Travis County Master Gardener Training
The Travis County Master Gardeners are volunteers for the Travis County AgriLife Extension Service, assisting in Extension’s mission to disseminate research-based horticultural and environmental knowledge among the citizens of Central Texas.
Training to become a Travis County Master Gardener volunteer is conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service a maximum of once per year, but not necessarily held every year. The limited number of spaces in the program are filled based on assessment of the applications and personal interviews. At this time, all coursework is presented only in English.
Signup for Training Notifications
The 2024 Training session is closed. The next session has not been planned yet. However, when it is, you can receive an email notification by adding your name to this list: https://forms.gle/LUDnecbMRy3Szmio6
Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Training for Past Sessions
Since the pandemic, Master Gardener training has included a virtual component called “Horticultural Principles and Practices for Central Texas” which was a series of pre-recorded webinars presented by AgriLife Extension specialists, staff, and Texas Master Gardeners. We don’t know if this format will continue. The goal is to go back to 100% in-person sessions, but that will greatly limit the number of people who can take the course. A decision will not be made until mid-2025.
Cost of Training
The cost for Master Gardener training is about $400 for the coursework and internship. Specific details will be shared once the course is scheduled.
Course Description
If held in person, it will be at the Travis County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at 1600 Smith Road, Austin. The schedule at this time is unknown, but there are usually about 85 hours that you are expected to complete.
Topics are typically as follows: Basic Plant Science; Earth-Kind Principles; Soils; Homeowner Landscaping Plans; Water & Irrigation; Entomology and Integrated Pest Management; Turfgrass; Plant Pathology; Fruit Crops; and Vegetables.
Applications Available for Master Gardener Program by Invitation Only
Applications to the Travis County Master Gardener program are by invitation only to participants who have attended an information session. Dates and times for the information session will be sent to those people who have added their email and phone number to the training notification list. Applications are not available elsewhere.
Applicant Interviews
After reviewing the applications, the selection committee chooses applicants for interviews. The number of applicants receiving admission into the program changes each year and depends on potential volunteer opportunities.
Training Schedule
At this time the course meets on week days during office hours at the Travis County Extension office, 1600 Smith Rd, Austin, 78721. The venue will be finalized at the same time the schedule is set. Additional training will be scheduled as needed.
Criminal Background Check Required
A criminal background check is required of all Extension volunteers, including Master Gardeners. Therefore, as a matter of policy, criminal background checks occur on all persons accepted into the Master Gardener training program, and every three years thereafter. A separate application must be created on the background check system by the applicant. A link to this system will be provided as part of your application for acceptance into the Master Gardener Program.
Volunteer Commitment
If accepted into the training program, you will be required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service by December 31 of the following year. Your volunteer hours are only with various Extension-approved projects as explained during the program.
Certification
Participants earn the title “Texas Master Gardener” after they have completed the training course, passed the final exam, and fulfilled their volunteer commitment. Certified Master Gardeners must continue to complete volunteer and learning requirements each year in order to retain the title “Texas Master Gardener.”
Preferred Skills for Master Gardener Candidates
Successful applicants to the Travis County Master Gardener program have the following list of characteristics, skills, and interests:
- Enjoys helping others
- Enjoys speaking to groups of people
- A willingness to lead projects or events
- Is a lifelong learner
- Has experience teaching others through volunteer work, community organizations, or professional career
- Can successfully work with others in both small and large groups
- Has experience with social media either personally or professionally
- Is willing to contribute blog posts, articles, photographs, or go on camera in virtual formats like webinars or videos
- Loves to garden!
More information about Master Gardeners is available on the Texas Master Gardener Association web page.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas cooperating.
Persons with disabilities who plan to attend a meeting and who may need auxiliary aids or services are required to contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County at 512-854-9600 ten working days prior to the meeting so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Additional Resources
Get Expert Gardening Advice from a Travis County Master Gardener
Our Favorite Gardening Resources for Austin and Travis County
