Course Objectives
Lubbock Master Gardener Interns should gain a basic understanding of the topics covered by the Texas Master Gardener handbook including plant growth and development, soils, water, and plant nutrition, Earth-Kind landscaping, plant health management, fruit and nut production, vegetable and herb gardening, landscape horticulture, and lawn care.
Who are Texas Master Gardeners?
Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and gardens. They are enthusiastic and willing to learn. The goal of all Master Gardeners is to help others and communicate with diverse groups of people.
What sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers. Working through their Extension office, Master Gardeners provide horticultural-related information to their communities.
Is the Master Gardener Program for Me?
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?
- Does sharing my knowledge with people in my community seem worthwhile and exciting?
- Can I meet the time requirements for training and volunteer service?
Training
The program requires a minimum of 50 hours of classroom-style instruction.
Volunteer Commitment
- In exchange for training, participants are required to volunteer time to the Lubbock County Extension Horticulture program. At least 50 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training is required to earn the title of “Texas Master Gardener.”
- The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening. Other Master Gardeners staff plant clinics or displays at farmers markets or community events. Master Gardeners will speak to local groups and 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 Horticulture Extension Agent in the Lubbock County Extension office decides how volunteer time will be best utilized.
- Master Gardeners are representatives of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M System. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The title “Texas Master Gardener” can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.
Certification
Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.
Important Information
Cost:
$250.00 per Intern
Class meeting schedule
- Classroom Portion (50 hours):
- Thursdays, September 7th through October 26th, 9 am to 4 pm at the Garden and Arts Center (except for field trips.)
- Each participant must have access to email
Requirements for Certification:
- Completion of Master Gardener training course
- Completion of 50 hours of volunteer service
- Completion of a criminal background check
Application requirements and deadlines:
- Completed application form
- Check for $250.00 payable to Lubbock Master Gardeners Association (checks will be deposited after acceptance to the program)
- Due by July 31, 2023
- Can be mailed to:
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Attn: Christina Reid
- P.O. Box 10536
- Lubbock, TX 79408
- Can be hand-delivered to:
- Lubbock County AgriLife Extension Office Attn: Christina Reid
- 916 Main Street, Suite 401
- Lubbock, TX 79401
- Can be scanned and e-mailed to (please make sure scans are legible and in order)
- Christina.reid@ag.tamu.edu
Thanks for your interest in the Lubbock Master Gardeners Association! Please don’t hesitate to contact Christina Reid with any questions at 806-775-1740 or christina.reid@ag.tamu.edu.