October 16, 2013
  

Getting ready for fall gardening

 

By Tom Harris, Ph.D.

The Hill Country Gardener

 

Spring gardening is just practice for fall gardening. Fall gardening typically goes a little better because the nights get a little cooler, the days start getting shorter as well, and basically, it's just a lot easier to garden and for plants to grow in the fall. Most times the payoff is much better, also. You get bigger and better flowers, veggies, and herbs.

 

With that in mind, let's look at bed preparation, planting, watering and fertilizing.

 

Bed Preparation

 

The first thing you should consider is whether or not the beds are in any shape to handle the rigors of fall gardening. It makes no difference if we're talking about flowers or veggies, if the beds aren't ready, it ain't going to happen.

 

Planting

 

The most important part of the planting process is to ensure that you have the right varieties of the plants that you want for that garden. If you're going to be planting veggies in that bed, write me at [email protected] and I'll send you the current list of recommended varieties and the planting dates for Texas.

 

If you buy seeds from a catalog because the pictures look really good, you need to be aware that they may not do well in our climate/environment here. For example, if you buy some transplants from Michigan or Indiana, they don't know how hot it gets down here. For many of them, summer means 85-90 degrees. That's just spring warm-up here. In the middle of summer, the temperature on the ground here can reach 120-140 degrees. Plants from up north will fry in that temperature.

 

Flowers

 

The same thing holds for flowers. Many people here continue to think that tulips will do well just because they want them to or because they're so pretty. Wrong! Tulips require a winter chill period to make them do well and we don't have that here. At best, tulips are a one-shot deal. You can get the bulbs and plant them the week after Christmas and, with any luck at all, they'll bloom in a couple of months...but that's it. They'll never bloom again.

 

Buy your plants at locally-owned nurseries and not the big-box stores. Typically the local nurseries order their plants from wholesale growers in the area and these plants are the ones that will do best here.

 

Grass

 

If you're going to be planting grass in the fall, be sure to get it in at least 6 weeks before the first frost is expected. If you don't know when that is, call the local weatherman and ask...they'll know when the average is and that's a pretty good start.

 

To plant grass seeds, first kill off the old grass and weeds. Then add about 2-3 inches of compost to the soil and till the whole area. Wet it really good and let it set for 3-4 days. Then rent a lawn roller (usually a barrel-like thing that you fill with water) and roll the whole thing to pack it down just a little. Then broadcast the seeds out over the area. Mix the seeds with about 4-5 parts sand so that you don't put all the seeds down at once. Also, the seeds must make contact with the soil or they won't germinate.

 

If you've decided to put sod down rather than seeds, you really should add some compost to the soil first, till it and then roll it. Your chances of success go way up.

 

On the other hand, if that's too much work for you, just put 1-2 inches of compost down over the soil, lay the sod and start the watering program.

 

Trees and Shrubs

 

Fall, especially November, is the absolute best time to plant trees and shrubs. In a nutshell, here's how it goes. First be sure that the place you plan to put the tree is in full sun.

 

Dig a hole about 2-3 times wider than the pot the tree/shrub comes in, but only the same depth as the pot but no deeper. In fact it could be a little shallower than the pot and that'll work just fine.

 

Mix about 10 percent compost with the soil, but no more. Remove the tree from the pot and place it in the hole.

 

Start replacing the soil in the hole. When it's about 3-4 inches deep, run the hose in the hole to get the air bubbles out. Add some root stimulator now if you have it.

 

Then put another 4-6 inches of soil in the hole and repeat the process.

 

Now add about 2-3 inches of some kind of natural (that is, woody) mulch around the tree.

 

Now just water it about once per week after the initial planting for the next 2-3 months and it should get its roots out very well.

 

Watering

 

Watering plants is more an art than a science; i.e., you shouldn't have a strict routine for watering your plants, especially the new ones. Watering plants always should be done in the morning.

 

For flowers, water when the leaves look wilted in the morning, not the evening.

 

For grass, especially St. Augustine, the time to water is when you can walk across the grass, look over your shoulder and see your footprints.

 

For trees and shrubs, as said earlier, once per week for the first few months is about all they need.

