By Robert Burns

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Commercial vegetable growers are facing a new problem: Some commercial composts can contain herbicide residues that will cause mutant tomatoes and other vegetables, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist.

The herbicide aminopyralid is primarily used for control of broadleaf weeds in pastures, said Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist, College Station. The problem arises when growers use straw mulch composted from hay pastures or composted manure from animals grazing on treated pastures.

"This is a very serious concern for all growers," he said. "The herbicide can survive the animal digestive system and for three years or longer in the compost pile."

Masabni is one of the featured speakers at the East Texas Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Conference, set Feb. 24 at the Nacogdoches Expo Center, 3805 NW Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches.

Registration before Feb. 20 for the conference is $30 per person, $50 for couples. There will be a $5 late fee added to registration after Feb. 20. Lunch is included with the registration. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m., with programming beginning at 9 a.m. The conference will adjourn at 3 p.m.

To register or for more information, call the AgriLife Extension office for Nacogdoches County at 936-560-7711. Checks should be made out to Nacogdoches Master Gardener Association and mailed to: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 203 W. Main St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961.

Masabni will discuss the latest research results on using activated charcoal to neutralize aminopyralid herbicide in soils. He will also discuss how to calculate herbicide rates for a small volume like a backpack sprayer when labeled amounts are only shown for large acreages. And, he will discuss the finer points of both organic and conventional weed control.

Morning topics and speakers will include:

• Blackberry, Blueberry and Kiwi Production, Dr. David Creech, Regent's professor at Stephen F. Austin University and director of the university's Mast Arboretum, Nacogdoches.
• Muscadine Grape Production, Dr. Justin Scheiner, AgriLife Extension viticulturist, College Station.
• Something Sprouts in Nacogdoches: A New Student Edible Garden at SFASU, Dr. Jared Barnes, professor of horticulture, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches.
• Veggie Tales from a Lifetime Gardener, Greg Grant, research associate at the Piney Woods Native Plant Center, Nacogdoches, and contributing editor to Texas Gardener magazine.
• The video "Protecting Your Pollinators for Fruit and Nut Growers," produced by Erfan Vafaie, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist, Overton, will be shown during lunch.

After-lunch speakers and topics will include:

• Peach Production: Challenges and Opportunities, Monte Nesbitt, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, College Station.
• Rainwater Harvesting and Irrigation, Dotty Woodson, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture, Dallas.
• Vegetable Diseases, Dr. Thomas Isakeit, AgriLife Extension plant pathologist, College Station.

Holders of Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator licenses will earn two continuing education units in the general category for attending. Master Gardeners will earn five hours of continuing education recertification credits.

Sponsors include Irrigation Mart Inc., Heritage Land Bank and Earthwise Organics.

Dallas: Texas A&M AgriLife Water University: Landscape and Tree Maintenance, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Thursday, February 5, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Building C, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Wondering when to prune your trees and ornamental grasses? Should I mulch in the spring, fall or both? Learn the right time to maintenance your landscape and trees to ensure the health, production and asthetics. Register online at: http://dallas.tamu.edu/courses.

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will present their February Lunch & Learn on Thursday, February 5, from noon to 1 p.m. The topic will be Grow Spring Vegetable Transplants from Seed Presented by Jim Johnson, Vegetable Specialist and member of the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners. The program will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office,210 East Live Oak Street, Seguin. Jim's topics will be: Make your own grow light, Grow spring vegetables from seeds, Grow the right vegetables for the season, and Grow your own tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. The meeting is free. Just bring your own lunch (optional). For more information, call Treva Hicks at 830-303-4712.

La Marque: Galveston County Master Gardener Annual Fruit, Citrus Tree and Vegetable Sale, Saturday, February 7, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m. Plant Seminar; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sale. The plant sale and seminar is located at the 4102 Main St., La Marque, at the Wayne Johnson Community Center located in Carbide Park. The Plant seminar is scheduled from 8:00-8:45 a.m. prior to the sale. Galveston County Master Gardener John Jons will provide a presentation discussing many of the Vegetable, Citrus and Fruit Tree varieties that will be available in the sale. A huge variety of tomatoes, peppers, fruit and citrus trees adapted to Gulf Coast growing area will be offered at the sale. Plant and tree sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Check website for updates: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

Tyler: East Texas garden lecture series: Floral "Smackdown," February 7, Tyler Rose Garden Center; 8:30 a.m. Registration; 9 a.m. program. Three floral designers will give quick lessons on floral arranging and, at the end, the arrangements will be raffled, proceeds going to the East Texas Crisis Center. Cost $15 (or $45 for a season pass to all six Lecture Series programs). For additional information, contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Smith Co. office 903-590-2980, or www.facebook.com/ETGardenConference.

