How to Bring Back a Disaster Lawn |
Valerie Smith
Sod Solutions Content Strategist
Sod Solutions
Are you overwhelmed with how much of a complete mess your lawn is? Do you worry about how much time or money you’re going to have to put into it in order to bring it back? Believe it or not, there are a few different paths to take to make your lawn the best in the neighborhood — and they don’t have to be ridiculously expensive. Whether the lawn is severely damaged or outright dead, it will require time, love and care — but all of that effort will pay off in the end.
Tools Needed:
· Soil Test Kit (Optional)
· Post-Emergent Herbicide or Glyphosate
· Aerator (Optional)
· New Sod (Optional)
· Grass Plugs, Sod Pods or Grass Seed (Optional)
· Topsoil (Optional)
· Fertilizer
· Broadcast or Drop Spreader (Optional)
· Irrigation System
· Lawn Mower
What to think about first
Before diving straight in to reviving the lawn, there are a few things to consider first. What caused the lawn to decline or die in the first place? Being able to identify the cause for such a problem and working to prevent it from happening again will keep it from repeating itself in the future.
Another helpful tip is to first make sure the lawn is in fact dead before completely reinstalling new sod. Installing sod can be more expensive than a few rejuvenating practices that will bring back a lawn that’s simply damaged.
Is the lawn dead or severely damaged?
A good way to determine this is to look for any green grass blades beneath a canopy of brown, or to pull out a few rhizomes around the edges of the lawn (like the driveway or sidewalks) and see if the roots are white or if soil is clinging to the tiny, hairy roots from the segment pulled. If any of this is spotted, it’s a good sign the lawn is still alive and can be brought back over time. Otherwise, it may be dead. Maybe the lawn is really damaged and it’s easier to replace it with new grass and start fresh.
If the grass is dormant and it’s hard to tell if it’s dead or not, the best thing to do is wait until the grass begins to green up and see if it wakes up or stays brown. Once the weather gets warmer, look out for new, green growth and get the old, dead material raked out.
In either scenario, if you need to completely start over with new grass, you will need to think about what you want your new lawn to look like. Some questions to ask include:
· Do you want more landscaping or light fixtures?
· Do you want to bring more color to your lawn with a variety of ornamentals or trees?
· What sort of grass do you want to plant in your yard?
· Is the grass a cool season or warm season variety and will it thrive in the climate zone you’re located in?
· Do you have kids or pets who love to play outside?
Being able to answer some of these questions will help narrow down the turfgrass selection process to choose a variety that is ideal for the home’s situation and environment. It will also help with planning ahead and organizing before spending any money or time on a landscape.
Step 1: Collect and Submit a Soil Analysis (Optional)
Although this isn’t an actionable step to repair a lawn, it is an important step to take because it could indicate what caused the lawn to decline or die in the first place. There are many different soil types and each one has a certain amount of different nutrients available. A soil analysis will illustrate the exact amount of nutrients that are located in the soil. This helps with selecting amendments or fertilizer to bring soil pH to the levels it needs to be at. As a result, the lawn will receive the nutrients its craving. After all, in order for any sort of plant to successfully grow, it needs to have the proper environment to thrive in first.
In a lot of cases, homeowners find that their soil lacks micronutrients, which are essential in overall plant health. Another helpful amendment for unhealthy soils is to add topsoil to the lawn, which is further discussed below in another step. Once a soil analysis is taken and results come in, make sure to know how to read a fertilizer label and select the proper fertilizer the lawn needs.
Step 2: Remove Debris
Before “fixing” anything in the lawn or removing dead grass, work from a clean space first. Remove any toys, soccer balls, slides, rocks or stones or even garden ornaments from the lawn completely. Homeowners can easily maneuver around lawns without having to constantly dodge any objects that may get in the way.
Step 3: Get Rid of Unsightly Weeds
This step can be applied to either scenario of repairing a damaged lawn or removing a dead lawn—it will just use different methods of weed removal. If a homeowner is wanting to completely start over and remove a dead lawn, he or she will need to “nuke” everything. This is usually done with a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate. This will kill any vegetation it comes in contact with including the lawn, so don’t do this if the goal is to simply repair a damaged lawn. The idea behind applying glyphosate is to effectively kill all the problematic weeds that have taken over the lawn — especially if there’s a severe weed problem. Wait about seven more days and then begin removing whatever is left of the old grass with sod cutters.
If you don’t want to start over with a new lawn and wish to simply repair it, you will want to apply a selective post-emergent herbicide. A selective herbicide kills only the plants it is labeled to kill whereas a non-selective herbicide will kill any plant it touches. A post-emergent herbicide is designed to kill any currently existing weeds. It’s helpful if you are able to identify the type of weed your lawn has so that you can select a post-emergent herbicide that will kill it. A few post-emergent herbicide options are located below. Read all product labels thoroughly before applying.
