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Master Gardeners are members of the local community that have a particular interest in all aspects of horticulture, including lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture and their desire to be community volunteers. Master Gardeners are enthusiastic, willing to learn and to help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people. In the Master Gardener training course, classes are taught by Texas AgriLife Extension specialists, staff, and local experts. In addition to the training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through the county Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to their communities. - Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of plants?
- Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
- Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
- Do I have the time to complete the training and give volunteer service?
If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you. If you are a Brazos County resident, we invite you to contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Office in Brazos County about their Master Gardener program. Applications are available from the Master Gardener Coordinator. For contact information see 'For More Information' at the bottom of this page.
If accepted into the Master Gardener program, you will attend a training course. The Brazos County program offers a minimum of 50 hours of instruction that covers topics including lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect, disease, and weed management; soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening; home fruit production; garden flowers; and water conservation. The training is offered at various times during the year at various locations.
As part of their training, Brazos County participants are required to volunteer time in Extension programs. In addition to the training classes, fifty hours (50) of volunteer service is required to earn the title of "Texas Master Gardener.” The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening. Others staff plant clinics or displays in shopping malls or community centers. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden projects, work with youth, or assist their agent with news or radio releases related to gardening. The Master Gardener Coordinator determines how volunteer time can best be utilized. Brazos County Master Gardeners are representatives of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow their research-based recommendations. The title "Texas Master Gardener" can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension Service-sponsored activities.
Participants become certified Texas Master Gardeners upon completing the training and contributing volunteer service hours in one year. Thereafter, Brazos County Master Gardeners re-certify annually by giving 20 hours of volunteer service and acquiring 6 hours of continuing education.
Applications and information are available from the Brazos County office of Texas AgriLife Extension, 2619 Highway 21, West in Bryan, Texas 77803 979-823-0129.
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