Advanced Training Program Purpose and information:
The Master Gardener Advanced Training: Compost program is designed to provide advanced training and resources to Master Gardeners and certify them to be part of a state corps of Compost volunteers and educators.
To become a certified Master Gardener Advanced Training: Compost, Master Gardeners are required to attend the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Compost training to fulfill training requirements and subsequently meet service requirements described below. This certification does not empower the individual with supervisory or administrative authority within her/his local county programs.
Composting has many positive benefits when used in our gardens and landscapes. Most people try what they think is composting but often end up with trash piles. This training is meant to help explain the correct way to home compost as well as the added benefits of its usage in the garden. It will include practical applications of composting for the home gardener and will benefit us, and the environment, we all live in.
Master Gardener Advanced Training: Compost training will be comprised of high-quality training including the biology of soil; the benefits and uses of compost; composting techniques including organic materials, vermiculture, bio-solids, compost bins, teas and bob cat compost.
Participation requirements:
To be eligible for the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Compost, an individual must possess an up-to-date Master Gardener certification, or be an employee of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Master Gardener applicants must be approved by their local County Extension Agent.
Position Description and Service Requirements:
Service requirements include, but are not limited to:
• Attending the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Compost
• Volunteering 20 hours above and beyond their county’s current volunteer obligation within one year of the Advanced Training.
• Serving as a local Master Gardener Compost Advanced Training resource in the Extension program for a minimum of one year.
• Assisting in educating Master Gardeners, interns, and the public in composting
• Increasing client awareness of composting through presentations, training, and mass media efforts (i.e. radio, newspaper, social media, television, and newsletters)
• Submitting a completed Compost Volunteer Report Form as directed
• Optional: Submit TMGA reimbursement paperwork
Advanced Training recognition and certification:
Upon completion of the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Compost service requirements, the Master Gardener will be awarded a Master Gardener Advanced Training certificate and lapel pin.
Resources Available to the Master Gardener: Compost:
• Compost advanced training and networking with presenters
• Educational materials on Compost
• Direct access to Texas A&M AgriLife County Extension Agent – Horticulture
.