The Woodlands: Receive tips to Water Wise Your Landscape at the next Gardening 101 seminar on Saturday, February 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. Michael Potter, turf specialist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and Debbie Banfield, Landscape for Life facilitator, will share techniques for maintaining a lush lawn and garden beds with minimal irrigation. Register on-line for this free program of The Woodlands Township at Gardening 101 or call 281-210-3800.

Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardener Association will hold a "Lunch and Learn With the Masters" program Monday, February 9, noon-1 p.m., at Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria. Victoria master gardeners Pat Koening and Emory Powitzky Jr., will discuss "Blackberries: The Other Black Gold for Gardeners." The event is free to the public, and those who desire to do so may bring a sack lunch and beverage.

Dallas: Texas A&M AgriLife Water University: Vegetable Garden-Spring, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Building C, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Know where your food comes from by growing your own vegetables. Learn proper soil preparation, garden design, disease and insect identification, and the proper time to germinate vegetable seeds and/or when to transplant vegetables into your garden for the season. Register online at: http://dallas.tamu.edu/courses.

Houston: Free Annual Rose Pruning Demonstrations, Thursday, February 12, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Parish Hall 1819 Heights Blvd, Houston. Entrance to parking is on W. 19th Street near Yale St. Expert rosarians with the Houston Rose Society will demonstrate pruning techniques on actual bushes of all types of roses. Tables will be placed so all can get a close-up view. Questions are encouraged. Added bonus: all pruned bushes will be given away as door prizes; obtain a free raffle ticket upon arrival to be eligible. Free Admission.

La Grange: Ed Eargle will lead a session on "Composting," 11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m., February 12, at the Fayette County Agricultural Building, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. For additional information, call 979-968-5831 or email sawilley@ag.tamu.edu.

Nacogdoches: SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches. Dr. Jared Barnes, assistant professor of horticulture in SFA's Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, will present "Headed Down South from the Land of the Pines: Reflections on the Plants, People, and Places of North Carolina." At SFA, Barnes pursues how to best cultivate plants and connect students with horticulture. He manages the Sprout Garden along Starr Avenue, a trial ground for edibles and perennials for East Texas. Barnes, who began gardening at age 5, joined the SFA faculty in September 2014. Prior to his arrival, he participated in a summer internship at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, in 2008, and also has traveled around the U.S., as well as to 10 countries to gain a national and global perspective of horticulture. After receiving his Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh in 2013, Barnes' work has been recognized in Organic Gardening, Greenhouse Grower, AmericanHort Connect, and Ken Druse's Real Dirt. Additionally, his love of teaching extends beyond the classroom. Barnes delights in giving gardening talks around the country, and his articles have been published in Fine Gardening and Carolina Gardener. The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month at SFA's Pineywoods Native Plant Center. A rare plant raffle will be held after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves lecture series fund are always appreciated. Parking is available at the nearby Raguet Elementary School, 2428 Raguet St., with continual shuttle service to the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building. For more information, call (936) 468-1832 or email grantdamon@sfasu.edu .

San Antonio: At the San Antonio Herb Society February meeting, Dave Saylor, owner of Acadiana Cafe, will be "Cooking Cajun." He will demonstrate roux for gumbo and crawfish etouffee, discuss the important aspects of Cajun cooking, the historical mixture of Native American, African, and Spanish ingredients and show how each dish interacts with other ingredients. Thursday, February 12, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 210-826-6860 or email mbelisle@satx.rr.com.

The Woodlands: Venomous snake or harmless species? Learn how to safe in the garden on Thursday, February 12, at 7 p.m., Mike Howlett, herpetologist and project manager at Harris County Precinct 4, shares easy tips for distinguishing venomous species at Local Snakes 101. Discover the role of snakes in a healthy eco system and get a close-up look at live specimens during the free, family-friendly program in the Nancy Bock Auditorium at McCullough Junior High School, 3800 S. Panther Drive. Sponsored by The Woodlands Township. For more information, visit Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture or call 281-210-3800.

Pasadena: On Saturday, February 14, the Precinct 2, Harris County Master Gardener Fruit and Citrus Tree Sale will be held at Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7600 Red Bluff, Pasadena. Plant Preview by Heidi Sheesley, owner of Treesearch Farms at 8 a.m. Sale hours 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If it's sold at our sale it, grows in our area. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

The Woodlands: On Saturday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, learn vegetable gardening from the ground up with Tom LeRoy, horticulturist, author and vegetable gardening expert. Discover the best vegetables and varieties for spring and summer gardens in Southeast Texas. Registration is required for this free program of The Woodlands Township. Visit Vegetable Gardening or call 281-210-3800.

