 May 25, 2016
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Four-wire electric fence system best control of deer access to food plots and gardens
By Adam Russell
Texas A&M AgriLife Extrnsion Service
Landowners have a few options to protect forage plots and gardens from browsing deer, but the electric four-wire system appears to work best, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist.
Dr. Billy Higginbotham, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist in Overton, said the system is the best and most cost-effective option for landowners looking to keep deer out of food plots and gardens.
Dr. James Kroll, emeritus director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research at Stephen F. Austin University, created the four-wire electric fence design as a temporary barrier to control deer access to forage plots.
The technology has since been applied to protect high-value areas such as gardens as well, Higginbotham said. It has been field-tested for several years and was tested in Overton last summer.
The design allows landowners to limit access to small food plots that would otherwise be over-browsed by deer and at a much lower cost than an 8-foot-tall net wire fence, Higginbotham said. He said food plots as small as several acres of cowpeas can typically withstand browsing pressure but that forages need time, typically six weeks, to become well-established.
"We've been very pleased with the results, especially as we moved the fence to allow deer access to the forage," Higginbotham said.
He advised using electric fence "tape" set 18 inches off the ground for the outside hot wire and twist it so small breezes will make it flutter. Then set white electric fence wire 12 inches and 24 inches above the ground 3 feet inside the outside hot wire, and again 3 feet inside the two hot wires, set another electric tape twisted to flutter in the breeze.
Six-foot t-posts with insulators are used for corner posts for the hot wire configuration, he said. Place white, if possible, electric fence posts every 25 feet between the t-posts. Additional t-posts may be needed every 100 feet on bigger food plots.
The configuration is only 6 feet wide and 24 inches off the ground but the three dimensional effect has proven successful at keeping deer out of cowpea stands.
Higginbotham used the design to control deer access to a quarter-acre plot of cowpeas at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton.
Four game cameras were placed to monitor the quarter-acre food plot and deer interactions with the fencing system, he said. There was only one breach of the fencing system during the summer field trial - a doe jumped inside the outside fence for about 30 seconds and then exited.
Higginbotham said the configuration is good for food plots because it can be moved to allow limited access to the food plot throughout the summer and leading into hunting season.
He said allowing food plots relief from browsing pressure could help landowners to keep deer hooked to summer forages all the way up to youth rifle season or archery season.
The success protecting food plots can also benefit other areas landowners who want to restrict deer access. Home gardens near deer habitat can be vulnerable to deer browsing, Higginbotham said.
The total cost to fence the quarter-acre plot was approximately $400, he said. However, cost would drop significantly on a per-acre basis as the size of the plots protected by the electric fence design increased in area.
"Right now is a good time for landowners to be planting their summer forage plots, like cowpeas, and this system does a fantastic job of protecting those plots when they're starting and provides a way of controlling access as the landowner allows," Higginbotham said. "However, it is important to have the fence in place before the cowpeas germinate."
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8 ways biosolids and organics can contribute to a healthier environment
Lystek International Inc.
Let us reflect on the importance of recycling naturally occurring resources and explore innovative ideas for the conservation of a healthy, shared environment. Biosolids and organics and the careful management of these valuable resources warrant a closer look.
Historically, biosolids and many organic food "wastes" have been ignored, buried in landfills and/or brushed aside as pesky material, with little to no value. Lystek International Inc. is part of a group of dedicated scientists, researchers, engineers and other industry professionals, all of whom are firmly committed to changing this way of thinking.
Here are eight ways that biosolids and organics can contribute to a healthier environment when advanced treatment technologies are utilized and best management practices are followed:
Creation of nutrient rich, pathogen free biofertilizer products. These products are capable of promoting robust plant growth and replenishing the health and productivity of our soils. The many micro and macro nutrients inherent in fully processed biosolids and organics play an essential role in this important practice.
Reducing our reliance on depleting resources. It is now common knowledge that our global supplies of mined phosphates are dwindling quickly and will be completely gone by somewhere between 2030 and 2050. On the other hand, when organic matter and nutrients inherent in biosolids and organics are recycled, the practice closes the loop and helps contribute to economic and environmental prosperity.
Protection of our natural water courses. Healthy soils are far more effective in retaining water, promoting plant growth, and resisting erosion. Therefore, when biosolids and organics are utilized to build healthy, less porous soils, we reduce the potential for undesired run-off of nutrients (eutrophication) into the rivers and lakes that we rely on for clean drinking water.
Reducing our carbon footprint. Biosolids are an organically based material and they typically contain a high percentage of carbon. When treated using advanced technology and utilized following best management practices (such as sub-surface injection), the carbon stays in the ground. Conversely, when biosolids are not properly recycled (e.g. are dumped into landfills), the carbon eventually decomposes and creates undesirable greenhouse gas emissions, which then contributes to global warming.
