August 31, 2022
Jacy Lewis, laboratory manager at the Viticulture and Fruit Lab in Fredericksburg, serving the Texas wine industry. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Tamara Garza)
Grape expectations: Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas wine industry
By Blair Fannin
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
Nestled comfortably in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg has become well known for its peaceful ambiance and high-quality wines.
 
This increased attention has promoted Texas Hill Country tourism and helped propel the Lone Star state to among the top five wine-producing states in the U.S., with an annual economic value of $13.1 billion.
 
The Viticulture and Fruit Lab, organizationally homed within the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and operated by personnel within Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, has been continuously serving the state’s rapidly growing wine industry since 2007.
 
Located in Fredericksburg, the laboratory specializes in fruit disease-fighting research and identifying ways to enhance the production value for Texas fruit growers. To date, the facility has played an integral role in helping the Texas Hill Country become a top five wine grape-producing region in the U.S. The facility also works collaboratively with Texas A&M AgriLife statewide.
 
“We are one department with one mission – bring our research, teaching and extension capabilities in the service of our horticulture industries across Texas,” said department head Amit Dhingra, Ph.D.
 
“The Viticulture and Fruit Lab in Fredericksburg is an important part of our mission and has a proven track record of addressing critical issues faced by the industry. Thanks to the lab, we can proactively ensure that our farmers in the region are ready for future challenges.”
 
Pierce’s disease and the origin of the lab
 
The need for this laboratory became evident in early 2000 when many previously unaffected Texas wineries began suffering the effects of Pierce’s disease. This disease can cause large-scale damage to grapevines and significant economic losses to growers. Pierce’s disease threatened the emerging wine industry’s continued growth and long-term success.
 
In 2000, Ed Hiler, Ph.D., former vice chancellor of Texas A&M AgriLife and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, formed a task force led by Jim Kamas, which eventually led to funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, APHIS, to address this threat.
 
“The funding for our research to fight Pierce’s disease went from a budget of $150,000 in 2003 to $1.5 million in 2006, and the Viticulture and Fruit Lab was established to facilitate those research projects and find management solutions for the wine growers,” said Kamas, AgriLife Extension fruit specialist, Fredericksburg.
 
The lab’s future was uncertain when funding was unexpectedly discontinued in 2012. However, thanks to the generosity of donors Tim and Amy Leach of Midland, the facility was purchased and donated back to Texas A&M AgriLife. Tim Leach, who now serves as chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, has continued his generous support of the program allowing for the continuation of dedicated service both to viticulture and fruit growers in the region and statewide.
 
“The Viticulture and Fruit Laboratory at Fredericksburg is playing a vital role in providing education and cutting-edge solutions for Texas’ rapidly growing wine industry, while also adding value to the region’s traditional fruit producers,” Leach said. “Without this facility, none of the critical work done by Texas A&M AgriLife to discover new solutions in combatting Pierce’s disease would have taken place, helping save our emerging wine industry and allowing Texas to become among the top five wine producers in the nation.”
 
A well-rounded focus on grape and fruit research
 
The 4-acre field, greenhouse and laboratory conduct research and extension programming primarily for wine grape producers; however, it also provides research and education for the region’s tree and small fruit producers.
 
“Once we were able to initially get Pierce’s disease under control, we began looking at transitioning into sustainable, long-term management approaches,” Kamas said. “We began investigating novel pathways to disease resistance to overcome some of the limitations Pierce’s disease has on wine grape production. The lab was integral in the trials and eventual releases of new Pierce disease-resistant wine grape varieties. The lab continues to work on new ways to control Pierce’s disease, including efficacy studies on a new bio-control agent and a novel ecological approach to disease management being investigated by Jacy Lewis, laboratory manager.”
 
In addition to the work that Kamas and Lewis are directing with wine grape production, the lab houses Bri Crowley, viticulture program specialist with AgriLife Extension.
 
“While Bri’s primary responsibility is AgriLife Extension education and outreach to wine grape growers, she has a strong applied research program dedicated to managing fungal pathogens in grapes,” Kamas said. “These pathogens represent a long overlooked and poorly understood threat to high-quality wine grape production, which is now emerging as one of the most significant hurdles to industry growth.”
 
