'Dolce Fresca' basil growing and thriving in a container in full sun. (Photo courtesy of All-America Selections) |
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Growing herbs in containers |
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By Melinda Myers
Keep your favorite herbs within easy reach for cooking and seasoning by growing them in containers. A few pots set by your door and grill or on the patio, deck, or balcony make it easy to include some homegrown flavor.
Start by growing those herbs you like to use for seasoning food and beverages, making pesto, or preserving. Include some with fragrance for a bit of aromatherapy or for your craft projects.
Make sure the plants you select will thrive in the amount of sunlight in the growing space. Most herbs prefer full sun but some like mint, thyme, chives, parsley, and lemon balm will tolerate some shade. A bit of afternoon shade is welcome to many sun-loving plants growing in hotter regions. Check the plant tag or seed packet for detailed planting information.
You can grow individual plants in their own container. Place these among other pots to create an attractive display. Or mix several different herbs in one larger container to create an herb garden in a single pot. Make sure all the herbs will thrive in the same soil moisture and sunlight.
In general, place three or four plants in a 10-12” pot, four to six in a 14-16” container, and six to eight in a 16 to 20” planter. Adjust this number based on the size of the transplants purchased and the mature size and growth habit of the herb selected.
Use a container with drainage holes to provide proper drainage and reduce the risk of root rot. Terra cotta pots dry quickly and are a good choice for those gardening in wetter regions or who tend to overwater. Plastic, fiberglass, and glazed pots don’t dry out as quickly. Self-watering pots have water reservoirs to extend the time between watering.
Use a quality potting mix that provides adequate drainage, as most herbs require well-drained soil. Whether planting seeds or plants, you will want to leave space between the top of the potting mix and the container. This allows you to water thoroughly without washing the soil out of the pot. Leave a space about half an inch in small planters and an inch or more between the top of the pot and potting mix in larger containers.
Water new plantings and seedlings often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Gradually reduce frequency and water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is crumbly and dry. Check containers once a day and more often in extremely hot weather. Water thoroughly as needed.
Reduce watering and increase success by incorporating Wild Valley Farms’ wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com) or similar product into the planting mix. This sustainable soil amendment reduces watering by up to 25% and adds air space for better plant growth.
Harvest a few leaves and stems as needed throughout the growing season. Regular harvesting encourages more growth for future harvests. Herbs have the most intense flavor when harvested just before flowering. You can remove even more when large amounts of herbs are needed for preserving and craft projects. Cut annual herbs back by 50 to 75% and perennial herbs by one-third at one time. The plants will recover for future harvests.
Make room for some herb-filled containers to enjoy this summer. They make great additions to outdoor gatherings for you and your guests to enjoy their beauty, fragrance, and flavor.
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Aeroponically grown potatoes and mixed greens are shown as part of Shuyang Zhen’s, Ph.D., research. Plants in aeroponic systems receive nutrients directly via mist rather than sitting in water like hydroponic systems or being planted in traditional soil mediums. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Sam Craft) |
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Controlled environment ag program takes root at Texas A&M AgriLife
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By Adam Russell
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The rapidly evolving field of controlled environment agriculture has taken root in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Controlled environment agriculture, which includes hydroponics, vertical farming and aquaponics under protected greenhouses and indoor structures, is a rapidly advancing field. Over the last two years, the department has invested in providing courses to teach students about controlled environment principles and methods.
Shuyang Zhen, Ph.D., was hired as a tenure track assistant professor for controlled environment horticulture by the department. She runs a new controlled environment agriculture program that finished its initial course offering covering the basics of hydroponics — HORT 489 Hydroponics and Soilless Crop Production — this past fall semester. The course is open for enrollment next fall semester.
Zhen said controlled environment agriculture is a new path for students searching for post-graduation employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in horticulture. The program is creating professionals with skills that span the technical and agricultural knowledge necessary to grow crops within controlled environment systems.
At the forefront of the horticulture industry
The industry is growing through support by investors and federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and NASA. Similarly, the industry incorporates an array of mediums, including hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics and vertical farming under artificial lighting to produce food in limited space and under controlled environments. Controlled environment agriculture is viewed as an ideal way to produce food efficiently and sustainably in urbanized areas.
