Soil Science Society of America 

Whether you're using existing soil, or importing soil to fill raised garden beds, soil amendments are a vital resource for ensuring a productive vegetable garden. Many neglected urban soils are compacted and low in organic matter. Soil amendments are designed to add organic material back into soil, reduce compaction, and improve soil life. All that helps increase the yield of your garden.

Composts: Compost is organic material that has decomposed into a stable state that's then available for adding to soil. Anything that was once alive can be composted; therefore different composts can vary in their properties. Some of the most common composts available to urban residents are made from the yard debris that is collected curb-side from residents.

Manure: Manure can give your garden an incredible boost in nutrients. Make sure the manure you use has been well aged or composted. Check with local agriculture organizations to see if they have a list of local farms willing to share their manure.

Biosolids: Biosolids are the digested, solid portion extracted from the wastewater treatment process. They may not sound pretty - but there's nothing better for creating an amazing garden. In addition to being 100% recycled and full of macro- and micro-nutrients, biosolids work to build healthy soil like nothing else.

Biosolids are also held to stringent standards by the EPA and have been repeatedly shown to be a safe, effective way to build healthy soil. A small but growing number of cities, however, are investing in the technology to produce Class A biosolids - clean enough to distribute to those gardening in urban areas. A good example of this is Tagro, available in the Pacific Northwest.

Using amendments

You can add amendments to soil anytime, but the best times for working them into an existing garden are in the spring before planting, and in the fall when putting the garden to bed. Generally, two to three inches is sufficient to work into the soil gently with a shovel.

For more information on soil amendments, visit soils.org/discover-soils/soils-in-the-city. Topics under Soils in the City include Community Gardens, Green Infrastructure, Green Roofs, and Soil Contaminants. The Soil Science Society of America also has an informational soils blog called Soils Matter, http://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/.

Annual Bulb and Plant Mart continues to grow

The Garden Club of Houston's Annual Bulb and Plant Mart returns October 2-4.

For 72 years, the Garden Club of Houston (GCH) has presented the Bulb and Plant Mart as not only a shopping mecca for local gardeners but also to raise money for local causes. On October 2-4, 2014, the 72nd annual Bulb and Plant Mart will be held at a new location, St. John the Divine Church, 2450 River Oaks Road, Houston.

The Bulb and Plant Mart opens to the "Early Bird Shoppers" on Thursday, October 2 and runs through Saturday, October 4. The event includes bluegrass entertainment by The Purple Hulls, beverages and several nearby stores that will donate 20 percent of their sales to the event. All proceeds made at the Plant and Bulb Mart support GCH projects including The Museum of Fine Arts, Rienzi, Medical Center Park, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Urban Harvest, and Houston Hospice Gardens.

For patrons' enjoyment, the Mart will feature exclusive exhibits such as:

• A live butterfly tent from The Museum of Natural Science Cockrell Butterfly Center
• A "Conservation" booth, which features a variety of native and drought-tolerant plants curated by experts in ecological conservation and education
• The horticultural award-winning Garden Club of Houston member and past GCH President, Nancy Thomas, is leading the "Plants that Merit Attention" Booth to present noteworthy selections collected specifically for the Mart

For the first time ever, the Mart is sponsoring a "Bulb Bar" for shoppers to create their own take-home bulb box filled with various bulbs of their choice. Gardening enthusiasts can even purchase all the necessary materials to grow their bulbs including soil, rocks, bulbs, containers and, should they need it, advice from expert gardeners! The Bulb and Plant Mart presents more than 500,000 bulbs from an assortment of both domestic and international suppliers, including more than 200 varieties of Tulips, Iris, Amaryllis, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Daylilies, Gingers, perennials, trees, vines, herbs and citrus plants. This event is open to gardeners of all experience levels- from the two time garden of the month winner to the person with a new found green thumb.

Every attendee at the Bulb and Plant Mart will be given a Horticultural Guide for Houston that was prepared by GCH members. The guide includes the botanical names and descriptions of the items for sale, information on planting and caring for plants, as well as a planting calendar for bulbs.

A group of women formed the Garden Club of Houston (GCH) in 1924 as a way to share their love and knowledge of gardening with the community and to promote and protect the environment through education, conservation and civic improvement.

For additional information, visit http://www.gchouston.org/BulbPlantMart.aspx.  

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. Phone 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, For more information, visit 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.

Austin: Arturo Arrendondo will discuss transfarming, turning your yard into a food producing ecosystem, at the Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meeting September 8 at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 6:30 pm for the opportunity to meet and mingle with local gardeners; club business begins at 7 pm, followed by our guest speaker's presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

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. Phone 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net. For additional information, visit 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.

Conroe: "Native Plants for Your Landscape" will be presented 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. September 20 at Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Speakers include John Ferguson, Jim Bundscho, Michael Potter, Mark Bowen, Robert Dailey, and Diana Foss. $15 per person includes lunch. Visit www.mcmga.com for a downloadable registration form. For additional information, call 936-539-7824.  

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. Phone 281-534-3413, email reservation to galv@wt.net, For additional information, visit 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. Phone 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net. Further details at 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.

San Antonio: Workshop: From Garden to Pantry to Lunchbox, September 20, 9 a.m.-noon. Diabetes Education Garden at Texas Diabetes Institute, 701 S. Zarzamora, San Antonio. School is back in session and more than ever we need to avoid the high levels of sodium, saturated fat, sugar, and preservatives in pre-packaged snacks such as "Lunchables." This workshop includes practices for harvesting, storing, drying, and otherwise keeping garden produce with longevity of use and best flavor in mind. We'll provide ideas for making garden goodies enticing for every palate. Get fresh tips and ideas for lunches and snacks on the go. $20 non-members/$10 members. Space is limited. Pre-register online athttp://www.greensatx.org/upcoming-events/register-for-a-workshop.

Bryan: Master Gardener Suzanne Milstead will present "Pollinator Friendly Approach to Landscape Design" at 7 p.m. September 23, in Room 102, The Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan. No Fee and Public is invited. Learn how you can employ various strategies to attract, maintain, and grow our pollinator population and have an entertaining, engaging landscape that overflows with flowers, bees, and butterflies. For additional information, visit brazosmg.com or call 979-823-0129.

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. Phone 281-534-3413, email reservation to galv@wt.net, For additional information, visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.  

Houston: The Garden Club of Houston's 77nd-annual Bulb and Plant Mart takes place October 2-4 at St. John the Divine Church, 2450 River Oaks Road, Houston. In addition to being a shopping mecca for local gardeners, the Mart will feature exhibts such as a live butterfly tent and a "conservation" booth featuring native and drought-tolerant plants. For additional information, visit http://www.gchouston.org/BulbPlantMart.aspx.

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

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

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