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 twice a year at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Fort Bend County.
These courses are offered bi-annually, in the spring and fall. Four-hour classes are held each week for 15 weeks. Requirements to attain Master Gardener certification include the successful completion of the 15-week course and completion of 60 hours of volunteer service for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office.
In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer 60-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 vary 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 AgriLife Extension Service. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The title "The Texas Master Gardener" can be used by vounteers only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.