Q: Can you help me with a plant problem?
A: Yes! For help with specific plant problems, call our Answer Desk at 361-790-0103, or email [email protected]. Your question will be taken by a Master Gardener, and if we don’t know the answer, we’ll find it and get back with you. To help us answer your question more efficiently, please gather the following information: what are the plant’s symptoms, how old is the plant, what type of soil do you have, how much are you watering, have you added any chemical treatment (pesticide, fungicide, fertilizer), do you have sun or shade exposure, or are you close to the water (i.e., any chance of salt damage)? Sometimes we may need to see a sample of the diseased plant to make a proper diagnosis.
Q: Are you willing to make a visit to my property for a larger issue?
A: Yes. Sometimes a site visit to your property is necessary in order to answer a question. The Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners have three trained Community Teams that make visits as needed with regard to certain specific areas: Tree Team, Rainwater Harvest Team, and Landscape Design Team. Please keep in mind that we only advise the property owner; we do not do the actual work involved.
Q: How do I learn about plants recommended for the Coastal Bend area?
A: We have an award-winning publication available called In Our Coastal Gardens that showcases the best choices for the unique soil, sun, wind, and salt conditions that we have in the Coastal Bend. This publication has photos and descriptions of the best trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, annuals, vines, ornamental grasses, palms, and tropicals for our area. It also lists invasive species and species with specific disease problems that should be avoided here.
Q: How do I become a Master Gardener?
A: Please visit our Become a Master Gardener page to see if this program is for you.