April 24, 2024

Ripe strawberries harvested from a grower’s field, ready to be packaged and sold to local customers. (Russ Wallace/Texas A&M AgriLife)

Strawberry season in Texas off to an excellent start

By Susan Himes

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Texas strawberry growers have enjoyed an early start to their season and the crop looks fantastic so far, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

“This year, the season started earlier than it has in the past three to four years, and perhaps by as much as two to three weeks,” said Russ Wallace, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension horticulturist and professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Lubbock. “The first berries to come out of the field were large and very sweet, and the quality has been excellent.”

Part of this season’s strong crop is thanks to a milder than usual winter for many growers. Freeze damage to the flowers and plants has been minimal, Wallace said, and growers who protected their crop with row cover cloth saw less damage and earlier production than others.

Wallace said he has been impressed with what he’s seen so far.

“This spring, I’ve traveled across the state visiting growers’ fields, looking at the strawberry crop,” he said. “The crops overall look fantastic and the weather, for the most part, has cooperated.”

Although some regions get more fruit per plant, in Texas the average is about 1 pound, Wallace said. But given the favorable growing conditions, those larger berries should translate to increased weight per plant, making for a good season for most growers.

Inclement weather has impacted some individual strawberry fields, he said.

“There have been some heavy rains at some locations, as well as a few hailstorms, which damaged some crops,” Wallace said. “The heavy rains caused an increase in fruit diseases like botrytis gray mold in those locations and those berries needed to be removed from the fields.”

The losses to weather were slight and not enough to impact overall prices or production. He said typical diseases and insects have been kept in check with conventional and organic control best practices and should not be a major factor this season. He added that Texas’ strawberry crops tend to be treated for diseases and pests very little compared to other states.

Wallace also said he had not heard any concerns from growers this season related to drought. Watering strawberries is very efficient because strawberries are planted on raised beds with plastic film, and irrigation drip lines run on or below the surface under the plastic.

Increasing demand from consumers

Wallace said he believes strawberry acreage in Texas will continue to increase as growers see high consumer demand and the crop’s profitability. He said he is encountering more farms that have recently added strawberries to their overall production.

“For the past two years, my colleagues and I have been evaluating up to 20 strawberry varieties to determine whether there are better options than the current ones,” Wallace said. He said they collaborate with 15 growers statewide and several new varieties look promising.

Prices are excellent for growers for the most part, he said. Farmers offering “pick-your-own” strawberries are charging between $3.50 to $8 per pound, which is roughly the same price as last year. But given the favorable growing conditions this year, many producers may have more strawberries to sell.

Wallace said while he has not seen an uptick in prices, it is possible producers could charge more money per pound because of intense demand in some areas. The popularity of Texas strawberries is so intense that some “pick-your-own” farms can be harvested out within several hours.

“Sometimes customers are turned away,” he said. “That just demonstrates the need for more growers and more acres dedicated to strawberries in Texas.”

What consumers should know

Wallace said strawberry consumers understand that locally grown Texas strawberries are a premium crop — in both price and quality. It takes a significant amount of work and money to produce strawberries, and the harvest season is relatively short at just six to eight weeks.

Around 90% of U.S. strawberries come out of California and Florida, but locally grown strawberries typically have a better appearance and flavor because they are picked and sold daily and not shipped across the country, he said. Texas strawberries are picked at a stage when they are fully ripe and the ideal shade of red, which is not what you generally see in large retail chain stores.

Unlike some other fruit, strawberries will not ripen any further once picked. Berries should be at least 80% red before being picked but 100% is ideal to ensure the best taste. Very dark berries, on the other hand, but otherwise unblemished may be overripe but can be used for jellies, jams and cooking.

“Texas strawberries are in high demand and demand a premium price because consumers know what they are getting,” Wallace said. “A lot of folks are repeat customers, and they want the best quality. They want the ripe red and the sweetest taste, and you can only really get that from growers in your area.”

Celebrate strawberries

Poteet, south of San Antonio, has the state’s largest concentration of producers and is considered the “strawberry capital” of Texas, but other producers can be found in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Lubbock, Tyler and Fredericksburg areas.

If there are no local growers, look for berries grown in Texas when shopping at the supermarket. If you want to try a bunch of different berries, consider heading to Poteet, April 12-14, for the annual strawberry festival, which began in 1948. Visitors can taste and buy berries from local producers as well as enjoy live entertainment and a carnival.