The field is also incorporating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics, she said. Professionals entering the controlled environment field are likely to work as a crop manager or skilled technician more so than a traditional farmer or laborer.
“There is a lot of momentum behind controlled environment agriculture globally,” she said. “It is still a budding industry, but there is an incredible amount of venture capital and government investment. Controlled environment production is a way for agriculture to sustain our food chain and address concerns like food deserts, food safety and nutrition.”
Amit Dhingra, Ph.D., head of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, said controlled environment agriculture will play an important role in providing sustainable, secure and nutritious food in the future. The controlled environment agriculture program’s mission is to prepare the department’s students for that future.
Agricultural sustainability includes the efficient use of resources like water and reducing the negative impacts of production in the environment, but it also requires methods be financially sound for producers, Dhingra said.
“Our main mission is to prepare people for the future, whether it’s students through the teachings within this program or producers through research and Extension,” he said. “Also, when we talk about sustainability, we are talking about the planet, reducing water use and chemical and fertilizer use, but we also need to make sure our farmers can adopt these methods in sustainable ways for their operation’s long-term profitability and success.”
About the controlled environment ag program
Zhen said there is an incredible amount of interest in controlled environment agriculture among horticulture students. Some are interested in entering the cannabis industry after graduation since cannabis is one of the most lucrative and financially viable plants being grown in controlled environment systems. However, most students have entered the program so they can prepare and get ahead of a burgeoning agricultural field.
The program is teaching cultivation practices that can be applied to any crop, she said. The hydroponic course introduces students to basic principles like plant nutrition and physiology and how the plants grow outside traditional mediums.
The program started with 15 students. The course was taught in the program’s 2,000-square-foot facility where students learn the basics and intricacies of the major hydroponic systems being used in commercial grow facilities, Zhen said. The systems are scaled-down versions, but they allow students to apply the curriculum in a hands-on, interactive way.
Students are learning the principles of managing crops from seed to harvest without soil and under LED lights. They learn to manage environmental factors like light intensity and spectrum, temperature and plant nutrient requirements all according to the plant’s growth phase. So far, they have grown vegetables like lettuce, kale, tomatoes, potatoes and peppers.
“There is incredible interest in the course,” she said. “The students almost never miss a class or lab. They all show up, and they do their work. I think they’re interested in sustainable agriculture, but they’re also motivated to learn these new methods and technology.”
The course also includes guest lecturers like Joe Masabni, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service small-acreage horticulturist, and Genhua Niu, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research professor of urban agriculture, both located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas. Zhen also hopes to engage controlled environment agriculture operations near Bryan-College Station for facility tours, interactions and instruction growers.
There is room to expand the grow facilities, and Zhen hopes student interest will continue to spur the program’s expansion to meet increased demand. Both Dhingra and Zhen believe the College and Texas A&M AgriLife are committed to leading Texas and the U.S. within the field.
“It is an exciting time to be involved with this new program,” Zhen said. “The industry continues to progress, and there is room to grow and for the program and our students to be part of that momentum.”
The future is bright for controlled environment agriculture
As of right now, energy costs remain a major hurdle that research and advancements in technology are expected to bridge in the future, Dhingra said. But some commercial vegetable producers are having success with greens and specialty crops destined for restaurants and direct-to-consumer sales.
Producing reliable food, especially for urban and suburban populations, is becoming increasingly important as recent and ongoing disruptions to the food supply chain have revealed the fragility of the logistical movement of produce, Dhingra said. Whether the logistical disruption is man-made or natural, reducing the distance between products and consumers increases food supply reliability.
Reducing that distance also increases nutritional value of the product, and controlling the environmental factors removes some food safety threats, he said.
Consumer demand and industry advancement will propel the field, Dhingra said. He does not expect controlled environment agriculture to eclipse traditional methods in the near future, but he does believe operations will deliver scalable food production results that complement and meet local demand for a range of agricultural products.
