Master Gardener Overview: As described in the About tab, Comal Master Gardeners collaborate with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to conduct youth and community education, establish and maintain demonstration gardens and provide a speakers’ bureau. We work with special audiences in the community (4-H clubs, Junior Master Gardener groups, schools and others) for youth and community outreach of a horticultural nature.

To become a Master Gardener, applicants must complete a training class and certify as a Master Gardener (see below) within one calendar year.  Members are then required to re-certify annually by obtaining a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education, working a minimum of 12 volunteer hours on CMG projects and attending at least two general meetings.  In addition, members must maintain a current background check, pay dues and sign an annual volunteer statement.

CMG Training Class Overview: CMG conducts a 16-week training class once a year from mid-January to early May.  Individuals are required to attend over 50 hours of classroom training during this period on subjects that include soils and plant nutrition, perennials and annuals, trees and shrubs, vegetable gardening, lawn care, landscape design, insects, plant disease, composting, home fruit production, water conservation and more. Instructors are current and retired college professors, county extension agents and Master Gardeners who

Plant Propagation Day at Class

Plant Propagation Day at Class

have attended advanced training in the subject matter they teach.  There are weekly reading assignments and take-home tests.   In addition to the 50+ hours of instruction, trainees must complete 50 hours of volunteer service at approved locations prior to the calendar year’s end to certify as a Comal Master Gardener.

The  2024 class is full.  Check back next May for the 2025 application.