“We’ve had a great crop so far this year,” said Joel Garcia, 4G Reyes Farms and president of the Poteet Strawberry Growers Association. “I’d encourage all Texans to enjoy local-grown berries while they can and to come down to the festival to experience everything strawberry-related as well. It is a very neat festival for such a small town.”

Garcia said all produce sold on the festival grounds are authentic Poteet strawberries, and all the food vendors at the event, from beer to brats, benefit non-profit organizations.

“We had some hailstorms limit some of our area’s growers for a few weeks, but the weather has cooperated since then with plenty of sunshine to let the berries come into fruit very nicely,” Garcia said. “Overall, this is a very good year for the industry here so far, and we’ve been able to keep those perishable strawberries on the vine until they are ripe and perfect to pick.”

How to grow a centipede lawn

Sod Solutions

Centipede grass is a popular choice for lawns in warmer climates, thanks to its adaptability and low maintenance needs, giving it the nickname, “the lazy man’s grass.” It thrives in warm seasons and requires less upkeep compared to other types, making it an ideal option for homeowners who prefer a lush lawn without constant care.

This guide will dive into the pros and cons of each planting method, along with essential tips for soil preparation, planting techniques and ongoing care to ensure your centipede lawn remains healthy and vibrant.

Why choose centipede for your backyard?

Choosing centipede grass for your lawn offers a lot of benefits, making it a standout option for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance yet attractive turf.

Centipede grass, often praised for its minimal upkeep requirements, thrives in warm climates and adapts well to a variety of soil types, including sandy and acidic soils. Its slow-growing nature means less frequent mowing, and its drought tolerance translates to reduced watering needs once established.

Centipede grass's dense growth habit not only provides a lush, green carpet that enhances curb appeal but also helps in crowding out weeds, reducing the need for chemical treatments. Its ability to prosper in moderate shade as well as sun makes it versatile for different landscapes.

All these characteristics combined make centipede grass an ideal choice for those desiring a beautiful lawn with minimal labor and resource input, allowing more time to enjoy the outdoor living space without the constant upkeep.

Santee Centipede, an improved variety of common centipede grass, is renowned for its minimal upkeep and robust root system. Its extensive root system better equips it to withstand various stressors like drought, disease, pests and stressful temperatures. This resilience ensures a lush, green carpet that not only enhances curb appeal but also reduces the need for chemical treatments.

Pros and Cons of Planting Sod, Plugs, and Seed

You can’t go wrong with centipede sod, seed, plugs or sod pods. It’s a matter of preference and comparing your goals with your time commitment available as well as your budget.

Installing Centipede Sod:

Pros:

·      Provides an instant lawn with established grass.

·      Offers a uniform and lush appearance to the lawn quickly.

·      More effective in controlling weeds and erosion.

Cons:

·      Installing sod may involve more finesse and attention to detail or even a professional installer.

·      Requires a bigger investment compared to other methods.

Planting Centipede Grass Plugs:

Pros:

·      Plugs are homeowner DIY-friendly

·      Quick installation compared to sod or seed.

·      More cost-effective option compared to sod.

·      Suitable for filling in small and large areas.

Cons:

·      Initial patchy appearance until plugs grow in over time.

·      Requires more time and patience for plugs to fill in larger areas compared to sod or seed.

·      More maintenance may be required to keep weeds at bay.

Sowing Centipede Grass Seed:

Pros:

·      Most cost-effective option for starting a new lawn or covering large areas.

·      Quick coverage of large areas of bare soil with germination in about 30 days. Fun Fact - Santee Centipede is coated in a layer of fertilizer for even faster germination.

·      Can be stored in a cool, dry location for future sowing while sod and plugs need to be planted quickly to stay alive.

·      Can quickly and easily be sown with the use of a broadcast or drop spreader.

Cons:

·      Takes longer to establish a dense lawn compared to sod or plugs.

·      More prone to washing or blowing away with erosion or wind.

·      Birds will sometimes eat the seed if not properly covered.

·      You might need to do more work to keep weeds at bay.

Best Practices for Planting a Centipede Yard

Centipede Soil Prep is Key

Whether using sod, seed or plugs with centipede, you want to start from the ground up and focus on your soil first. Ensure good drainage, good nutrients and a balanced pH. This groundwork ensures that the soil provides the best environment for centipede grass roots to establish and spread.

