August 9, 2017
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6 milestones for backyard chickens
Purina Animal Nutrition
Graduating school. Getting married. Having children. Retirement. We celebrate many milestones in life. Key moments also happen for backyard chickens. While your flock won't be buying their first new car any time soon, each bird will also go through important life stages.
Patrick Biggs, Ph.D., a flock nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition, says many backyard chicken journeys begin each spring at local Purina Chick Days events.
"As we get started on the journey with baby chicks, it's important to look forward to the milestones birds will celebrate," he says. "From baby chick to retirement, there are six important growth stages. Each stage signals nutrition changes."
Biggs recommends using these six milestones as a roadmap to creating a complete feeding program:
Weeks 1-4: Baby chicks
Start your birds strong by providing a complete starter-grower feed with at least 18 percent protein to support chick growth. The feed should also include amino acids for chick development, prebiotics and probiotics for immune health, and vitamins and minerals to support bone health.
"Chicks are also susceptible to illness," Biggs continues. "If chicks were not vaccinated for coccidiosis by the hatchery, choose a medicated feed. Medicated feeds like Purina Start & Grow Medicated, are not impacted by the Veterinary Feed Directive and can be purchased without a veterinarian."
Weeks 5-15: The teenage stage
During weeks 5 and 6, chicks will go through visible growth changes, including new primary feathers and a developing pecking order. Growing birds are now referred to differently. Pullet is the term for a teenage female, while a young male is called a cockerel. Between weeks 7 and 15, the physical differences between genders will become even more obvious.
"Continue to feed a complete starter-grower feed during the teenage stage," says Biggs. "Along with 18 percent protein, make sure the feed contains no more than 1.25 percent calcium. Too much calcium can have a detrimental effect on growth, but a complete starter feed has just the right balance for growing birds."
Weeks 16-17: Eggticipation
"Around weeks 16-17, people begin to check their nesting boxes for the coveted first egg," says Biggs. "At this point, consider layer feed options so you can make a smooth transition."
As compared to starter-grower, a layer feed has less protein and more calcium. This added calcium is important for egg production.
"Look for a complete layer feed that matches your flock goals - whether that's organic, added omega-3 or strong shells," Biggs explains. "In any case, be sure the layer feed is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and includes 16 percent protein, at least 3.25 percent calcium as well as key vitamins and minerals."
Week 18: The first egg
When birds reach 18 weeks old or when the first egg arrives, slowly transition to a layer feed. Biggs' advice is to make the transition gradually to prevent digestive upset.
"On our farm, we have found it's best to transition over time rather than all at once," he says. "We mix the starter and layer feed evenly for four or five days. If birds are used to crumbles, start with a crumble layer feed. The same goes with pellets. The more similar the two feeds are, the smoother the transition will go."
Month 18: Molting
Once the first egg has been laid, it's business as usual for a while. Around 18 months, feathers will likely begin to cover the coop floor. Welcome to molting season!
"The first molt usually occurs in the fall when days become shorter," explains Biggs. "Your flock will take a break from egg laying and shed feathers for a few weeks. This is a completely natural annual occurrence."
Protein is the key nutrient in a flock's diet during molt. This is because feathers are made of 80-85 percent protein, whereas eggshells are primarily calcium.
"When molt begins, switch to a complete feed with 20 percent protein," Biggs adds. "A high-protein complete feed can help hens channel nutrients into feather regrowth. Once birds begin producing eggs again, switch back to a layer feed to match their energy needs."
Retirement
One day, the time may come for the veterans of a flock to take a permanent vacation and retire from egg-laying. Although a hen will stop laying as she ages, she still has an important place in the flock as a steady companion who brings joy to the entire family.
"At this point, transition back full circle to a higher-protein feed," says Bigg. "If you have laying hens in the flock, supplement with oyster shell to assist their egg production."
Look for Jay White's "The Poop on Poo" in the upcoming September/October edition of Texas Gardener magazine in which he discusses the use of chicken manure, as well as manure from other animals, in the home garden.
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What are your plants saying behind your back?
The Soil Science Society of America
Are your plants waxing poetic?
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) August 1 Soils Matter blog post explains how plants and soil communicate-even without the advantage of words.
"Plants do 'talk' on one level simply by responding to their soil environment," says Jake Mowrer, Texas A&M University/AgriLife Extension. "Plants spend a great deal of their energy growing into new soil spaces, and retracting from nutrient-exhausted spaces. They even release chemicals that increase the availability of nutrients from tiny rocks and soil particles."
But if this isn't your idea of communication, there's more. Below ground, roots and soil fungi are working together. Warnings about disease and insect infestations get passed as chemical signals. Food, water, and carbon get passed through root and fungi networks to fortify plants.
Mowrer suggests we keep listening. "We clearly have a lot to learn about the nature and extent of this awe-inspiring system of communication at all levels," he says.
