Winter Garden water issues 'big time serious'   

By Robert Burns

Corn crop in drought-stricken Medina County. Note pecan trees in the background dying from extended drought.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

"Little showers aren't going to do it. We need a flood," said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist who works closely with vegetable, fruit and nut growers in the Winter Garden region.

Faced with limited irrigation water because of low aquifer levels and little to no surface water this summer, Winter Garden growers are abandoning hopes of planting traditional August crops such as cabbage, said Dr. Larry Stein, Uvalde.

The Texas Winter Garden region is one of the major U.S. production areas of irrigated vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, onions, cucumbers and melons, along with pecans. The region lies southwest of San Antonio and is comprised mainly of six counties, Medina, Uvalde, Dimmit, Frio, La Salle and Zavala, but also includes parts of Atascosa, Maverick and McMullen counties.

The area has been particularly hard hit by drought over the last seven years, he said. Like much of the state, the region has seen the drought rolled back somewhat by substantial rains of 3 inches, 5 inches or greater. While this has helped dryland crops such as wheat and cotton, the rains haven't been enough to recharge groundwater sources such as the Edwards or the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifers or the rivers.

All the vegetable crops require a lot of irrigation water, but the Edwards Aquifer has had to cut its allotments to growers by 44 percent in some areas this year, Stein said.

"The Carrizo-Wilcox is not in too bad of shape, but the Edwards is being taxed heavily by urban sprawl as well as agriculture."

To recharge the aquifers and rivers at this time would "require a flood," Stein said, by which he means a hurricane, a tropical storm or a stalled out low-pressure area that would dump several feet of water on the region.

"They always say be careful what you wish for, but that's what's needed to recharge these aquifers and refill the rivers," he said.

What growers may opt to do this year is to greatly limit planting August crops like cabbage and save their limited irrigation water for crops in the late fall or winter, such as spinach.

"It's cooler that time of year, and crops will require less water," Stein said.

More information on the current Texas drought and wildfire alerts can be found on the AgriLife Extension Agricultural Drought Task Force website at http://agrilife.tamu.edu/drought/ .

Birds & Blooms

Every summer we are faced with extra-hot, extra-dry conditions that can wreak havoc on our plants. Following are five ways to allow drought-resistant flowers to add color to your garden in any type of weather.

Check out these top tips for beating the heat:

Choose the right site. Even sun lovers need a little relief, especially at midday. So avoid growing them in a full sun, especially on south-facing exposures. Part-day shade minimizes stress and also preserves flower color longer.

While you can't turn down the heat, you can change the soil. Dig in plenty of organic matter prior to planting. This improves the soil's texture, fertility and ability to retain any moisture. Plus, the soil stays cooler. This should be an annual task.

Group plants with similar moisture needs in the same area. This cuts down on the special trips you'll need to make to water just one or two plants.

One of the best ways to prevent drought stress is proper watering. Instead of giving your plants frequent, shallow waterings, water less often and more deeply.

Try spring bulbs! Many spring-flowering bulbs will survive in hot, dry locations, since the most extreme weather hits after they've already flowered and are resting. Mulch or cover them with other plants to keep them safe and cool.

America in Bloom and CN announce partnership on Community Greening Projects

CN and America in Bloom announced their new partnership and the launch of a new sustainability program in the United States supporting community greening projects along the CN rail corridor.

The CN EcoConnextions From the Ground Up program in the United States aims to create sustainable community greening and beautification projects that will contribute to a community's environmental, economic, social and health benefits. From the Ground Up also provides opportunities for CN and the communities along its network to work together towards shared goals of environmental stewardship.

"CN is proud to bring this innovative program to promote tree planting in communities along the CN network to the United States," said Claude Mongeau, CN president and Chief Executive Officer. "We have been amazed by the From the Ground Up projects we've seen across Canada and look forward to extending that record of success to cities and villages across the U.S."

Marvin Miller, America in Bloom's immediate past president and program coordinator, added, "We are very excited to be working with CN on this grant program, helping to bring more greening to American communities. From our experience with more than 200 towns across America, we know that quality landscaping is a necessity rather than a luxury, and that green spaces and plants create places that people are proud to call home."

This year, CN will be opening the program to the United States with a limited scale launch to assess community interest along the rail corridors.

Selected municipalities, townships, other local governments and locally active non-profit groups in communities neighboring CN rail lines in the US are being invited to apply. CN's EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program will provide grants of up to $25,000 to communities amongst that group based on their project's ability to match CN's grant, level of community engagement and the long term sustainability of the plantings.  

