By Ginger Broomes

The Orange Leader

Classes are being offered to help make one’s garden grow.

Orange County Master Gardeners will be having their first 2018 training class from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 7. Classes will meet every Thursday evening through September 13, at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center on FM 1442 in Orangefield or Exit 869 S off I-10.

Some classes may fall on different days, and field trips will be scheduled.

Orange County Master Gardeners is a volunteer program through the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The goal of the group is to improve the quality of life in Orange County through horticulture. The group develops community projects such as community gardens, school gardens, and expands into 4-H groups.

Master Gardeners also use their knowledge to help the public with their horticulture questions.

“We also work directly with the Field of Plenty,” President of the Orange County Master Gardener Association Sheri Bethard said. “An organization that supplies fresh vegetables and fruit to some of the places, like churches, that provide free meals.”

The tentative class schedule is posted on their website at https://txmg.org/orange/. Or can be found in the Community Calendar and Briefs section of The Orange Leader.

Cost of the class will be $110, and will include speakers, supplies, the Texas Master Gardener Handbook and a required background check.

There will be make-up classes available if you miss a class.

If you are interested, send your name, contact telephone number and email to Sheri Bethard at  sheribethard@yahoo.com or call 409- 882-7010. Applications and further information are also on the website.