SAN BENITO – This year’s Master Gardener classes in Hidalgo and Cameron counties will move to the fall to avoid the area’s blistering heat, organizers said.

Last year's Master Gardener intern class tours Rivers End Nursery. Owner
Last year’s Master Gardener intern class tours Rivers End Nursery. Owner Ed Pechacek explains the flowering cycle of a macadamia tree. (AgriLife Extension photo by Jeniffer Herrera)

“This is the first time Master Gardener classes will be held later in the year so we can take advantage of the cooler temperatures that provide our best growing season,” said Jennifer Herrera, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulture agent in San Benito and coordinator of the Cameron County Master Gardener Association.

“We get inquiries about our Master Gardener classes year-round from throughout the Valley and from people of all ages,” she said. “We like that, but class size is limited so we’re urging anybody interested in becoming a Master Gardener this year to apply as soon as possible.”

The application deadline is Sept. 1, she said. Classes begin Sept. 6 and will meet each Tuesday through Oct. 25.

Classes will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in both Hidalgo and Cameron counties. The Cameron County classes will be held at the County Annex Building, 1390 W. Expressway 83 in San Benito. The Hidalgo County classes will be held at the Master Gardener Clubhouse, 509 E. Earling Road in San Juan.

An orientation will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 30 at each county’s respective classroom location.

“We hold these orientation meetings prior to the beginning of classes to discuss the Master Gardener program and to introduce other Master Gardeners and association officers,” Herrera said.

Ashley Gregory, the AgriLife Extension horticulturist in Edinburg, said the Master Gardener training program is a good fit for anyone interested in gardening and giving back to their community.

“While the program is an amazing learning experience, the main purpose of the class is to have Master Gardeners share their knowledge with others in the community,” she said. “In addition to completing the eight-week instruction program, students will have to complete 50 hours of community service, and to retain the title of Master Gardener, they have to complete 30 hours of volunteer service each year.”

One way of giving back to the community is by helping with the area’s food insecurity, Gregory said.

“We have a long growing season here and can garden almost year-round, yet there are still many people who do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. “Master Gardeners are trained with the skills to educate the community on how to start gardens to grow their own food.”

Herrera said Master Gardeners are taught and assisted in their volunteer efforts by experts.

“Master Gardeners are volunteers trained to help the county horticulture agent educate the local community in gardening topics,” she said. “Classes are taught by local experts in topics including soil science, insect identification and control, native landscaping, vegetable gardening, plant propagation, raised-bed gardening and fruit tree care.”

The cost of the Master Gardener training is $200 and includes the Master Gardener manual and several field trips. Acceptance into the program is by application.

For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Hidalgo County at 956-383-1026 and in Cameron County at 956-361-8236.

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