March 27, 2019
  
5 Tips to create the outdoor living room
 
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)
 
Declutter & Clean. The first step to sprucing up the outdoor living room is to clear dirt and clutter from the space. Store lawn equipment, children's toys, and pet play things in a shed or garage. Give the entire area a good scrub down, sweeping away dust and debris to create a fresh, clean canvas.
 
Invite the Outdoors In. Blending interior and outdoor living spaces helps the exterior area feel like an extension of the home, not an afterthought. Ensure blinds and curtains are open to the family yard, highlighting the outdoor oasis. Make certain the indoor and outdoor décor complement one another and utilize similar colors, materials and styles both inside and out.
 
Create Cozy Sitting Areas. Create easy traffic flow throughout the outdoor living room, while offering a number of places for people to sit - at a table, around a fire pit, or in a cozy chair configuration. Also, offer some shade by using umbrellas or outdoor curtains to minimize sun glare and maximize visions of enjoyment in the outdoor living room.
 
Soften the Outdoor Space. Introduce a few soft design features into the outdoor area to create an inviting atmosphere. Rugs, throw pillows and upholstered patio furniture are a few ways to accomplish a "cozy" feel. Ensure these items are looking fresh and clean and not worn and dated. It's relatively inexpensive to swap out new pillows and rugs. Create outdoor ambiance by hanging string lighting, introducing a fire pit in the center of a patio, setting up a zen-like water feature, or adding candles, small plants and freshly-cut flowers to tabletops.
 
Utilize Living Landscapes. Nothing says "welcome home" quite like a beautiful living landscape, complete with flowering shrubs, trees, flowers, and other vegetation. Freshen up the family yard by weeding, mulching and planting flower beds and pots with colorful flowers and verdant plants. Vases of flowers can also help bring life - and a pop of color - to outdoor tablescapes.
Getting your seeds off to a healthy start
 
American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America
 
You may be ready to start planting, but are your seeds? The March 7 Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains how to ensure successful germination this planting season.
 
"As seeds absorb water, stored food materials become hydrated," writes Chathurika Wijewardana, Mississippi State University. "Enzymes in the seed become active, producing energy for the growing seed."
 
Four conditions must be present for this process to start:
  1. The right temperature. "Some plants require moderate to high temperatures, but others may need cold temperatures," Wijewardana says. This plays a major role in the success of the planting.
  2. Suitable moisture. "Moisture essentially brings the seed back to life," she writes. Too much, however, can cause seeds to rot.
  3. Oxygen. Make sure the seeds can breathe. "This is why getting your soil texture right before planting can really help with your yields. Adding in some compost and making sure your garden is appropriately drained can help in this regard, too."
  4. Seed depth. This is variable depending on the seed size, Wijewardana says. "If we put small seeds in too deep, lack of oxygen will limit seed germination, or the seedling will finish its food reserve prior to reaching the soil surface. On the other hand, large seeds need a deep planting location so that roots can grow deeply for proper anchorage."
Gardening tips

Now is the time to get serious about feeding your onions. As the temperatures rise and day lengths increase, their growth will increase rapidly. If you are growing your onions organically, top dress your rows with a high-quality, high-nitrogen compost (like manures) every month. If you are fertilizing your onions, top dress the soil with1/2 cup of fertilizer (ammonium sulfate [21-0-0] for alkaline soils and calcium nitrate [15.5-0-0] for acidic soils) for every 10 feet of row. Apply every month until you see the soil beginning to be pushed back by the bulb. 

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 2019 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Garde ning 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.
MARCH
 
Austin: Elaine White will demonstrating the Basics of Bonsais at the Garden Club of Austin meeting on March 28 at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin. White is a member of the Austin Bonsai Society where she served as President for a two-year term and Publicity Chair for many years. She is a founder of The Texas State Bonsai Exhibit and a member of the Bonsai Society International and the American Bonsai Society. The presentation on Bonsai Basics topics will cover keeping records, soil components, fertilizer, insects & fungus control, water & PH, styling & wiring, and re-potting. Examples of White's and other Bonsai artists' work can be seen by visiting www.ttsbe.org. Light refreshments and social time is from 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.. No registration for this event is required. Attendance to the seminar is free. A Zilker Botanical Garden entrance fee is required. The fees are $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), and $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted. All are welcome - gardening newbies and seasoned gardeners alike. For additional information, visit http://www.thegardenclubofaustin.org. 
 
Seguin: "Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden and the Landscape" will be presented by Guadalupe County Master Gardener Peggy Jones at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin noon to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 28. Free. For more information, visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org. (Bring your own lunch.)
 
