In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Stacie Villarreal, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Austin County.
Stacie shares how her passion for education and horticulture led her to AgriLife, and gives us a dynamic look into the wide-reaching impact of the Master Gardener and Junior Master Gardener programs. From demonstration gardens across Austin County to volunteer-led community projects, Stacie breaks down how AgriLife supports both seasoned growers and curious beginners alike.
We explore everything from how to become a Master Gardener to how kids are engaging in soil science, seed libraries, and gardening-based learning. Plus, we talk about plant sales, monthly Lunch & Learn sessions, scholarships, and the importance of choosing plants that are native and climate-appropriate for Central Texas.
Whether you’re a backyard gardener, a student, or just curious about how to get involved with your local AgriLife programs, this episode is full of inspiration and practical info for growing something great—right here in Austin County.
⏰ 00:00 – Meet Stacie Villarreal and her path to AgriLife
⏰ 02:08 – What it means to be a County Extension Agent
⏰ 05:14 – The most rewarding parts of the job
⏰ 07:20 – What is a Master Gardener?
⏰ 10:37 – The Bluebonnet Master Gardener program across four counties
⏰ 12:33 – Master Gardener requirements and training overview
⏰ 16:41 – Junior Master Gardener programs and youth engagement
⏰ 19:52 – Demonstration gardens in Austin County
⏰ 23:15 – Fundraising events and plant/tree sales
⏰ 25:36 – Scholarships for youth in horticulture
⏰ 27:29 – Monthly Lunch & Learn sessions
⏰ 30:02 – Soil testing campaigns and best practices
⏰ 33:15 – Chill hours, planting zones, and fruit trees
⏰ 35:21 – Companion planting, seed libraries, and storage
⏰ 38:12 – Grafting, propagation, and citrus rootstock
⏰ 41:06 – Using Aggie Horticulture for smart planting choices
⏰ 44:40 – Community education and the Ag Adventure building
⏰ 47:11 – Incubator projects and classroom engagement
⏰ 48:55 – Final thoughts and how to get involved locally