Become A Texas Master Gardener

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 enthusiastic, willing to learn and to 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 cooperative Extension 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 intense 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. If you are a Collin County resident, we invite you to contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Office in Collin County about its Master Gardener program. Applications are available from the Master Gardener Coordinator at the Extension office. For contact information see 'For More Information' at the bottom of this page.

Training

If accepted into the Master Gardener program, you will attend a Master Gardener training course. Classes are taught by Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists, staff, and local experts.

The Collin County program offers a minimum of 65 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. Contact the Extension office for specific locations, dates, and times of upcoming classes.

Volunteer Commitment

In exchange for training, Collin County participants are asked to volunteer time to their Extension program. Sixty-five hours of volunteer service within one year following the training 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 in the Extension office decides how volunteer time can be best utilized.

Collin County Master Gardeners are representatives of the 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 "Texas Master Gardener" can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension Service-sponsored activities.

Certification

Participants become certified Texas Master Gardeners one year after they have completed the training course. During that year they must fulfill their volunteer commitment.

Apply

To get started, click on the link below to download the application packet. This includes an instructional letter, application form and release form needed apply for the program.

Master Gardener Application Packet

Still have questions?

Click here to request more info or call the Texas AgriLife Extension Office at 972-548-4232 (Metro 972-424-1460, x 4232).

NOTE: The Master Gardener program is an educational and volunteer program offered through the Cooperative Extension Service of the Texas A&M University system. It is open to people of all ages, regardless of socio-economic level, race, color, sex, handicap or national origin.