Austin: Travis County Master Gardener Association will sponsor five new public seminars scheduled from March to September in 2019. Seminars are held from 10 a.m. to noon in the Austin Area Garden Center at the Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin. Texas Gardener Contributing Editor and Master Gardener Vegetable Specialist Patty Leander will kick-off this year's seminar series on March 30, with a presentation on tomatoes. She will share her knowledge of how to overcome some common challenges that adversely affect tomatoes, such as common bugs and diseases. In addition, Leander will share harvesting tips and some of her favorite recipes for enjoying your tomato bounty. New or long-time gardeners will benefit from the seminar, whether you have a large backyard garden, participate in a community garden, or have a few potted tomatoes on your balcony. No registration is required. Attendance to the seminar is free. A Zilker Botanical Garden entrance fee is required. The fees are $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), and $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.
 
Bonham: The Fannin County Master Gardeners Association will host their Garden, Lawn, and Home Expo on March 30, from 8:30 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. at the Bonham Civic Center at 1100 W. 5th Street (corner of Hwy 56 and Hwy 121), Bonham. At 9:00 a.m., Dr. Joseph Masabni, Extension Small-Acreage Vegetable Specialist, will present the program "Do's and Don'ts of Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening" which is based on his own successes and mistakes growing vegetables in raised beds. At 11:00 a.m. Steve Upson, Noble Foundation Senior Soils and Crops Consultant, will present his program on "Sustainable Practices for Home Fruit and Vegetable Production." This program will include information on promoting soil health, integrated pest management practices, managing climate risks, utilizing technology, conserving resources, choosing recommended varieties and encouraging pollinators and beneficials. At 1:00 p.m. Dr. Masabni will present the program "Everything You Wanted to Know about Tomatoes" including history, production practices, grafting and pest management. At 2:00 Bethany Arie, AgriLife Extension will present an overview of the AgriLife program "Path to the Plate." The Path to the Plate program is an unbiased examination of agriculture, the food we eat, and the connection to our health. The goal is to educate consumers so they can make informed decisions when it comes to agriculture and their health. Vendors will be present offering a wide variety of plants, yard art, and home and lawn care products and services. Master Gardeners will be present to answer questions and provide information on a variety of topics. The Lucky Two food truck will be on the grounds. Admission is free. Contact (903) 583-7453, visit www.txmg.org/fannin, or e-mail fannin@ag.tamu.edu.
 
Burnet: The 21th Annual Hill Country Lawn and Garden Show will be held Saturday, March 30, at Burnet Community Center, 401 E. Jackson St., Burnet, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. There will be three free programs: 9:30 a.m., "Tomatoes 101" by Ricky Lane; 11:00 a.m., "Hill Country Wildflowers and More" by Sheryl Yantis; and 12:30 "Let's Talk Butterflies" by Sheryl Yantis. This is free family show with Children's booth, Silent Auction, garden supplies, equipment, succulents, Native Plants, vegetable plants and much more. Food available for purchase.
 
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Garden Budding Out Festival: Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. A premier event celebrating spring in the garden! Featuring many specialty plant vendors from around Texas and Peckerwood Garden's own exclusive, ultra-rare plant offerings! Also see landscape materials and gardening supplies, art and craft vendors, and great food! Music performed by Hogan and Moss and The Houston Blenders!$10 admission and parking, Free for members. For more info, visit http://peckerwoodgarden.org/budding-out-festival/ or email eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org.
 
Huntsville: Herb Festival at the Wynne Home, Saturday, March 30, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. On the grounds of the beautifully restored Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 Eleventh Street, Huntsville. Sponsored by the Texas Thyme Unit of The Herb Society of America. Herb plants galore; pollinator, perennial and vegetable plants; kitchen, garden and herbal vendors; gardening and culinary speakers; music; artists and more! FREE admission. The Wynne Home will be open to visitors. For information, call (936) 891-5024.
 
La Marque: "Butterflies & Native Plants" will be presented Saturday, March 30, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Butterflies have been called jewels of the garden. They can be enjoyed in Galveston County almost year-round! Galveston County Master Gardener Lisa Nicklow Davis' presentation will cover different butterfly species that can be found in our area and what native plants to use in your garden or in containers to attract them. Email: galvcountymgs@gmail.com to pre-register.
 
La Marque: "Beneficials in The Garden" will be presented Saturday, March 30, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Dr. William M. Johnson, Galveston County Extension Agent for Horticulture, will give a program on beneficial insects and other types of beneficials commonly found in Galveston County home landscapes and gardens. Knowing your garden friends can remove the anxiety of "Do I need to spray an insecticide?" Email: galvcountymgs@gmail.com to pre-register.
 