If you have a St. Augustine or centipede lawn you are trying to revive, make sure the herbicide you apply has the active ingredient, Atrazine, in it. St. Augustine and centipede are sensitive to ingredients like MSMA or 2,4-D and will be damaged if these chemicals are applied to it.
Step 4: Install New Sod, Plugs, Sod Pods or Seed
This step should only be for the homeowner who is looking to start over with a new lawn. Sod installation can seem like a daunting investment. After all, grass is a living product. Determining what happened to your dead lawn in the first place with a soil test will keep this mistake from happening again. However, this is still a moment you can celebrate because you can begin to appreciate a fresh, new, green lawn that has the potential to outshine the neighbors’ yards.
First, decide if you want to install sod, plugs or seed. Sod pods are also becoming a popular method of installation. Sod pods cover a wider surface area than grass plugs, so they tend to grow in a little quicker. Once this decision has been made, choose the right type of sod for the area your home’s in. If maintenance is an issue, do some research and find the best grass for low maintenance.
Step 5: Aerate (Optional)
This step only applies to homeowners who are wanting to repair a damaged lawn. Don’t aerate newly installed sod, grass plugs, sod pods or seed as this will disrupt the establishment process. Aerating is mainly used to break up really compact or dry soils. Nutrients can’t reach grass roots because the soil is so tight. Although punching little holes throughout the lawn may seem harmful, it’s actually creating room for the new. Aerating loosens compact soils so that oxygen, water, fertilizer or other nutrients can effectively reach grass roots and have an impact on the lawn.
Step 6: Add Topsoil (Optional)
The best thing to do after aerating the lawn is to feed it nutrients. Top dressing it with organic topsoil or compost benefits the lawn in many ways. It increases the quality of the soil, increases the effectiveness of fertilizer, and increases CEC, also known as cation exchange capacity. CEC is a measure of the ability of soil to hold nutrients. Lastly, organic topsoil or compost promotes beneficial microbial populations and contains a healthy amount of carbon. This step can also be performed before installing new grass, plugs, sod pods or seed — just be sure to apply the topsoil before installation. This can help your new lawn establish successfully as it gives the grass more beneficial nutrition. Do not apply topsoil to a new lawn for at least a year after establishment.
Step 7: Repair Damaged Spots with Grass Plugs, Sod Pods or Grass Seed (Optional)
If you’re a homeowner who has a lot of bare spots or damaged brown spots throughout his or her lawn, a good tip is to plant grass plugs, sod pods or overseed those areas. This is a cheaper alternative to completely reinstalling new sod. However, if the bare or brown spots are caused by a disease, apply a systemic fungicide first and then wait a few days. Planting grass plugs, sod pods or seed into a lawn with disease will only allow the disease to damage the new grass.
Choose grass plugs, sod pods or grass seed that matches the grass that’s currently in your lawn so that it doesn’t appear differently than the original grass. The idea is to repair the lawn so that it looks like damage didn’t happen—not to give off an appearance of multiple grass types or colors. Although the grass plug and grass seed installation guides include information about completely installing a new lawn, there are instructions for repairing damaged spots as well.
Step 8: Apply Fertilizer
If you’ve chosen to install new sod, plugs, sod pods or seed, you will want to select a fertilizer that promotes root growth to encourage successful establishment. Sod, in particular, goes through a stressful period when it is cut, transferred and planted in a new location. A phosphorus-heavy fertilizer will help make this transition easier.
Step 9: Follow an Irrigation Schedule
Even more important than fertilizer applications is making sure the lawn receives the appropriate amount of water it requires each season. Although each type of grass is different each type of grass requires about one inch of water per week including rainfall. This can also vary if you get a lot of rainfall in the area or if your climate isn’t evaporating much water. If it rains a lot one week, you probably won’t need to water the lawn. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine how much water different areas of your lawn are receiving depending on your irrigation system and where it’s located. An irrigation audit could really benefit you and your lawn for this reason.
Step 10: Follow Proper Mowing Heights
Another maintenance practice that will really increase the overall health and vigor of the lawn will be mowing it at a proper schedule and at a proper height. Mowing the grass gives it the opportunity to promote new, fresh growth. Keeping a tight lawn also reduces the chances of insect damage by removing excess or dead material that provides it with an ideal environment to hide and nest in. When mowing the lawn, be sure to cut it with sharp mowing blades. Dull mower blades tear the grass in place of neatly cutting it, which opens the grass up for disease.
There are a few remaining maintenance tips for your lawn. Keep weeds from taking over again with a pre-emergent herbicide. One of the toughest weeds to get rid of is crabgrass—and it can take over your lawn quickly. We discussed post-emergent herbicides earlier in this article, however, a pre-emergent prevents weeds from appearing and a post-emergent kills currently existing weeds. Keep weeds from even showing up with a pre-emergent herbicide application in the spring and fall seasons.