Dhingra is excited about collaboration opportunities across Texas A&M AgriLife and other institutions as well as with partners like entrepreneurs, investors and the government.
“These are relatively new technologies and agricultural mediums with enormous potential, and I believe the department has an opportunity to lead and help the industry innovate and ultimately succeed,” he said. “At the same time, we will also be producing next generation horticulture students who will support and sustain this field’s success.”
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Upcoming Garden Events
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.
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The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or rescheduling of many events these past 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. |
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FEBRUARY
Galveston: Thu., February 23: Urban Orchard Series: Pruning Pear Trees with Robert Marshall and Herman Auer, 9-11 a.m. For additional details, visit https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
Gonzales: The Gonzales Master Gardeners will be holding their annual Tomato/Vegetable Sale on Saturday, February 25, where they will be selling tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables. The sale will take place at PACE: Plantatarium A Center for Exploration. This is the GMG building located at 623 N. Fair Street (between the Gonzales Elementary School and Bus Barn). The sale will be held inside from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The number of people in the building will be limited at any given time. For more information, call 830-672-8531.
Houston: A Tomato Planting Workshop will be held 10 a.m.-11 a.m., February 25, at 1210 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Houson. Prepare a garden bed and plant tomatoes with a Master Gardener. Take home a tomato plant and fertilizer. registration is required: bit.ly/3H3K9ew.
Bryan: Mr. Charles Perilloux, Coordinator of the Species Preservation Project for the Society for Louisiana Irises, will discuss “Endangered Iris Preservation” at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 28, at Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Court, Bryan. This event is open to the public at no charge.
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MARCH
Hempstead: Thu., March 2, 8:45-9:45 a.m.: Waller County Master Gardener Mary Karish presents Successful Garden Tips at the Waller County Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. or more information, visit www.txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
Online: Top "T" Questions: Tomatoes, Turf, and Trees will be answered by Brandi Keller, County Extension Agent-Horticulture at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 2. This event if free, but registration is required. Register at homegrown2023a.eventbrite.com.
Austin: On Saturday, March 4, Sunshine Community Gardens — Austin’s urban oasis that partners with the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and where organic food and flowers have flourished since 1979 — will host its Annual Plant Sale at 4814 Sunshine Drive, Austin. Gates open at 9 a.m. with a musical parade. Learn from knowledgeable gardeners while you choose from dozens of organic tomato, pepper, and herb varieties, teach your child to pull a fresh carrot from the ground, or visit the booths of local vendors. There will be 20,000 plants. For more information, visit: sunshinecommunitygardens.org.
Bryan: The B/CS Home & Garden Expo takes place March 4-5 at Legends Event Center in Travis Bryan MidTown Park, 2533 Midtown Park, Bryan. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Master Gardener booth at the B/CS Home & Garden Expo will have a great lineup of speakers on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit brazosmg.com.
Hempstead: Sat., March 4, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Waller County Master Gardener Annual Spring Vegetable and Herb Plant Sale. Tomato, Herb, Pepper and assorted vegetable transplants. Limited selection of Citrus Trees. Waller County Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information, visit www.txmg/org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
Houston: Spring Branch African Violet Club is presenting their annual show and sale on March 4 and 5 at the Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center, 2020 Herman Dr., Houston. Saturday, March 4, the sales room is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the showroom is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 5, the showroom and salesroom are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Houston: David Bang, a new rose hybridizer from California, will share his over sixty (60) roses in commerce on Thursday, March 9, at 7 p.m. in person at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., Houston, or virtually from the comfort of home using a computer, tablet, or smart phone at https://meet.goto.com/267555149. David has developed miniature, mini-flora, and floribunda roses and some of his varieties have stripes and are disease resistant! David and several other rose hybridizers presented at the 2021 ARS National Convention in Milwaukee. David’s presentation was one of the highlights of the convention and his presentation can be viewed on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu9ZiRS67xM. The David Bang Collection of Roses grafted on fortuniana root stock is available for purchase in one- and two-gallon pots at K and M Roses. The website for K and M Roses is https://www.kandmroses.com/the-dave-bang-collection. If you are new to GoTo Meeting, get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install.