 

Veggies, on the other hand, need more water than most plants because they're growing really fast and it takes lots of water and food (fertilizer) for them to bloom and set fruit all in a few weeks.

 

Roses need enough moisture to keep the soil moist but not sloppy wet. This usually means about once every 8-10 days if you have lots of organic material (compost) in the soil.

 

Fertilizing

 

All plants need food (fertilizer), water, and air.

 

One of the most basic needs of plants is food. In the plant world, we call that fertilizer. For flowers, we usually feed them with a general purpose fertilizer about every 4-6 weeks. Just follow the directions on the label. With granular fertilizer, check the label. It'll tell you.

 

If you have any questions about anything discussed in this article, write to me at [email protected].

 

Good luck.

 
AgriLife Extension offers online course on Texas cottage food operations

 

By Paul Schattenberg

Texas A&M Extension Service

 

Texans interested in establishing a cottage food production operation can benefit from programs offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, said agency experts.

 

"House Bill 970 on cottage food production operations signed by Governor Perry went into effect on September 1," said Rebecca Dittmar, AgriLife Extension program specialist in Kerr County. "To help Texans understand about cottage food operations and to help them meet food safety requirements, AgriLife Extension has online programs and will also offer some in-person trainings."

 

The amended law allows Texas residents to prepare and sell specific foods from an unlicensed residential kitchen, Dittmar said. Some of the benefits to cottage industries in the bill include expanding the list of foods that can be produced at the home, prohibiting municipalities from outlawing cottage food producers on the basis of zoning and allowing sales in various locations outside the home.

 

"The previous law limited the foods that could be sold to mainly baked goods, jams and jellies, and dried herbs," she said. "Under the amended law that recently took effect, the list of foods that can be sold has been expanded to include pickles, popcorn snacks, candy, unroasted nut butters and vinegar. In addition, these foods can be sold at venues outside the home, including farmers markets, roadside stands and fairs."

 

Dittmar said all cottage operation foods sold must be properly labeled to include the name and address of the operation, the name of the product and possible allergens, and a statement saying the food was not prepared in a kitchen inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.

 

Dr. Jenna Anding, AgriLife Extension program leader for nutrition and food sciences, said for Texans who want to start a cottage food production operation, the agency has developed a free online course providing information on the amended cottage food act, as well as general rules and best practices for safely preparing food. That course can be found at http:/foodsafetyonline.tamu.edu.

 

The bill also mandated that, starting January 2014, all cottage food operations will be required to have an individual complete an accredited food-handler course.

 

Anding said to help meet that requirement AgriLife Extension also offers the Texas Food Handlers Certification course online in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese at https://extensiononline.tamu.edu/courses/food_safety.php. The course takes about two hours to complete and is accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

 

"This course is recommended for all food service employees to help promote the service of safe food," she said. "It is a basic overview of food safety principles and practices that are necessary to ensure you serve safe food at your establishment."

 

The cost for taking the food handler's course online is $15 per person, but discounted group rates may be available in some counties - and to ask the county AgriLife Extension family and consumer sciences agent for more information.

 

"One of the main benefits of this online course is that it is accessible from anywhere there's Internet access and it can be taken at any time,"

Dittmar noted. "Plus, it's interactive, with participant activities and handouts."

 

Upon completion of the Texas Food Handlers Course, participants will be able to print a food handler's card. The card will be valid for two years and can be verified online. However, the cost of the course does not cover any fees associated with the person's local health department.

 

"These courses will help Texans understand the parameters of the new law and get the food safety training they need to meet its requirements and help ensure they are producing a safe product for the consumer," Dittmar said.

 

For more information, contact Dittmar at 830-896-9037, [email protected].
20th Anniversary celebration at The Natural Gardener

The Natural Gardener, 8648 Old Bee Caves Rd., Austin, is hosting a celebration on Saturday, October 26, in honor of 20 years at their Old Bee Caves Road location!

 

Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and include live music by Bill Oliver and The Otter Space Band at 10 a.m.; Evan Kolvoord, noon to 2 p.m.; and Al Dressen and his band from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Other activities include spin-the-wheel for prizes, kids' activities, and free non-GMO popcorn and natural sodas starting at 11 a.m. while supplies last. Sign up for their email newsletter on their website to receive an exclusive coupon!

