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.
Episode Highlights:
⏰ 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
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Until next time — keep smiling, Austin County!
