3 easy steps to drying your own fruit

Are you paying a premium for granola with half a cup of dried fruit? Tired of picking through the bag to avoid that one dried fruit you don't like? Don't bother with that overpriced, over-sweetened dried fruit from a bag, when you can make it healthier and more delicious right at home!

Luckily, drying your own fruit at home is easier than ever. All you'll need is a standard gas or electric oven. Here's how:

1. Prepare. Select fruit that is ripe, but not overripe, and free of bruises. Apples, pears, peaches, berries, cherries, bananas and apricots all work well. Wash and peel the fruit (cherries and apricots work best if dried with the skins on). Remove pits or cores, then slice fruit to desired thickness; make sure to keep the thickness uniform.
2. Dry. Preheat the oven to 170°. Position two racks in the center of the oven. Arrange fruit slices or whole small fruits in a single layer on nonstick baking sheets, making sure the pieces aren't touching. Keep the oven door slightly ajar during drying and stir fruit every 30 minutes. It can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to dry out fruit, depending on the thickness of the slices and the fruit's water content.
3. Store. Once the fruit is thoroughly dried, remove trays from the oven and let stand at room temperature for at least 12 hours before placing in storage containers.

Assistance for growers and handlers of organic agricultural products

Texas Department of Agriculture

The Texas Department of Agriculture announced earlier this month it will receive $317,600 in federal funding to help growers and handlers of organic agricultural products defray the costs of obtaining organic certification. Grant funds will be available to help recover part of the cost of applying for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2014.

Producers and handlers who incurred expenses for obtaining or renewing their organic certification between Oct. 1, 2013 and Sept. 30, 2014 are eligible for reimbursement. Payments are limited to 75 percent of an individual producer's certification costs, up to a maximum of $750 per certificate or category of certification, which includes crops, livestock, handling and wild crops.

Grant funding is provided by USDA's National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program. Approximately $11.5 million is available nationwide for organic certification cost-sharing assistance. The goal is to make obtaining organic certification more accessible for producers and handlers.

To learn more and download an application, visit www.TexasAgriculture.gov and click on the Grants&Services tab, or click here. For questions on the application process, contact TDA's grants office at (512) 463-9932 or Grants@TexasAgriculture.gov.

Austin: The Green Corn Project Fall Dig-ins will take place over the last three weekends in September, installing and refurbishing vegetable gardens for the under-served communities in Austin. Participating in a dig-in is a great way to share gardening knowledge or learn more about gardening while helping to bring nourishing food to others. The 3 weekends are September 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28. For more information and to register, visit http://www.greencornproject.org/dig.

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.

Humble: Registration is now open for Tiers 1 and 2 of the Texas Gulf Coast Gardener (TGCG) program, presented by Mercer Botanic Gardens and The Mercer Society. The nine-week program begins the fourth week in September onsite at Mercer and includes classes for beginners and experienced gardeners. Registration will be open until all classes are filled. Please call 281-443-8731 or visit the park to enroll. The TGCG curriculum, developed by the botanists and staff at Mercer Botanic Gardens, gives participants the knowledge and skills needed to grow, develop, and maintain their own gardens through a variety of gardening and horticulture topics specifically designed for the Texas Gulf Coast climate. The curriculum includes unique lessons and lectures presented by Mercer staff along with horticulture, botany, and gardening experts from the greater-Houston area. Mercer's brand new outdoor classroom will offer even greater opportunities for hands-on learning activities. Designed for beginner- and intermediate-level gardeners and horticulturists, Tier 1 covers topics including site preparation, composting, plant propagation, and water-wise irrigation practices. Completion of Tier 1 provides gardeners with the tools they need to successfully establish their own home garden. Geared to gardeners who want to add to their plant collection and horticulture skills, Tier 2 focuses on plants that can be successfully cultivated in home gardens and landscapes in the Texas Gulf Coast climate. Classes will cover everything from working with traditional garden staples like roses, bulbs, trees, and shrubs to more exotic plants such as ferns, orchids, succulents, and tropical plants. Classes will be held on Tuesdays (Tier 2) and Thursdays (Tier 1) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch beginning September 23 through November 20. The cost of enrollment for TMS members is $200; enrollment for non-members is $225. Participants will receive a text book, T-shirt or tote bag, and a one-year membership to TMS. Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is located one mile north of FM 1960 at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. Anyone seeking additional information, or requiring special assistance to participate in any program, should contact Mercer at 281-443-8731 or online at www.hcp4.net/mercer.

Grapevine: The Grapevine Garden Club resumes its 2014-2015 season on September 23 with "Trees 101," presented by Kevin Mitchell, Grapevine Parks & Recreation Director. The club meets in the Community Room at Stacy's Furniture, 1900 South Main Street, Grapevine. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m.