Marshall: The Harrison County Master Gardeners will hold their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, March 30, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Tractor Supply parking lot, 105 N. East End Blvd. (US Hwy 59), Marshall. Plant selections will include plants grown by the Master Gardeners and plants grown by professional growers specifically for our sale. The sale will feature annuals and perennials for both sun and shade, vegetables, herbs, roses, hanging baskets, pass-along plants, and fig trees. Every customer gets a free milkweed plant to help save the Monarch butterfly. Bring a wagon and come early for best selection. Proceeds are used to fund educational projects of the Harrison County Master Gardeners, including programs at local schools and libraries, scholarships for graduating seniors majoring in a horticultural field, Farm-City Week scholarship, membership fees for 4-H students, and other community outreach programs. Find us on Facebook at Harrison County Master Gardeners, Texas.
 
Pasadena: Harris County Master Gardeners Plant Sale: Perennials, Herbs & Peppers, Sat., March 30, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (or sellout), Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7600 Red Bluff Rd., Pasadena. Free. For additional information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
APRIL

Tomball: The Tomball Garden Club will meet Monday, April 1, at 10 :00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Tomball, 412 Oxford Street, Building 400, Tomball. Guests are welcome. "Wildscapes" will be presented by Suzanne Chapman. Contact tomballgardenclub@gmail.com for additional information.
 
Orangefield: The Orange County Master Gardeners will hold their annual Master Gardener Certification training starting April 4. Classes will be held in two semesters this year. First semester will be from April 4 thru May 30 and the second semester will be September 5 thru November 14. Each class will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:30 p.m. with most taking place at the Orange County EXPO Center, 11475 FM 1442, Orangefield. Some classes will be off site and on Saturdays. Class fee is $110 which includes your Texas Master Gardener Handbook, all class supplies and background check. Training will be presented by Master Gardeners, local horticulture specialists, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Agents and USDA employees. For more information visit https://txmg.org/orange, call 409 882-7010 or email sheribethard@yahoo.com.
 
Friendswood: "Successful Container Gardening," with Karolyn Gephart and Kay Corey, Galveston County Master Gardeners and Keep Friendswood Beautiful, presenting 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., April 6, at Friendswood Public Library, 416 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood Ph 281-309-5065; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
 
Friendswood: "Gardening for Jewels - Hummingbirds," with Deborah Repasz, Galveston County Master Gardener & Master Naturalist, presenting 1-3 p.m., April 6 at Friendswood Public Library, 416 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood; Ph 281-309-5065; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
 
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Insider's Tour: Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. Collections located across the creek. Pre-Registration Required. Join us for our spring tour of the collections north of the creek. Seen from afar on our general tours, this is a special opportunity to learn more about the unique plants that hide in the collections of the north dry garden along with rare trees, shrubs and perennials in the surrounding dry woodland garden. The nursery will be open. Purchase Tickets. $15 admission and parking, Free for members. For more info, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/ or eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org
 
Schulenberg: The Schulenburg Garden Club is holding a Standard Flower Show on Tuesday, April 9, at Schulenburg Civic Center, 1107 Hillje, Schulenburg. Free admission, open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Lunch, plants and homemade goodies offered for sale. This year's theme is America's First Ladies.
 
Houston: The topic of the April 11 meeting of the Houston Rose society will be "Hybridizing, A Child Can Do It and So Can You." The program will be presented by Mary Fulgham, a master consulting rosarian and past president of the Houston Rose Society. She grows more than 300 roses in her Bellaire garden. Mary will demonstrate her method of cross-pollinating roses for hybridization. This is the same method she taught her daughter Ivy Keen when Ivy was six years old! Ivy went on to create more than 50 of her own cultivars. Please note the location for the April meeting has changed. It will be held at the Lott Clubhouse, 6201 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. Arrive at 7:00 p.m. for refreshments; the meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Free admission. For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
 
Friendswood: "Beneficials in the Garden," with Dr. William M. Johnson, Galveston County Extension Agent for Horticulture, presenting 1-3 p.m., April 13, at Friendswood Public Library, 416 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood; Ph 281-309-5065; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
 
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Garden Open Day: Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. Visitors enjoy 1-hour guided tours of the garden led by knowledgeable docents. Guided tours are offered approximately every 30 minutes, leaving between 10 am and 2 pm. The nursery will be open.Purchase Tickets. $10 admission and parking, Free  for members. For more info, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/  or eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org
 
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents the Peckerwood Garden Lecture Series: Friday, April 20, 5 p.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. Camellia Research - Species and Cultivars with Dr. Jiyuan Li, China Academy of Forestry Science. Refreshments provided. Register now! Free admission and parking, $10 for the tour at 10 am. The nursery will be open. For more info, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/ or eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org
 
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Garden Open Day: Saturday, April 27, 10 am. - 3pm, 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. Visitors enjoy 1-hour guided tours of the garden led by knowledgeable docents. Guided tours are offered approximately every 30 minutes, leaving between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The nursery will be open. Purchase Tickets. $10 admission and parking, Free  for members. For more info, visit  http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/ or eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org 
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 a location in Houston to be determined. For additional information, visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ or call 713-274-0950.

