March 20, 2019
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Recent studies focus on conventional, organic farming/soil amendments
By Paul Schattenberg
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Researchers at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Uvalde have completed two more studies - both focusing on soil amendments and variety adaptation - related to the viability of organically-grown artichokes as a commercial crop in Texas.
Artichokes are a reasonably low-maintenance crop, requiring about the same growing season and less effort as onions, but with much higher profit potential.
Dr. Daniel Leskovar, center director and Texas A&M AgriLife Research vegetable physiologist leading artichoke research efforts, said the facility has been conducting a breadth of artichoke research since 2006.
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Dr. Daniel Leskovar next to a lysimeter used in previous research to help determine soil moisture and evapotranspiration rates in artichoke varieties. (Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo) |
He said previous center research included most aspects of growing artichokes, from seed and transplant quality and other management practices aimed at increasing crop yield, head quality and nutritional aspects. Studies evaluated different varieties of artichoke in relation to different irrigation regimes and nitrogen fertilization rates, along with water-use efficiency, drought and heat tolerance.
"These studies and examples of successful artichoke production in South Texas, the Winter Garden area, near Dallas and elsewhere have demonstrated the potential for artichokes as an alternative crop," he said. "So our most recent studies have been focused on the best methods for organic production, particularly the use of soil amendments to improve artichoke yield and quality on new hybrids producing green and red color heads."
Leskovar said the first study, "Organic and conventional farming differentially influenced soil respiration, physiology, growth and head quality of artichoke cultivars," looked at how farming and fertilization affected globe artichokes. This study was co-authored with Dr. Yahia Othman, a research associate with AgriLife Research and now an assistant professor at the University of Jordan.
The two-year study assessed how organic and conventional fertilizing systems affected growth, marketable yield, head quality and soil chemical properties of globe artichokes, including Deserto, Lulu, Romolo, Green Globe Improved and Imperial Star cultivars. Fertilizers were applied to both conventional and organic soil through drip irrigation system. In both years, significant differences were found across cultivars and soil type.
"The organic system increased the artichoke head quality indicators of chlorogenic acid by 31 percent and cynarin by 12 percent as compared to the conventional system," Leskovar said. "And after two years of soil amendment, organic fertilizer improved soil respiration per carbon dioxide - a key soil health indicator - 20-fold as compared to conventional field chemical fertilizer."
However, he also noted over the study period artichoke plants grown in conventional fields with conventional fertilization had better plant morphology, physiology and marketable yield than those grown in their organic field during both growing seasons.
"The results of this study suggest organic farming is probably the best system to improve soil and head quality of globe artichoke, but it may not be the best option for farmers when yield is the primary short-term target," Leskovar said.
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The Green Globe Improved was one several globe varieties of artichoke studied in the most recent research. (Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo) |
A second two-year study he and Othman completed, "Organic soil amendments influence on soil health, yield and phytochemicals of globe artichoke heads," was published in Biological Agriculture and Horticulture.
This study assessed the influence of plant- and animal-based soil amendments on different aspects of artichoke production quantity and quality. An abstract of that study and access to the full paper can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ArtichokeOrganicAmendments.
"The study investigated four certified organic fertilizers - fish meal, blood meal, alfalfa meal and chicken manure - as experimental treatments," Leskovar said. "We assessed and compared the soil respiration and organic matter content of soil treated with the alfalfa meal, a plant-based fertilizer, versus the three animal-based fertilizers."
After two years, soil amended with the alfalfa meal plant-based fertilizer had higher soil respiration and organic matter content than soil amended with the animal-based fertilizers. Additionally, concentrations of phytochemicals in artichoke heads grown in soil amended with alfalfa treatment were higher than in those grown with animal-based fertilizers
"The study also showed crop yield from soil treated with chicken manure was higher compared with the alfalfa treatment," Leskovar noted. "And in the first year of the study, yields from both chicken manure and fish meal treatments were higher than the alfalfa treatment. However, the cost of the alfalfa meal fertilizer was higher than that of the animal-based fertilizers."
He said taking all factors into account, while plant-based fertilizer can be an ideal option for improving soil and head quality of artichokes, from a financial standpoint, animal-based fertilizers may be an appropriate choice for organic farmers when yield and overall cost are the main concerns.
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New Dallas ecopark to welcome public, industry, governments
By Gabe Saldana
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
A seven-acre ecopark in far north Dallas will demonstrate how green infrastructure and resource-efficient building practices contribute to sustainable urban and suburban development.
The park features a roughly three-acre rainwater detention pond originally designed by the Dallas center's ecological engineering program. More than 140 native Texas plant species adorn the pond along with more than 50 historic trees originally planted by famed Texas A&M horticulturist
Benny J. Simpson, a Dallas native.
"He was an early pioneer in recognizing the environmental benefits of native Texas plants in cultivated landscapes," said Clint Wolfe, program manager of Texas A&M AgriLife's
Water University program on water conservation and quality protection. In 2018, the program revitalized the ecopark with new native plantings, historic tree relocations and pond riparian reinforcements.
"We wanted to continue Benny's legacy with these living installations," Wolfe said.