Neglecting soil preparation can potentially lead to poor grass establishment, slower growth and a lawn that's more susceptible to pests, diseases and environmental stresses.

Water Properly

After planting, centipede grass needs consistent moisture to establish itself, but overwatering can be detrimental. During the first few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Once established, centipede (especially Santee) grass is known for its drought tolerance, but until then, it's crucial to prevent the soil from drying out completely, which can hinder root establishment and growth.

Install Centipede in the Right Season

Timing is crucial for planting centipede grass. The best time to plant sod, seed or plugs is during the spring or fall months before stressful summer temperatures or winter ones. Planting during this time ensures the centipede grass seeds, plugs or sod have the right conditions for germination and root establishment. This timing also takes advantage of the growing season's length, giving your grass the best chance to establish a robust root system.

Uniform Planting or Installation

Whether you're spreading seeds, laying sod or planting plugs, ensuring even coverage and uniformity is essential for a cohesive look and healthy growth.

For seeds, use a spreader for even distribution and lightly rake the soil for good seed-to-soil contact. When installing sod, lay the pieces tightly together without overlapping, ensuring each piece is firmly in contact with the soil. For plugs, maintain consistent spacing (typically 6 to 12 inches apart) to encourage uniform growth and quicker coverage.

Initial Centipede Yard Care & Establishment

Watering New Centipede Grass

When you first plant centipede grass, water it well so the soil gets wet up to 3-4 inches deep. Keep watering it well for the next few days, especially in the morning and late afternoon, but don't let it get too soggy.

Fertilizing New Centipede Lawns

Fertilization plays a vital role in the establishment phase, but it's important to use the right type of fertilizer. For new sod, plugs or seed, use a balanced fertilizer, like the ones found in Lawnifi’s New Lawn Starter Box, that provides the necessary nutrients without overwhelming the new grass with high nitrogen levels.

The ideal fertilizer should have a balanced N-P-K ratio to encourage root growth rather than just top growth and color. Begin fertilizing on the day of installation and follow a scheduled application to support the lawn's development during its critical initial weeks.

Monitoring Your New Centipede Yard

Keep an eye on the lawn for any signs of stress, such as discoloration or patchiness, which could indicate issues like insufficient water, nutrient deficiencies or disease. Adjust your watering and fertilization practices based on the lawn's response and the prevailing weather conditions.

Regularly check the sod's rooting progress by gently lifting a corner to see if white roots are beginning to establish in the soil.

Your Path to a Lush Centipede Lawn is Around the Corner

When installing centipede grass, it's clear that laying the foundation for a vibrant, green lawn is as much about the preparation and care you invest as it is about the techniques you use.

From choosing the optimal time for planting to understanding the importance of soil preparation, uniform installation and the delicate balance of watering and fertilization, each step plays a pivotal role in cultivating a lush centipede grass lawn.

As you embark on this landscaping endeavor, remember that patience and attention to detail are your greatest allies. By following the tips and tricks above, you're not just installing grass; you're creating a living tapestry that will enhance the beauty and value of your home for years to come. So, gear up, get planting, and soon enough, you'll be basking in the splendor of your very own centipede grass lawn.

Research has shown that gardening and spending time in nature is beneficial to kids, including but not limited to better vision, increased focus, and a stronger immune system. (Photo courtesy of Corona Tools)

Gardening helps grow healthy, happy kids

By Melinda Myers

Gardeners know and research is proving that gardening, even viewing a garden, as well as spending time in nature is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It improves strength and flexibility, lowers blood pressure, and elevates our moods.

This is also true for the youngsters in our lives. Recent studies found that school-aged children who participate in outdoor activities have better vision than those who spend most of their time indoors. Children who engage in nature and gardening are more focused, score better on exams, and are less likely to develop or exhibit symptoms of ADHD. And kids who play outside and get a bit dirty also have stronger immune systems.

Help get the kids in your life involved in gardening. There are a variety of ways to get youngsters involved no matter how much space or time you have.

Consider giving each child their own garden space or a container garden to design, plant, and tend. Containers are a great option when planting space and time are limited. And just about anything can be grown in a pot. An old 5-gallon bucket or washtub with holes drilled into the bottom, recycled nursery pots, or a colorful raised planter make great gardens.