Another important aspect of wine grape production being addressed by lab members is sustainable management practices. In addition to Pierce disease management, Lewis has a strong interest in this area of research. Many other growing regions in the country have implemented certification programs for wine grape production to ensure sustainable production practices and increase marketability.
 
“I feel that this is the next step required to bring Texas wine grape production onto the center stage in the U.S.,” Lewis said.
 
The lab has also supported other wine and grape research projects, including studies examining dormancy regulation, shade effects, root-stock trials, and efficacy studies for various pesticide products. Laboratory personnel includes Santos Guevara and Leslie Pressler.
 
“Their work is absolutely integral to our ability to fulfill our mission,” Lewis said. “Santos provides technical assistance in the field as well as building maintenance and farm construction projects. Leslie’s job responsibilities include administrative support, plant care and research assistance. Leslie is an all-around worker. Without her dedicated service, this place simply would not run.”
 
A coordinated effort to support all fruit growers
 
“I think an often unrecognized but vital part of our mission is research and outreach in fruit crops other than wine and grapes,” Lewis said while referencing how the region’s fruit growers are facing several challenges with rising production costs and the availability of labor. “We are always looking for ways to help in research, outreach and support in these areas.”
 
As such, the lab looks at ways to strengthen the labor force within the fruit industry.
 
“One significant challenge the industry faces is that many of our most knowledgeable and experienced fruit growers are retiring,” Lewis said. “Their children are often not interested in taking over those operations, so most of the new folks interested in horticultural operations are not coming from a traditional agricultural upbringing. Many times, they come to us from urban backgrounds. We are responsible for bridging that gap by providing education and training.”
 
Additionally, the lab’s research and education programming deals with the sustainable production of high-value fresh fruit, such as raspberries, for direct-to-consumer sales rather than traditional wholesale markets. Fresh fruit crops allow growers to diversify their offerings and market other fresh fruit crops throughout the year to enhance additional revenue opportunities.
 
Research on sustainable fruit crops focuses on environmentally well-adapted varieties with little to no need for pesticides. These crops provide sustainable ways for fruit growers to diversify their operations and increase profitability. Adding these crops to a fruit growing operation can have direct implications for fruit producers seeking to diversify, manage risk and increase profits.
 
“We had a 1-acre buffer zone between the lab’s research vineyard and an insect-rearing facility to ensure no insecticide impacted the entomological research,” Kamas said. “One day, as I was mowing the zone, a light bulb went off. We needed to plant crops that we do not have to spray with pesticides, and that moment was when our sustainable fruit crop program began.”
 
A focus on fruits with high-profit potential
 
In addition to the central mission of wine grape production, the lab focuses on fruits that offer a high-profit potential and an unsaturated market that can be grown sustainably in our environment.
 
There is a strong focus on fruits suitable for agrotourism, small acreage holders and new growers.
 
For example, a specialty crop area the research group is looking into is cane-berry production, including a novel strategy for raspberry production being carried out by Lewis. When put into operation, it would represent both a new and extremely high-value crop for Texas fruit producers with a high potential for organic production.
 
“We are looking at exciting and novel approaches to protected cultivation that can address some of the challenges to raspberry production associated with high temperatures, low chilling, high light levels and drying winds,” Lewis said. “You can also push a raspberry crop back later into late summer and early to mid-fall.
 
“Rather than having a crop that will compete with the peach season and available labor, with raspberries, you can extend your production season to help retain labor. It certainly holds potential to offer a profitable advantage for our growers. Some of these raspberries can keep fruiting up until it freezes.”
 
Additional research areas have included figs, peaches, pears, apricots, olives, pomegranates, table grapes and blackberries, including experimental trials with new pear germplasm that Dhingra brought from his research with his former university.
 
“We have nothing but positive momentum moving forward to enhance the prospects of growers throughout the region,” Dhingra said. “We have met with several wine producers as well as have ongoing discussions with fruit growers, determining their essential needs and matching our resources to better serve them.”
 
Overall, Dhingra said the Fredericksburg laboratory facility is committed to serving Texas’ wine grape and fruit growers, ready to provide education and services to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
 
“We are further positioning our resources and strategic planning to meet these challenges and help propel the multi-billion-dollar economic impact to the Texas economy,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Sod Solutions.
How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?
By Valerie Smith
Sod Solutions Content Strategist
 
Are you thinking about a new lawn? One of the most common asked are, “How many square feet are on a pallet of sod?” The amount of square feet on a pallet of sod informs you of how many pallets you’ll need to purchase to cover the area in which you’re laying sod. The answer to this question largely depends on the sod farm from whom you purchase and the variables unique to that farm such as the type of harvester, moisture content, grass type, piece or roll size and soil type.
 