Canyon Lake: The Lindheimer Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, February 17, at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Canyon Lake. Kelly Conrad Simon will present "Texas Wildscapes." She has been with Texas Parks and Wildlife for 19 years and currently serves as the Urban Wildlife Biologist for the Central Texas area. The program emphasizes using native plants in landscaped beds to provide critical components of habitat: food and shelter. By providing the elements of habitat (food, shelter, and water) in their gardens, Texans can attract an exciting variety of birds, butterflies, frogs, and lizards and bring the beauty and vitality of nature home. For more information, visit  www.npsot.org/wp/lindheimer  or email Sharon Thomas at scthomas@gvtc.com.

Diboll: The 2015 Texas Timber Tax Workshop is a day-long event that will provide information on timber tax laws and rules, helping attendees understand recent changes before filing taxes. Along with federal income tax, timberland property tax laws in Texas will be discussed. This annual workshop hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Forestry Association, is an all-day event that gives hundreds of foresters, landowners and other professionals the training and education needed for applying new tax rules, which could prove as an advantage in forest management planning. The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center, 601 Dennis St., Diboll.Registration is $75 and includes a workbook, lunch and refreshments. The workshop is designed for forest landowners, consulting foresters, public accountants, loggers, attorneys and anyone who deals with timber taxes. Participating in this workshop also qualifies for continuing education credits. For more information or to register, visit http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/timbertaxworkshop or contact Jennifer Hayes at 979-458-6630 or jhayes@tfs.tamu.edu.

San Antonio: Spring Floral Design Classes at the San Antonio Garden Center will be held Tuesday, February 17, 24, and March 3, from Noon-3 p.m. Tuition is $75 for the 3 classes. Learn how to design your own floral arrangements in these hands-on classes with Instructor Melissa White. Fresh flowers, greenery, container, and instruction for a take-home finished project each week with emphasis on flowers and colors of spring. Classes are held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels. Further information at www.sanantoniogardencenter.org or call 210- 824-9981. Registration deadline is February 13. Make check payable to San Antonio Garden Center. Tuition for missed classes cannot be refunded.

Seabrook: At 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 18: "Skip" Richter, Harris County Extension Agent-Horticulture and Texas Gardener contributing editor, will present an educational program on Tomatoes & Peppers in the Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Woodway: Jo vonRosenberg will discuss "Water Wise," the new oil, from noon until 2 p.m. February 18 at the Pavilion at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway. Learn how to save money when watering your yard and how to plant for brutal Texas summers. Also, receive tips for EarthKind lanscaping and news of the latest SuperStar plants. For more information, call 254-399-9204. 

New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service present their Spring Seminar featuring tomatoes, keyhole gardening, and nutrition at McKenna Events Center, 801 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels. February 21, from 8:50 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is $49.00, and includes lunch, snacks, seminar booklet, and vegetable gardening handbook. Speakers include William D. Adams, author or co-author of Texas Tomato Lover's Handbook, The Southern Kitchen Garden, Commonsense Vegetable Gardening for the South, and Growing Fruits and Nuts in the South. Dr. Deb Tolman will provide all the details of keyhole gardening and Ashley Currie will provide a talk on health and wellness. Seating is limited so register early to save your place. Registration forms are available at http://txmg.org/comal/event/seminar/. For additional information, call 830-620-3440.

The Woodlands: Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance, Urban Harvest andThe Woodlands Township team up on Saturday, February 21, from 9 a.m. to noon to present the Organic Gardening and Landscaping Seminar. Learn how to create the prettiest and easiest to maintain landscape on your street while saving water and protecting your family and pets. Organic gurus, Mike Serant, John Ferguson and Dany Millikin share tips to develop your landscape's ultimate potential! To register for the free program, visit Organic Gardening and Landscaping Seminar or call 281-210-3800.

Bryan: Master Gardener David McAden will present "Veggie Tales for the Wanna Be Gardener," an overview of plants that will be offered at the March 28th Master Gardener Plant Sale, Tuesday February 24, 7-8 p.m., The Brazos Center, Room 102, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. Every year you are planning to plant a vegetable garden and then you turn around and the time has passed you by. Get the scoop from McAden, along with a list of especially high performing (but hard to find) varieties for this area. Many of these plants such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplants, melons, plus herbs, ornamentals, natives and trees will be on sale at the Annual BCMGA Spring Plant Sale. For additional information, visit at www.brazosmg.com, phone 979/823-0129 or email brazosmg@brazosmg.com.

