January 26, 2022
Seed-starting trays are reusable and make it easy to pop out young seedlings without damaging the plant’s roots. (Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company/gardeners.com)
Save money and boost seed starting success
By Melinda Myers
 
Boost your success, save money, and reduce plastic waste when starting plants from seeds this year. The options are many, so you are sure to find one that works for you.
 
Reuse plastic containers for starting plants from seeds. Disinfect the pots, flats, and cell packs before planting to avoid problems with damping off and other diseases. Soak the containers in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for ten minutes. Rinse with clear water. The pots are now clean and safe for starting seeds.

Biodegradable pots are another option. They have been around for many years, eliminating plastic and reducing transplant shock. Just plant the container along with the seedling when moving plants into the garden. You will find degradable pots made from a variety of materials.
 
Organic gardeners may want to use biodegradable pots made from sustainably grown wood fiber. These contain no glue or binders and are Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed. Cow pots are not currently OMRI listed but are made from odor-free composted cow manure and an alternative to plastic and peat. These are biodegradable and add nutrients and organic matter to the soil at planting.
 
Replace plastic seed starting cell packs with Honeycomb Paper pots. This 50-cell interlocking paper seed starter expands to fill a flat for easy planting. Roots expand through the open bottom and the cells easily separate, making it easy to move transplants into the garden. Once in the garden, the paper liners decompose.
 
Invest once and use the dishwasher-safe Sili-Seedlings Seeding Tray for years of seed starting. These durable and reusable seed trays are made of BPA-free food-grade silicone. The flexible cells allow you to easily pop seedlings out without pulling and tugging. After the transplants are removed, rinse off any remaining soil and place in the dishwasher so the trays are ready to use for future plantings.
 
Employ self-watering systems like Pop-Out Pots (gardeners.com). Move tomatoes and other transplants from seedling trays into these larger containers. The Pop-Out system, made from recycled polypropylene, uses wicks to move water from the reservoir to the plants as needed. Transplants are easily removed, and both the pots and wicks can be reused after hand washing in hot water.
 
Skip the pots and avoid transplant shock by using a soil blocker to create an endless supply of soil blocks for planting. Just moisten the potting mix, preferably one with a high percent of organic matter, to help the blocks hold their shape. Press the soil block maker into the moistened potting mix and rock back and forth to fill. Then place the blocks on a clean seed tray. Once planted, water from the bottom to avoid disturbing the soil block.
 
Look for ways to repurpose any remaining plastic containers. Use smaller containers to apply fertilizer, animal repellents or other granular material. Just scoop and shake to distribute the fertilizer over the garden bed.
Cover plants with empty pots when applying mulch to garden beds. Spread the mulch then lift the pot when the job is finished. Use them for double potting. Grow your plant in an old nursery pot and set it inside a decorative pot that lacks drainage.
 
Some nurseries are asking customers to return plastic containers and flats for their use. Other plant retailers have an area set aside for customers to return plastic pots for other customers to use or for recycling.
 
Sustainable gardening starts with products used for starting seeds. Continue the trend throughout the growing season by conserving water, repurposing leaves into mulch and recycling plant trimmings into valuable compost.
 
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Papa’s Garden and the Very Large Rabbit
By Eleanor Cawood Jones
 
I don’t ever remember my father not having a garden. I imagine when he and Mom bought their quarter-acre at the foot of the East Tennessee mountains and planned their small brick house, he already knew exactly where it would go and what he would plant.
 
Behind the house, up a steep hill, was a flat area where Papa grew the most delicious vegetables. He had a side garden, too, just for flowers, which we called Mom’s garden as she was encouraged to decide what went in it. Consequently, my memories of my father are filled with vivid colors — corn yellow, tomato red, lettuce green, snapdragon pink, marigold orange. Papa raised it all and, when my brother and I came along, he raised us, too.
 
Gardening was year-round at our house. After the spring and summer planting and fall harvest, as winter set in, the seed catalog would arrive from Burpee’s. Would it be Silver Queen corn this year? What kind of tomato was best? Did Mom want sunflowers? Much catalog studying and conversation ensued around the dinner table.
 
As spring grew near, it was necessary to go to the nursery for any new tools or additional seeds and plants that might be required. I can’t count how many times we went plant shopping. I can still smell the dusky soil and humid greenhouse air inside the delightful and ever-changing Evergreen Nursery. It was family time, each season, and the stuff memories are made of.
 
