Adult fungus gnats live for just seven to ten days, but the female can lay up to 200 eggs in the cracks and crevices of moist soil, so populations grow quickly. (Photo courtesy of Summit Responsible Solutions) |
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Managing gnats on houseplants |
By Melinda Myers
They flit across your face, hover near your houseplants, or gather by the window. Fortunately, these fungus gnat insects are more annoying to us than harmful to our plants.
This pest finds its way into our homes on plants added to our indoor houseplant collection or those moved inside after a summer outdoors. Some may enter on organically rich, non-pasteurized soil.
The small, 1/8-inch adult resembles a fruit fly or mosquito but does not feed on overripe fruit and vegetables and it does not bite. Adults live for only seven to ten days, but the female can lay up to 200 eggs in the cracks and crevices of moist soil in that short time.
Eggs hatch, releasing worm-like larvae with black heads and elongated white or clear legless bodies. The larvae begin feeding in the top two to three inches of soil, dining on fungi, algae and organic matter and occasionally plant roots and leaves on the soil surface.
Plant damage is usually insignificant. If conditions are right, fungus gnat populations can reach damaging levels, resulting in root damage that leads to wilting and stunted growth. Over and under watering, over fertilization and other environmental factors are more likely the causes of these symptoms. Provide proper care to reduce the risk of this type of damage.
Fungus gnat populations on houseplants seldom reach levels that require control for the plant’s health and longevity. The adults can be annoying, especially to the non-gardeners in the family, and are often the motivation for managing this pest.
Start control by adjusting your watering practices. Since fungus gnats thrive in moist soil, avoid overwatering. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between thorough waterings. Pour off excess water that collects in the saucer to avoid root rot. Or place pebbles in the saucer to elevate the pot above any excess water that collects in the tray.
Adjust your watering schedule with the change of the season. As day length and light intensity change throughout the year and heat and air conditioning is employed, a plant’s water needs change as well.
Use containers with drainage holes or self-watering pots with overflow outlets, also known as weep holes, to avoid waterlogged soils. Refresh potting mix as needed. Older planting mixes degrade over time, retaining moisture longer and creating an inviting environment for fungus gnats.
Manage unwanted fungus gnats with an organic Bacillus thruingiensis israelensis (BTI) product such as Summit Mosquito Bits (www.summitresponsiblesolutions.com) labeled for controlling fungus gnat larvae. Just sprinkle it on the soil surface and this naturally occurring soil bacterium kills the fungus gnat larvae in the soil. It’s safe for people, pets, and plants. Read and follow label directions, repeating as needed.
Use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult populations. Place homemade or purchased traps on sticks in houseplant containers.
Use 1/4-inch slices or wedges of potatoes to attract and monitor fungus gnat larvae. Stick a portion of the potato into the soil. Check for fungus gnats after a few days and replace the potato wedge to help manage this pest.
Understanding the fungus gnat and its preferred environment will help you safely and effectively manage this pest.
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Silflower performed well in the tests by providing an ideal balance of ecosystem services, such as weed suppression, pollinator services, and forage quantity and quality. Photo: Ebony Murrell. |
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Are prairie mixes the only option for crop field borders? |
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Soil Science Society of America
Planting beneficial plants next to gardens and crop fields large and small has been a standard practice for decades, even centuries. The plants provide what are known as ecosystem services. These include attracting pollinators and preventing weeds.
In the grassland regions of North America, prairie mixtures are thought to be the best at providing these services. However, the quality of some of the services they provide can be unpredictable. This is because it is difficult to tell exactly what plants in the mix will grow well.
Ebony Murrell and her team decided to test five perennial grains as alternatives to a nine-species prairie mix. They studied Kernza, silflower, cup plant, sainfoin, and alfalfa.
Murrell presented at the 2021 ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting held in Salt Lake City, Utah.
