http://mastergardener.tamu.edu/becomingMG.html
OK, after 2 decades of piddling in dirt, I'm wanting to take the next step. Has anyone taken these classes? Can you tell me about them? My boyfriend was asking if they gave live credits for already knowing some stuff. I just rolled my eyes and laughed. I'm a SuperStar junkie and a diehard xeriscaping fan. But I am so far from knowing as much as my mom. Honestly, I'd love to download her brain after 40 years of gardening. Input please!!
Texas Master Gardener
I went through the program back in California. It was some time ago, but I'm sure there are similarities throughout the country. The program consisted of taking a series of horticultural courses. Of course, the more you know at the beginning, the easier it is, but even novice gardeners were welcome because the emphasis was on volunteer work and we were obligated to put in a certain number of hours of volunteer work. There were quite a number of ways to fulfill this obligation. It helps to have good research skills. In many cases, Master Gardeners are the first ones members of the public contact when they need answers to a gardening question. You can think of Master Gardeners as the first rung in the ladder known as the Cooperative Extension Service, now AgriLife. We were not to 'wing it'. If we didn't know the answer and couldn't find it, we had to pass the question up the ladder. Also had to follow university policy of not recommending specific products, folk remedies, etc.
It's a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. You get to meet other people who are also interested in gardening and who are willing to share that knowledge.
Thank you, you are always such a great help :) I think I need the education. It's no fun to be good at just one thing! E X P A N D or so I hope to!
www.texasmastergardeners.com is the link to the Texas Master Gardeners web page. Information is available about becoming a master gardener. The Master Gardener program is offered by the AgriLife Extension Services county office. You will find county links on the above website.
I took the MG training in 2007 and have found it to be very rewarding. You will learn a lot and meet wonderful people. MGs are required to give volunteer hours to the community, these hours are also a good learning experience for the MG.
There are many Master Gardeners that frequent this forum. I'm sure they'll be glad to share their experiences with you.