Then there was the project of the planting itself and avoiding potential garden dangers.
 
The tomatoes might require cages to keep the deer out. Mineral oil might need to be put into the tops of the starter ears of corn to keep the bugs away. There was always hoeing and weeding to be done, and I hung around and was allowed to help with the watering.
 
Then, there were the rabbits. I don’t remember too many of those except the ones that would nibble on the lettuce, but there was one very large rabbit who showed up every summer, and she was a problem. This particular rabbit studied the garden as she watered it, and she was familiar with every plant. She knew exactly where the cucumber blossoms were bunched and that they would turn into a crowded mass of vegetables; surely, one or two would not be missed. And the lush tomato plants alongside; again, the family would not miss a few of those, right?
 
In the cool of the evening or the searing heat of afternoon, as the plants grew into summer and early fall, the rabbit would steal into the garden on quiet feet and pilfer a likely looking cucumber or tomato and steal away to the side of the house. Beside a window air conditioner and behind a bush, hidden away and leaning against a brick wall, was the perfect place to enjoy this bounty. The very large rabbit, was, of course, me.
 
Please understand that my father was a master gardener and the vegetables were simply irresistible. I can still remember the crunch of those delightful cucumbers and taste the richness of the ripe tomatoes as I slurped them and got juice all over my chin. I wiped the vegetables on my shirt before eating them, but I imagine they were still fairly soil encrusted. Looking back, I guess I was eating organic before organic was cool, thanks to Papa’s garden.
 
And each night, Mama would have fresh vegetables on the table.

* * *

Seasons change and pass. In September I visit Mom in the house where I grew up. She’s in her 90s now and she looks forward to her friends bringing her vegetables from the farmer’s market downtown every Saturday. It takes her longer now, but she still puts dinner on the table, and we sit down to feast on fresh yellow and red tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, new green beans, and piping hot corn on the cob. She’s also fried some spicy sausage and there’s watermelon for dessert.
 
It's delicious, but we agree — again — that the produce is not quite as good as what Dad used to grow. I confess — again—about my stealthy foraging in the garden when I was a kid and how I hid at the side of the house to enjoy my bounty. She once again tells me how aggravating it was when Dad used to track mud from the garden on her clean kitchen floor, but she never made much of an issue about it because she never wanted to hurt his feelings.
 
It’s the same conversation we have every fall, and it makes me smile. Papa’s garden is still part of both of us.
 
I can see where the garden was from the back door. I go outside and climb the little rise that seemed like a big hill when I was little, and I stand where the corn used to grow. I have vivid memories of corn and cucumbers and peppers and onions and tomatoes in neat rows, as clear as anything. The last of the summer crickets call out, and a mockingbird in the copper beech tree joins in.
 
It’s utterly peaceful, a million miles away from the career in the city that never seems to slow down. I realize I’m deeply rooted here. I breathe in the fresh air and wonder if it’s time to re-think my priorities.
 
Papa’s been gone thirty years now, and it is here I feel him most acutely, and here where I feel most profoundly blessed to have known him. I realize now he planted more than seeds that magically sprung up into the most beautiful vegetables and flowers imaginable; he planted tradition, stability, and consistency, and a strong foundation that allowed his children to grow into the people we are today.
 
You can’t do a better job as gardener than that.
 
Eleanor Cawood Jones is an award-winning author of short mystery fiction who loves humor, entertaining characters, and a good plot twist. Find a full list of her stories and collections at amzn.to/YOE8nC.
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.
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or rescheduling of many events these past two years. If you wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the presenters in advance to determine if the event has been cancelled or postponed, or if it will take place as scheduled.
JANUARY

La Marque: Growing Peaches in Galveston County, Saturday, January 29, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Master Gardener Herman Auer, an avid gardener with over 60 years of experience growing stone fruit in Galveston County, will guide you through what it takes to grow peaches. Learn the better variety selections (both white and yellow flesh) for Galveston County, what to look for when buying your peach or other stone fruit tree, and the best planting locations (think drainage). Topics discussed will include chill hours, rootstock, pruning to shape for air flow, production, thinning methods that lead to larger fruit, and diseases & insects. Register here: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
 
La Marque: Garden Bulbs for Galveston County, Saturday, January 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Master Gardeners Fran Brockington & Lisa Davis, bulb enthusiasts, will introduce participants to true bulbs, corms, tubers and rhizomes that can be grown successfully in Galveston County. The history of bulbs, gardening techniques and calendar care will be covered. Come discover the joys of gardening with bulbs both in the garden and in containers. Register here: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.

