A. "Texas Master Gardener" describes a person who has completed an intensive horticultural training course and at least 50 hours of volunteer service after completion of the training course. A Master Gardener volunteers his or her time assisting the County Extension Agent at their local Extension office in planning and conducting a variety of educational programs and activities in horticulture. Master Gardeners perform a variety of activities, including the dissemination horticultural information to the general public by answering questions over the phone. Each year Texas Master Gardeners provide in excess of 90,000 hours of volunteer service to the citizens of Texas. |
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Master Gardener volunteers of the Galveston County |
To become a Master Gardener, a person must complete at least 50 hours of instruction that covers topics such as the study of plant growth and development, soils, water, fertilizers, diagnosing and managing plant problems, fruit and nut production, landscape horticulture, entomology, pesticide safety and use, and lawn care. In Texas, Master Gardener training comes through the local agricultural Extension office under the auspices of Texas Cooperative Extension which is a part of The Texas A&M University System. Classes are taught by Extension Specialists from College Station, our Galveston County Extension Agents and a variety of local experts.
In exchange for the training, participants are asked to volunteer time to their Country Extension program. At least 50 hours of volunteer service by the end of the calendar year following the training is required to earn the title of "Certified Texas Master Gardener." However, to remain a Certified Texas Master Gardener, a volunteer must complete 6 hours of training and at least 12 hours of volunteer service every year thereafter.
Texas Master Gardeners may complete their volunteer service hours in many ways other than answering questions over the phone. They may also conduct school gardening programs, plant clinics, and horticultural therapy programs for the elderly and persons with disabilities. They may judge school science fairs and volunteer as a 4-H leader. Master Gardeners also assist our country Extension office in conducting Home & Garden Shows, Pecan Shows, Citrus Shows, Plant Sales and a myriad of other educational programs offered throughout the year for the benefit of the general public.
While Master Gardeners perform a great educational service for area residents, the program also provides a great learning experience for us also! If you love horticulture and helping people, you may want to become a Texas Master Gardener. Call 281-534-3413, ext. 6 for more information.