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 Texas 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 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.
Training
If accepted into the Tarrant County 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 program provides a minimum of 72 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. Spring training typically begins on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. beginning in March and ending in May. Every two years we offer a Master Gardener Modular Program. These classes are held one to two Saturdays a month, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The next available Master Gardener Modular Program will be in 2024. Both Master Gardener courses offer the same educational information, the only difference is the additional time it will take for you to become a certified Master Gardener when participating in the Modular Program. The cost for both programs begin at $350.
Volunteer Commitment
In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to their County Extension program. At least 72 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training is required to earn the title of “Tarrant County 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 at Home and Garden Shows, malls or community events.
Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community or school garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with news or radio releases related to gardening. Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas AgriLife Extension Service. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of 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 Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.
For More Information
If you would like to be added to the email list to receive information for next year’s classes and Master Gardener Orientation information, please phone or email our Horticulture Department at 817-884-1946 or tarrantmg@ag.tamu.edu. When sending an email, please state if you would like to be on the email roster for the “Spring Training” or for the “Modular Program”.
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
200 Taylor Street, Suite 500
Fort Worth, Texas 76196-2008
Phone: 817-884-1946
Fax: 817-884-1941