2025 MASTER GARDENER CERTIFICATION TRAINING
The call for applications is now open! Applications must be received by January 3rd, 2025.
Application Form (click to download)
The call for applications is now open! You must complete the Application and Volunteer Agreement Packet and deliver it, along with your $195 payment, made out to Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association, to Kelly Tarla, Burnet County Extension Agent by January 3, 2025 to be considered.
The Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association will again offer a certification course at the Texas AgriLife Extension office in Burnet beginning Tuesday, February 3rd, 2025, for 11 weeks. Class times are 9:30 AM until 2:30 PM. Class size will be limited and will generally meet at the AgriLife auditorium in Burnet (occasionally meeting at other locations for field trips).
The course provides a comprehensive background in horticulture principles and practices with an emphasis on conservation, sustainability, and community service. Experts are invited each week to speak on such topics as soil composition and amendments, trees, entomology, vegetable gardening, water irrigation, plant taxonomy, invasive plants, landscape design, water conservation, plant propagation, grafting, and rainwater harvesting. We expect to have several field trips planned. The classes are fun and stimulating. They not only train the participants to be more knowledgeable gardeners for personal use but also to be of service and a resource to the community.
2025 Master Gardener Certification Class Topics
To become a certified Master Gardener, participants must meet the following minimum requirements by December 31, 2025:
General membership meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month where we hear from speakers on various gardening topics. Also, they are a great opportunity to glean knowledge from seasoned Master Gardeners.
The cost of the program is $195 which covers resource materials, t-shirt, and other class expenses. Follow the process below to apply for the class. Note that the course is offered only once yearly and is open to residents of Burnet County.
Application Process:
Application Form (click to download)
The call for applications is now open! You must complete the Application and Volunteer Agreement Packet and deliver it, along with your $195 payment, made out to Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association, to Kelly Tarla, Burnet County Extension Agent by January 3, 2025 to be considered.
The Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association will again offer a certification course at the Texas AgriLife Extension office in Burnet beginning Tuesday, February 3rd, 2025, for 11 weeks. Class times are 9:30 AM until 2:30 PM. Class size will be limited and will generally meet at the AgriLife auditorium in Burnet (occasionally meeting at other locations for field trips).
The course provides a comprehensive background in horticulture principles and practices with an emphasis on conservation, sustainability, and community service. Experts are invited each week to speak on such topics as soil composition and amendments, trees, entomology, vegetable gardening, water irrigation, plant taxonomy, invasive plants, landscape design, water conservation, plant propagation, grafting, and rainwater harvesting. We expect to have several field trips planned. The classes are fun and stimulating. They not only train the participants to be more knowledgeable gardeners for personal use but also to be of service and a resource to the community.
2025 Master Gardener Certification Class Topics
- Becoming a Master Gardener
- EarthKind
- Taking, submitting, reading analysis of soil samples
- Plant Propagation and Development
- Soil and Composting
- Air and Water: Weather, Water Conservation, Rain Collection, Irrigation
- Insects and Wildlife: Creatures of the Garden, Integrated Pest Management
- Growing Vegetables and Herbs: Medicinal Plants
- Butterflies, Bees and Birds: Pollinators and their Favorite Plants, Bees and Bee Keeping
- Trees: Planting and Care of Native Trees and Fruit Trees
- Landscaping with Natives: Tools and Pruning, Growing with Seeds, Harvesting Seeds, Calendars of Gardening
To become a certified Master Gardener, participants must meet the following minimum requirements by December 31, 2025:
- Must attend 40 hours of classroom training.
- Must complete 10 hours of approved advanced training.
- Must complete 50 hours of service to the community through approved Master Gardener activities.
General membership meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month where we hear from speakers on various gardening topics. Also, they are a great opportunity to glean knowledge from seasoned Master Gardeners.
The cost of the program is $195 which covers resource materials, t-shirt, and other class expenses. Follow the process below to apply for the class. Note that the course is offered only once yearly and is open to residents of Burnet County.
Application Process:
- Download and Print the Application and Volunteer Agreement packet from the HLMG website
- Mail or deliver your check for $195 (made out to Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association) and completed packet to:
- Kelly Tarla,
- Burnet County AgriLife Extension
- 607 N. Vanderveer, Burnet, TX 78611-2757
- Wait for next steps from Kelly Tarla regarding the required volunteerism training
- Contacts:
- Kelly Tarla, County Extension agent – [email protected]
- Julie Sartor, class co-facilitator - [email protected]
- Joan Altobelli, class co-facilitator – [email protected]
- Patty Frigge, Admin. Assistant, Burnet Co. Office, Texas A&M AgriLife Ext. Service at (512) 756-5463
