The 2022 Master Gardener Training Class
Closed for 2022 – Please check back next year!
Conducted by
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Begins: August 24, 2022 – Ends: November 18, 2022
Classes meet every Wednesday, 12:30 – 4:30 PM
(Unless otherwise indicated)
Class Location:
San Antonio Botanical Garden Culinary Garden Educational Room
555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
Field Trips:
Wed, Sept 21, 9 AM – 12 PM, San Antonio Botanical Garden
Friday, Nov 18, 9 AM – 12 PM, Peterson Brothers (Wholesale grower)
Submission of application does not guarantee acceptance into the class.
Application Deadline – Thursday, June 30, 2022
Texas Master Gardeners provide support to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service by providing unbiased, research-based, gardening information to the public. By applying to become a Master Gardener, you are expressing your willingness to support this community education through your volunteer service. You will also provide support to the Bexar County Master Gardeners through talents/skills which you may already have or are willing to learn.
To be considered for the Master Gardener Program you must:
- Complete the online application found below
- Attend an in-person group interview in July
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Master Gardener Internship
If accepted for the Master Gardener Program, you will be admitted as a Master Gardener Intern. The Intern period is from August 24, 2022, through November 30, 2023. During this time MG Interns will :
- Complete classroom horticulture training:
- 12 4-hr. in-class training sessions
- 2 field trips
- Final exam
- Provide a minimum of 50 volunteer hours (VHs) of service under the guidance of veteran Master Gardeners. Of which:
- A minimum of 20 VHs will be from required events, programs, and committees designed to give a wider overview and understanding of the entire organization’s back-office functions and how we enable/support the mission and actual hands-on horticultural activities. These required VHs will include
- Research – Successfully research and write an educational article (150 words)
- Phone Helpline – Work with veteran MGs for 2 shifts
- Committee Work – Serve on a committee/team – such as the Scion/Blog, Leaflet, Calendar, Publicity, Scholarship, Facebook, Education, etc.
- Children’s Education – Working directly with children under the guidance of veteran MGs or the Youth Gardening Coordinator at the Children’s Vegetable Gardens (2 shifts) or on a Youth Garden Buddies event (watering the garden or assembling activity kits do not count)
- Speaker’s Bureau – Assisting with the development of a presentation and/or assisting a speaker. All work is done with a veteran MG.
- Observe 1 BCMG Board Meeting (2 VHs)
- The remaining hours are from your choice of approved MG programs and events
- A minimum of 20 VHs will be from required events, programs, and committees designed to give a wider overview and understanding of the entire organization’s back-office functions and how we enable/support the mission and actual hands-on horticultural activities. These required VHs will include
- Graduation/Certification will be at the 2023 December Holiday and Awards Party
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Master Gardener Annual Certification
Each year certified Master Gardeners must complete the following to continue their certified status for the following year:
- Provide 30 VHs of service
- Earn 6 hours of approved Continuing Education (CE)
- Attend 2 BCMG Monthly Membership Meetings
- Pay BCMG Dues, currently $25
- Renew a background check (once every three years)
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Interview
Applicants will attend a group interview to complete the application process. During the interview you will be given 3 minutes to help us learn more about you and how you might engage as a Master Gardener educator. Please address the first two questions (in bold) plus one or more of the following topics:
- Why are you applying for the Master Gardener Training?
- What can you offer Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Bexar County Master Gardeners Program?
- Briefly describe your work history and educational background
- Briefly describe your gardening experience
- Briefly describe your experience working with youth/adult groups
- Briefly describe your public speaking experience
- Briefly describe your event planning experience
- Briefly describe your board or committee experience
- Are you bilingual? If yes, in what languages(s)?
- Anything else you would like to share
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Registration Information
- Approved applicants must attend a group interview (July
18filled, 19, 20, or 25) for selection. - A non-refundable registration fee of $300 is payable in full, prior to the first day of class. Needs-based reduced fees may be available, please contact David Rodriguez, at [email protected].
- Fee covers: MG manual, top-notch presenters, all supplies, etc.
- NOTE: A background check is required on all applicants participating in Extension Volunteer Programs and will be completed on the first day of class.
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BCMG MG Training Application
Please fill out either the online application or mail (or drop off) the printed application:
AgriLife Extension Office
3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., STE #212
San Antonio, TX 78230
ATTN: Nick Vazquez, Office Assistant IV – Horticulture
Online Application
If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact Lynn Cox at [email protected]
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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, 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 San Antonio.