The Woodlands: Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, Saturday, January 29, from 9 a.m. to noon at Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive. 12 varieties of native seedlings will be given away for free, while supplies last. For more information visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/arborday.
FEBRUARY

Georgetown: A seven-week Lawn and Garden 101 series starts February 1 in Georgetown at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Williamson County, 100 Wilco Way, Room 226. The AgriLife Extension course costs $55 for the series and will take place from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday through March 15. Advance registration is required at https://tx.ag/LG101. Central Texas is great for growing winter vegetable gardens, and the area also has some neat native and adapted landscape plants participants will learn about. Also, there are weeds and other pests in Central Texas that new residents might not be familiar with. Participants will learn practical steps for selecting plants that grow well in Williamson County, conserving water in landscapes, and caring for lawns and trees. The weekly interactive series will feature Whitney, Williamson County Master Gardeners and other experts. Weekly series topics are: Feb. 1: Lawn Care; Feb. 8: Vegetable and Herb Gardening; Feb. 15: EarthKind Landscaping; Feb. 22: Trees and Shrubs; March 1: Ornamental Plants and Succulents; March 8: Irrigation Basics and Water Conservation; March 15: Top 10 Garden Mistakes and Q&A Panel. For more information, contact Whitney at 512-943-3300.

Online: Basic Grafting Techniques, Shannon Dietz- Texas A&M AgriLife Harris County Extension Agent-Agriculture and Natural Resources, Thursday, February 3, Basic Grafting Techniques by Shannon Dietz, 10:00 a.m. Free Virtual Lecture. Registration is required at homegrown2022.eventbrite.com.

Cypress: Harris County Master Gardeners Plant Sale: Fruit Tree & Tomato Plants. Saturday., February 5, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Family friendly activities and fruit trees and tomato plants for sale. Weekley Park, 19110 Longenbaugh, Cypress.

La Marque: “Irish Potatoes” with Master Gardeners Kevin Lancon presenting, 9-11 a.m., February 5, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for additional information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/
 
La Marque: “Growing Avocados” with Master Gardeners Hazel Lampton presenting, 1-3 p.m., February 5, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for additional information, visit https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/

McKinney: The Collin County Master Gardeners Association will host a special and informative event this February. “Edible Gardening” will be held on February 5, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Landing at Myers Park & Event Center located at 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. Registration is open and is just $20 per person! To register, visit https://square.link/u/vYPOdQuo. Registration closes February 2. Collin County Master Gardeners and AgriLife personnel, with decades of combined training and expertise, will discuss the specifics of Soil Preparation, Vegetable Gardening in Collin County, and Growing Herbs in North Texas. Additionally, demonstration tables will feature hands-on displays and will be manned by Master Gardeners and local experts knowledgeable in a variety of horticulture related topics, including irrigation, greenhouses, beekeeping and more. Weather permitting attendees may also enjoy a tour of the Vegetable Research and Demonstration Garden. To learn more about the Edible Gardening workshop, visit the CCMGA website www.ccmgatx.org. Seating is limited so registration is required to ensure there will be enough handouts and light refreshments for attendees.

Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardener Fruit and Nut Tree Sale, Saturday, February 5, presentation at 8, sale begins at 9 a.m. til noon. Live and in person! The plant catalog is ready and open for viewing at this link: mcmga.square.site/shop. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe, 936-539-7824, mcmga.com

The Woodlands: Backyard Compost Class, Saturday, February 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Environmental Services Offices, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive. Learn the simple, cost-effective way to enrich your lawn and garden with compost made in your own backyard. No registration. Free class. Learn more at https://thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=9231&month=2&year=2022&day=6&calType=0.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners Plant Sale: Tomato Plants. Order online beginning February 7 at hcmga.tamu.edu/plant-sales/. Saturday-Monday., Feb. 19-21, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Pick up online orders or purchase plants in person. Family friendly activities. Genoa Friendship Garden, 1210 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Houston.

