2010  Master Gardener Training School Information:

Thank you for your interest in training for the Dallas County Master Gardener Program!

The purpose of this program is to support and assist Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Dallas County in providing information on research-based horticultural information to the community. While participants will benefit personally in this training, it should be understood that the principal criterion for acceptance is your availability and willingness to volunteer to assist county residents with their horticulture issues.
Specifically, the training covers best practices for the proper environmental and cultural activities to be applied in the cultivation and management of ornamental and flowering plants, the production and care of vegetable gardens, the production and care of fruits and nuts, and the care and maintenance of lawns, turf, and landscape plants. Click on this link to view the 2010 school curriculum. Texas AgriLife Extension Service Staff and guest lecturers will conduct class lectures.

The 2010 training will consist of 13 classes, held on Mondays. The first class date is July 26, 2010 and the last date is October  25, 2010. There is no class on Labor Day.  The classes meet from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm with time off for breaks and lunch. This will be a total of 78 hours of training.  Please note that you cannot miss more than one class, for any reason, and the first and last classes must be attended without exception.

The Master Gardener Training Program fee for 2010 is $175.00. (Do not send the course fee until you receive written notification that you have been accepted into the program.)  The Texas Master Gardener Handbook is provided.  Most classes are held at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Dallas County Office at 10056 Marsh Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229, although others will be at varying locations.

All applicants must attend the required Showcase/Orientation on Saturday, June 12, 2010. The orientation is scheduled from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at the Texas AgriLife Extension offices at 10056 Marsh Lane, Suite B-101, Dallas, Texas 75229.

After completing the 78 hours of training you must contribute a minimum of 72 hours of approved volunteer work through the Texas AgriLife Extension Service-Dallas County and the Dallas County Master Gardener program during the twelve months following the instruction period. Thirty-six hours of your volunteer work during the first year will consist of answering gardening questions received on the Dallas County Master Gardener Help Desk located at Texas AgriLife Extension Service Dallas County Office at 10056 Marsh Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229. You must be in a position to commit enough time during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm to fulfill this requirement. The remainder of the volunteer work must be completed on Texas AgriLife Extension Service/Dallas County Master Gardener approved projects, events or other activities within Dallas County.

After completing the 78 hours of training and 72 hours of volunteer work, you will be certified as a Dallas County Master Gardener. You will also have opportunities to participate in horticulture educational programs at schools, make presentations through our Speakers Bureau, and participate in plant clinics. For additional information about Dallas County Master Gardeners, refer to the website at www.dallascountymastergardeners.org.

Of course, you are not limited to 72 hours of volunteer time; you are welcomed, even encouraged, to contribute as many hours as you wish! Our interest in selecting individuals for this volunteer program goes beyond the first year of training. We need people who are willing to commit to continued participation as experienced Dallas County Master Gardeners through periodic re-certification.

Applications must be received by mail, fax, or email by Friday, May 28, 2010.  We ask you to download and print the Application, Questionnaire and Pest Control Recommendation Policy forms or call the Help Desk 214-904-3053 to request the forms. You would then mail the application to the below address, fax it to the number below, or email it to Dale Groom.

Dale Groom, Extension Horticulturist
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Dallas County Master Gardener Program Coordinator
10056 Marsh Lane, Suite B-101
Dallas, TX 75229-6071
214-904-3050 (Office)
214-904-3080 (FAX)
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Please note: A background check will be conducted on those accepted into the program.

If you have friends interested in participating in this program, please have them contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service-Dallas County office at 214-904-3053, or the website www.dallascountymastergardeners.org for further information.

Sincerely,
Dale Groom, Extension Horticulturist
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Dallas County Master Gardener Program, Coordinator