Diverts "waste" from landfills. Public understanding that landfills cannot contain infinite amounts of waste is growing. As an example, Ontario's 32 largest landfills are estimated to have less than 25 years of available capacity remaining. Therefore, there is a great environmental benefit to diverting the more than 9 million dry tons of biosolids produced annually in the USA and Canada (alone). In 2014, the City of Toronto was able to achieve a 100% diversion rate in its biosolids management program. Innovative conversion technology and best management practices played a big role in this success. Others can do the same.
Job creation. When biosolids and other non-hazardous organic materials are properly treated and managed, the practice generates jobs and revenue for the economy. For example, one study conducted by the Ontario Waste Management Association estimated that Ontario (alone) could improve GDP by $1.5 billion and create 13,000 new jobs by reusing and recycling the resources it already has - including biosolids. These are benefits that can be realized in most jurisdictions throughout North America, and, in fact, many other countries around the world.
Production of biogas for green energy. Advanced technology for the treatment of biosolids and organics can also be paired with anaerobic digestion. In this scenario overall volumes are reduced and significant increases in biogas production can be realized. This naturally-based resource can then be further converted into "green" energy and utilized to power wastewater treatment plants, reducing GHG's and operational costs and converting them into Wastewater Resource Recovery Centers (WRRC's).
Alternative carbon source. In some wastewater treatment plants, biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems are utilized to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater before it is discharged into surface or ground water. Processing technologies are now available that allow treated biosolids to be recycled back into the BNR system as a safe, cost-effective alternative carbon source, thus replacing methanol or glycerol.
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Gardening tips
Gardeners in the northern part of the state still have time to thin the fruit on their fruit trees. Trees carrying heavy fruit loads can split under the weight. Support sagging branches with boards and make a note to do more fruit pruning next year. Heavy fruit set (a result of inadequate thinning) and improper training are the most common reasons for limb breakage.
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 copy of the latest issue of Texas Gardener magazine. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Gardening Tips.
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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.
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MAY
Tyler: The Smith County Master Gardener Annual Garden Tour will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m., May 28. Five homeowners open their private gardens for public viewing, rain or shine. $10 in advance/ $12 day of tour. Visit http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events or call 903-590-2980 for ticket and location information.
San Antonio: "Earthkind Gardening Practices" will be presented at the BCMG General Meeting, 6-8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by a special, free presentation at 6:30 p.m. 1.5 CEUs for MGs. David Rodriguez, AgriLife Extension Service, will combine the best of organic gardening with the best of traditional gardening and include elements of Integrated Pest Management. San Antonio: David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Horticulturist, will lead " Citrus Trees for your Patio & Landscape," Saturday, May 28, 10:30 a.m.-noon, at Milberger's Landscaping & Nursery, 3920 North Loop 1604, San Antonio. 1.5 CEUs. Free.
For more information, visit http://www.bexarmg.org.
San Antonio: 19th annual Festival of Flowers will take place on Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Seminars feature authors Pam Penick and Texas Gardener Contributing Editor Robert "Skip" Richter. Also, talks on "12 Months of Butterfly Gardening" and "Growing Daylilies." The Organic Roundtable features panelists Bob Webster of KTSA Radio, Austin's Natural Gardener John Dromgoole, Stuart Franke of Medina Agriculture Products, Bruce Dueley, host of "Organic Matters" on KTSA Radio, anti GMO food activist Diane Baines, Trevor Broyles with Lady Bug Natural Brand, and Noel Garcia of the Texas Plant and Soil Lab. Indoor garden vendor mall. City-Wide Plant Exchange, Texas Superstar Plant display, Rain Barrel class, floral design challenge, herb cooking and the 2016 San Antonio Daylily Show and Sale. Co-hosted by San Antonio Water System. Adults $6, children under 10 free. Free parking on site at San Antonio (Alzafar) Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 West between US 281 N. and Blanco Rd. For additional information, call 210-0380-3532 or visit www.SAFestivalofFlowers.com.
San Antonio: 19th Annual City-Wide Plant Exchange is the largest plant exchange in the state. Saturday, May 28 at the Festival of Flowers. Traditionally, more than 1,200 plants are traded between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sponsored by Gardening Volunteers of South Texas. Location: San Antonio (Alzafar) Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 West between US 281 N and Blanco Rd. Bring carts and wagons. Admission to the Festival of Flowers is $6 for adults. Free parking. Plant checkroom and carry-out assistance available. For complete Plant Exchange guidelines: 210-380-3532 or www.SAFestivalofFlowers or www.GardeningVolunteers.org.
La Marque: "Bamboo Uses in the Landscape" with GC Master Gardener Tish Reustle presenting, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., May 31, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to [email protected], further details see http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Free.