You can also make preventive applications with a systemic insecticide and fungicide to keep insects and disease at bay—especially if this is what damaged or killed the lawn in the first place.
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Backyarding Trends in 2022: TurfMutt Foundation Predicts Americans Will Continue to Expand Outdoor Living |
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TurfMutt Foundation
“Backyarding” — the trend to move indoor activities outdoors that was made popular during the pandemic — is here to stay and will continue to expand in 2022, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, an environmental education and stewardship program that encourages outdoor living and caring for green spaces.
“Backyarding is a way of life now,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation and its parent organization the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Homeowners spent lots of time, money and effort over the last eighteen months improving their backyards to make them an extension of their homes so they could work, cook, exercise and even vacation outdoors. We believe people will continue to ‘backyard more’ in the coming year and beyond.”
The TurfMutt Foundation predicts the following backyarding trends for 2022:
Lines between the indoors and the outdoors will continue to blur. Doors and windows will be opened to the great outdoors and more people will enjoy breakfast or a nightcap on the deck. Decorating choices will marry the outside and the inside, with colors and tones that provide more visual connection between indoor areas and the backyard, for a seamless transition.
Offices will turn to the outdoors. There will be no need to turn to technology to create a virtual backdrop for video calls. The natural setting created by the yard’s living landscape — trees, flowers, bushes and other plants — is the best video call background, bar none. Privacy screens, electrical outlets and wifi extenders could become more common backyard amenities.
Balconies, porches, window boxes and patios will be maximized. Think tuning up the volume on these additional outdoor spaces and you’ve got the idea. Seating, flowers, potted plants, curtains and more make these areas sparkle as places for retreat and socialization.
Kids (and adults) will spend more time outside learning. The backyard or park become an even bigger living laboratory for learning. Kids will likely take online classes or do homework under the shade of a tree, in an outdoor classroom at school, or at a patio or picnic table. They brush up on STEM concepts by planting and studying flowers, bugs, and weather. Gardens for vegetables educate families on where food comes from and nesting boxes or bat boxes for wildlife showcase the nature around them.
Al fresco dining will become the norm. Grills, pizza ovens and overhead lighting with seating make many homes outdoor eateries for families and neighbors. Interest in outdoor kitchens, pergolas, shade sails and landscaping will define and enhance outdoor dining.
Business deals get cooked up in backyards. While socializing around fire pits and watching the kids play soccer on the lawn, adults will have the informal conversations that used to happen in other venues. Games of croquet and cornhole could turn easily into business networking opportunities.
The backyard will be the first place people turn to for relaxation and stress relief. Yoga, hammocks, reading nooks, calming water features and garden elements, and more add spa-like features to the backyard. More people will plant with peace of mind at heart, adding colors that make them feel good, while aiming for sensory or emotional connections.
Outdoor entertainment will evolve. Movie projectors with sound systems and outdoor screens turn the yard into a theater under the stars. Expect to see more fire pits, outdoor games and more that enhance outdoor recreation.
Homeowners will plant with wildlife in mind. Knowing the backyard is a habitat for pollinators, insects, birds, and other wildlife, homeowners likely will choose plants, trees and shrubs that nurture and support wildlife — delighting in discovering them.
Pampering pets will only increase. Fencing, sandpiles for digging, dog houses, and even agility courses for pets to enjoy are going to become more common.
More people will discover their backyarding personality types — and design a yard that matches their outdoor lifestyles. They will map out their yards, take an inventory of tools and equipment available to create and maintain their dream, and then work hard to create a defined backyard that meets their needs over the coming year.
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A radish plant with soil pulled aside to demonstrate the root system. Plants get their nutrients from the soil — and if the soil is deficient in nutrients, the resulting crop will be too. (Photo: Carlos Bonini Pires) |
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How do nutrients get into my vegetables? |
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Soil Science Society of America
According to blogger Carlos B. Pires, “The answer is from the soil. The three processes responsible for nutrients from the soil reach the plant are diffusion, mass transport, and root interception.”
Diffusion
When the concentration of nutrients is higher in the soil than in the plant root, then the nutrients in the soil will move from a region of higher concentration (soil) to a region of lower concentration (vegetable). Potassium and phosphorus are examples of nutrients that get into the vegetables by diffusion.
Mass transport
Nutrients move to the roots via water. As plants transpire water, it draws water and nutrients from the soil up through the root system. Mass transport accounts for nutrient acquisition of mobile nutrients, such as nitrogen and sulfur.
