September 10, 2014
  
Preserve the harvest for winter meals and holiday gifts

 

By Melinda Myers

Gardening Writer 

 

The cucumbers have filled the vegetable drawer, you've run out of cabbage recipes and your family is refusing to eat one more BLT. Or maybe you just couldn't resist that special deal on a bushel of tomatoes, potatoes or apples at the farmer's market. So what is a gardener or shopper to do with all that produce?

Properly stored vegetables will hold their flavor and nutritional value longer than those left in a plastic bag or set on the sunny kitchen counter, so consider preserving some for the long winter ahead using one of several methods.

 

Storage orchard racks and slatted crates placed in a cool dark location have long been used to store squash, onions and potatoes. The stackable nature of drawers provide ample storage space, so fruits and vegetables do not touch. Keeping stored fruit separated prevents rot from spreading from one fruit to the next. Plus, the slatted sides allow airflow to extend storage longevity.

 

Those in colder climates can store their carrots and parsnips right in the garden. Once the soil gets a bit crunchy, cover them with straw or evergreen boughs for easier digging in winter. Then dig as needed or harvest during the first winter thaw. If this isn't possible or not your style, try out a root vegetable storage bin. The root crops are layered in sand or sawdust and placed in a cool dark location. Just remove and use as needed. No snow shoveling needed.

 

Drying is one of the oldest food preservation techniques. Most of us have grabbed a few bundles of herbs to hang and dry. Expand your drying endeavors to include fruits and vegetables. The goal is to quickly remove moisture without cooking the food. You can make your own dehydrator or purchase one. Research has shown that blanching vegetables and fruit before drying helps destroy harmful bacteria. Blanching involves a steam or boiling water bath followed by a cold water bath. Timing varies with the fruit or vegetable you are preparing.

 

Another ancient food preservation technique, fermentation, is experiencing a comeback. Cultures around the world have fermented fruits and vegetables for thousands of years. Unique flavors, storage options and health benefits have many gardeners revisiting this tradition. Fermenting cucumbers into pickles, cabbage into sauerkraut, and berries into preserves are just a few options. The ingredients can be as simple as water, salt, and spices. All you need is a vessel, vegetables and fermenting culture. You can jump-start your efforts with a fermentation crock kit (gardeners.com) which includes the crock, cover and weights to make sure your veggies stay safely submerged in water.

 

Or quickly lock in the flavor and nutrition of your fruits and vegetables with freezing. You'll need airtight containers or bags that are durable, don't leak and won't become brittle in cold temperatures. Some produce does not freeze well and others may need to be blanched before they are packed in the freezer bag or container. But frozen items can easily be retrieved from the freezer and included in your winter meals.

 

Canning is a bit more involved, but can be lots of fun. This process preserves the food and keeps it safe by preventing the growth of undesirable bacteria, yeast and mold. The sealed jars keep the flavor in and bad microorganisms out. So gather your produce, jars, pressure cooker, canner and friends to create tomato sauce, salsa, jams and jellies to enjoy or give as gifts.

 

Whatever method you choose, do a bit of research before you start. You'll have greater success and a lot more fun. The National Center for Home Food Preservation website, http://nchfp.uga.edu, provides all the basic information for storage and food preservation.


Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Can't Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener's Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' website, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.

5 common vegetable garden mistakes

 

Birds & Blooms

 

Are you thinking of growing a backyard vegetable garden? Or sprucing up your already existing one during these final weeks of summer? Though many may think it is a simple task to grow vegetables in your backyard, there are a few mistakes that can cost you time, money and added stress.