San Antonio: Advance your gardening expertise, plus gain self-satisfaction through volunteer efforts which enhance the quality of life for citizens of your community using the science and art of horticulture. Bexar County Master Gardeners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will offer Master Gardener Intern Training Class #59 from February 25 to May 27 (noon-4 p.m., each Wednesday) at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. Registration for Class 59, is open NOW through February 9. See the attachment for details, application form, and planned class agenda. For more information, call 210-467-6575. 

Rosenberg: Join the Fort Bend Master Gardeners on Thursday, February 26, for a program to preview the plants to be sold at their Annual Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale. The program will be held at the Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the program will be from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. For more information call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

Dallas: For more than 30 years, Dallas Blooms has been a tradition as the largest floral festival in the Southwest. This year's theme plays homage to the beloved state: Dallas Blooms: Deep in the Hearts of Texans. This Texas-sized extravaganza, February 28-April 12, features more than 500,000 blooming spring bulbs along with Texas themed topiaries, entertainment, food and special activities celebrating Texas. Dallas Blooms features tulips, daffodils, Dutch Iris and hyacinths, pansies, violas, poppies and thousands of other spring-blooming annuals and perennials that bloom throughout the entire festival, so the garden changes all the time. The finale of this spring celebration is the mass flowering of the garden's collection of 3,000 azaleas that bloom through the end of April. Throughout the festival and beyond, there are multiple events to celebrate Dallas Blooms including Mommy and Me Mondays, Tiny Tot Tuesdays, a special 1980's concert and Easter activities. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas. More information can be found at www.dallasarboretum.org.

Rosenberg: The Fort Bend Master Gardeners will hold their Annual Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale on Saturday, February 28, in front of the greenhouse behind the Agriculture Center, 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg. The sale will open at 9 a.m. and will run until noon or until sold out. For more information call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

Longview: The annual Spring Garden and Landscape Seminar will be presented by the Gregg County Master Gardeners, on Saturday, March 7, at the First United Methodist Church, Faith Center, Whatley St. entrance, from 7:45 a.m. to noon. Chris Wiesinger, owner of The Southern Bulb Company, will be the speaker. He is nationally known as the "The Bulb Hunter." Wiesinger's topic will be "Seeking Botanical Treasures." He has a passion for seeking bulbs once-lost to the Southern gardeners, bulbs that thrive in warm climates, many of which are heirloom and rare flower bulbs. Wiesinger will have bulbs and copies of his two books for sale at the seminar. There will be vendors, door prizes, raffle and refreshments. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For information, call the Gregg County AgriLife Extension Service at 903-236-8429 or visit www.txmg.org/gregg.

The Woodlands: Helicopters in flight, hummingbirds delight the eye! Discover the antics and charm of nature's jewels at Hummingbirds 101: Everything you wanted to know about hummingbirds and more on Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. Cliff Shackelford, non-game ornithologist with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, reveals the latest information on the hummingbirds of Texas and the habitat that brings them here. This free program of The Woodlands Township will be held in the L.G.I. Lecture Hall at McCullough Junior High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive. For more information, visit Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture or call 281-210-3800.   

Huntsville: Herb Festival at the Wynne Home will be held Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at 1428 Eleventh Street, Huntsville. Sponsored by the Texas Thyme Unit of the Herb Society of America. Herb, butterfly and hummingbird, camellias and citrus plants for sale. Herbal and garden vendors, artists, musicians, food, and children's activities. Speakers: Bill Varney of UrbanHERBAL, Dave Whitinger of Allthingsplants.com, and Master Gardener Bonney Kennedy.

The Festival is FREE. For information, call 936-891-5024 or visit www.facebook.com/texasthymeunit.

Quitman: The Wood County chapter of Texas Master Gardeners will host a spring conference featuring speaker Steven L. Chamblee. March 28, at Quitman High School, 1101 East Goode Street, Quitman. "Time to Plant Smarter" will focus on plants and gardening methods specifically for east Texas. Chamblee is the Chief Horticulturist for Chandor Gardens in Weatherford, Texas. He serves as Consulting Editor and Author for a gardening magazine, writes a monthly e-newsletter column entitled "Native Son," and is an Adjunct Instructor for Tarrant County College and Texas Christian University's Extended Education. He will introduce Texas Tough Plants which are environmentally friendly and native to the state. This will be especially informative for people new to the area or state and adapting to Texas weather and seasons. He will cover subjects on trees, shrubs and color with emphasis on heavily flowering herbaceous perennials. The conference will also have mini-seminars on native plants, rainwater harvesting and worm farming. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Door prizes will be awarded and refreshments will be available. For more information contact: Gloria Jean Rosewall at gloriajeanerosewall@gmail.com; Roy Culbertson at royculb@gmail.com; or Lin Grado at lingrado@gmail.com.