What must be done to become a master gardener? Thanks.

Pat Akin

Hi there -
I contacted a friend of mine - she's a Master Gardener. She said to check w/ your county extension agency. I then did a search on Texas - don't know what county you're in, but there is some good info.

I don't recall, did you lose all your guineas?

Good luck w/ becoming a Master Gardener, Pat.

Yes to become a master gardener contact your local extension for the next times and dates of their classes. It will most likely be next year though before you can start and it requires alot of classtime and volunteer work after that. Good luck

Jason

I have nothing against the Master Gardener program but I want to mention that they do not teach organic principals. In fact, you may be asked during your volunteer work to spray herbicides like roundup all over a piece of land prior to replanting. I would ask to see the manual and speak with a prior attendee about the program before you decide.
Tony M

I will have to be frank here. If you live in Central or North Texas, you might contact your local extension. But, if you happen to live on the coast or with 10-20 miles of it, they do not want you.

Sorry to say, but it is the truth. I have had it proven to me more than once.

It sounds like there needs to be an "Organic Master Gardener" program run separately from Government control. If I were young and able.....

pakin

Is there anyone who is a Master Gardener that is also a member here on DirtDoctor ??

My experience at inquiring about the program was to be met with what was very close to aggression and most definitely disdain, when I mentioned the word "organic" to a local county extension officer.
I didn't get in the program.

As Tony said, you probably wouldn't enjoy the program as an organic gardener, which is a true shame. Just unfathomableto me... and very sad.

So what's the status of an OMG Program from the TORC? Any luck? I'll be signing up the first thing it becomes available!
Kathe

The last time I brought up the idea of an Organic Master Gardener program, I got an official call and threat of a law suit. Those who know me understand that pressure from the organiphobes usually pushes me on, but in this case time related to other committments was the problem. I think it is time to call their hand and set up the program. Give me your thoughts.

The time is right for Organic Master Gardener certification/education. I'd love to be involved and feel strongly that plenty of our clients and contacts would be interested in participating.

I'm ready to put some time and thought into a program outline. Maybe a group like Dave and Christy (Native Dave), Kathe K. and some others would want to work as a group with me on this. Let's see what the response is here and we can get Howard's thoughts.
As a thought starter, Howard did a real simple test on the air using one of his books a few years back. We could use his new book as our reference guide and have follow on classes that would teach advanced studies. For example, the Texas Trees book could be our text for another class.
Tony M

I just completed the MG program in Wichita County. It was a extremely valuable learning experience and I highly recommend active attendance. It is true that they are not completely organic and that in the class project you may use non-organic substances. I must add that they enforce limited use of non-organic products as a very last resort. You should realize that attendance and completion of the year long program requires specific requirements you must complete. One requirement is education within your community. How better to get out the organic message and help others in their gardening than being better qualified as a Certified Master Gardner. Almost all of the class I attended are completely organic gardners. Each of us (27) are eager to complete the required sixty hours of volunteer work. We will spread the "Organic Message". (Note: this required many hours of study--you'l love it.)

So glad to hear some positive news about the MG program from Wichita Falls. It's too bad the program isn't that way in the rest of the state. Kudos to the extension agents for Wichita county, Joe Alan Raff and Tara McKnight, according to their website.

Yes, it is time now for the TORC to have its own Master Gardener-type program. Perhaps we could come up with an appropriate title for the organic equivalent and to heck with their assumption that they can claim ownership of all things gardening. That kind of control is what has helped lead to the economic stranglehold the system has found itself in to date!

I will gladly contribute to a project of this type. Ya'll know where to find me, so just let me know when & where and I'll be there if it's humanly possible!

Oh yeah, and I nominate Brad Watson to contribute too. It may have to be by long distance but the man knows his stuff!
Kathe

I'm definitely interested in an Organic Master Gardener class. I just completed the training portion of Plano's Master Composter class and I am excited to continue my organic education.

While I have not gone through this program, I volunteer with several graduates of the program in Tarrant County. Not only are they militant organic proponents, they also are dedicated native plant users. I guess there is significant varianility among the programs.
Danny