the Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Harris County
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Master Gardeners are volunteers trained in basic horticulture by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service to volunteer for Extension. Extension programs and projects are designed to provide research-based, horticultural information to the public.
After application and acceptance into the program, trainees attend the Extension-sponsored Master Gardener course, consisting of approximately 72 hours of specialized classroom instruction. After successful completion of the coursework, trainees are recognized as Master Gardener interns and are ready to put their training to work. Interns complete certification requirements by contributing 60 hours of volunteer service within one year of beginning their classes.
After receiving certification, Master Gardeners may retain certification in succeeding years by annually contributing a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service and participating in six hours of continuing education.
All Master Gardener volunteers are required to undergo a criminal background every three years. Only partial social security numbers are needed and all results are kept strictly confidential. Volunteers with proof of a qualifying background check must still complete the form and present proper documentation. No fee is required in with documentation of previous background check. More information is included in the application packet available in the Training Dates, Location and Application Information section.
Master Gardener classes are designed to enable volunteers to answer a wide variety of gardening questions. Classes are taught by Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists, staff and other local experts. Topics include 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.
Training Dates, Locations and Application Information
January 28 - May 13, 2010
Location: Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Houston, TX 77084.
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Thursdays
Fee: $160
Map to the Extension Office
Class schedule
Application and background check form
June 8 - July 20, 2010
Location: Precinct 2 Road Camp,
1202 Genoa Red Bluff,
Houston, Texas 77034.
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Fee: $160
Volunteer Expectations and Opportunities
In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer 60 hours of their time to the Harris County Extension Horticulture Program. The program offers experienced gardeners opportunities to gain specialized knowledge by participating in Extension's programs and projects.
Master Gardeners are an important gardening resource in the community. They answer questions and give advice on a wide range of horticulture subjects through a variety of outlets including the Ask a Master Gardener Helpline and the expansive Cylinder Gardening Program.
Ask a Master Gardener Helpline. Volunteers answer hundreds of questions eachmonth from the public, providing research-based information and recommendations from Texas A&M University horticulturalists and research specialists.
Cylinder Gardening. Volunteers assist local elementary schools with a school vegetable gardening program that teaches plant growth from seed to harvest.
Other opportunities include working with research and demonstration gardens, plant sales and speakers bureau; planning and assisting with educational workshops and classes; and a wide variety of committee service.
A registration fee of $160 from each trainee is required. This fee covers the handbook and instructional materials used in the classes, speakers fees and travel, graduation dinner and a criminal background check.
David Parish
3033 Bear Creek Dr
Houston, Texas 77084
281.855.5600
email: dwparish@ag.tamu.edu
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxilary aids, services or accommodations in order to participate in Extension programs are encouraged to call 281.855.5600 to discuss specific needs.