The ecopark stands alongside the Dallas campus' new, 10,000 square-foot Water Education Building. The teaching facility can host 300 visitors and serves as a demonstration space with water conserving fixtures and low-environmental-impact architectural design. Its 30,000-gallon rainwater harvesting cistern supplies the adjacent landscape, which filters the water before returning it to the watershed. It also provides non-potable water inside the building.
An additional four acres of restored Blackland prairie, which once served as agricultural research land, now provides valuable stormwater mitigation. Wildlife on the land include Cooper's hawks, great horned owls, migrating monarch butterflies and other important pollinators and wildlife.
The facilities will be used to welcome the public, industry professionals and government leaders for instruction on implementing similar practices at any scale.
The ecopark project has garnered certification by
Texan by Nature, founded by former First Lady Laura Bush. Texan by Nature aims to spur Texan-led conservation efforts that produce tangible benefits to people, prosperity and natural resources.
The Water University team and
Texas Master Naturalists will create permanent exhibit signage around the prairie and pond, which will provide information on infrastructure, plants and wildlife inhabiting the acreage. Visit
https://dallas.tamu.edu for information on this and other campus renovations at the Dallas center.
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Gardening tips
Now is a great time to plant many ornamental trees and shrubs such as Vitex, Eve's Necklace, Texas Mountain Laurel, Southern Wax Myrtle, Loropetalum, yaupon and dwarf yaupon. Plant these perennials in a hole that is no deeper than the soil in the pot and about one and a half times as wide. Do not fertilize. Water consistently until fully established.
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.
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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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MARCH
Houston: "Herbs" will be presented 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., March 21 at Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane, Houston. For additional information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
Conroe: The Spring Plant Sale, sponsored by the Montgomery County Master Gardener Association, will be held Saturday,
March 23, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, with a pre-sale talk begins at 8:00 a.m., at Texas AgriLife Extension, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Call (936) 539-7824 or visit
www.mcmga.com for additional information. Due to the limited number of available wagons and to reduce waiting time, take your own.
Bryan:
Brazos County Master Gardeners present their 2019 Spring Plant Sale 9 a.m.-noon,
Saturday, March 23, at Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 W, Bryan. Select from thousands of plants: natives, perennials, herbs, vegetables and bulbs especially suited to Brazos County growing conditions. Take your wagon and load up!
Hempstead:
Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Garden Open Day: Saturday, March 23, 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 email eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org.
La Marque: "Tomato Stress Management" will be presented Saturday,
March 23, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Do you want to learn how to grow great tomatoes? This is the third in a series of three programs by Galveston County Master Gardener Ira Gervais on how to grow great tomatoes in the Galveston County area. The program will provide an overview on identifying various tomato diseases and insect stress factors and how to minimize them to increase yields. Email:
galvcountymgs@gmail.com to pre-register.
La Marque: "Snake Sense" will be presented Saturday,
March 23, 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. This seminar presented by Tom Wilks will include identification of area snakes, snakebite prevention and first aid, snake handling techniques and equipment, snake conservation, venom research and medical advances, and snakes as pets. Wilks has been collecting, studying, and photographing reptiles for over 50 years. He has worked as a zookeeper in the Reptile Department in the San Antonio Zoo and as a wildlife guide at the Bayou Wildlife Park in Dickinson. He is a certified Texas Animal Control Officer, a member of the East Texas Herpetological Society, and serves on the City of Webster Animal Control Board. Email:
galvcountymgs@gmail.com to pre-register.
Orangefield: The Orange County Master Gardeners are holding their 6th Annual Bloomin' Crazy Plant Fair, Saturday, March 23, 8 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Cormier Park, 8235 FM 1442, Orangefield. Hundreds of nursery and member-grown plants will be for sale, including many varieties of citrus, berries, cold-hardy avocados, LSU gold fig trees, Texas Superstars, perennials, natives, annuals, house and tropicals along with succulents, lilies and many other hard to find and unusual plants. Plant specialists and members will be available to answer questions and to assist in selecting plants. Specialty booths will be set up with unique gardening and craft items. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/orange, or contact sheribethard@yahoo.com if interested in being one of the vendors.
Tyler: The Smith County A&M AgriLife Extension Office will be hosting a private landscape tour Tuesday, March 26, from 9:00-noon in the beautiful garden of Guy and Joan Pyron, located in the Azalea District, 212 W. Dobbs St. Tyler, Texas. The personally guided tour will be led by current Smith County horticulturist Greg Grant, and retired Smith County horticulturist Keith Hansen. Both are professional horticulturists and garden writers with master's degrees in horticulture and many years of gardening experience. This one-of-a-kind walking tour will not only showcase the Pyron's spectacular spring garden and orchid house but will also include specific information focusing on plants of East Texas along with their requirements and care. Mitsi Runyan with the Central East Texas Orchid Society will also be on hand to answer orchid questions. Pre-registration is required with attendance limited to 30 people due to the size of the garden. Cost of the tour is $15 and is payable in advance at the Smith County Extension office or the day of the tour. Parking is available at the First Presbyterian Church parking lot or on the street. The tour is sponsored by the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Environmental Horticulture Committee. To register or for more information, contact the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at (903) 590-2980.
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.
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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.
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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 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.
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