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JUNE
La Marque: "Peach Tree Pruning for the Home Orchard," a hands-on demonstration with GC Master Gardeners Herman Auer and Sue Jeffco, will be held June 2, 9 a.m.-10 a.m. and again 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at Galveston County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden/Orchard in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Email reservations to [email protected]. For additional information, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/ or call 281-534-3413. Free. Austin: The Austin Pond Society will hold its 22nd Annual Austin Pond and Garden Tour June 4 and 5. South and Central Austin sites will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., June 4; one pond in South Austin will be open 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., June 4; and sites in North Austin will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., June 5. Wristbands are $20 in advance and can be purchased at austinpondsociety,org. Wristbands purchased at any of the sites on the day of the event are $25. Children 12 and younger are free with a paid adult. For additional information, visit austinpondsociety.org or call 512-629-7825 or 512-635-9516. Helotes: Dr. Larry A. Stein and Dr. Justin Scheiner will be present " The Basics of Homemade Wine," Thursday, June 9, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gardens at Old Town Helotes 15060 Antonio Drive, Helotes. They will provide a history of wine making, will discuss how to grow grapes and other winemaking fruit, will provide steps and equipment for starting, and will present a wine making demonstration. RSVP by emailing Angel Torres, or calling 210 631-0400. $40 per person includes lunch; make check payable to Bexar County Master Gardeners 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212, San Antonio, TX 78230. Deadline to register is Monday, Noon, June 6.
La Grange: Boone Holiday will present "Backyard Greenhouse Building" from 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m., June 14, at Fayette County AgriLife Extension Service, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information call 979-968-5831.
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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 [email protected].
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. Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas. The club hosts different speaker each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch! For more information, email Bunny Williams at [email protected]. Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org. Midland/Odessa: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners meet at noon, the first Wednesday of each month, lternating between the Midland and Ector County's Extensions Offices. For more information about location, call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.
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. Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit http://cass.agrilife.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. Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually mee tat 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651. Fort Worth: The North Central Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. except (January and July) in the Fort Worth Botanical Garden Building at 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard, Fort Worth. For additional information, contact President Theresa Thomas at [email protected].
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. New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
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. Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Woodmen of the World, 1800 College Ave., Jacksonville. For more information, e-mail Tom Abbott at [email protected]. Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email [email protected]. Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email [email protected]. Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit 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's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
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 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or txmg.org/jcmg.
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 [email protected].
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/.
Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or [email protected].
Bastrop/Lockhart: Texas Sage Master Gardeners meet the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Bastrop or Lockhart. Visit their Facebook page for location and educational topic of the month: https://www.facebook.com/TexasSageMG. For additional information, or to become a Texas Sage Master Gardener, email [email protected].
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.
New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and visitors are welcome. For more information,visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer. Note: there will be no meeting in June or December.
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 [email protected] 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 Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, 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 [email protected] 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) at the Houston SArboretum and Nature Center in Memorial Park (4501 Woodway Dr.). For more information on programs, and for information about native plants for Houston, visit http:/npsot.org/wp/Houston. San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. During the months of Jan., March, May, July, Sep. and Nov., an evening meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by a free presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1-3:30 p.m. Check http://www.bexarmg.org/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting.
Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Cherie Flores Pavilion in McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. For more information, contact [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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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Texas Gardener digital edition available
Same magazine as our print edition without the paper and at a better price. Fully compatible with your desktop, laptop, iPad or Tablet. Access Texas Gardener anywhere, anytime: at the office, home, vacation, even in the garden. Easy to use with robust features and fully searchable archive as long as your subscription is active. Visit www.TexasGardener.com and click on the digital radio button to subscribe. |
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Vegetable Gardening in the Southwest
By Trisha Shirey Sweet, vine-ripened watermelon, tomatoes, bell peppers, crisp winter salads are just a few of the delights awaiting gardeners in Texas and the Southwest. While the cold winters and hot, dry summers can present challenges, there are many ways to have a productive garden and an ever changing menu of seasonal food. This book is for vegetable gardeners in Texas and surrounding states who want to get the most out of their gardens. Trisha Shirey (featured in the May/June issue of Texas Gardener magazine) is an award-winning heart-of-Texas gardener, and the head gardener at the Lake Austin Spa Resort where she has successfully overcome drought, insects and early freezes. She shows readers how to deal with these problems, along with others, and come out a winner. This book isn't loaded with lots of pretty color pictures, but it is loaded with lots of terrific gardening advice written just for gardeners in Texas and the southwest! Softback. 238 pages. Only $26.55 (includes shipping, handling and tax). To order using your credit card, call toll-free 1-800-727-9020 or online at www.TexasGardener.com. |
 Buy two books, receive cap free! 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 |
 The Texas Tomato Lover's Handbook 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 |
 Order both books, receive a FREE Texas Gardener cap! ($15.82 if ordered separately) Remit payment to: TG Books * PO Box 9005 * Waco, TX 76714 or call Toll-Free 1-800-727-9020 American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Accepted |
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