They looked at five different ecosystem services. These included how many and what kind of pollinators the plants attracted, as well as biomass production, weed suppression, and forage quality.
The specific characteristics of a plant can make it better or worse at providing certain ecosystem services. For example, the shape and color of a flower can be more attractive to local pollinators. Or a plant can produce a lot of roots near the soil surface that prevent weeds from growing. Large leaves of a species like cup plant may also shade out weeds.
“I’ve learned in my career that people are more interested if you have data that shows those species can provide a variety of services,” Murrell says. “The goal of this project was to quantify how well a suite of these crops provided these services. This allows interested growers to decide which one(s) to plant based on their individual needs.”
The results revealed many important details about the services provided by the alternatives. Murrell says three findings rise to the top.
As the researchers predicted, the prairie mix did provide the best pollinator services in terms of diversity and abundance throughout the season.
Two of the alternatives they studied, silflower and cup plant, exhibited a great balance of services. They provide good weed suppression, pollinator services, and forage quantity and quality. The researchers note that they may be the best overall alternatives.
Lastly, an alternative called sainfoin did poorly because it was not competitive with weeds, suggesting that in Kansas it would not serve well as a border crop.
While it hasn’t been tested, the researchers note that these crops may provide other services like increased nitrogen, healthier overall soil, and reduced erosion.
Murrell stresses that there are no “good” or “bad” border crops because it depends on the services needed in a specific field.
“I don’t think it’s as simple as that,” she says. “What growers elect to plant as border crops will depend on what services they’re seeking, their planting and harvesting requirements, and the equipment needed to manage the border crops, etc. A study like this is an excellent starting point. However, it is only one point to consider when making recommendations on what border crop species to plant.”
At the end of the day, the most important aspect of this work, Murrell adds, is to increase diversity of plants in farming systems. She understands how difficult this can be for farmers. She wants to show how planting perennial grains as border crops can provide valuable services and increase diversity.
“I seek to demonstrate that perennial grain candidates as border crops can provide relevant services and encourage farmers to grow these crops and improve diversity on their farms,” she says. “This would be without asking them to make financial sacrifices. In my opinion, this is the most realistic way to help improve diversity in our agricultural landscapes.”
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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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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. |
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MARCH
Austin: Green Corn Project is starting their 24th year of installing and replanting organic vegetable gardens for the under-served communities in the Austin area. Their spring gardening days (Dig-ins) will take place over five weekend mornings from Saturday, March 5, through Sunday, April 3. Volunteering for a Dig-in is a great way to share your gardening knowledge or to learn more about gardening while helping to bring delicious, nourishing food to others. For more information and to register, visit http://www.greencornproject.org/dig-ins/.
Online: Understanding and applying the right products in your garden at the right time of year will make all the difference in growing beautiful roses. Gaye Hammond, Master Rosarian and Past-President of the Houston Rose Society, is passionate about teaching others how to grow roses. She has presented at local rose societies across the United States and written over 300 articles that have been published in local, state, national and international magazines, newspapers, and books. Gaye will discuss the history of fertilizers and describe the three types of fertilizer-granular, water soluble, and slow/timed release fertilizers. The difference in organic and synthetic fertilizers will be explained along with the pros and cons of each type of product. Gaye will share tips on when to use these products and will also let us know which products are used in her garden. Thursday, March 10, at 7 p.m. The virtual meeting link will be available on The Houston Rose Society website at http://www.houstonrose.org/.
Bastrop: Bastrop County Master Gardener Association 2022 Spring Plant Sale, Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Show Barn (Bastrop Area Livestock Show and Fair Association), Mayfest Park, 25 American Legion Dr., Bastrop. For more information, visit txmg.org/bastropcounty or on Facebook at BastropCountyMasterGardeners. Proceeds benefit the Bastrop County Master Gardener Association’s garden & horticulture education programs.