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.

Belton: The Tonkawa Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold their fall plant sale in conjunction with the Texas Renewable Energy Roundup & Sustainable Living Expo Sept. 26-28 at the Belton Expo Center, 301 Texas 121 Loop, Belton. Besides Native Plants there will be activities for children and many exhibits that feature Energy related products and speakers throughout the three days. For additional information visit www.npsotcentx.org or www.TheRoundup.org.

Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners will hold their Fall Plant Sale on Sat., Sept 27.  This Sale will feature Perennials, Shrubs, Natives & Vegetables.  The sale is from 8 a.m.-noon at the Brazoria Environmental Education Station, Hospital Dr. & CR 171, Angleton. For details, call 979-864-1558 X 110 or visit http://brazoria.agrilife.org/.

Sugar Land: The 16th Annual Sugar Land Garden Club Plant Sale has grown to a full scale Fall Festival this year! The event will be held Saturday, September 27 at a new, larger location in the historical Imperial Sugar Land area: 702 Burney Rd @ St. Theresa Blvd., KC Hall and Grounds. 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will kick-off a Children's School Garden Competition, The Great Grow, featuring a $500 grand prize for the winning school. Visitors will also find an array of children's activities including a planting station and craft center, learn how to grow a butterfly garden, purchase Sugar Land honey and learn about bee keeping, and shop with visit the many craft and food vendors. The event will still offer your favorite sought-after, unique and hard-to-find plants that are beautifully suited to gardens in the Sugar Land/Houston area, including more than 150 varieties of proven, hardy selections from Treesearch Farms. Another highlight of the Fall Festival will include The Brookwood Community Plant Sale outdoor tent sponsored by Gallery Furniture. The Brookwood Community, "Where Adults with Special Needs Contribute to the World" will offer their beautiful fall color hanging baskets, variety pots and fall color seasonal plants. Credit Cards are accepted.    

San Antonio: San Antonio Garden Center Clubs will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston. The program will feature KSAT 12 television meteorologist Katie Vossler, who will share some of her weather-news experiences and explore the controversy over today's "hot" weather topics: global warming, climate change, extreme drought, etc. Coffee at 9:30; meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://sanantoniogardencenter.org/ or call 210-824-9981. 

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.

Denton: "Texas Gardening - You can do it!" is the theme of theDenton County Master Gardener Association's Fall Garden Festival from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the Family Life Center at Trietsch Memorial UMC, 6101 Morriss Road, Flower Mound. The annual even provides free entertainment and educational activities for the entire family. Master Gardener booths at the Festival cover topics such as propagation, lawn care, designing a water-wise landscape, herb growing, worm composting and a dozen other topics. Seminars on gardening will be offered in classroom areas, including "Perennial Gardening" by Marilyn Simmons and "Transitioning from Sprinkler to Drip" by Patrick Dickinson. Live entertainment will be provided by the Flower Mound Community Orchestra, Voices of Flower Mound, Studio B Performing Arts Center, Texas Harmony Chorus (Sweet Adelines) and Dallas Tap Dazzlers. Vendors will offer hand-crafted items and information about maintaining a sustainable environment. More information is available on the Master Gardener website: http://dcmga.com/events/.

Jasper: Master Gardener plant sale Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arboretum at 225 E. Water Street, Jasper. Sale is held in conjunction with the Butterfly Festival, and the plant sale will include plenty of milkweed as well as native plants and butterfly attractors. Free children's activities, butterfly migration talks and two butterfly releases. For a schedule of activities, visit http://jasper.agrilife.org/ or call 409-384-3721.

La Marque: "Easy Butterfly Gardening" will be presented by GC Master Gardener Phyllis Koenig, 9-11:00 a.m. October 4 at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

La Marque: "Herbs in the Garden" will be presented by GC Master Gardener Cindy Croft, 1-3:00 p.m. October 4 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.

Nacogdoches: The Flora Garden Club of Nacogdoches will present a Fall Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., October 4, at the historic Gruebel-Carlson home built in 1897, 310 N. Mound St. Tours of the home will be available and handmade items will be for sale on the huge porch. For additional information, contact Dorothy Morse at dmorse@wildblue.net of Sandy O'Brien at 936-559-2573.

Nacogdoches: SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will host its annual Fabulous Fall Festival Plant Sale from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in historic Nacogdoches. A wide variety of hard-to-find, "Texas tough" plants will be available, including Texas natives, heirlooms, tropicals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and exclusive Greg Grant and SFA introductions. Most of the plants are extensively trialed in the gardens before being offered to the public, and most are produced by the SFA Gardens staff and volunteers.This popular event benefits the SFA Mast Arboretum, Pineywoods Native Plant Center, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, Gayla Mize Garden and educational programs hosted at the gardens. The educational programs at SFA Gardens reach more than 15,000 students ages 1 to 100 on a yearly basis. The public is encouraged to arrive early and bring a wagon. For more information, call 936-468-4404 or visit www.sfagardens.sfasu.edu two weeks before the sale for a list of available plants. 