San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners General Meeting for August will be held at the AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive Suite 208, San Antonio, 1 p.m.-3p.m. on Thursday, Aug 21. Fall Gardening 101 will introduce gardeners to the flowers, grass, trees, shrubs, and veggies that do well with fall planting. Dr. Tom Harris, Master Gardener, Gardening Columnist, and frequent contributor to Seeds, will discuss bed preparation, selecting the right varieties of plants including planting, watering, and fertilizing them. The meeting is free and open to the public. Master Gardeners and Interns will receive 1.5 CEUs for attending.

Seguin: The Guadalupe Master Gardeners will meet on Thursday, August 21 at the Justice Center, 211 Court Street, Seguin. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. after a social function starting at 6:30. Join Master Gardener Specialists for a Round Table Discussion: Just-in-Time Gardening Refresher for Fall. Attendees will choose 3 small discussion groups to attend. Master Gardener specialists will lead each small group, discussing challenges, solutions, and successes in areas such as: plant propagation; growing herbs, vegetables, and native plants; efficient irrigation, composting; and tree care. For further information visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org or call 830-303-3889.

San Antonio: Do you have (or know of) a child or children, age 8 to 13, interested in learning how to grow a vegetable garden and how to become a good steward for the environment? If so, The Children's Vegetable Garden Program is the place to be this fall!  This program, held on 16 consecutive Saturday mornings, is hosted at the beautiful San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston, San Antonio. The Fall session starts on Aug. 23 and concludes Dec. 6 and applications are being accepted until Aug. 18, but hurry as space is limited. Fee: $50 per child or $60 for two children to share a 3.5' x 28' garden plot (non-refundable). For more information and to register, visit https://www.sabot.org/?nd=vegtable . Or, contact Timothy Roan at 210-207-3278 or timothy.roan@sanantonio.gov. 

Hempstead: Waller Co. Master Gardeners will host a "Fall Gardening" program presented by Tom Leroy, retired extension horticulture agent from Montgomery County, on Tuesday, August 26, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at a location to be announced later. Call 979-826-7561 to reserve a spot. On-site registration: $15. Light refreshments will be served. 

San Antonio: An Earth-Kind Education Seminar on Fall Vegetable Gardening will be presented by David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturalist, 10:30 a.m.-noon, August 23, at Milberger's Landscape Nursery, 3290 N. Loop 1604, San Antonio. 1.5 CUEs. Free.

La Marque: "Strawberries" with GC Master Gardener Robert Marshall, 6:30-8 p.m., August 26, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

San Antonio: San Antonio Garden Center Clubs will meet Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston, San Antonio. Fall program features celebrity designer David Garcia, owner of Statue of Design, who will create fabulous floral arrangements - and you could win one! Coffee at 9:30; meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://sanantoniogardencenter.org/ or call 210-824-9981.

Austin: With its warm days and cooler nights, along with more stable weather patterns, fall just may be the best season for vegetable gardening in Central Texas. On September 4, Master Gardener and vegetable specialist Tommie Clayton will share her many years of experience in gardening, with details on planting schedules, proven varieties for our area and other helpful resources. The program will be held at the AgriLife Extension office at 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin; cost is $10 for early registration and $15 for late or on-site registration. Register online: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty. Register by phone: 979-845-2604. For more information, contact Daphne Richards at 512-854-9600 or drichards@ag.tamu.edu.

La Marque: "Propagation of Plants by Cuttings" by GC Master Gardener Bill Cummins, 9-11 a.m., September 6, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Pre-registration is required. Limit class of 30. Free.

Rosenberg: Saturday, Sept. 6: Backyard Basics: Grilling - Learn how to select beef by grade and cut and proper cooking techniques. Cooking demonstration and taste test included. Presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 9 a.m. Fort Bend County Extension Office, 1402 Band Rd, Rosenberg. $15 ($25 couple). Details: Call 281-342-3034, email brandy.rader@ag.tamu.edu , or visit http://fortbendagrilife.org or www.fbmg.com.

San Antonio: Texas Water Star Program Earth-Kind Landscape School, A Four-Part Series for Homeowners, will be held at Texas A&M AgriLife Ext Svc, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, on four Saturdays (Sept. 6 & 20 and Oct. 4 & 18) from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This four-part workshop that will target new homeowners in the Alamo area interested in learning the best practices for home landscaping and gardening. 3.5 CEUs per session for Master Gardeners. Registration fee:  $60 for all four Saturday sessions or $100 For a Couple (same household) or $20 per session; RSVP and registration & fee due Aug 27. Contact Angel Torres, 210-467-6575, or matorres@ag.tamu.edu.

