{"id":6870,"date":"2024-11-21T11:10:47","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T17:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/?page_id=6870"},"modified":"2026-01-19T07:43:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T13:43:21","slug":"2026-master-gardener-training2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/about-us\/2026-master-gardener-training2\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Master Gardener?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"6870\" class=\"elementor elementor-6870\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-624e57a3 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"624e57a3\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-21accbcb\" data-id=\"21accbcb\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-296f9436 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"296f9436\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Extension Master Gardener Program<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Texas Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer program conducted by the\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"http:\/\/agrilifeextension.tamu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Texas AgriLife Extension Service<\/u><\/a>\u00a0of the\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"http:\/\/tamus.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Texas A&amp;M University<\/u>\u00a0<u>System<\/u><\/a>.\u00a0 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 help others, and are 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 county\u2019s\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"http:\/\/agrilifeextension.tamu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Texas AgriLife Extension<\/u><\/a>\u00a0office to provide horticultural information to their communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Note: Master Gardeners are representatives of\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"http:\/\/agrilifeextension.tamu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Texas AgriLife Extension<\/u><\/a>. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of Texas AgriLife Extension. The title \u201cTexas Master Gardener\u201d can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Our application deadline has passed. If you&#8217;d like to be\u00a0<\/b><b>added to the waiting list, please complete<\/b><b>\u00a0the 2026 application. We will know if any spots open before the first day of the training, February 5th.<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/bcmgtx.org\/2026-master-gardener-training\/\"><u>Jump right to the application!<\/u><\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Is the Extension Master Gardener Program for me?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:list --><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with people?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Do you want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Do you have an interest in earth stewardship and conservation?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Are you eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Do you have enough time to attend training and complete volunteer service hour requirements?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Do you have special interests that could benefit the community or an interest in developing one? (i.e., growing your own veggies and fruit, bird or butterfly knowledge, native gardens, entomology, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Training<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If accepted into the Master Gardener program, you will be required to attend 50 hours of specialized training courses. The program offers instruction in lawn care; ornamental trees and shrubs; insect, disease, and weed management; soils and plant nutrition; vegetable gardening;\u00a0 garden flowers; perennials and annuals; water conservation and teaching techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Volunteer Commitment<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer their time to their county\u2019s AgriLife Extension program by donating 50 hours of volunteer service back to the community.\u00a0 The type of service performed by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, but mainly revolves around transfer of knowledge. Some Master Gardeners answer emails for information related to gardening; others staff plant clinics or displays at nurseries, community centers or garden centers. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish and monitor community garden projects, work with youth, or assist their agent\u00a0with classes and workshops. The County Extension Agent decides how volunteer time is best utilized.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Certification<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment. To re-certify, Master Gardeners must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer service hours each year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Steps for Your Master Gardener Application<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The application will consist of a two-tier process:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} --><\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Complete application<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Selected candidates will be required to pass a background check with Texas A&amp;M before being approved to complete the 2026 Master Gardener Training.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":2} --><\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol start=\"2\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Steps to Become an Extension Master Gardener<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Step 1<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To gain the title of Master Gardener Intern, a Trainee:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Will receive a minimum of 50 hours of instruction<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Will attend all classes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Will complete weekly homework<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Will complete a final examination<\/span>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Step 2<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To be certified as a Big County Master Gardener, an Intern:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Must complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service in a span of 12 months in AgriLife-initiated projects in the Big Country area.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Step 3<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Recertification as a Master Gardener is an annual process that requires:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A minimum of 20 volunteer service hours and a minimum of 10 continuing education credits by the end of each calendar year following certification.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Ready to Become an Extension Master Gardener?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We are now accepting applications for our 2026 Texas Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Applications are due by Wednesday, January 15th.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Four ways to apply:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Apply online at:\u00a0<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/form.jotform.com\/253187921745162\">2026 Online Master Gardener Training Application<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/bcmgtx.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Master-Gardener-Training-Application-120125.pdf\">Download Application <\/a><\/span> an application and e-mail it in to the address on the applications.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b><\/b>Come by our office and fill out an application at 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Call our office, and we can e-mail you an application. 325-672-6048.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #000000;\">Acceptance is not on a first-come, first-served basis. Our training committee will review all applications received by January 15th and will determine those who will be accepted\u00a0into the program. You will hear back on January 16th with the decision and will receive further instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">See a copy of the 2026 tentative training schedule below. Please take a look at the 2 dates for our all day Saturday trainings before applying.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bcmgtx.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2026-Master-Gardener-Training-Schedule.pdf\">2026 Extension Master Gardener Training Schedule<\/a><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bcmgtx.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2026-Master-Gardener-Training-2.png\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12130 \" src=\"https:\/\/bcmgtx.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2026-Master-Gardener-Training-2-232x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"330\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2026-Master-Gardener-Training-2-232x300.png 232w, https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2026-Master-Gardener-Training-2-791x1024.png 791w, https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2026-Master-Gardener-Training-2-768x994.png 768w, https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2026-Master-Gardener-Training-2-1187x1536.png 1187w, https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2026-Master-Gardener-Training-2.png 1545w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 330px) 100vw, 330px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":6923,\"width\":\"278px\",\"height\":\"auto\",\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} --><\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Extension Master Gardener Program The Texas Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer program conducted by the\u00a0Texas AgriLife Extension Service\u00a0of the\u00a0Texas A&amp;M University\u00a0System.\u00a0 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 help others, and are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1272,"featured_media":0,"parent":188,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"class_list":["post-6870","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6870","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1272"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6870"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6870\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12396,"href":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6870\/revisions\/12396"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/188"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/girdnergraphics.com\/bcmg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}