Bastrop: The Bastrop County Master Gardeners spring plant sale is Saturday, March 11, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Bastrop Area Livestock Show Association’s Mayfest Park, 25 American Legion Dr., Bastrop. Available will be pollinators, perennials, natives, vegetables, herbs, succulents, house plants and more! All tax-free! Plus door prizes and Ask-the-Experts onsite.
McKinney: The Garden Show 2023 will be presented by the Collin County Master Gardeners Association on March 18 & 19 at Myers Park & Event Center in McKinney. For garden lovers, it’s a great day out to immerse themselves in timely tips for successful gardening, informative demonstrations and presentations, local vendors, and fun activities for the entire family – including scavenger hunts for adults and children alike. Browse through booths featuring appealing garden and gift items and attend lectures presented by experts in horticulture on a variety of topics. Saturday’s speakers will cover “Drought Proofing Your Landscape,” “Growing Great Turf in Collin County,” Texas Tough Natives for Droughts & Floods,” and “Growing Tomatoes in Collin County.” Speakers on Sunday include three award winning “Steves” who will share their expertise on “A Primer in Tree Pruning”,,“Creating Exciting Plant Combinations,” and “A Serious Look at Garden Whimsy.” CCMGA will also bestow honorary membership to Neil and Lynn Sperry at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Together and individually the Sperrys have forged paths that have inspired millions. Neil is a Texas gardening and horticulture icon known for his books, magazine, and radio program. Lynn is a passionate educator and has served on the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees for 38 years. Together they helped found Serenity High and the Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney. Each year CCMGA selects a local organization to be their charity partner for The Garden Show. This year all proceeds from the $2 entry donation will benefit Community Garden Kitchen. This local non-profit’s mission is to provide food insecure residents with freshly prepared healthy meals on a daily basis in a restaurant style setting. Visitors to Community Garden Kitchen can also enjoy learning, growing, and eating the produce they help raise. The Garden Show is an indoor event, so come rain or shine! Hours are from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, and from 11:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Entry on both days is a donation of $2 per person. Parking is free. Bringing your own cart or wagon is strongly encouraged. Visit http://www.ccmgatx.org/TheGardenShow for up-to-date information.
Round Top: The Herb Society of America, Pioneer Unit’s Annual Plant and Gift Sale. Friday, March 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, March 18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring your carts and wagons to Round Top Festival Institute to fill with plants from our annual plant and gift sale. Replace those plants that didn't make it through the winter with items from our great selection of bedding plants, herbs, shrubs and succulents. You'll find new varieties and old favorites in the plant sale as well as lovely garden gifts and delicious food items in the Thyme Well Spent Shop. Admission is free. 248 Jaster Road, Round Top. See http://herbsocietypioneer.org/events or call 832-867-9617.
San Antonio: Saturday, March 18, 9-4. Support the San Antonio Garden Centers’ Annual Plant Sale, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave @ Funston, San Antonio. This is an indoor event, so come rain or shine. Be inspired for your spring garden with annuals, perennials, natives, daylilies, succulents, herbs, hanging baskets, vegetables and much more. Always fun to check out the donated plants and garden related items. For more information, visit www.sanantoniogardencenter.org
Bryan: Select from natives, perennials, herbs, vegetables and bulbs especially suited to Brazos County growing conditions at the Brazos County Master Gardener’s Spring Plant Sale, Saturday, March 25, 8 a.m.-11 a.m., at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct., Bryan (next to the County Tax Office). Bring your wagon and load up!
Huntsville: On March 25, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., the Texas Thyme Unit of the Herb Society of America will host its annual Herb Festival at the Wynne Home. A huge selection of locally grown plants will be for sale, including herbs, perennials, natives, pollinator, passalongs, bulbs, and vegetables. There will be speakers, herb and garden related vendors and artists, music, and children's activities. It is a fun and free event. Proceeds support our scholarship program and herb gardens at the historic Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 11th Street, Huntsville. For information: https://www.texasthymeunit.org/ or call 936-891-5024.