 

John Dromgoole opened The Natural Gardener in 1993 in response to the lack of organic gardening resources and supplies. Since then the business has grown to become a world-renowned garden center offering a large array of native and adapted plants, an educated staff, free classes, and many other resources and supplies for organic gardeners.

 

For more information visit www.naturalgardeneraustin.com or www.facebook.com/The-Natural-Gardener or call 512-288-6113.
Gardening tips

 

It is always best to drain fuel from your lawnmower and other gasoline-powered equipment at the end of the mowing season. If you plan to keep fuel in your equipment over the winter months, be sure and add fuel stabilizer to the tank according to directions. Also, add stabilizer to all gasoline being stored to keep it from spoiling. Bad gasoline will damage the engines of most power equipment. 

 

Have a favorite gardening tip you'd like to share? Texas Gardener's Seeds is seeking brief gardening tips from Texas gardeners to use in future issues. If we publish your tip in Seeds, we will send you a free Texas Gardener 2013 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Gardening Tips. 
Upcoming garden events
 
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.

San Antonio: Seeds contributor Tom Harris, Ph.D., will lead "Sprinkler Conversion," October 17, at the Community Learning Center, 9750 Tesoro Drive, San Antonio. For registration information, contact Carrie Smith at www.communityed.neisd.net.

  

Farmers Branch: The Celebration of Roses will be celebrated on October 19 in the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch with an outstanding slate of speakers in council chambers. Pat Shanley, America Rose Society VP & Chair ARS Marketing Committee, will present "A Vision of Roses - A Vision of ARS." Pat, coeditor of Reader in Rose Culture, The Sustainable Rose Garden, is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable grower of roses in her own garden, Stone Cottage. Tom Carruth, curator of the Rose Collection at the Huntington and an award-winning hybridizer, will speak on "Just for the Smell of It." Tom has introduced more than 100 rose hybrids that include such favorites as Julia Childs, Memorial Day, Cinco de Mayo and Ebb Tide. Tom's creations can be found throughout the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch. Stephen Scanniello tackles "The Truth about Climbing Roses: Myths, Lore, Legends & Some Facts." Gardener, rosarian, historian, writer and raconteur, Stephen has authored/co-authored five books. He creates/maintains private and public gardens throughout the U.S. The most recent and 25th recipient of the Jane Righter Medal from the Garden Club o f America can be described as a rose whisper. The Dallas Rose Society's Fall Rose Show and the Farmers Branch Rose Show will be held in City Hall. The show in addition to being a beautiful display of blooms provides great insight to which roses perform in the MetroPlex. Rose plants will be available for sale and Consulting Rosarians will be available to answer rose questions. Exhibiting in the Dallas Rose Society Rose Show is open to all. Visit dallasrosesociety.com for a show schedule. Onsite free registration will be in the Gussie Field Watterworth pavilion beginning at 10:30. Parking will be at City Hall, 13000 William Dodson Parkway. Shuttles will be available to transport through the gardens. Master Gardeners will be on site to answer your Rose Rosette Disease and gardening questions. The bluegrass band Copper Canyon will serenade during the complimentary grilled hot dog lunch. City Hall will open at noon for the rose show and speakers. While the Celebration concludes at 4:30, Bloomin' Bluegrass will continue into the evening at the Historical Park. for additional information, visit bloominbluegrass.com.

 

Grapevine: "Plant Native - Plant Now" will be presented Saturday, October 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park, 411 Ball Street, Grapevine. The "Plant Native - Plant Now" sale will focus on nectar and host plants for butterflies and feature native and adapted trees and shrubs that are hardy and unique. The event will be part of the Butterfly Flutterby festivities occurring at the gardens. For additional information, visit  www.grapevinegardenclub.org.

 

Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden in Hempstead will host Fall Open Days October 19 & 20 and November 9 & 10. Plant sales are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided garden tours are at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Tours are $10.00. The garden is not wheelchair accessible and please, no young children. The Garden is not a "wander at will" type location and is only available through the guided tours. Peckerwood Garden is located at 20571 Hwy. 359, Hempstead. For additional information, call 979-826-3232 or e-mail [email protected]. 

