Definition of the Master Gardener Program                                    The Master Gardener program is an educational activity offered by Texas Cooperative Extension and is designed to increase the availability of horticultural information and improve the quality of life of local residents through performing horticultural projects. Goals are implemented through the training and employment of local volunteers, known as Master Gardeners. These volunteers aid Extension by conducting school garden projects; answering telephone requests for horticultural information; providing horticultural presentations to community groups and the general public; establishing and maintaining demonstration gardens; working with the handicapped, the elderly and other special groups in the community; and designing and implementing community improvement projects as well as coordinating Master Gardener projects and events.

Objectives of the Master Gardener Program                                  The objectives of the Master Gardener Program include the following:

To expand the capabilities of Texas Cooperative Extension to disseminate horticultural information to individuals and groups in the community.

To develop and enhance community programs related to horticulture. Depending on community needs, these might include landscape improvement activities with civic groups, horticultural therapy projects, community gardens, and special activities such as demonstration fruit/vegetable gardens designed to improve conditions of minority and/or low income groups.

To enhance 4-H programs through the establishment of 4-H horticultural/Junior Master Gardener garden clubs.

To develop a Master Gardener volunteer network that is administratively self-sufficient.

Policies                                                                                                 Master Gardener Title Defined: The title "Master Gardener" is to be used only by individuals trained in the Texas Master Gardener program to assist Texas Cooperative Extension. A trainee must receive a minimum of 50 hours of instruction, pass an examination administered by Extension and volunteer a minimum of 50 hours of service to earn the title of Texas Master Gardener. Once a trainee completes the instruction and examination phase, the individual gains the title of Master Gardener Intern. From that point, the Intern has 10 months to complete the 50 hours of volunteer service. These 50 hours are a continuation of the Master Gardener training which began in the classroom. It is hoped that once certification is completed, Master Gardeners will continue to contribute to the Master Gardener Program even after their 50 hour volunteer requirement has been met.

In order to retain the Texas Master Gardener title, individuals are required provide a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service annually and attend a minimum of six hours of continuing education classes (both of which must be approved through the local Extension office).

The title of Master Gardener is valid only when the volunteer is participating in a Master Gardener program being conducted by Texas Cooperative Extension. When individuals cease active participation in such a program, their designation as a Texas Master Gardener becomes void.

When to Use the Texas Master Gardener Title                       Graduates of the Master Gardener Program should not display credentials or give the appearance of being a Texas Master Gardener at a place of business unless that location is designated as a Master Gardener educational activity location by the local Extension office. Texas Master Gardeners must not use the title "Texas Master Gardener" in any form of advertisement. Implying Texas Cooperative Extension endorsement of any product or place of business is improper. The Master Gardener program is a public service program operated by Texas Cooperative Extension to provide unbiased information, and the Texas Master Gardener title is to be used only when doing unpaid volunteer work in this program.

Pesticide Recommendations by Master Gardeners                  When making recommendations that include the use of pesticides, Texas Master Gardeners must follow the current recommendations found in the various publications available from Texas Cooperative Extension. Use of other pesticide recommendations, chemical or "organic," is not approved. When making pesticide recommendations, if more than one product is listed as satisfactory, each product should be recommended. Cultural problems which are not specifically covered by Extension recommendations may be handled by suggesting non-pesticide treatments that an experienced Master Gardener considers appropriate. Questions concerning commercial production of crops and pest management on such crops are to be referred to the local county Extension Agent.

Coordination of Volunteer Efforts and Programs                       While more experienced volunteers can and should coordinate and manage other volunteers, an Extension Agent must still manage the overall program so that it meets the parameters of Texas Cooperative Extension and does what it is designed to do. Interns are encouraged to participate in ongoing, Extension-approved Master Gardener projects, but are not allowed to be in charge of any one particular project until they have achieved the title "Master Gardener". Because volunteers are, in effect, employees who are not paid with money, it is appropriate to think of them as employees.

Managing the Organization                                                                    To satisfy the needs of volunteers and to use their assets in a manner that meets Extension goals, the Master Gardener Program must be managed as efficiently as possible. As manager, the local Extension Agent must plan, organize, staff, direct and control the various activities of the Master Gardener Program and its volunteers.

Master Gardener Associations                                                           One of the primary reasons for an association is financial independence. Extension wants the best for its volunteers but many times cannot provide extra funding. A Master Gardener Program does not need a large amount of money to be effective. However, Extension offices often cannot provide even the small amounts necessary for limited projects and policy prevents the Agent from soliciting money from the community. An association would be free to raise needed money by whatever appropriate means they selected. An Extension Agent must serve as Advisor to any local Master Gardener Associations. A staff member, usually the Extension Agent in charge of the Master Gardener Program, must serve as Advisor to the Association leadership.

To be placed on the list to be notified about the next Master Gardener program, please send an email to drichards@ag.tamu.edu

Ms. Daphne L. Richards County Extension Agent-Horticulture 1030 North Zaragosa Road, Suite A El Paso, TX 79907-1862 Phone: 915-859-7725  x 235 Fax: 915-860-0331 Email: drichards@ag.tamu.edu