Most of the time, grass is quoted to homeowners by the pallet, so understanding pallet sizing is important for ordering purposes.
 
Because not all pallet sizes are the same, you may not be getting as good of a deal as it seems! Variations in pallet size comes down to weight for shipping and desired stacked pallet height. The majority of pallets range from 400–700 sq. ft., and the weight of a pallet can increase up to 50 percent when wet.
 
A pallet weighs between 1,500–3,000 lbs., so be mindful of this if you decide to pick up your sod instead of having it professionally delivered and the type of vehicle required to accommodate this weight.
 
If you aren’t sure how many square feet you will need to cover, find out by using Sod Solutions’s Area Calculator.
 
 
What is sod?
 
Some of you may wonder “what is sod?” or “what is turf?” to start with. This is a great question! Sod is different from grass installed as seed, sprigs or grass plugs. Sod typically comes in the form of pallets that you install into your lawn piece by piece. Read What is Sod? for more details.
 
How much does a pallet of sod cover?
 
Below are a few listed details on how many square feet are in a pallet of sod.
 
  • Slabs (Most common in southern parts of the U.S.): Comes in 399, 452 or 503 sq. ft.
  • Mini Hand Rolls (Gaining popularity in northern parts of the U.S.): Comes in 400, 450 and 500 sq. ft.
  • Large Rolls (Most common in northern parts U.S.): Comes in 500, 600 and 700 sq. ft.
 
How much does a pallet of sod weigh?
 
A pallet typically weighs between 1,500–3,000 lbs.
 
How much does a pallet of sod cost?
 
One of the first go-to questions when installing a new lawn is “How much is a pallet of sod?” The cost varies depending on the variety of grass you select, where you buy it from and where you are located for delivery.
 
Slabs of palletized sod
 
Most pallet sizes are commonly sold in ranges between 400, 450 or 500 sq. ft. in size. In the southern United States, these grass types include Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine and centipede. Most sod in the South is palletized in rectangle slabs that measure 16 x 24 inches and cover 2.66 sq. ft. each.
 
When purchasing sod, it’s important to know the price per square foot (not per pallet) and to understand that there is some variability in how many square feet come on a pallet.
 
The below table illustrates the difference that slabs, mini rolls and large rolls have in the number of square feet per pallet. Although single slabs (2.66 sq. ft.) result in finished pallets with irregular numbers (399, 452 and 503 sq. ft.) they are still sold as 400, 450 and 500 sq. ft. pallets. Most sod farms add one extra slab to 399 sq. ft. pallets, so in all cases, the end-consumer is getting a slight deal.
 
Mini Hand Rolls
 
Mini hand rolls have also been gaining popularity in recent years. You will find them mostly in northern cool-season markets. Mini hand rolls are usually 40 x 18 inches and cover five sq. ft. each. There are 80 of these on a 400 sq. ft. pallet, 90 of these on a 450 sq. ft. pallet and 100 on a 500 sq. ft. pallet. Occasionally, you will also find 60 x 24 or 80 x 18 inch rolls in Bermuda grass that are 10 sq. ft. each.
 
Large Rolls
 
In the northern cool season markets, most sod is sold in large rolls. These are usually 60 x 24 inches or 80 x 18 inches. Both of these work out to be 10 sq. ft. per roll. Standard pallet size in these markets is usually 500, 600 or 700 sq. ft, and will have 50, 60 or 70 rolls per pallet. Common grass types in these markets are tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
 
Knowing pallet sizes is helpful when planning your project. Be sure to gain an understanding of sizing before ordering from a farm or distributor.
 
If you aren’t sure how many square feet you’ll need, you can use Sod Solutions’s integrated Area Calculator tool to find out how large your yard is. We recommend ordering 5–10 percent more sod than you measure due to waste from cuts and miscalculations.
 
To find out more information in the next steps after making a purchase, check out Sod Solutions’s sod installation guide here.
Family yard fall to-dos
TurfMutt

Fall is a dog-gone good time to spend in your family yard. It’s also the top-dog time of year to prep our living landscape for another favorite season—spring.