 

Huntsville: The 4th Annual Butterfly Festival & Plant Sale will be held October 19, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., 102 Tam Road, Huntsville. Walker County Master Gardeners invite you to celebrate butterflies with seminars, garden tours, face painting, children's activities and a monarch Tag and Release event. Natives, fruit trees, roses, perennials and butterfly merchandise for sale. Located at the corner of Highway 75 North and Tam Road approximately 2 miles north of the Pilot Truck Stop on Highway 75. Call 936-435-2426 for more information. 

 

Seguin: The Guadalupe Master Gardeners will meet on Thursday, October 19, at the AgriLife Building, 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. with Liz Palfini, Texas Parks and Wildlife, presenting "Weeding Through Heirlooms, Historic and Just Plain Good Old Days Gardening Propaganda." The meeting is free and open to the public. The regular business meeting will be held at the end of the program. For further information visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.

  

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 will host Open Garden Day on Monday, October 21, at their Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. with a program on dividing Daylillies, Canna Lillies and Iris at 9:30 am. Free and open to the public. Children invited! For additional information, call 281-855-5600 or visit http://hcmga.tami.edu.


Bandera: Seeds contributor Tom Harris, Ph.D., will lead "Gardening in a Drought," October 22, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Northside Learning Center, Bandera. For registration information, contact Susan Underwood at www.nisd.net/ace.

Bandera: Seeds contributor Tom Harris, Ph.D., will lead "Gardening 101," October 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Northside Learning Center, Bandera. For registration information, contact Susan Underwood at www.nisd.net/ace.   

  

La Marque: Galveston County Master Gardener and Landscape Designer Karen Lehr will present "Landscape Design - Analyzing your Landscape," 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 22. This is first in a series of three programs that will give you the tools to analyze your own site and assess your landscape needs. It is suggested all three programs in the series be registered for and attended as the information advances through each program and will not be repeated. Dates of Landscape Design II and III are planned for October 29 and November 5. Seminar will be held at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. For course reservations, call 281-534-3413, ext. 12 or email [email protected].

 

Spring: Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is hosting the 2nd annual Sustainable Landscape Conference Friday, October 25, from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park, 907 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring. Presentations include: "SITES Rating System: Encouraging and Rewarding Leadership in Site Sustainability" by Jonathan Garner, SITES Coordinator, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; "Lower Resources, Higher Performance: Native Grasses for Turf, Roadsides, Green Roofs, Golf Courses and Parks for the Urban Landscape" byMark Simmons Ph.D., Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; "Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center: A Commitment to Environmentally Responsible Practices" by Rick Lewandowski, Director, Shangri La; "Turning Scarce Resources into a Bountiful Harvest (Financial & Natural)" by Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Harris County Precinct 4; and "Mandolin Gardens - Converting a Traditional Detention Basin into an Award-Winning Park Amenity" by Merrie Talley, RLA, ASLA, LEED. The day of the conference will include remarks from Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Director, Darrin Duling, Lunch, and will conclude with a site visit to Mandolin Gardens Park. Professional Conference Fee (including CEU credits) is $135 for Mercer Society members and $150 for non-members. General Conference Fee (without CEU credits) is $112 for Mercer Society Members and $125 for non-members. To register or for additional information, contact The Mercer Society at 281-443-8731, or [email protected].

 

Fort Worth: Make and take a glass orb terrarium on Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. - noon, at the Master Gardener demonstration and community garden greenhouse at the Fort Worth Resource Connection. The garden is located at 1801 Circle Drive. The Resource Connection is located off Campus Dr, north from I-20. Look for the Resource Connection signs on Campus Drive. Class fee is $12 and limited to 20. Pre-registration is required for all classes. To register and for more information/directions, contact Billie Hammack at [email protected] or call 817-884-1296.

 

Austin: Green Corn Project's 15th Annual Fall Festival, "Grow Locally, Cook Globally," will be held from noon until 4 p.m., October 27, at Boggy Creek Farm, 3414 Lyons Road, Austin, and will feature many of Austin's best restaurants, live music on the front porch, cooking demonstrations on the back porch, and a silent auction. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the gate, and end at 3 p.m. that afternoon. 