Jacksonville: Cherokee County Master Gardeners Spring Conference will be held March 25, 2023, 1:00-4:00 at the First Christian Church, 1920 Beaumont, Jacksonville. For questions contact Brenda Sheridan at 903-571-7417.
Lufkin: The Angelina County Master Gardeners are holding their annual Spring Plant Sale Saturday, March 25, at the Angelina County Farmers Market, 2107 S. Medford Dr., Lufkin. The gates open at 8 a.m. and close when sold out. Arrive early for the best selection. Being offered, all proven performers for the East Texas area: Natives, Perennials, Roses, Trees, Vines, Vegetables and Herbs. Proceeds fund educational projects for all ages and scholarships for graduating seniors going into some form of horticulture careers. Pick up a detailed plant list at the Angelina County Master Gardeners Facebook page or at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 2201 S. Medford Dr, Lufkin. Checks and cash only.
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APRIL
Online: John Bagnasco will lead Lost, Found & Still Around…The Proposition of Saving Rose Varieties in the 21st Century at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 13. He has been a part the gardening industry for over 54 years, starting with a degree in Horticultural Marketing from Michigan State University. In 2000, John became senior editor for Garden Compass Magazine and a garden show radio host. He is currently the president of Garden America, a nationally syndicated radio show. John is also an amateur rose breeder and is responsible for introducing over a dozen new roses. He has taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University. He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses.” John has written two books on succulents: Planting Designs for Cactus and Succulents and Success with Succulents. He is the current President of the California Coastal Rose Society (CCRS) and Chairman of the Save the Roses! foundation. Last year was the twenty-second year for the Annual “Save the Roses!” Auction. The organization is now working with concerned rosarians and public gardens to preserve the genetic of rare and unusual rose varieties through an effort to return them to home gardens. Join virtually from the comfort of home or office using a computer, tablet or smartphone device on the GoTo Meeting website at https://meet.goto.com/253028565. If you have not used GoTo Meeting previously, get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts at https://meet.goto.com/install.
Clear Lake: Clear Lake Native Plant Society Spring Sale: April 15, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Located at UHCL, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Clear Lake. For more information, contact Cheryl Barajas at cherylbarajas9@gmail.com.
Gonzales: The Gonzales Master Gardeners will hold their annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 15, on Independence Square in downtown Gonzales from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. They will be offering many perennial/adaptive native plants, annuals, herbs, hanging baskets, houseplants and succulents. There will also be a few varieties of citrus and fruit trees along with blackberries and blueberries. There will be a great Silent Auction, children’s activities and “Ask the Master Gardener” booth. They will be accepting cash/checks/credit/debit cards this year. Come on out for a great time (rain or shine). For more information, call 830-672-8531.
Rosenberg: Sat., April 15: Grow Your Own Series: Warm-Season Vegetables & Herbs with Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, 9-10:30 a.m. For additional details, visit https://fortbend.agrilife.org/grow-your-own/ or 281-342-3034.
Flower Mound: Texas Native Plant Sale, sponsored by the Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas,will be held Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or sellout.! There will be more than 1,200 plants and 170+ species, and knowledgeable volunteers to help with your selection. The sale will be at Flower Mound High School, 3411 Peters Colony Road, Flower Mound, on the back parking lot at the corner of Old Settlers Road and Sagebrush Drive. Bring a flat or box to make taking home all your treasures easier.
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Weekly Meetings
Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.
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Monthly Meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting; Visit https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardener Association meets the first Monday of each month (second Monday if the first is a holiday) the First Community Church at 1402 Trinity Drive in Crandall. 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact hnpat@prairies.org.
Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.
Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com.
Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.
Denton: The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the fourth Thursday of each month to share information about native plants. Excellent programs are heard each month. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/wp/trinityforks/.
Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a garden Open Days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Drop-in tours are permitted but pre-registration is encouraged. Docent led tours are $10 for guests, free for members. For more information, http://peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. For more information, visit www.gdogc.org.
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Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2023. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher.
Texas Gardener's Seeds has been published each Wednesday since April 26, 2006.
Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676
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