Houston: The Houston Rose Society presents a Pruning Party. Learn from Consulting Rosarians how to correctly prune bushes that will be given away as door prizes. It is great time to ask questions and leave the meeting with new information along with a new rose bush. As in the past, the HRS accepts donation of healthy rose bushes to be used in the pruning demonstration. Members are encouraged to bring healthy bushes from their yard to donate to a new home. Just dig up the bush with all the roots within a day or two of the meeting and bring it in a plastic bag. Rose growers who have experienced an episode of rose rosette disease in their garden within the last three years should treat their plants as if they are in quarantine and not donate bushes at this time. This meeting will be a "hybrid" meeting so if you do not feel comfortableattending in person on Thursday, February 10 at 7 pm at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., Houston; you can join virtually using Go To Meeting. The meeting link will be available on The Houston Rose Society website at http://www.houstonrose.org/.

Online: Galveston County Master Gardener Online Spring Plant Sale, Noon, Friday, February 11-noon, Saturday, February 12. Choose from hundreds of plants adapted to the Texas Gulf Coast growing area. We will have a selection of fruit & citrus trees, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet peppers, bulbs, and perennials available for purchase. Browse online starting February 4! Shop noon to noon Feb 11-Feb 12 online & schedule a curbside pick-up time. Visit the Galveston County Master Gardeners’ online store for more details: https://store.galvestonmg.org.

Online: Spring Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, Monday, February 14, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Learn how best to garden in containers and small urban spaces and address common problems. Free Virtual Lecture through Houston Community College. Registration required at: hccs.edu/community-learning-workshops.

Online: Spring Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, Tuesday, February 15, 11:00 a.m.-noon. Learn how best to garden in containers and small urban spaces and address common problems. FREE Virtual Lecture with Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation needed: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events/.

Houston: 2022 Nancy Stallworth Thomas Horticulture Lecture: “Natures Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard” presented by Douglas W. Tallamy, Ph.D., Wednesday, February 16, “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard” by Dr. Douglas Tallamy, 10:00 a.m. Free lecture, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Bagby Hall, 717 Sage Road, Houston.

The Woodlands: Invasive Species Training, Saturday, February 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Emergency Training Center. Learn how to identify invasive species, understand the issues caused by invasives and hear about local volunteer opportunities to remove invasives from green spaces. Registration required for this FREE training. Register at https://thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=9217&month=2&year=2022&day=6&calType=0.

Houston: Genoa Friendship Garden- Open Garden Day, Monday, February 21, 8:30-11:00 a.m., Genoa Friendship Gardens, 1210 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Houston. Tour a variety of planting exhibits and meet and talk with Harris County Master Gardeners. Plants may be purchased online at https://hcmga.tamu.edu/shop/ or in-person.
MARCH

Austin: Sunshine Community Gardens Annual Benefit Plant Sale, 4814 Sunshine Dr., Austin, Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m.-noon. Austin's largest community garden will be offering some of your favorite tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, tomatillos and herbs. Then keep looking for the new and unusual varieties that the Plant Sale has offered over the years: ornamentals, natives, perennials, annuals. For more information, visit www.sunshinecommunitygardens.org.

Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club presents its annual show and sale, "Games Violets Play," 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., March 5, at the Marriott Courtyard, 12401 Katy Freeway, I-10 & Dairy Ashford Road, Houston.

Round Top: Herb Society of America — Pioneer Unit Plant Sale will be held Friday, March 18, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 19, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., on the grounds of the Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jasper Road, Round Top. The sale features a huge selection of herbs, bedding plants and more, plus gift items. For more information visit http://www.herbsocietypioneer.org/events.

Huntsville: Saturday, March 26, Herb Festival at the Wynne Home, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., on the beautiful grounds of the Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 Eleventh St., Huntsville. A huge selection of locally grown herbs, perennials, pollinator and native plants, bulbs, and vegetable plants will be for sale. Speakers, herbal and garden vendors, music, artists, and more round out the day. Visit the historic Wynne Home and its current art exhibition. Sponsored by the Texas Thyme Unit of The Herb Society of America. For more information, call 936-891-5024 or visit texasthymeunit.org.