 

NOVEMBER

 

Bandera: Seeds contributor Tom Harris, Ph.D., will lead "Conversion from Sprinkler to Drip," November 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Northside Learning Center, Bandera. For registration information, contact Susan Underwood at www.nisd.net/ace. 

   

Humble: Brenda Beust will present "The 10 Commandments of Lazy Gardening" noon-2 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic, located one mile north of FM 1960 at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. Learn how to enjoy the garden with less effort. For more information, call 281-443-8731 or visit www.hcp4.net/mercer.

 

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners will host Open Garden Day from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., Monday, November 18, at their Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Houston. "Overwintering Tropicals" will be presented at 9:30 a.m. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu or call 281-855-5600. 

  

Bandera: Seeds contributor Tom Harris, Ph.D., will lead "Build Your Own Drip Irrigation System," November 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Northside Learning Center, Bandera. For registration information, contact Susan Underwood at www.nisd.net/ace.  

 

DECEMBER

 

Humble: Casey Scribner and Brooke Judice of Trees for Houston will present "Trees in Urban Areas" noon-2 p.m., Wednesday, December 11, at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic, located one mile north of FM 1960 at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. Scribner and Judice will offer information about the importance of trees in an urban environment, recommended trees for our area, plus tips for how to plant and take care of them. For more information, call 281-443-8731 or visit www.hcp4.net/mercer.

Monthly meetings

 

If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details. 

 

FIRST WEEK

 

Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the first Tuesday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension, 3033 Bear Creek Drive (near the intersection of Highway 6 and Patterson Road), Houston. For additional information visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu or call 281-855-5600.

 

Wichita Falls: The Wichita County Master Gardener Association meets at 5:30 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Office, 600 Scott Street, Wichita Falls, on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www.txmg.org/wichita or call 940-716-8610.

 

Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners meets at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, call Carole Ramke at 903-986-9475.

 

Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners meet at noon, the first Wednesday of each month at the Permian Basin Readiness Center at the Midland International Airport. For more information, call 432-498-4071.

 

New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month (except December) at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program preceeds the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit http://txmg.org/comal/.

 

Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit www.allengardenclub.org.

 

Brownwood: The Brown County Master Gardeners Association meets the first Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Office, 605 Fisk Ave., Brownwood. For further information, call Mary Green Engle at 325-784-8453.

 

Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org for more information.

 

SECOND WEEK

 

Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

 

Evant: The Evant Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., usually at the bank in downtown Evant. To confirm the date, time and place of each month's meeting, call 254-471-5585.

 

Marion: The Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/ or contact [email protected].

 

Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

 

Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month at 401 W. Hickory St., Denton. Meetings are open to the public. More information is available at: http://dcmga.com/.

 

Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.

 

Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.

 

Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association meets the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program preceding the business meeting. For further information call Cindy Gill at 903-236-8429 or visit www.gregg-tx.tamu.edu.

 

Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the second  

Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.

 

Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.

 

Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the AgriLife Extension Office, 1225 Pearl Street, Suite 200, Beaumont. For more information, call 409-835-8461.

 

Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Billye Adams at 512-863-9636 or visit http://www.npsot.org/WilliamsonCounty/default.htm.

 

Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit http://txmg.org/orange for more information.

 

San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.

 

Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.

 

College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit http://www.amgardenclub.com/.

 

Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the second Saturday of each month, January through November, at 10:30am at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.

 

Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit www.RainbowGardenClub.com.

 

THIRD WEEK

 

Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at [email protected].

 

Cleburne: The Johnson County Master Gardeners meet at 2 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W. Henderson, Cleburne, which includes a program and a meet & greet. For more information, call Sharon Smith at 817-894-7700.

 

Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the third Tuesday of each month, except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.

 

Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail [email protected] or call 361-790-0103.

 

Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through Novemberand January through April at 10 a.m. at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.

 

Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.

 

Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit www.somervellmastergardeners.org.

 

Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.

 

Seabrook: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at The Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park (on the Lakeside), 5001 NASA Road 1, Seabrook. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.

 

Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.  The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email [email protected] or call 817-454-8175).

