Herb Study Group – Purpose
The Herb Study Group is coordinated by dedicated group of Master Gardeners. This group brings together volunteers who have a special knowledge or interest in herbs and provides ample opportunity for lifelong learning and creating educational programs, both important components of being a Master Gardener. All interested Master Gardeners and community members are invited to join one or more meetings of the Herb Study Group.
For questions about the Herb Study Group please contact the Co-coordinators at [email protected]
Herb Study Group – Overview
- Monthly educational meetings – The herb study group invites all individuals with interest in herbs to pursue greater knowledge through regular meetings with other herb lovers. The coordinators arrange meetings and topics, with all participants expected to lead one or more topics. Regular members research the monthly topic in advance and share what they’ve learned with other participants. Attendees are encouraged to bring a food or drink featuring the monthly culinary herbs. Sharing a specimen plant, photograph, craft project or medicinal and/or cosmetic concoction is also appreciated.
- Seminars and Workshops – In coordination with the Outreach Lead, members of the herb study group may plan, prepare and present herb related topics to community organizations, Bell County residents and Master Gardeners. These events are an excellent way to educate participants on herb propagation, cultivation and use. Seminars and workshops may be lecture style or hands-on.
- Support Fund raising events – In coordination with the Plant Sale committee, the herb study group provides recommendations and sourcing support for herbs at the plant sale. They may provide further support in creating planted herb mixes or other merchandising efforts to educate shoppers on the propagation, cultivation and use of herbs for sale.
- Educational tours – This group may arrange for educational tours relating to herbs or other horticultural topics. Tours are generally in the Central Texas area and are open to any Master Gardener. Tours will be publicized in advance and costs, if any, will be the responsibility of each individual.
Herb Study Group – Meetings
The 2026 meeting scheduled is available below. Regular meetings take place in the BCMGA Learning Center located at 1605 N. Main Street in Belton, TX.
| Month | Day | Date | Time | Herb |
| January | Thursday | 8 | 6 pm | Herb of the Year-Turmeric, & Holy Basil |
| Wednesday | 21 | 10 am | ||
| February | Thursday | 12 | 6 pm | Valerian, Ashwagandha & St. John’s Wort |
| Wednesday | 18 | 10 am | ||
| March | Thursday | 12 | 6 pm | Nasturtium & Calendula |
| Wednesday | 18 | 10 am | ||
| April | Thursday | 9 | 6 pm | Dill, Sage & Yarrow |
| Wednesday | 15 | 10 am | ||
| May | Thursday | 14 | 6 pm | Horse Radish, Lovage & Mushroom |
| Wednesday | 20 | 10 am | ||
| June | Saturday | 13 | TBD | Hands-on Workshop-Teas, Tinctures, & |
| Salves | ||||
| July | Thursday | 9 | 6 pm | Cat’s Whiskers, Cutting Celery, Stevia |
| Wednesday | 15 | 10 am | ||
| August | Thursday | 13 | 6 pm | Lavender, Mexican Sage, Skull Cap, Thyme |
| Wednesday | 19 | 10 am | ||
| September | Thursday | 10 | 6 pm | Chives, Genovese Basil, Marigold |
| Wednesday | 16 | 10 am | ||
| October | Thursday | 8 | 6 pm | Herb Swap, Brag Day, Slide Show |
| Wednesday | 21 | 10 am | ||
| November | Thursday | 12 | 6 pm | Christmas Party, Gift Exchange, & |
| Wednesday | 18 | 10 am | Food Sharing | |
| December | no classes |
During Round Table meetings attendees take turns sharing researched information (including chemical properties, growth habit, harvesting, etc.) on one or more topics. Each session will be led by one or more volunteers. Meetings are open to Master Gardeners, Master Gardener Interns, and the general public.
Disclaimer
This web page is for informational purposes only and is for communicating with current and prospective members of the Herb Interest Study Group only. We are adherent to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office and Master Gardener policies. Texas A&M does NOT endorse, other than approved, scientific/university research, recipes, etc. Any exchanging of recipes is between recipients only. We learn about Herbs and their uses, at NO time do we insist anyone use what we have learned, OR offer any kind of culinary/medicinal advice. It is left to the individual to further research, should they choose to use anything studied.