Online: Tarrant County Master Gardener Association is offering an online advanced training course on Trees and Tree Care open to Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists across the state. The date is March 31-April 2, and the course is limited to 100 participants. Upon completion of the virtual classes via Zoom, participants will be expected to do 20 hours of education-related activities, make presentations, conduct youth and community education programs, be a resource for interns and Master Gardener and Master Naturalists classes, etc. Upon completion, you will receive advanced training certification in trees and tree care. The classes will be taught by professional arborists and extension service specialists, and direction will be given on ways that your training can be used for the community and youth. Registration deadline is March 1, and registration form and fee must be received together. The application packet is available on the Tarrant MG web site www.tarrantmg.org.
APRIL

Flower Mound: Native Plant Sale, Flower Mound High School, 3411 Peters Colony Road, Flower Mound, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or sellout, April 9. The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will host its annual Native Plant Sale in conjunction with the Keep Flower Mound Beautiful Trash-off. More than 1,000 plants from over 100 species, many not available in the nursery trade, will be available. Bring a flat or two and give your landscape a nature-friendly pick-me-up.
Weekly Meetings

Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.
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
 
Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ 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; Visit  https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
  
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.

Schulenberg: Schulenburg Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, at 11:30 a.m., September-May, at the Schulenburg First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Upton Ave., Schulenburg.

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 Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 302 Nolan Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door of the Family Life Building. 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.
 
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. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; club business begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a presentation. 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 The First Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. For additional information, contact Kim Benton at kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu.
 
Cedar Park/Leander/Liberty Hill: The Hill Country Bloomers meet the second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize and swap plants and seeds. Meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for the home gardener or landscaper. They host a plant sale in the spring and a garden tour in the late summer/early fall. Throughout the year they contribute time and expertise to local projects. Those with any level of experience are welcome. Non-members are invited to their first meeting at no cost. Membership and speaker info is available at www.hillcountrybloomers.com.

Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email stringer030@yahoo.com.

Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email prairierose.npsot@gmail.com
 
Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email wannagrow2@gmail.com
 
Marion: The Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/ or contactguadalupecounty@npsot.org.
 
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
 
Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.
 
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
 
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
 
Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners. 
 
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
 
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
 
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or txmg.org/jcmg.
 
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract 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.

San Marcos: The Spring Lake Garden Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m., September-May, at McCoy's Building Supply Headquarters, 1350 IH-35, San Marcos. Contact Terri Boyd (512) 395-66644 x6134.

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.
 
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 Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, 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 comalmg.org

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.

Alvarado: The Alvarado Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month during the months of September through May (excluding December). The meeting time is 1 p.m. and the locations vary for each meeting. The club hosts a different and exciting speaker each month that focuses on enriching the lives of all gardeners. Meetings are free and include a light lunch. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, please contact 817-680-4291. 

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.
 
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, 107 Fink Street, 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 afterwards. Visitors are welcome! Please email Sharon Harrigan at sharonspetals@gmail.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 American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/houston

Mineola: The Fannie Marchman Garden Club meets at the Mineola Civic Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month from September through May. For additional information, find them on Facebook or email FannieMarchmanGardenClub@gmail.com.

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 with presentation is held 6:00-8:00 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1:00-3:00 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.
 
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 (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. 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 http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.

Denton: The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the fourth Thursday of each month to share information about native plants. Excellent programs are heard each month. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/wp/trinityforks/.

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, hosts a garden Open Days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Drop-in tours are permitted but pre-registration is encouraged. Docent led tours are $10 for guests, free for members. For more information, http://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
Planning Guide & Books of Interest
 
2022 Planning Guide & Calendar
Only $14.95 per copy (includes tax and shipping) 
 
Make gardening easier and more enjoyable in 2022. 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 2022 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 https://texasgardener.com/product/easy-gardening-for-texas/.

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 https://texasgardener.com/product/easy-edibles/.

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 https://texasgardener.com/product/texas-tomato-lovers-handbook/.

And check out these other great books available from Texas Gardener:

Worms Eat My Garbage

Grow Great Vegetables Texas

Wicked Bugs

Wicked Plants

Wicked Plants Coloring Book

A Kid's Guide to Keeping Chickens
Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2022. 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. 

Texas Gardener's Seeds has been published each Wednesday since April 26, 2006.
 
Publisher: Jay White ● Editor: Michael Bracken 
 
Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676