The Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Training application deadline is today. The classes will be presented by the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and will be a combination of online and in person training.

This class series is for those who want to volunteer for the Texas AgriLIFE County Extension Service. Master Gardeners provide educational programs for community groups and schools regarding horticulture. They are also involved in plant research and provide educational booths at festivals & events. Classes are typically held annually.

 

Online classes will be held live every Thursday at 9 a.m. beginning on January 28th and ending on April 1st; recordings of live presentations can be viewed at any time.

A total of 35 hours of instruction will be given online; most classes will be live presentations with Q&A time afterwards. Presentations will be recorded and posted online for participants to view at their leisure. To address regional growing conditions and native plants, 20 hours of the training will be completed locally, in person.

Online topics will cover general and broad information that is applicable across the state like: Earth-Kind Gardening, Plant Growth & Development, Soils, Water, Lawns, Pests, Disease, Fruits, and Vegetables. Local hours will include a combination of outdoor, hands on workshops and private tours. In addition to the 55 hours of instructions, participants must also complete 50 hours of volunteer service to earn the certification of Master Gardener.

Fees for the Master Gardener Training are $220 and includes 35 hours of online presentations (access to recordings for up to one year), a Master Gardener handbook, 20 hours of in person training, local workshops and private tours.

For more information in Hidalgo County contact Ashley Gregory, County Extension Agent – Horticulture at (956) 383-1026 or at ahgregory@ag.tamu.edu

For more information in Cameron County contact Jennifer Herrera, County Extension Agent – Horticulture at (956) 361-8236 or jherrera@ag.tamu.edu
Deadline to submit your online application and payment is Wednesday, January 20th, 2021. Submit your application for both Cameron AND Hidalgo Counties at https://hidalgo.agrilife.org/horticulture/gardentraining/2021-master-gardener-volunteer-training-application/. Or find out more at https://hidalgo.agrilife.org/horticulture/hidalgo-county-master-gardeners/ and https://hidalgo.agrilife.org/horticulture/.

 

PHOTO - Gulf Fritillary Butterfly in larval stage found on a Purple Passion Vine