 

Save time and money by avoiding these simple pitfalls:

  • Great expectations for your backyard vegetable garden: You have to remember that plants are living things, so neglect - unless you're very lucky - means dead plants or, at the very least, sad-looking plants. Be realistic about how much time you have for gardening, and refrain from growing more than you can maintain. A small, healthy garden is a lot more attractive than loads of wilting plants among a mass of weeds.
  • Ignoring light requirements: It sounds simple enough: Locate plants that need full sun in sunny areas and those that prefer shade in shady areas, but you'd be surprised at how many gardeners, new and old, get this wrong. To avoid making this mistake with the area you're considering, track the sunlight there for about a week before you plant. This should give you enough time to observe the way light hits your yard on both sunny and cloudy days.
  • Forgetting to make amends: Amending the soil is the first and most important task before you start planting. Good soil means the right combination of silt, clay and organic material. Too much sand in the soil can dry your plants out. Compact soils with too much clay can lead to poor air and water circulation.
  • Assuming more fertilizer is better: Plants, like people, require balanced nutrition. Just as humans can overdose on vitamins or other supplements, plants can get sick or even die when they take in too much of one or more nutrients. It is important to follow fertilizer instructions - only adding the recommended amount as often as the label instructs.
  • Willy-Nilly Watering: It is important to be in between over-attentive and neglectful when it comes to gardening. It is recommended that gardeners test soil moisture by simply placing a finger about an inch or so into the soil. If it feels dry, go ahead and water thoroughly. If it feels moist, wait a day and check again.
The Compost Heap
Peach borer

"I have a beautiful Methley plum tree approx. 8 years old," writes Kay Culp. "There are big bubbles of sap appearing in the 'v' where low, large branches connect, and also along the trunk of the tree.  Would this be a type of boar? How do I treat it?"

Not a "boar" but likely a peach borer. The only way to control them is to use an insecticide registered for use on plums. Check with your local nursery or garden center for the right product. - Chris S. Corby, publisher 
Gardening tips

"Bluebonnet seeds like cold weather to sprout," writes Nancy Garrett. "I have used this technique quite successfully: Fill an ice cube tray with water. When half frozen, place several seeds into each cube. Let freeze over. Then plant using the frozen cubes."


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 2014 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.
SEPTEMBER

Austin: "Visiting Artist Series of Lone Star Bonsai Federation - Peter Tea of California," a bonsai demonstration and lecture, will be held at 7 p.m., September 10, at the Zilker Garden Center, Austin. A donation of $5 is appreciated. For more information, visit www.austinbonsaisociety.com.

San Antonio: Mike Bolner from Bolner's Fiesta Spices will discuss creating spice blends, things consumers should know about herbs and spices, and the process of getting herbs and spices from the plants to the consumers, at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio, Free and open to the public. For more information, call 210-826-6860 or email mbelisle@satx.rr.com.

Houston: The Greater Houston Plant Conference will take be held 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, September 12, at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 3033 Bear Creek Road, Houston. Several industry experts will be among the speakers and lunch will be provided. Registration before Sept. 4: $50. Registration Sept. 4 or later: $75. For more information or to register, call 979-845-2604.

Dallas: Plan to attend one or both no-cost seminars Saturday, September 13, at the Performance Hall (Building "E") at Mountain View College, 4849 W. Illinois Avenue, Dallas. Landscape designer and author Bonnie Reese will be the speaker at both sessions. Ms. Reese has more than 20 years of experience designing, installing and maintaining landscapes in North Texas and is the owner of her own landscape design and consulting company - Beautiful Landscapes ( BeautifulLandscapes.net). Attendees at each session will receive a copy of Bonnie's book, "Common-Sense Landscaping" (hard copy or electronic version - limit one per household). Attendees can enter a drawing to win a bag of Green Sense organic fertilizer from Rohde's Nursery & Nature Store (BeOrganic.com ). There will be 3 drawings per session. Water-Wise Landscape Design 101, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Whether you have a new landscape or plan to update an existing area, it is critical to begin with a good design. This program teaches the principles of landscape design with an emphasis on how to create a beautiful landscape that will save resources - natural and financial! Fantastic Plants for North Texas, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Using colorful photographs, Bonnie demonstrates the natural beauty of native and adapted plants that thrive in the North Texas region. Learn when, where and how to plant each of the recommended plants, their size and height at maturity, seasonal color, texture and more. This program provides information on trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, groundcovers and turf grasses. Space is limited, please register online at SaveDallasWater.com or by calling 214-670-3155.