Rosenberg: Visit with Fort Bend Master Gardeners at their vegetable and ornamental Demonstration Gardens for tips and advice on preparing your gardens and plants for the fall growing season. Free. 9 - 11 am, Saturday, October 4, at the Agriculture Center located at 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg. Call 281-341-7068 or visit http://www.fbmg.com/ for more information.

La Marque: "Gardening for Jewels...Hummingbirds" will be presented by GC Master Gardener Deborah Repasz, 6:30-8:00 p.m. October 7 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.  

St. Francisville, Louisiana: With featured speakers like the LSU Ag Center's Dan Gill, award-winning New Orleans landscape architect Rene Fransen, and noted authors Bill Welch and Greg Grant, no other gardening program brings together top quality speakers and historic plantation settings as well as the Southern Garden Symposium in St. Francisville, Louisiana, October 10-11. Known as much for its engaging social events and historic venues as for its outstanding gardening lectures and workshops, the Southern Garden Symposium - now in its 26th year - has become an annual tradition for garden enthusiasts from across the south. While the symposium's workshops and lectures provide ideas and inspiration for the gardener, the social activities surrounding the event are classic southern elegance at its best. From the home-baked breakfast breads served in the morning, to the sumptuous fare of the evening gala and the delightfully relaxed Saturday afternoon tea, not a single detail of southern hospitality is overlooked. Symposium events are held at several historic and picturesque locations, both public and private, including Afton Villa Gardens, Rosedown Plantation, Grace Episcopal Church, Woodland, Beechwood Plantation, and more. For complete program information and registration forms, visit www.SouthernGardenSymposium.org; call 225-635-3738 or email luciecassity@bellsouth.net . For information regarding overnight accommodations in St. Francisville, visit www.stfrancisville.us  or call 225-635-4224, toll free at 800-789-4221. Seating is limited and hotel rooms can be scarce in St. Francisville in October, so register now!

La Marque: "Galveston County Master Gardeners Annual Fall Sale" will be presented by GC Master Gardeners, 9:00a.m.- 1:00 p.m. October 11 at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; 281-534-3413; further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston . Free.  

Marble Falls: Native Plant Society Garden Tour, hosted by Highland Lakes Chapter, NPSOT (Native Plant Society of Texas). 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11. Admission: $5 adults and children over 12, pay that morning at Tour Headquarters, Falls on the Colorado Museum, 2001 Broadway, Marble Falls. Showing 5 private and 3 public gardens in Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay. Also: Native plant sale / tree give-away (limited number). For more information, contact: Fred Zagst, 512-755-2557, fzagst@gmail.com  or visit www.yantislakesidegardens.com/npsot and www.npsot.org.

Rosenberg: "Backyard Basics: Canning" will be presented Saturday, October 11. Learn how to extend the enjoyment of your backyard food production through canning. The presentation by Anne Ondrusek, Owner of Honeys Homemade Jams & Jellies, is presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners. Demonstrations included. 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 go to http://fortbendagrilife.org or www.fbmg.com. 

Huntsville: Walker County Master Gardeners 5th Annual Butterfly Festival and Fall Plant Sale will be held from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., October 18, at 102 Tam Road, Huntsville (2 miles north of the Pilot Truck Stop on Hwy. 75N). Find out how butterflies are tagged and released at this annual event featuring a variety of activities for children and adults including: face painting, guest speakers, videos and displays on the migration of Monarchs, a treasure hunt, insect identification, learn about bees and how they make honey, etc. At the plant sale, find an extensive selection including natives, fruit and nut trees, roses, perennials, shade loving varieties, herbs, daylilies and a wide variety of seeds. For additional information, contact Brenda Lichtman at 936-435-2426 or hpe_bxl@shsu.edu, or Reggie Lepley at 936-435-2426 or r-lepley@tamu.edu.

La Marque: "The Fabulous Fragrant Frangipani" will be presented GC Master Gardener Loretta Osteen, 9:00-11:00 p.m. October 18 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.

La Marque: "Wellness Gardening" will be presentedby GC Master Gardener Tim Jahnke, 6:30-8:00 p.m. October 21 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: 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.

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners 2014 Town and Country Garden Tour, Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and allow visitors into all six garden gardens. Tickets go on sale September 25 at the Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 West, Bryan. Checks only will be accepted at this location. 979/823-0129. Tickets On Site: On the day of the tour at any of the garden sites and checks or cash only are accepted. For more information, visit www.brazosmg.com or email brazosmg@brazosmg.com.

• 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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