Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you!

Classroom instruction covers topics such as lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, insects, gardening, grafting, landscape design and water conservation. The training is offered at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service – Fort Bend County.

These courses are offered annually. Requirements to obtain Master Gardener certification include the successful completion of the course and completion of 50 hours of volunteer service for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office.

In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer 50 hours of time to the Fort Bend County Extension office, after which the title of becoming a Texas Master Gardener is earned. The type of service done by Master Gardener associates varies according to community needs, abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Master Gardeners will answer telephone requests for information related to gardening, plant gardens, care for the greenhouse, fertilize/water gardens, clean/weed beds, help landscape the grounds, participate in plant clinics, seminars, or garden club presentations, also attend committee meetings and the association monthly meetings. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, schools, libraries or assist agents 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.

Master Gardeners are representatives of the Fort Bend County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The title “Texas Master Gardener” can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.

Announcements will be made for the next class when those details are available.