Provide them with some kid-sized tools and equipment. The tools’ smaller scale will be easier for them to handle and having their own tools that match yours makes gardening even more special. Consider investing in a set of kids’ gardening tools including hand tools, long-handled tools, and even a wheelbarrow like those at Corona Tools USA (coronatools.com).

Keep in mind the goal is for kids to have fun and develop an interest in gardening. You may need to bite your tongue when their combinations are rather unique, or plants are spaced improperly. Provide some guidance but be prepared to let them experiment and learn from their failures as well as successes.

Kids like to water even at an early age. The biggest challenge is getting the water to the plant but that will come with time, practice, and a few water-soaked outfits. Your efforts will be rewarded when your child takes over watering your container gardens.

You may notice kids often find bugs and worms more interesting than plants. Use this as a gateway into gardening. Get kids involved in worm composting or hunting for earthworms in the compost pile. They will have fun on the worm hunt while helping you turn your compost pile.

Use the “Pluck, Drop and Stomp” method to manage garden pests. Point out the bad guys and the damage they do. Be sure they know to watch for the good guys and leave them be to help the garden grow. Then have the children pluck the bad bugs off the plant, drop them to the ground, and stomp on them. This eco-friendly pest management strategy also burns some of that excess energy.

Include lots of color in the garden and containers. Michigan State University surveyed kids before creating their children’s garden. They found kids were much more excited and likely to participate when a garden is filled with color.

And as the flowers are maturing and your family is overrun with vegetables, consider sharing the harvest and a few bouquets of flowers. Giving helps children grow into caring, well-rounded adults. And food pantries in your community are always in need of fresh produce. Most of the food-insecure people in our communities are kids and seniors who greatly benefit from fresh nutritious vegetables.

Be sure to end the growing season with a harvest party. Use your homegrown produce to prepare a picnic or fancy dinner for family and friends. Then use some of those beautiful flowers you grew to decorate the table.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

APRIL

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Growing Herbs in Houston," 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 26, at the Fonteno Senior Education Center, 6600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners Westside Summer Sale, Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers will be held 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at Alabonson Park, 9650 N. Houston Rosslyn Road, Houston. Get your summer vegetable and flower gardens started with the best varieties for Houston. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and make recommendations. Cash and Cards accepted. For more information, visit hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: South Texas Unit of the Herb Society of America will host its 38th Annual Herb Day on Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Houston Museum District. This one-day symposium spotlights "The Bold and the Beautiful'' herbs turmeric, ginger and roselle. Special guest speakers feature horticulturist Henry Flowers, and chef, author and James Beard semi-finalist Anita Jaisinghani of Pondicheri Café. Pre-registration is required for this event filled with speakers, cooking demonstration, and education tables (including painting with turmeric). Arrive early to shop with vendors and at the Herbal Marketplace where you'll find seasonal herb plants, culinary herbal blends and teas, salves, handcrafted items and more made by members. Lunch, gift bag and a chance to win door prizes included with registration. Visit http://www.herbsociety-stu.org/herb-day.html for more information.

McKinney: The 2024 CCMGA Spring Plant Sale will be presented by The Collin County Master Gardeners Association on Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (or until SOLD OUT) in the Show Barn at Myers Park & Event Center in McKinney. Proceeds from the sale benefit CCMGA’s community outreach programs, horticultural education programs, workshops, and water conservation education throughout Collin County. CCMGA has carefully sourced a collection of locally grown drought-tolerant plants that are well suited to the local climate and will perform well in North Texas gardens. Attendees will find 13,000+ plants and 300 species available for purchase. Discover a diverse selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, vegetables, herbs, grasses, pollinators and succulents not typically found at big box stores. Collin County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and offer free advice to help homeowners plant with success. Arrive early for best selection! There is no sales tax, and purchases can be made by cash, check, or credit card. CCMGA has implemented Square Point of Sale technology to speed up the check-out process, so you can get your beautiful plants home and into your garden faster than ever! Bringing your own cart or wagon is recommended. Parking is FREE! The 2024 CCMGA Spring Plant Sale will be held rain or shine inside the Show Barn at Myers Park located at 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. To learn more visit www.ccmgatx.org.

MAY

Hempstead: Thurs., May 2, 9:00 am: Healthy Soil Healthy Plants by John Ferguson, Waller County Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. Free. RSVP 979-826-7651.

