July 08, 2009
by Joe Janak, Victoria County AgriLife Extension Agent
Are you interested in the latest information on shade trees, lawn grasses, diseases or SuperStar plants for your back yard?
Then the Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Victoria County organized Master Gardener Program, may be what you are looking for.
While open to all, men are especially encouraged to sign up and participate in activities that will allow them to learn how to enhance their yard and landscape. During the past 12 years, 132 of the 197 people or 67 percent who went through the 16-week course became certified Master Gardeners by completing their 50 hours of volunteerism and are still active in the Master Gardener program today.
This speaks pretty highly for a volunteer organization.
So, what's on tap for the 2009 training session?
Beginning Aug. 6, and ending Nov. 19, training will be each Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m., with graduation on Dec. 15.
To really know gardening, you must understand plants and how they grow.
Once that is accomplished, you'll learn about diagnosing diseases and identifying insects - the good and the bad - and learn how to manage them.
Then, plant propagation or learning how to grow more of your favorite plants from seed, cuttings, roots, buds or grafts will be taught. This will be hands-on training.
Next, you'll learn about the recommended trees, shrubs, perennials, roses and SuperStar plants, and how to care for them. The same applies for vegetables and herbs.
You'll learn to sampling your own soil and this will also be a great benefit to your gardening success.
Topics will also include the latest recommendations in growing backyard fruits and nuts, and learning home landscaping principles and EarthKind gardening practices, which are really advantageous.
Most everyone has a yard, so the many varieties of turf grasses and how to manage them will be discussed.
For all the pests that need controlling, you'll learn about pesticide safety, organic pest control and application techniques.
And lastly, you'll receive training to teach youngsters through the Junior Master Gardener Program, conduct children's tours, educate the public with the skills you've learned, write news articles such as "The Gardeners' Dirt" in the Victoria Advocate, and even present programs.
July 17 is the last day to apply for the program. Applicants will be evaluated for participation.
The registration fee for the 16-week program is $135, plus about a $30 optional bus tour of various gardens.
Forms can be obtained at the county extension office, 442 Foster Field Drive, or by calling 361-575-4581.
(CLICK HERE for pdf FORM online.)
If you can commit to 16 Thursday afternoons to enhance your knowledge and at least 50 hours of volunteer time donated in 2010, mostly during the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. time period, the Victoria County Master Gardener program is an exciting endeavor waiting for you.
Joe Janak is a Victoria County extension agent.