July 27, 2016
  
2016 season underway at farmers markets around the state
 
By Adam Russell  
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
A morning breeze ruffled the flaps of a circus-type tent bustling with customers buying locally produced goods from honey to banana bread to zucchinis and freshly shelled peas from the farmers who produced them.
 
The Tyler Farmers Market was alive with activity on a Saturday as producers officially welcomed new and returning customers for another season. It's a time of year when thousands of producers around the state utilize farmers markets and pop-up stands to reach consumers.
 
Producer David Claiborne, of Jacksonville, has been involved with the Tyler Farmers Market since its inception in 1983. The interest in the market has grown among local consumers and farmers despite a reduction in the number of producers operating in the area over the past three decades.
 
"It's been a win-win for producers and their customers," he said. "East Texas is a hotbed for farming and the market gives farmers a location to bring their produce to town and sell direct to consumers, and for consumers it allows them a place to buy locally grown vegetables in many cases harvested the day before they are sold."
 
Dr. Marco Palma, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in College Station, said farmers markets continue to gain popularity among consumers for a variety of reasons.
 
Palma said research shows people want to live healthier lifestyles and are making conscious decisions about the food they consume.
 
On a national level, Palma said the number of farmers markets has increased to more than 8,000 in 2015 compared to 340 in 1970. The Texas Department of Agriculture has 130-150 registered markets on file and Palma said it is safe to assume there are other pop-up markets around the state.
 
"People want to support their local economy or they want that connection with the farmer and knowing where their food comes from," he said. "There is growing interest in the origin of food and knowing where and how food is produced. There is also a portion of consumers who purchase certain products for health reasons or even to the point of showcasing social status."
 
Despite the factors that play a role in the national, state and local marketing of farmers markets, Palma said "taste is still king." Customers return to products that look and taste good despite marketing practices that attempt to make a product stand out, such as labeling as organic, pesticide free or "Earth friendly." Many times, consumers can taste products at the market.
 
For producers, farmers markets eliminate the middleman, which can provide better opportunity for profits and prices for consumers, he said. It also allows producers to interact with consumers and "sell" their product's attributes on a one-on-one basis.
 
"Connection is important," Palma said. "Customers recognize the farmer and a relationship develops."
 
Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension small-acreage vegetable specialist in Overton, said the connection, knowing the name and face of the person who grows the produce, and the interaction between consumers and producers is a major component in the success of farmers markets and positive farm-to-table trends.
 
Masabni said many customers will return year after year to specific farmers for products they know, trust and enjoy. Those relationships and direct sales opportunity can greatly impact a small producer's viability and long-term success.
 
"Farmers markets are a way for producers to sell their products at a premium price and value, and oftentimes I hear they are sold out by the end of the day," he said. "So they can make good money by selling directly to consumers who are receiving fresh, oftentimes premium produce."
6 tips to protect backyard birds
 
APHIS - Biosecurity for Birds
 
The popularity of backyard chickens is continually rising. With Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and even Superbowl champion Von Miller proud poultry owners, the numbers will only continue to grow. Also growing is the market for farm-fresh eggs, as 54 percent of Americans say they've tried eggs directly from local chickens more than once. These factors contribute to the prediction that backyard flocks will increase 400 percent over a five-year period, the importance of owners knowing how to keep their birds healthy and disease-free is more important than ever.
 
As people plan to add chickens to their backyards, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) wants to remind all current and aspiring backyard chicken or turkey farmers of the important role they play in protecting all U.S. poultry from disease.
 
Avian Influenza can affect all poultry, and it can be transmitted by wild birds that will be actively migrating this fall. APHIS veterinarians explain six simple biosecurity steps to help keep a backyard flocks healthy:
 
Keep your distance. Wild birds can carry disease to your flock. Restricting access to your birds and property can keep them healthy.
 
Keep it clean. Germs can be spread quickly and easily. Prevent spread of disease by disinfecting and cleaning anything that comes in contact with your birds.
 