Here’s what you need to do now to have a fabulous and TurfMutt-approved family yard this fall and beyond.

Mulch Leaves: Mulching your leaves rather than raking and bagging is good for your lawn and the environment. As shredded leaves decompose, they feed your lawn, naturally.

Aerate the Family Lawn: Aerating prevents soil from becoming compacted and covered with thatch (a thick layer of roots, stems and debris that blocks water, oxygen and nutrients from reaching the soil).

Mow at the Right Height: Keep cutting your grass until the first hard frost. Find the just-right length for your species, typically between 2-3 inches, to keep your grass healthy when it turns cold. 

Water Wisely: If you’re not getting at least an inch of water a week from Mother Nature, you’ll want to keep watering through the fall. Install watering solutions, such as smart controllers on irrigation systems, to help conserve water.
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 few 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, postponed, moved online or if it will take place as scheduled.
SEPTEMBER

Hempstead: Waller County Master Gardeners presents our annual fruit and nut tree sale with online ordering open Thursday, September 1, thru Thursday, September 29, or until supplies last. Pickup is Saturday October 1 in Waller or Pattison. Visit txmg.org/wallermg for more information or call 979-826-7651 with questions.

Online: “All About Mint” will be presented by Brandi Keller, Texas A&M AgriLife County Extension Agent-Horticulture, at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 1. Free Virtual Lecture, Register is required at homegrown2022.eventbrite.com.

Online: Houston has seen extreme temperatures along with pests, fungal diseases like powdery mildew and viruses such as rose rosette disease. While some rosarians use an organic gardening approach there are many who need to understand the proper precautions and actions required while using chemical products. Mark Windham, Ph.D. will discuss chemical safety at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 8. Dr. Windham is a recently retired Distinguished Professor of Ornamental Pathology, University of Tennessee - Knoxville. His research focus has been on diseases of ornamental plants with the majority of his time focused on Rose Rosette Disease, the most destructive ornamental disease in the USA. Dr. Windham's Graduate Program Concentration has been on Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems. His Ph.D. in Plant Pathology is from North Carolina State University and his M.S. & B.S. Degrees in Plant Pathology and Weed Science is from Mississippi State University. Chemical Safety is a continuing education requirement for ARS Consulting Rosarians. All Consulting Rosarians who attend this virtual meeting will receive one hour of credit. CRs will be required to email Suzanne Gilbert at sgilbert2@icloud.com prior to the meeting with the same email address that will be used to login to the GoTo Meeting website in order to receive credit. Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone at https://meet.goto.com/614327597.If you are new to GoTo Meeting, get the app now and be ready when you first meeting starts at: https://meet.goto.com/install.

Online: Noon, Friday, September 9, through noon Saturday, September 10. “Summer Sundown Sale” For details and to shop: https://store.galvestonmg.org or call 281-786-6834.
 
La Marque: “Onions and Garlic,” presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Kevin Lancon, 9-11 a.m., September 10, in Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. Pre-register and additional information: https://txmg.org/galveston or call 281-309-5065.
 
La Marque: “Herbs for the Gulf Coast Garden 2022,” presented by Galveston County Master Gardeners Briana Etie and Nancy Langston-Noh, 1-3 p.m., September 10, in Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. Pre-register and additional information: https://txmg.org/galveston or call 281-309-5065.

San Angelo: The Concho Valley Master Gardeners in San Angelo are presenting their annual Fall Landscaping Symposium. This year they have invited specialists in their fields locally and out of town to help everyone from beginners to experienced gardeners get a good start on their gardens. The Annual Fall Landscape Symposium will be held Saturday, September 10, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 N. US Highway 87, San Angelo. Cost is $30 per person. There is an extra session from 4:30-5:30 for an additional $10 fee. No refunds for cancellations. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. Deadline to register is Wednesday, September 7, but don’t wait too late as seats fill up fast. These excellent speakers will be presenting throughout the day at this year’s Symposium: Tam Honaker, Owner-Farmer’s Daughter: Overcoming Design Challenges; Garrett Mikulik, Owner-Scherz Landscape: Tree; Carol Reese, Retired Horticulture Specialist: Passalong Plants and Propagation; and Monte Sims, Owner-Bes-Tex Supply: Lawn Care. Extra Session: Lisa Whittlesey, Extension Horticulture Specialist-Floral Design. This additional session will be from 4:30-5:30 following the symposium. There will be an additional $10 required at registration. Space is Limited. Registration includes refreshments throughout the day and lunch. On the day of the seminar, sign-in starts at 8 a.m. The speakers start at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. To pay by check or cash, go to txmg.org/conchovalley and download the registration form and mail or bring it to the Extension Office, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76901. You’ll also find parking and hotel information on the website. To pay on-line with a credit card, go to http://cvmg.square.site. For questions or more information call 325-659-6522. No childcare will be provided.