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The compost heap
Where's the fun in mulching?
"I am a firm believer in mulching all of my gardens and have for years ('Mulching your roses for weather protection,' Seeds, July 26, 2017)," writes Bob Hatton. "However, I take issue with it being 'fun.' The results are great and very satisfying. I use the wood chips from the city chipping sites which is dusty, dirty and generally disagreeable to load and spread. Hardly my definition of fun! But, certainly very beneficial and worth it."
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Gardening tips
It can be tricky trying to start tomato and pepper seedlings in the summer heat. For best results start with a good quality soil mix. Plant your seeds and keep them well watered from the bottom, if possible, and in the shade until they emerge. Once they are up, slow down on the watering and put them in a spot where they get morning sun and afternoon shade. Resist the temptation to water them twice a day. In fact, too much water and searing summer heat is a recipe for failure, causing the seedlings to damp off and die. Instead, allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings. After 3 or 4 weeks, you can repot them or plant them in the garden.
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 copy of
Texas Gardene
r's 2017 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at:
Garde
ning 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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AUGUST
Houston: Linda Crum, Montgomery County Master Gardener, Master Naturalist and Board Member of the Texas Blue Bird Society will present "Attracting Blue Birds to your Garden," 10:00-11:30 a.m., Thursday,
August 10, at the Genoa Friendship Garden Education Building, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. For additional information, visit
https://hcmga.tamu.edu.
Houston: "Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation"
is the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, 7:30 p.m., August 10, at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavillon, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. Skip Richter will present the program. He is a county extension agent-horticulture for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, contributing editor at Texas Gardener magazine, and an enthusiastic teacher of natural gardening techniques. He has written numerous newspaper and magazine articles on gardening. His YouTube channel "Gardening with Skip" features more than 120 brief gardening videos. He is also the author of Texas Month-by-Month Gardening. Free admission. For more information, visit
www.houstonrose.org
.
San Antonio: On August 10, the San Antonio Herb Society will feature Christopher Sanchez, a graduate student studying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Christopher plans on providing a westerner's view of TCM, highlighting the classic 5 elements - fire, earth, wood, metal, and water - which symbolically are used to explain the functioning of the human body. The meeting will be held at the San Antonio Garden Center on 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio, starting at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge and the public is invited.
Brookeland: Sodbusters Symposium,
August 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rayburn Country Club, 2376 Wingate Blvd., Brookeland, near Lake Sam Rayburn in East Texas. Lectures by Chris Weisinger, The Bulb Hunter; Melda Siebe of Wild Thymes Herb Farm; and Randall Kroll, Texas Parks and Wildlife. Ticket holders are treated to lunch, door prizes and a live auction, but anyone can drop in and shop the vendors, plant sales and silent auction. For more information and an order form, visit
http://counties.agrilife.org/jasper/files/2017/03/Sodbuster-2017-order-tickets-early-4.pdf.
Conroe
: Bees: Love 'Em and Raise 'Em!
Saturday, August 12,
9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
$5.00 per person at the door. T
he history, recent developments and best methods for bringing bees into the landscape. Correct approaches to meet the needs and protection of the bee and/or the bee colony will also be discussed and exemplified. All potential and practicing beekeepers will benefit from this program. Montgomery Co. Master Gardeners,
9020 Airport Road, Conroe
. For more information, call
936-539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.
Austin:
George Altgelt, founder and president of Geo Growers, will discuss Good Soil Nutrition and how healthy soil can prevent common plant problems at the August 14 meeting of the
Austin Organic Gardeners' Club
. Geo Growers has been providing excellent soils and compost to the Austin area since 1995.
The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meets at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens the 2nd Monday of each month except December. 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.
Seguin: Monday,
August 14, Noon-1 p.m. No band aides or tweezers required. Learn how to propagate cacti and succulents from Guadalupe County Master Gardener Jerry McNulty at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin. Everyone is welcome. Free. For more information, visit
www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
La Marque: "A Homeowner's Guide to Weed Control": with GC Master Gardener John Jons, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., August 15, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration required: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details visit
www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free.
Woodway: Carol Wood, Master Gardener, will discuss " What to Plant in the Fall" at Noon, August 16, at The Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum
, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway
.
Join the discussion of the best trees, bulbs, flowers and vegetables to plant in one of the best growing seasons in Texas. Free. For additional information, email jschaffer@woodwaymail.org or call (254) 399-9204.