Don't haul disease home. Wherever you travel, the germs follow. Cleaning equipment and vehicles are simple ways to prevent spread of disease.
 
Don't borrow disease from your neighbor. Sharing is not caring. Do not share equipment or supplies with neighbors or other bird owners.
 
Know the warning sign of infectious bird diseases. Early detection of sickness in a flock is critical. Knowing the signs of a sick bird can save the others.
 
Report sick birds. When you see a disease, report it! Contact a veterinarian or call your local extension to report any signs of illness in your flock.
 
More information about APHIS' biosecurity for birds program is available here.
Gardening tips

Unless you are growing Buffalo grass, this is the time of year when most Texas lawns need supplemental moisture. The ideal situation would be to water deeply but less frequently every week to two weeks. Use a portable rain gauge or drinking glass to measure the amount applied. One inch per watering is ideal. If it starts to run off before you have applied the full amount, split the watering into two sessions. Light, more frequent water applications do more harm than good because most of the moisture evaporates and creates an environment that is conducive to disease. 
 
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.
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.
JULY
 
Austin: The Garden Club Of Austin meets Thursday, July 28, at Zilker Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin. Troy Smith of Brite Ideas will discuss hydrophonics. Social and treats at 7:00, program 7:30-9:00 p.m. Free parking and meeting.
 
La Marque: "Successful Fall Vegetable Gardening" with long-time MG Master Gardener Luke Stripling presenting, 9:00-11:30 a.m., July 30, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Further details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
AUGUST

Houston: Open Garden Day, with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2. 8:30-11 a.m., Monday, August 1, at the Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Free. Plants for sale every Monday in the Greenhouse. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Cleburne: The Summer Thyme Festival will take place 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 6, at Hill College, 2112 Mayfield Pkwy, Cleburne. Fun for the whole family with Kid's Alley, free crafts & games for the kids. Lots of vendors offering herbal, health services, garden related, organic and just for fun items. Workshops include: 9:30 JCHS Hands on Herbal Seasoning Workshop; 11:00 Permaculture with Seth Hamby; 12:30 Flower Essence, Herbals & Essential Oils with Judy Griffin; 2:00 Snake Encounters with Daryl Sprout. Furry friends will be there from the Cleburne Animal Shelter. Door Prizes galore from business and garden art made by the JCHS. $1 per ticket or $5 for 6 tickets. Bring a can of pet food or newspapers for the shelter and receive a free door prize ticket. For more information, call 817-793-4625 or visit www.jcherbsocietytx.webs.com.

Nacogdoches: A seed saving seminar and workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 6, at the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., Nacogdoches. Explore the basics of saving your own vegetable and flower seed. Seed saving is economical, helps preserve non-commercial heirloom varieties, and provides an avenue for creating unique and more adapted selections. The seminar will be led by SFA Gardens' Greg Grant. Grant, an active seed saver, is a contributing editor of Texas Gardener and is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and Home Landscaping. He has also introduced a number of popular plants into home gardens and the Texas nursery industry. During the seminar, participants will gain a basic understanding of seed development, harvesting, cleaning, and storage. They will also learn the different categories of seed treatment in order to promote germination. Space is limited, so make reservations in advance by e-mailing Elyce Rodewald at erodewald@sfasu.edu or by calling 936-468-1832. Cost is $25 for SFA Gardens members and $30 for non-members. A second family member may attend for an additional $10.

Austin: Donna Hoffman, Eco Wellness Director for the American Honey Bee Protection Agency and long-time environmental educator, will speak about AHBPA's Bee Clever K-12 bee education program, August 8, at the Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meetig at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the opportunity to meet, mingle, and ask questions with local gardeners; club business begins at 7 p.m., followed by the guest speaker's presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

Houston: "Roses of Russia" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, Thursday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C, located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. This program will be presented by Houston Rose Society and American Rose Society member, Penny Pressler. Penny and her husband are world travelers. The program will focus on the roses and rose gardens of Russia. Free admission For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.