Online: Plant Propagation by Harris County Master Gardeners, Monday, September 12, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Plant Propagation. Free Virtual Lecture through Houston Community College. Registration required at: hccs.edu/community-learning-workshops.

Gonzales: The Gonzales Master Gardeners will offer their extensive Texas Master Gardener training class this fall. Classes start September 13 and conclude May 2. Classes are held at 623 Fair Street in Gonzales on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. approximately every two weeks (though the schedule may vary slightly to accommodate holidays, Christmas break and spring break). There has been a renewed interest in home food production and landscaping. Getting outdoors to work around our homes is a great use of time as well as a health benefit. The program is designed to teach a broad fundamental background in horticulture. Classes give students a solid scientific foundation as well as a lot of practical and applied training. Subjects include not only botany and plant fertilizers but other topics such as how to start and grow plants and cuttings, prepare soil mixtures and install and maintain irrigation in the most water efficient manner. Topics and the class schedule are posted on the Gonzales Master Gardener website at www.gonzalesmastergardeners.org. The Texas Master Gardener program is a program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension designed to teach and promote good gardening practices. The Gonzales association conducts the training classes under the supervision of County Extension Agent Dwight Sexton. Students who complete the program volunteer in the community for a total of 50 hours their first year to earn their certification as a Texas Master Gardener. Volunteer projects are directed toward teaching in the community which is Extension’s mission. Working alongside other Master Gardeners, students learn as much from their volunteer activities as they do from the classes. Enrollment deadline is September 1 at 5 p.m. Applications are available at the Gonzales Extension Office at 1709 E Sara DeWitt, at the Extension website at www.gonzales.agrilife.org and at the Gonzales Master Gardner website at www.gonzalesmastergardeners.org. The cost of the class is $185 which covers the cost of the textbook, the state required background check and a soils test along with all fees associated with class activities. For more information, call the Gonzales Extension office at (830) 672-8531 or Gail Johnson (830) 491-1996.

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present Learning at the Library – “Wildlife Photography,” Saturday, September 17, 10:00 a.m., at Clara Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardener and shutterbug Jim Miles will talk about Wildlife Photography for the backyard nature lover. Pick up some camera tips from a pro.
 
College Station: Brazos County Master Gardeners present Get Growing with Master Gardeners – “Wildlife Photography,” Sunday, September 18, 3:00 p.m., at Lick Creek Park, 13600 Rock Prairie Rd., College Station. Brazos County Master Gardener and shutterbug Jim Miles will talk about Wildlife Photography for the backyard nature lover. Pick up some camera tips from a pro. Fee: $4/person and registration is required at the College Station Parks & Rec website.

Houston: Genoa Friendship Garden- Open Garden Day, Monday, September 19, 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 will be for sale in the greenhouse.

Online: Plant Propagation by Harris County Master Gardeners, Tuesday, September 20, 11:00 a.m.-noon. Plant Propagation. Free Virtual Lecture with Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation needed: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events/.

La Marque: “T-bud Grafting,” presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Hazel Lampton presenting, 9-11:30 a.m., September 24, in Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. Limited to 20 participants, must pre-register to attend. Pre-register and additional information: https://txmg.org/galveston or call 281-309-5065.

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present an educational program, Tuesday, September 27, 7:00 p.m., at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Court, Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardeners will host Daniel Hoffman, with Trophy Fisheries, who will discuss Garden Ponds – Construction, Features, and Maintenance. Everyone appreciates a water features – especially after this summer. Learn how to introduce one into your landscape.