La Marque: “Tomato Stress Management, Part 3 of 3,” with Ira Gervais, Master Gardener, presenting, 9-11:30 a.m., March 12, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for more information, go to: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
La Marque: “Gardening for Jewels – Hummingbirds,” with Deborah Repasz, Master Gardener & Master Naturalist, presenting, 1-3 p.m., March 12, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for more information, go to: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
San Antonio: The Spring Youth Garden Educator Training will take place March 12 in San Antonio. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service event is designed for teachers, educators and volunteers in support of youth gardening in the classroom and community. The training will run from 7:50 a.m.-1 p.m. at the San Antonio Botanical Garden — Discovery Classrooms/Culinary Garden at 555 Funston Place. The cost is $20 and includes a light breakfast, training and course materials. Participants must preregister at https://tx.ag/SYGETReg22. Due to capacity restrictions, only one participant per school may attend the training and receive the materials. For additional information or questions, contact the AgriLife Extension office of Bexar County at 210-631-0400.
Online: Composting, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, March 15. Free Virtual Lecture with Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation needed: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events/.
La Marque: “Cucurbits – The Squash & Cucumber Family,” with Kevin Lancon, Master Gardener, presenting 9-11:30 a.m., March 19, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for more information, go to: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
La Marque: “Successful Container Gardening,” with Karolyn Gephart, Master Gardener, presenting, 1-3 p.m., March 19, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for more information, go to: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
Round Top: Herb Society of America — Pioneer Unit Plant Sale will be held 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19, 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.
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners Spring 2022 Plant Sale will be held Saturday, March 26, at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct., Bryan (next to the County Tax Office), 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. There will be natives, perennials, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, and bulbs especially suited to Brazos County growing conditions. Bring your wagon and load up!
Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardener Spring Sale, Saturday, March 26, presentation at 8, sale 9 a.m. until noon. Live and in person! Get your spring veggies, florals and lots of other good plants. The plant catalog is ready and open for viewing: mcmga.square.site/shop. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe, 936-539-7824, mcmga.com.
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.
La Marque: “Irises for the Gulf Coast Garden,” with Monica Martens, Ed.D., Master Gardener, presenting, 9-11:30 a.m., March 26, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for more information, go to: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
La Marque: “Rainwater Harvesting,” with Nat Greusen, Master Gardener & Certified Rainwater Harvesting Specialist, presenting, 1-3 p.m., March 26, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for more information, go to: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
Lufkin: The Angelina County Master Gardeners plant sale will be held Saturday, March 26 at the Lufkin Farmer’s Market, 2201 South Medford Drive (next door to Cafe Del Rio). Gates open at 8:00 a.m. and close upon sell out. Funds raised are used to give scholarships to area Seniors and to provide programs and projects for the entire community. All of the plants sold are especially suited to the local soil and climate. There will be a large selection to satisfy Hummingbirds and Butterflies. There will be containers of azaleas, thornless blackberries, Chinese Fringetree, Little Bluestem grasses, Gayfeather, variety of Turk’s Caps, a white potato vine and much more. So, take your wagons and load up on these super plants! Payment is by cash or check only. (Follow on Facebook @angelinacountymastergardeners).
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.
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APRIL
Hempstead: Waller County Master Gardeners present radio host and author Randy Lemmon speaking on "Being a Tough Texas Gardener." Thursday, April 7, 9 a.m. at the Waller County Community Center, 21274 FM1098 Loop, Prairie View. Call 979-826-7651x3068 to reserve your seat. Free! For more information, visit txmg.org/wallermg.
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.
Denton: DCMGA Annual Plant Sale. April 23, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. or until sold out. Select from a wide variety of Texas native plants, tough as nails perennials, no-fuss roses, and hard-to-find ground cover plants. Plants grown by Master Gardeners are also available. Master Gardeners on-hand to help you select plants and answer your gardening questions. Trinity United Methodist Church, 633 Hobson Ln, Denton.
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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.
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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
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.
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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 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
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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.
Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676
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