Dallas:  Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order  972-338-2233) . For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at  borderlineart1@gmail.com .
 
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: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information 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. 

Fort Worth: The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.
 
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 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.
 
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.   
 
Lockhart: Caldwell County Master Gardeners meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. January through November at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, 1st Floor, 217 S. Main St., Lockhart. A monthly educational horticulture program is presented from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. covering various topics of interest to gardeners and homeowners. For more information, email caldwellcountymg@yahoo.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.

Pasadena : The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the  second Thursday of each month  at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu .

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 10:00 a.m. 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 Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
  
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.

Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact Big Country Master Gardeners Association at mgardeners@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/.

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 Chapter meets at 6:45 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Houston Arboretum Nature Center (entrances at 4501 Woodway Dr. and 610 West Loop N). For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/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/.
 
Fort Worth: The Greater Fort Worth Herb Society meetings are held the third Saturday of each month at Texas Garden Club Inc, 3111 Old Garden Club Rd., Fort Worth (located next to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden), 10:00 a.m. to noon, September through June. For more information, email herbalhen@yahoo.com.
 
FOURTH WEEK
 
New Braunfels: The New Braunfels Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the fourth Monday of each month except July and December. Meetings are held at the Westside Community Center, 2932 S. I-35 Frontage Road, New Braunfels. Meetings start at 6:15 p.m. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting. Programs begin around 7:00. Native plant and seed exchanges are held monthly. Expert speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information or to join, visit www.npsot.org.
 
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.
 
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 June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com .
 
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.
 
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/.
 
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. For more information, visit www.gdogc.org. 
 
Texas Gardener digital edition available-Only $19.95 per year (digital only) or $9 per year if you tack it on to your print subscription!
 
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. Click on this link to explore your options http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/productlisting.aspx?id=4 
 
2019 Planning Guide & Calendar
Only $14.95 per copy (includes tax and shipping) 
 
Make gardening easier and more enjoyable in 2019. No more keeping it in your head or, worse yet, juggling all those wrinkled, sweat-stained pieces of paper that seem to accumulate and end up lost. It's time to get organized and the perfect way to start that off is with your very own copy of the 2019 Texas Gardener Planning Guide and Calendar. No more guessing when to plant or do different activities. You will find everything you need in one simple but informative guide and calendar. Plus plenty of room to record your own planting dates, rainfall events and other data for future reference.
Here's a sample of what you will find in this information-packed guide:
  • Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
  • Organic, earth-friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
  • Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
  • Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns
Order today, while it's fresh on your mind. Don't forget to order copies for your gardening friends and relatives!
 

Easy Gardening for Texas
By Joseph G. Masabni

Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)

Gardening in the Lone Star State has unique challenges, but that doesn't mean you can't grow vegetables here. This new book tells what varieties are best, how to handle insect and disease problems, and how to control weeds with a minimum of work, plus detailed growing information on a host of vegetables that do well in Texas. This is the perfect guide for gardeners new to the state as well as those more-experienced gardeners looking for a handy guide of research-tested advice. 220 pages with lots of color photos! Click on this link to order http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=126.

Easy Edibles
By Judy Barrett

Only $29.75 (includes tax and shipping)

Eating fresh and eating local has really caught on! Easy Edibles: How to Grow and Enjoy Fresh Food focuses on ways to grow some of your own food without devoting a lot of space, time and work to the project. Barrett also covers how and where to find the bounty offered at local farmers markets, farm stands and pick-your-own operations. This book is the perfect gift or guide for folks new to gardening or those who have limited time and resources but still want to eat fresh! Click on this link to order http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=123

The Texas Tomato Lover's Handbook
By William D. Adams

Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)

The best thing for tomato enthusiast since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years' 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, the must have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Click on this link to order http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=103

Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2019. 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.

 

Missed an issue? Back issues of Texas Gardener's Seeds, beginning with the first issue in April 2006, are available at www.texasgardener.com/newsletters.

 

Publisher: Jay White ● Editor: Michael Bracken 

 

Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676

www.TexasGardener.com