Submitted by Sheila Van Zant
McCulloch County Extension Office: 325-597-1295
Want to be a Master Gardener? You’re in luck. A master gardener certification class is in the works for this fall.
Is the Master Gardener Program for you? Master Gardeners are trained volunteers - community educators, who share their horticultural knowledge and gardening experience with their fellow citizens.
• Do you want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?
• Are you eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
• Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with people?
• Do you have enough time to attend training and complete volunteer service hour requirements?
• Do you have special interests that could benefit the community or an interest in developing one? (i.e. bird or butterfly knowledge, native gardens, wildflowers, etc.)
• Do you have a sincere interest in nature or gardening?
If your answers are YES, let’s get you started. To become a master gardener, one must complete at least 50 hours of training, pass a final exam (open book), and then provide 50 hours of volunteer service in pre-approved projects within one year of completion of the training. Volunteer service can be provided in the county of your residence.
It's not particularly easy, but it is particularly fun and worthwhile. Classes will start on September 4 and will meet every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through November 6. To register, visit the CTMGA website - txmg. org/centraltexas – then click on How to Become a Master Gardener, then Application. Once we receive the minimum number of applications to make the class, you will receive instructions on how to proceed. Tuition is $200.
For more information, email centexmga@ gmail. com. To find us on Facebook search for centexmga.