Seguin: Thursday, August 17,
at 6:45 pm. Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will meet at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin. Brian and Shirley Loflin will speak to us on Native Grasses. Learn about the importance of grasses on the carbon and water cycles, their importance to wildlife, and their use in soil stabilization and land restoration. Everyone is welcome. Free. For more information, visit
www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Evening at Peckerwood Lecture Series: Friday,
August 19, 5 p.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. Topics will include various aspects of horticulture, botany, garden design, plant collecting adventures, conservation and many other related fields of interest. Wine and refreshments provided. $10 admission and parking, $5 for members. For more info, visit
http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/ or
eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org
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SEPTEMBER
San Angelo: Registration is underway for the 6th Annual Fall Landscape Symposium sponsored by the Concho Valley Master Gardeners, to be held Saturday, September 9, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center, 7887 N. US Highway 87, San Angelo. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. Deadline to register is Wednesday, September 6, but don't wait too late seats fill up fast. Three excellent speakers who are tops in their fields will be presenting throughout the day at this year's Symposium: Steve Kainer-Owner/Manager, Hill Country Gardens & Nursery, presnting "Landscape Water Features--Using water features and small ponds in the garden"; Bill Adams-Author and Photographer, presenting "Garden Photography" and "Fall Gardening and Planning for the Spring Tomato Patch"; and Felder Rushing-Author, Radio & TV Personality & Photographer, presnting "Slow Gardening" and "Yard Art--The Good, The Bad and the Unbelievable." Registration cost for the Fall Landscape Symposium is $30 per person. The deadline is Wednesday, September 6. Cost includes refreshments throughout the day and lunch. On the day of the seminar, sign-in starts at 8 a.m. The speakers start at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 3:15 p.m. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. No refunds for cancellations. To pay by check or cash, go to txmg.org/conchovalley, download the registration form, and mail or bring it to the Extension Office, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76901. You'll also find parking and hotel information on the website. To pay on-line with a credit card, go to http://squareup.com/store/cvmg. For questions or more information call 325-659-6522. No childcare will be provided.
Gonzales: Registration is currently underway for Gonzales Master Gardeners fall class. Classes start September 12 and run through May. Classes are held every other Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the PACE building located at 623 Fair St., next to Gonzales Elementary. Learn with the experts. Class topics include botany, plant propagation, soils, vegetables, fruit and nut trees, insects, fertilizers, rainwater harvesting, and many more. Contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 1709 Sarah DeWitt, Gonzales, call 830-672-8531 for an application and more
information, or contact Robbie Cole for more information at 281-734-1391. For more information, visit
http://Gonzales.agrilife.org
or http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org.
New Braunfels: Learn all about the sunflower family when Craig Hensley leads "Confusing Composites: An Introduction to the Sunflower Family" at the Lindheimer Native Plant Society (NPSOT) meeting September 19 at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. The meeting begins with social time at6:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by the presentation.
New Braunfels and Sattler: The Native Plant Society needs help in creating plant beds on the grounds of Folk Fest at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture in New Braunfels on Wednesday, September 20, and Saturday, September 23; and in establishing screening plantings to separate a neighboring business under construction at Tye Preston Memorial Library in Sattler on Wednesday, September 27, and Saturday, September 30. Times will be posted closer to the dates at http://npsot.org/wp/lindheimer/ or https://www.facebook.com/npsot.lindheimer/.
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OCTOBER
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will have a Fall Plant Sale on
October 7 at the MG Pavilion & Victoria Educational Gardens, 283 Bachelor Dr., Victoria. The sale will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude when the plants are sold out. This year the theme will be "Fall Is The Time For Planting" and will have fruit and citrus trees, fall color bowls, fairy gardens, succulents, Texas Superstars, fall annuals, perennial shrubs and color. Arrive early for the best selections.
Tyler: From Bulbs to Blooms - Fall Conference and Sale will be held October 14. Greg Grant, Texas Gardener contributing editor, and Smith County Horticulture Agent and Bulb Expert, will be the featured speaker on Hard to Find Bulbs and Bulbs good for the South. Along with bulbs, trees and shrubs will be available. Registration, 8:30 a.m.; Program, 9:00 a.m.; Sale, 11:30 a.m. Harvey Hall, 2000 W Front St., Tyler. Free and open to the public. For additional information, visit https://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or call 903-590-2980.
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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 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.
Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the
first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., usually at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 300 Church Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door at the North entrance. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.
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.
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.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a special Peckerwood Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is required. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
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.or
g 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 Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit
http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
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.
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.
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the
third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 605 E 2nd St, Hallettsville. Each month, the club hosts speakers that provide informative programs on a wide range of gardening subjects, and refreshments are provided by member hostesses after the business meeting. Visitors are welcome. Please email Sharon Harrigan at
sharonspetals@yahoo.com for more information.
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.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts the Evening at Peckerwood Lecture series at 7 p.m. on the
third Friday of each month. Tickets are available online. Tickets are $10, $5 for members.For more information, visit
http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
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.
Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the
fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit
http://thegardenclubofaustin.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
h
ttp://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.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, holds an Open Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Tours start at 10 a.m. and the last tour leaves at 2 p.m. Tickets available online or at the gate. $10, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
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