DCMGA School 2008

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?
Is Water Wise and Earth Kind™ training an area of interest to me?
Do I want to participate in positive community service programs with volunteers that have similar interests?
If you answered yes to these questions, the Dallas County Master Gardener program could be for you.

If accepted into the Master Gardener program, you will attend a Master Gardener training course. Classes are taught in Dallas by Texas AgriLife Extension Service Service specialists, staff, and local experts.

The program offers 72 hours of instruction that covers topics including lawn care; ornamental trees and shrubs; insects, disease, and weed management; soils and plant nutrition; vegetable gardening; home fruit protection; garden flowers; and water conservation.

In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to their County Extension program. A minimum of 72 hours of volunteer service is required within one year following the training to earn the title of "Texas Master Gardener."

The type of service projects available to Master Gardeners vary according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of each Master Gardener. Some answer telephone requests for information related to gardening. Others work at parks, schools, senior homes, and demo gardens. Master Gardeners speak to garden groups, community colleges, home and garden shows, and sometimes conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with news or radio releases related to gardening. The Master Gardener Coordinator in the County Extension office decides how volunteer time can best be utilized.

Master Gardeners are representatives of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. A background check is required of all students accepted into the School. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The title of "Texas Master Gardener" can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension Service-sponsored activities

Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment of 72 hours within their first year. Afterwards, the volunteer commitment consists of 12 hours of volunteer work and six hours of education per year.