Alvin: The Lone Star Daylily Society's Daylily Show and Sale, Lone Star Flowers of Lifelong Fantasies, will be on May 4, 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Our Daylily Sale will begin at 8 a.m., lasting until 3 p.m. Both events will be held at the Alvin Senior Citizen's Building, 309 W Sealy, Alvin. There will be dozens of different varieties of registered daylilies for to choose from.

La Marque: “Patio Citrus.” Presented by Horticulture Agent Stephen Brueggerhoff and Texas Department of Agriculture Citrus Health Response Inspector Janis Teas and learn about growing citrus in containers on the patio. Saturday, May 4, 9-11 a.m. Free. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. For more information and to register: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/.

La Marque: “Beautiful Blooms: Plumeria Seminar.” Presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Loretta Osteen. Osteen will share her extensive experience with successfully growing plumeria. Saturday, May 4, 1-3 p.m. Free. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. For more information and to register: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present Plant Propagation at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 8, at the Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston. Learn the basics of propagating plants for your garden. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit hcmga.tamu.edu.

Online: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Travis County concludes their 2024 Texas Tough Plants educational series with The 6D’s of Container Gardening Success, May 8, 10 a.m. to noon. Kirk Walden, Travis County Master Gardener, will convince you that whether you want winter color or summer vegetables, you can grow it in containers. The session covers the major considerations and decisions that lead to gardening success — from design and soil to irrigation and sunlight. Participants will come away with a list of recommended plants and resources suitable for Central Texas. The program will be presented utilizing a webinar format. Those interested must register in advance to receive a link: https://traviscountytx-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/3817044066540/WN_8pUuPv0VTz23RA42wSShXQ. Due to technological constraints, the webinar live broadcast is limited to the first 100 attendees. However, an unlimited number of people can register to view the recording. Everyone who registers will be sent a link to watch the recorded version. Attendees can submit questions during the webinar and get answers live as time allows. Afterward, questions that don’t make it to the webinar will receive emailed answers. Viewers of the recorded sessions can send their questions to the Travis County Master Gardener help desk: travismg@ag.tamu.edu. More information on the webinar series can be found here: https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/2024/03/21/texas-tough-plants-featured-in-2024-webinar-series/.

Online: Elisabeth Castro, an Old Garden Rose devotee, ARS Consulting Rosarian and serves on the HRS Board as Secretary, will provide an overview of the history of the Texas Rose Rustlers and share the best old garden roses to grow in Houston. Elisabeth serves as the 2024 President of The Texas Master Gardener Association and has volunteered on their Executive Committee in various positions over the past seven years. Elisabeth is also the current Chairman for the Texas Rose Rustlers organization and has been an active member for the past ten years. Consulting Rosarians who attend this meeting will receive one hour of continuing education credit. CRs will be required to email president@houstonrose.org prior to the meeting with their name, email address, and name of your rose society if outside HRS in order to receive credit. Join virtually on Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. from the comfort of your home or office. Go to the website www.zoom.us and enter the following meeting information. Meeting ID: 843 7249 9703. Passcode: 896440.

Luling: Sunny Hill Flower Farm is hosting its annual agriculture weekend May 10-11, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 399 Pasture Rd. Luling. Visit Sunny Hill to cut flower bouquets in the field full of unending blooms, grab a bite to eat from delicious food trucks, enjoy live music, and visit and view 30 incredible select artisan vendors hosted on the farm. Plus, enjoy some fun farm experiences for the kids, such as farm animals and games. For more information, visit Market at the Farm event | Sunny Hill flower fa (sunny-hill-flower-farm.com). (To be a vendor or for other inquiries, Text/call 512-900-1041.)

