The Texas Master Gardener Program is a volunteer-driven initiative that began in 1978, modeled after the original Master Gardener program established in Washington State in 1972. Designed as an extension of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the program aims to educate and empower volunteers who share research-based horticultural knowledge with their communities.
Over the decades, the Texas Master Gardener Program has grown into one of the largest in the nation, with 8,770 active volunteers across the state. Their work supports sustainable gardening, conservation, and environmental stewardship while strengthening local communities.
Texas Master Gardener volunteers contributed a total of 605,312 service hours, valued at $20,271,899 based on the current rate of $33.49 per hour. The Extension Master Gardener Program is active in 106 of Texas’ 254 counties.
Texas Master Gardeners continue to leave a lasting impact—one plant, one garden, and one service hour at a time. 🌱🌻