San Antonio: The Fall Youth Gardens Educator's Training class will be held Saturday, September 6, 8:30 a.m.-3: p.m., at the Education Service Center Region 20, 1314 Hines, San Antonio. This program is designed for teachers, educators, and volunteers in support of youth gardening in the classroom and community. Training and lunch is provided at no cost to participants. 5 CEUs for Master Gardeners and Interns. For more information, contact Ruby Zavala, Youth Gardens Coordinator, at 210-467-6575 or ruby.zavala@ag.tamu.edu.

Seabrook: "Container Gardening" will be presented by Master Gardener Will Isbell, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 9, Clear Lake Park Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook. A Harris County Master Gardeners Precinct 2 event. Free. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubP2.aspx .

La Marque: "Growing Onions and Garlic "by GC Master Gardener Ken Steblein, 9-11 a.m., September 13, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. For more information, phone 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

La Marque: "Kitchen Gardening"by GC Master Gardener Mary Demeny, 1-3:30 p.m., September 13, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. For more information, phone 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

San Angelo: The Concho Valley Master Gardeners in San Angelo, Texas will present their 3rd Annual Fall Landscape Symposium, Saturday, September 13. The Symposium will be held at the Stephens Central Library Community Room, 3rd floor, 33 W. Beauregard, San Angelo. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the programs begin at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until 3 p.m. Four presenters will be speaking throughout the day. Mike Mosman, owner of Cactus Unlimited for the past 15 years, will present "How to Affect All of Your Senses in a Low Water-use Landscape." Pam Smith, a horticulturist by passion and profession, will present "Roses for the Landscape." Debbie Frost, a horticulturist working as a landscape designer and garden coach, will present "Best Plants...Best Garden" and "Enhance the Garden Experience." Pam Penick, author of Lawn Gone! Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternative for Your Yard, and a landscape designer in Austin, will present "Lose the Lawn: Design Tips for Drought-Proof Gardens." The cost for the Fall Landscape Symposium is $20 per person or $30 per couple. The cost includes refreshments and lunch. Call 325-659-6522 to register. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 10 to assure seating and handout materials. No childcare will be provided.

Schertz: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will present a seminar on Propagation of Plants on September 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. The seminar will be held at the Guadalupe County Community Garden, 1101 Elbel Street (behind the Guadalupe County Office Building), Schertz, Texas. Kathy Carroll, a Master Gardener for six years as well as a Propagation Specialist for the Master Gardener Program will lead the program. The cost of the program will be $10.00 at the door.

Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens will hold its annual fundraising dinner at the Smithville Recreation Center on September 13. Funds are used to provide seeds, plants and equipment needed to maintain the network of gardens. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling 512-988-9886. 

Seabrook: "Fall Vegetable Gardening", presented by Chris Hammen, Master Gardener. 10 a.m., Sept. 17, Clear Lake Park Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook.A Harris County Master Gardeners Precinct 2 event. Free. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubP2.aspx.

La Marque: "Texas Tuff Landscape Plants"by GC Master Gardener Sandra DeVall, 9-11 a.m., September 20, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413, email reservation to galv@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

La Marque: "Grafting Workshop - T- Budding"by GC Master and Propagation Specialist Gardener Herman Auer, 1-3 p.m., September 20, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net, further details  www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Pre-registration required. Limit Class of 24. Free.

Rosenberg: Saturday, Sept. 20: Backyard Basics: Freezing & Dehydration - Learn how to extend your backyard food production through freezing and dehydration from Anne Ondrusek, Owner, Honeys Homemade Jams & Jellies. Demonstrations included. Presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 9 a.m. Fort Bend County Extension Office, 1402 Band Rd, Rosenberg. $15 ($25 couple). Details: Call 281-342-3034, email brandy.rader@ag.tamu.edu, or visit http://fortbendagrilife.org or www.fbmg.com.

La Marque: "Irises for the Gulf Coast" by GC Master Gardener Monica Martens, 6:30-8 p.m., September 23, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413, email reservation to galv@wt.net , further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.  

San Antonio: October  21 is the evening to learn all about Home Aquaponics. Join David Rodriguez at 6:30 p.m. when he introduces Steven Sumrow from Aquaponic Systems USA at Texas A&M AgriLife Ext Svc, 3355 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio. During this two-hour presentation, learn how to create your own Home Aquaponics to grow plants and vegetables in a water environment along with aquatic fish. Aquaponics is a system of aquaculture in which the waste produced by farmed fish or other aquatic animals supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, which in turn purify the water. No chemicals or soil needed, thanks to its automatic recirculating system, Aquaponics does not require much monitoring or measuring. 2 CEUs for Master Gardeners and Interns. Fee:  $10. RSVP to Angel Torres at 210 467-6575 or matorres@ag.tamu.edu.

• 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

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

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

($15.82 if ordered separately)

Remit payment to:

TG Books * PO Box 9005 * Waco, TX 76714

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