Austin: The Travis County Master Gardeners Association presents Inside Austin Gardens Tour (IAGT). Saturday, May 11, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The tour provides a rare look inside four private gardens that demonstrate realistic, sustainable gardening practices for Central Texas that will inform and inspire. The tour’s theme remains: “For Gardeners. By Gardeners,” focusing on the vast variety and practical beauty of native and well-adapted plants in the garden. In turn, each garden has a theme that highlights a particular set of characteristics Central Texas gardeners are likely to encounter in their own gardens. Those themes are: The Suburban Farm – 35 garden spaces, 5 chickens and 2 miniature donkeys on three acres; The Woodland Escape – Shade of 65+ oaks, garden rooms nestled into natural areas, sculpture; The Elevated Garden – Berms, stock tanks, fruits, veggies, bee hives, succulents, a 20-lb. tortoise; The Work-In-Progress – On-going suburban experiments, successes and not. Three of the gardens are at the home of Travis County Master Gardeners, and the fourth, The Work-In-Progress garden, features the home landscape of Travis County Extension Horticulturist Daphne Richards, who also appears weekly on Austin PBS’ widely loved and respected “Central Texas Gardener” television segment. Complete information on the participating gardens and ticket purchases may be found at http://www.InsideAustinGardens.org. If you have a question, leave a message at (512) 710-7098, or send an email to travismghelpdesk@gmail.com.

Online: Harris County Master Gardeners present Identifying "Good and Bad" Bugs at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 13. Learn how to tell the difference between beneficial and damaging insects in your garden. Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Houston Community College. Register in advance to receive link: hcc.idloom.events/gardening-series/register.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Summer Gardening "at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 13, at the Fonteno Senior Education Center, 6600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Learn how to help your garden thrive in the summer heat. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit hcmga.tamu.edu.

Seguin/Marion: The Guadalupe Chapter of the Native Plant Society will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1121, E. Walnut St. Seguin., The Presenter will be David Will, a Horticultural Consultant that will be doing a 2-part Program about “Saving Prairie Grasses.” Part 1 will be in Seguin and Part 2 on June 11 in Marion. There will be a seed/plant exchange, social time at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program 7:00 p.m. Parking in the rear, enter from N. Moss Street. Meetings open to the public, Visitors welcome. For more information: http://npsot.org/chapters/guadalupe/.

Houston: The Harris Master Gardners present "Raised Bed Gardening" at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, at Glazier Senior Ed Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston. Learn the tips and tricks for helping your plants thrive in a raised-bed garden. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit hcmga.tamu.edu.

Smith County: Smith County Master Gardener Annual Home Garden Tour, May 18, 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets may be purchased in advance online $15.00 at txmg.org/smith/event/2024-home-garden-tour or $20 the day of the tour at any garden tour location. For more information, visit https://txmg.org/smith/event/2024-home-garden-tour/ or call 903-590-2994.

Online: Harris County Master Gardeners present Identifying "Good and Bad" Bugs at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 21. Learn how to tell the difference between beneficial and damaging insects in your garden. Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation required: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events.

Quitman: A demonstration on proper care of orchids & houseplants will be held noon-1:00 p.m., May 23, at the Wood County Extension Office, 618 S. Main Street, Quitman.

Hempstead: Tues., May 28, 8:30 am: Junior Master Gardener Summer Camp - Wildlife in the Garden and Me, Waller County Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. $25. RSVP 979-826-7651 https://txmg.org/wallermg/master-gardener/jmg2024/.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Permaculture Gardening" at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 29, at the Fonteno Senior Education Center, 6600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Learn the actions you can take to have a more natural design and flow in your garden. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit hcmga.tamu.edu.

La Marque: “Tomato Tasting in the Garden.” Celebrate tomato culture with the Galveston County Master Gardeners. Tomato tasting and contest to vote for best in show. Presentation of tomato research results to help you improve growing your homegrown tomatoes. Saturday, May 30, 9-11 a.m. Free. Location: Discovery Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main St (FM 519), La Marque. Register and learn more: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/.

JUNE

McKinney: The Collin County Master Gardeners Association will host their annual Walk in the Park on Saturday, June 1, 9:00 a.m.-noon. A Walk in the Park features self-guided tours of the international award-winning research and demonstration gardens at beautiful Myers Park & Event Center in McKinney, Texas. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the great outdoors and see the season’s star plants in full bloom. Enjoy fun educational activities for children and demonstrations in the gardens. This is a FREE event for the entire family. Learn about Earth-Kind gardening principles and see beautiful plants that push the limits to survive and thrive in North Texas’s extreme weather conditions without fertilizer, pesticides, and with minimal irrigation. The gardens include perennials, annuals, herbs, a potager garden, a vegetable garden, a vineyard, a shade garden, shrubs, trees and grasses and even a pollinators garden. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. Amid the blooms and greenery, the Art Club of McKinney and the McKinney Plein Air Society will bring extra dimension to A Walk in the Park this year. Artists will be stationed across the gardens offering a glimpse of their creative process as they paint the stunning views, making A Walk in the Park a truly immersive cultural experience. Join the Collin County Master Gardeners at Myers Park & Event Center, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. Parking is available at the Polo Field on the north side of the park off CR 168. For more information visit https://ccmgatx.org/events/a-walk-in-the-park/. In the event of rain, A Walk in the Park will be rescheduled to Saturday, June 8, 2024.