San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society will present a program by Grace Emery on August 11. In addition to being the current president of the Herb Society, Grace is also a Master Gardener, and Red Cross volunteer. She will be speaking on Garden First Aid and Citizen CPR. Basic first-aid topics covered will include bleeding, heat stress, poisoning, bug, spider, and snake bites, back strain, and sunburn. Some herbal remedies will also be covered as well as traditional Red Cross first aid. The meeting will be held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels at Parland from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free and the public is welcome. For more information, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.
 
Seabrook: Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 present one of their own, Chris Hammen, speaking on "Fall Vegetable Gardening in Our Area," 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.. Thursday, August 11, at Clear Lake Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook. Free. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardeners will offer "Fall Vegetable Gardening in Montgomery County" at the Montgomery Co. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe, 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., August 13. $5.00 per person (cash or check) is due at registration the morning of each class. The fee covers costs of materials, supplies, coffee and snacks. For additional information, visithttp://www.mcmga.com/  or call 936-539-7824.

Houston: Open Garden Day, with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2. 8:30-11:00 a.m., Monday, August 15, at the Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Free. Plants for sale every Monday in the Greenhouse. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu .

Lufkin: Dr. Bill Welch will present "Redesigning the Landscape" at 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 15, at Angelina Extension, 2201 S. Medford Drive, Lufkin. Cost is $10 at the door. Dr. Welch's books will be available for sale and signing at 6:00 p.m. Call 634-6414 for more information.

La Marque: "Gardening by the Square Foot" with GC Master Gardener Jon Johns presenting, 6:30-8:30 p.m., August 16, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. For additional information, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

Odessa: Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland Counties) will continue its Backyard Basics series with classes on Home Egg Production. Classes will be held on Tuesday, August 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. with an identical class on Wednesday August 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. Choose either class to fit your schedule. Both classes will be held at the West Texas Food Bank, 411 South Pagewood, Odessa. Attendance is free, but registration is requested at 432-498-4071. Topics will include buying and raising chicks, feeding, housing, care and costs, egg production and end of production.

Smithson Valley: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold their monthly meeting August 16 at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Smithson Valley. The doors open at 6:30 pm and the meeting starts at 7:00 pm. The speaker will be Jim McCollough, Geologist & Master Naturalist. Jim will discuss "Hill Country Geology." The meeting is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call Martha Guethle, 830-438-5996.

Woodway: Mark Barnett, Master Gardener and Horticulturist/Landscape Designer, will present a program on Native Texas Plants, noon to 2:00 p.m., August 17, Pavilion at the Woodway Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd, Woodway. From flowers to bushes to trees, learn about many plants that do very well in Central Texas landscapes. Free. For more information, call 254-399-9204.

La Marque: "Flower Arranging" with GC Master Gardener Jackie Auer presenting, 9:00-11:00 a.m., August 27, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. For additional information, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
 
La Marque: "Growing Strawberries" with MG Master Gardener Robert Marshall presenting, 1:00-2:00 p.m., August 27, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. For additional information, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
SEPTEMBER

Lufkin: 4th Annual Native Plant Sale will be held at the Farmer's Market, 2107 S Medford Dr., Lufkin, on Saturday, September 24, beginning at 8:00 a.m. until sold out. Featuring native and well adapted ferns, grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees. Angelina Master Gardeners. Call 634-6414 for more information.
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.

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 bunny-williams@sbcglobal.net.
 
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 kayleetl@sbcglobal.net.
 
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 tom@deerfield-abbey.org.

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 stringer030@yahoo.com.

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 prairierose.npsot@gmail.com. 
 
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 wannagrow2@gmail.com.   
 
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. 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 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/.

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 blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.

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 TexasSageMG@gmail.com.
 
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 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 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 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) 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 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 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 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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Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2016. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher.

 

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Publisher: Chris S. Corby ● Editor: Michael Bracken 

 

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