 

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.

 

Nacogdoches: SFA Gardens will host a plant propagation workshop on September 13 from 9 a.m.-noon in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet Street, Nacogdoches. Join Dawn Stover, SFA Mast Arboretum Research Associate, will explore useful methods for gardeners to cost-effectively increase the number of plants in the landscape. Stover will teach propagation techniques including taking cuttings, sowing seeds and dividing perennials, and class members will participate in hands-on activities to reinforce instruction. Cost for the seminar is $20 for SFA Garden Members and $25 for non-members. To register for the seminar or for more information, contact Elyce Rodewald at 936-468-1832 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.

 

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.

 

San Antonio: Registration is now open for the 2014-2015 season of Picture Your World hosted by Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas. Open to youth ages 8-18, the Picture Your World program has introduced thousands of children to photography and the wonders of nature since 2002. Weekend workshops teach photographic composition and technique through hands-on demonstration, and constructive critique. Participants will produce a visual memory of their day and begin a creative portfolio while experiencing beautiful scenery and fresh air. The Sunday afternoon workshops are from 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm: September 14 at Government Canyon State Natural Area; October 19 at Warbler Woods; November 9 at River Road Community Garden; January 11, 2015, at Comanche Lookout Park; February 22, 2015, at Green Gateways Conservation Easement; March 22, 2015, at Medina River Natural Area; and April 12, 2015, at Southwest School of Art for portfolio preparation. Each workshop is led by a professional photographer, Carra Garza, Program Manager, and a Master Naturalist. Participants may bring their own digital camera or one will be provided. The cost per workshop is $10.00 per student for Green Spaces members and $20.00 per student for non-members. Registration and additional details are available online at www.greensatx.org. The program is partially supported through the generosity of CPS Energy. Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas was founded in 1998 as the Bexar Land Trust, Inc. Its mission is to sustain the natural environment and enhance urban spaces through land conservation, community engagement, and education. In addition to the Picture Your Word, the non-profit organization works with landowners who are interested in preserving open space and funds and facilitates community gardens in San Antonio.

 

Schertz: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners present their brown bag luncheon at the Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, on Monday, Sept. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring Deedy Wright, a Propagation Specialist and Texas Master Gardener. Deedy's topic will be "Planting with bulbs." Find out about the many wonderful fall-planted bulbs that will flourish in your yard with minimal care. Learn how to grow your own bulbs both in pots and in the ground. Admission is free and feel free to bring your lunch.

 

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.

 

Seguin: September 18, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will meet at the Guadalupe County Justice Center 211 W. Court, Seguin, for a program on" The Nitty Gritty of Gardening Soils, Water and Plant Nutrients" presented by Dr. Tom Harris, the Hill Country Gardener, Master Gardener, columnist and instructor for the past 15 years. This is open to the public and free of charge. Refreshments start at 6:30 and the program at 7 p.m.  

  

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.  

OCTOBER

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.

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

 

Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at the First Community Church at 1401 Trinity Drive in Crandall. January through April and August and September meetings are at 9 a.m., with the remaining meetings beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information visit http://www.kcmga.org, call 972-932-9069 or email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.


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.

 

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.

  

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.

 

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 guadalupecounty@npsot.org.

 

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 quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.

 

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.

Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center. 

 

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.

  

Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. For more information, call Carole Ramke at 903-986-9475.

 

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 LJepson@aol.com.

 

Cleburne:The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W Henderson, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Sue Matern at 817-517-9076.

  

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

 

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.

 

Evant: The Evant Garden Club meets on the third 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 254-471-5860.  

 

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 aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.

 

Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and 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 boeblingen@centex.net 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.

 

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 khtromza@yahoo.com.

 

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 email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.

 

Houston: The Houston Chapter of the Native Prairie Association of Texas (HNPAT) meets from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month at 3015 Richmond Ave., Houston. For more information, contact hnpat@prairies.org.

 

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 info@leandergc.org.

 

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.
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