Program open to Master Gardeners and general public

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present its Texas Master Gardener vegetable specialist training Nov. 4-6 in San Antonio and the general public is invited to apply, said the program’s coordinator.

The program will be at the San Antonio Botanical Garden Educational Room, 555 Funston Road.  It begins at 1 p.m. on Nov. 4 and concludes at noon on Nov. 6.

“This training is designed to provide advanced training so Master Gardeners can obtain specialization in areas that support or expand programs of AgriLife Extension,” said Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension horticulturist-vegetables, College Station. “Master Gardener vegetable training is a hands-on, intensive training that provides a wide range of knowledge and skills related to vegetable gardening.”

Masabni said while the program is designed for Master Gardeners anyone interested in vegetable gardening can greatly benefit from the extent and depth of the program.

Nov. 4 agenda topics include vegetable yields, site selection, fertilizing and harvesting specialty vegetables. Nov. 5 topics include garden planning and planting, plant diseases, a tools and parts demonstration, soil and bed preparation and indoor seed germination. Nov. 6 topics are pest management, proper watering, a program evaluation and a question-and-answer session. A tour of the Children’s Vegetable Garden on the botanical garden grounds is also scheduled. There will be additional presentations during the training if time permits.

“Master Gardeners who fulfill specified training and volunteer requirements will be recognized as a Master Gardener in the specific field of vegetables,” he said. “For Master Gardeners to be eligible for the training and certification, they must possess an up-to-date Master Gardener certification.”

He said Master Gardener applications must be approved by the local county AgriLife Extension agent and non-Master Gardeners who participate will not receive certification.

“A maximum of two Master Gardeners from each county will be allowed,” he said. “All others will be put on a waiting list and contacted if room allows.”

Master Gardeners receiving certification will be required to provide a minimum of 20 hours of service through AgriLife Extension.

Masabni said that Master Gardeners will serve as a local vegetable resource, assist with training for Master Gardeners and trainees, conduct educational programs and provide information and instruction through presentations, workshops and media efforts.

“Upon completion, the Master Gardener will be formally recognized at the annual Texas Master Gardener Conference, at which time they will be awarded a Master Gardener Specialist Certificate and lapel pin,” he said.

An application form may be found on the website for AgriLife Extension in Bexar County at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/. Those interested may also contact Angel Torres at the AgriLife Extension office at 210-467-6575 or matorres@ag.tamu.edu for an application.

Registration is $250 and includes two lunches, drinks, a jump drive and all resource materials. Participants must provide their own transportation and make their own lodging accommodations.

The course is limited to the first 30 applicants who send their completed application and check. Make checks payable to Bexar County Master Gardener Association. Send payment and completed form to: BCMG Vegetable Specialist Course, Attention: Angel Torres, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212, San Antonio, TX 78230-4818.

Registration deadline is Oct. 17 and as supplies must be ordered in advance, there will be no refunds after that date. Those needing special accommodations should contact Torres by the deadline to see if their request can be accommodated.

For more information, contactDavid Rodriguez,AgriLife Extension horticulturist for Bexar County,at 210-467-6575 or dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu.

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