 

Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston (NPSOT-H) meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month except for October (4th Thursday) and December (2nd Thursday). Location varies. For locations, for more information on programs, and for information about native plants for Houston, visit http://www.npsot.org/Houston.

 

Rosenberg: The Fort Bend Master Gardeners meet at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month except December at the Bud O'Shieles Community Center located at 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg. For more information, call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

 

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month, at the Justice Center, 211 Court Street, Seguin. After a brief social hour, the meeting and guest speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.

 

FOURTH WEEK

 

Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio.

 

Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.

 

Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.

 

Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at [email protected].

 

Fort Worth: The Organic Garden Club of Forth Worth meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month except July and December at the Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center, 3220 Botanic Blvd., Ft. Worth. Refreshments are served. For more information, call 817-263-9322 or visit www.ogcfw.webs.com.

 

San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or call Bea at 210-999-7292.

 

Houston: The Houston Chapter of the Native Prairie Association of Texas (HNPAT) meets from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet, Houston. For more information, contact [email protected].

 

Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except July and August) at 10:30 a.m. at the community room behind the Greater Texas Federal Credit Union,1300 N. Bell, Cedar Park, unless there is special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, we share a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call president Cathy Clark-Ramsey at 512-963-4698 or email [email protected].

 

Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.

 

Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at the REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. For more information, call 214-824-2448 or visit www.gdogc.org.

  

Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.

Texas Gardener digital edition available

Same magazine as our print edition without the paper and at a better price. Fully compatible with your desktop, laptop, iPad or Tablet. Access Texas Gardener anywhere, anytime: at the office, home, vacation, even in the garden. Easy to use with robust features and fully searchable archive as long as your subscription is active. Visit www.TexasGardener.com and click on the digital radio button to subscribe.

Garden success
starts here!

Make gardening easier and more enjoyable in 2014. No more keeping it in your head or, worse yet, juggling all those wrinkled, sweat-stained pieces of paper that seem to accumulate and end up lost. It's time to get organized and the perfect way to start that off is with your very own copy of the 2014 Texas Gardener Planning Guide and Calendar. No more guessing when to plant or do different activities. You will find everything you need in one simple but informative guide and calendar. Plus plenty of room to record your own planting dates, rainfall events and other data for future reference.

Here's a sample of what you will find in this information-packed guide:
  • Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
  • Organic, earth friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
  • Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
  • Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns
Order today, while it is fresh on your mind. Don't forget to order copies for your gardening friends and relatives!

Only $12.80 per copy (includes shipping, handling and tax).

To order using your credit card, call toll-free 1-800-727-9020 or online at
www.TexasGardener.com.

Buy two books, receive cap free!

The Vegetable Book

By Dr. Sam Cotner

 

Finally, back by popular demand and in its fourth printing, the most informative and comprehensive "how-to" book on vegetable gardening in Texas (also, suitable for most other areas of the South) written by the late, great Dr. Sam Cotner, former head of horticulture at Texas A&M University and lifelong gardener. This interesting read has over 370 pages of detailed information on every crop, from Asparagus to Watermelon including problem/solving sections for each vegetable. If you want to maximize your enjoyment and success growing vegetables in Texas, this book is a "must have," whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener. Price $34.02


The Texas Tomato Lover's Handbook

By William D. Adams

 

The best thing for tomato enthusiasts since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years of experience to provide a complete, step-by-step guide to success in the tomato patch. Learn everything from soil preparation, planting, feeding, caging and watering. Liberally sprinkled with the author's easy humor and illustrated with his own excellent photographs, this must-have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Price: $31.94

Order both books, receive a FREE Texas Gardener cap!

($15.82 if ordered separately)

 

Remit payment to:

TG Books * PO Box 9005 * Waco, TX 76714

or call Toll-Free 1-800-727-9020

 

American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Accepted

Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. � Suntex Communications, Inc. 2013. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher.

 

Missed an issue? Back issues of Texas Gardener's Seeds April 2006-September 2013 are available at www.texasgardener.com/newsletters. Back issues beginning October 2013 are available here. 

 

Publisher: Chris S. Corby ● Editor: Michael Bracken 

 

Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 9005, Waco, Texas 76714

www.TexasGardener.com