Quitman: "Revamping Winnsboro Library Gardens with Earth Kind Principles" will be presented noon-1:00 p.m., June 27, at the Wood County Extension Office, 618 S. Main Street, Quitman.

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 Gardener Association meets the first Monday of each month (second Monday, if the first is a holiday) at the First Christian Church (formerly, and still on Google Maps, Grace Christian Church) located at 504 S. Houston Street, Kaufman. An educational program begins at 10 a.m., followed by the business meeting. For topic and additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org/ and check Events. Refreshments will be available. For more information or to ask about accommodations, call 469-376-4520, or email Jackie Robertson at jrobertson@ag.tamu.edu.

Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Houston. Announcements begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by an educational lecture. For additional information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu/lecture-series.

Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet the first Tuesday of each month at Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Houston. Announcements begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by an educational lecture. For additional information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu/lecture-series/. Location is subject to change for Holidays & Voting days.

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., at the First Baptist Church Family Life Building, 500 E. Holland St., 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.

San Antonio: The San Antonio Garden Center meets on the first Wednesday of each month from September – May at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston, San Antonio. Social and plant sale begins at 9:30 a.m. Program at 10 a.m. Open to the public. For more information visit www.sanantoniogardencenter.org.

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.

Gonzales: 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.

Temple: Temple Garden Club, District V meets 9:30-11:30 a.m., the first Thursday of each month (September-May), at the Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N 3rd Street.

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 at 11:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, in the Harrison County Extension Office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall. Meetings are held in the AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email hctxmastergardener@gmail.com.

Seguin/Marion: The Guadalupe Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of the month except for July, August, and December. The Chapter alternates meetings. Seguin, First Presbyterian Church, January, March, May, September and November. Marion, St. John Lutheran Church, February, April, June and October. Meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Program at 7:00 p.m., Visitors are always welcome. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/chapters/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.

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners host hour-long Lunch & Learn programs on various gardening topics on the second Wednesday of most months from 12 to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch, these programs are free and open to the public. They are held at the AgriLife Extension building, 210 E Live Oak, Seguin. For more information, visit GCMGTX.org.

Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meeting is held on the second Wednesday of each each month at noon at the Central Presbyterian Church, 9191 Woodway Dr., Woodway. 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. at Peace Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 2201 Rio Grande Blvd., 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 Gardeners meet on the third Monday of each month at Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 6 p.m. An educational program precedes the business meeting.

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.

Belton: The Bell County Master Gardeners Herb Interest Study Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (January to November) at the AgriLife Extension Office, 1601 N. Main Street, Belton, in the Kitchen Classroom. Socialize from 10-10:30 a.m. Study Begins promptly at 10:30-Noon.

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/.

Waco: The McLennan County Master Gardeners host Lunch with the Masters on the third Wednesday of each month at noon at MCC’s Emergency Services Education Center (ESEC), 7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr., Waco. These educational programs are free and open to the public. Attendees bring their own lunch. For more information, call 254-757-5180.

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 First United Methodist Church Annex, corner of S. Glendale and East Fourth streets behind the church in 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 Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway, Houston. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit https://npsot.org/wp/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 New Braunfels Public Library, 700 E. Common St, New Braunfels. Meetings are “hybrid” with in-person and Zoom available. They start at 5:45 PM. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting at 6:15 PM. Programs begin at 6:30 PM. 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 about Zoom or to join, visit https://npsot.org/wp/newbraunfels/.

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, November and December, at the Gathering Hall at The Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park and via Zoom. 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, January-September. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/chapters/trinity-forks/.

Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets on the last Thursday of each month, January through September, at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. October is the annual potluck. Visitors are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments provided by members. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. followed by a raffle. For additional information, email board@aogc.org.

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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Texas Gardener's Seeds has been published each Wednesday since April 26, 2006.

Publisher: Jay White ● Editor: Michael Bracken 

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