Houston: The Future of Urban Food Systems Summit by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Friday, Sept., 30, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. University of Houston Downtown, 315 N. Main St., Houston. The 2022 summit will provide a forum to delve into the opportunities and challenges for urban food systems in Harris County. $50 fee. Registration required at: https://fufss2022.eventbrite.com/.
OCTOBER

Houston and online: Propagating roses is one of the most difficult and rewarding hobbies once you see the newly created rose bush. Roses can be propagated from the planting of cuttings, grafting cuttings onto a new root stock, or using seeds from the rose's hips. Deanna Krause will share with us her proven techniques to propagate as a way to expand and share her garden with others. Deanna and her husband, Earl, have been growing roses for over 40 years and are active rose exhibitors with many first-place trophies. Their garden includes unique rose varieties that are hard to find in other gardens. Ray Ponton, a long-time friend and hybridizer with the Texas Rose Rustlers named one of his seedlings in commerce after Deanna. You can purchase the shrub "Deanna Krause' at the Antique Rose Emporium. All Consulting Rosarians who attend this virtual meeting will receive one hour of continuing education credit. CRs will be required to email Suzanne Gilbert at sgilbert2@icloud.com prior to the meeting with their email address and screen name used on GoTo Meeting and also include the name of their rose society in order to receive credit. The meeting will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., Houston, or virtually from the comfort of your home using a computer, tablet, or smart phone at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 13. To join online: https://meet.goto.com/957814789. If you are new to GoTo Meeting, get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install.

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present Learning at the Library – “Tis the Season for Seasonal Plants,” Saturday, October 15, 10:00 a.m., Clara Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardener Maureen Reap will talk about how to select plants that will last through the holiday and what to do with them afterwards. This event is open to the public at no charge.
 
Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present an educational program Tuesday, October 25, 7:00 p.m., Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Court, Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardeners will host Gretchen Riley, Head of the Forest Systems Department of the Texas A&M Forest Service, who will talk on selecting, planting and caring for trees in our urban Texas gardens, a timely subject after the losses we’ve sustained this summer. This event is open to the public at no charge.
NOVEMBER

Tyler: The award-winning Smith County Master Gardener Association will host the Texas Superstar State Master Gardener Advanced Training November 1-3 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, 5701 South Broadway Ave., Tyler (903-561-5800).This training was created as an intensive multi-day workshop that helps empower Master Gardeners with knowledge and skills required to effectively support and multiply Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service efforts in Earth-Kind horticultural education within their counties. During the training, certified Texas Master Gardeners will learn about the history of the Texas Superstar plant program as well as the benefits and landscape usages of these specially designated plants. The class winds up with a tour of the Tyler Botanical Garden and an invitation to attend the Smith County Master Gardener Association monthly meeting where Smith County horticulturist Greg Grant will present a lecture on landscaping with native plants. Instructors for this year’s training include Greg Grant, David Rodriguez, Dr. Larry Stein, and special guests Keith Hansen, Erin Smith, and Dr. Andrew King. Rodriguez is the Bexar County Horticulturist, Stein the head of Extension Horticulture at Texas A&M, Hansen the retired Smith County Horticulturist-Emeritus, Smith a research Associate at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton, and King the owner of King’s Nursery in Tenaha. To be eligible for the Texas Superstar Advanced Training, an applicant must possess an up-to-date Master Gardener certification. Master Gardener applications must be approved by their local Master Gardener program coordinator and County Extension Agent. Only two Master Gardeners per county are allowed, unless space is available by noon Monday, October 3. Additional Master Gardeners in each county should sign up on the waiting list. The cost for the training is $225 if registering by October 3. After that, the cost is $250. To register (or for more information) call 903-590-2980 or visit the Smith County Master Gardener website at txmg.org/smith/ and click on coming events. Registration deadline is October 17, and spaces are limited.
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.

Corpus Christi: The Coastal Bend Cactus and Succulent Society meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. The purpose is to stimulate an interest in cactus and succulent plants by providing a forum to foster and broaden knowledge of the plants. Join the society on Facebook: Coastal Bend Cactus & Succulent Society.

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 Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John 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 always welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT contact guadalupecounty@npsot.org. Or visit https://npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/
 
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.

Ft. Worth: The North Texas Daylily Society is affiliated with the American Daylily Society and is located in AHS Region 6. Club meetings are held in the Camellia Room located inside the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, on the third Thursday of each month (excluding June and July). Throughout the year NTDS hosts guest speakers, special interest programs, an annual daylily show, an annual daylily sale, and social activities and outings. For more information visit, their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northtexasdaylilysociety.

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 County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct., 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 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