Root interception
Vegetable roots grow through the soil to meet nutrients. As the root grows through the soil it generally only comes in contact with about 1% of soil volume. Good soil structure is essential in the process of root interception. Soil compaction can significantly limit root growth and interception with nutrients throughout the soil. Some important macro and micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc are absorbed by root interception.
Of course, some nutrients are absorbed in more than one way. For example, iron and zinc can be absorbed by three different methods. As you can see, there are a lot of variables that may impact how vegetable acquire their nutrients.
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Upcoming Garden Events
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.
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The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or rescheduling of many events these past two years. If you wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the presenters in advance to determine if the event has been cancelled or postponed, or if it will take place as scheduled. |
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APRIL
Fredericksburg: The three-part Gillespie County Grow It Cook It program starts April 1 in Fredericksburg. Other series dates are May 13 and Sept. 23. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service series will take place from noon to 1 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension office of Gillespie County, 38 Business Court. The cost is $15 per program or $25 for the series. Advanced payment and registration is preferred by calling the office at 830-997-3452. Recipe samples and trial plants are included as part of the program.
La Marque: “Garden with the Masters Open Garden Day: Louisiana Irises.” Galveston County Master Gardeners’ Discovery Garden open to public for tours, 10-noon, April 2. Master Gardener Monica Martens, EdD, will be on-site to chat and answer questions about irises. At Discovery Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main St. (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. For additional information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
Hempstead: Waller County Master Gardeners present radio host and author Randy Lemmon speaking on "Being a Tough Texas Gardener." Thursday, April 7, 9 a.m. at the Waller County Community Center, 21274 FM1098 Loop, Prairie View. Call 979-826-7651x3068 to reserve your seat. Free! For more information, visit txmg.org/wallermg.
Online: Paul Winski, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent-Horticulture, will discuss "Starting Plants from Cuttings," 10:00 a.m., April 7. Registration required at homegrown2022.eventbright.com.
Flower Mound: Native Plant Sale, Flower Mound High School, 3411 Peters Colony Road, Flower Mound, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or sellout, April 9. The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will host its annual Native Plant Sale in conjunction with the Keep Flower Mound Beautiful Trash-off. More than 1,000 plants from over 100 species, many not available in the nursery trade, will be available. Bring a flat or two and give your landscape a nature-friendly pick-me-up.
La Marque: “Grafting Pecans,” with Galveston County AgriLife Extension Horticulturist Stephen Brueggerhoff presenting, 9-noon, April 9, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for additional information, go to https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
Denton: DCMGA Annual Plant Sale. April 23, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. or until sold out. Select from a wide variety of Texas native plants, tough as nails perennials, no-fuss roses, and hard-to-find ground cover plants. Plants grown by Master Gardeners are also available. Master Gardeners on-hand to help you select plants and answer your gardening questions. Trinity United Methodist Church, 633 Hobson Ln, Denton.
La Marque: “Looking Down at Insects,” with Master Gardener and Entomologist Specialist Hedy Wolpa, presenting, 9-11 a.m., April 23, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for additional information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
La Marque: “Gardening with the Masters Open Garden Day: Incredible Edible Herbs,” with Master Gardeners Briana Etie and Karen Nelson demonstrating, 1-3 p.m., April 23, at Master Gardener Discovery Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. NOTE: Cost is $10.00 per person, fee collected at event covers cost of materials. Class limited to 20 attendees; must pre-register. To pre-register and for additional information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
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Weekly Meetings
Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.
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Monthly Meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting; Visit https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at the First Community Church at 1401 Trinity Drive in Crandall. January through April and August and September meetings are at 9 a.m., with the remaining meetings beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org, call 972-932-9069 or email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the first Tuesday of each month at a location in Houston to be determined. For additional information, visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ or call 713-274-0950.
Schulenberg: Schulenburg Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, at 11:30 a.m., September-May, at the Schulenburg First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Upton Ave., Schulenburg.
Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order 972-338-2233). For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at borderlineart1@gmail.com.
Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.
Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.
Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., usually at the First Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 302 Nolan Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door of the Family Life Building. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.
Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit www.allengardenclub.org.
Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit http://cass.agrilife.org.
Fort Worth: The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org for more information.
New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
SECOND WEEK
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; club business begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at The First Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. For additional information, contact Kim Benton at kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu.
Cedar Park/Leander/Liberty Hill: The Hill Country Bloomers meet the second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize and swap plants and seeds. Meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for the home gardener or landscaper. They host a plant sale in the spring and a garden tour in the late summer/early fall. Throughout the year they contribute time and expertise to local projects. Those with any level of experience are welcome. Non-members are invited to their first meeting at no cost. Membership and speaker info is available at www.hillcountrybloomers.com.
Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email stringer030@yahoo.com.
Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email prairierose.npsot@gmail.com.
Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email wannagrow2@gmail.com.
Marion: The Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/ or contactguadalupecounty@npsot.org.
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or txmg.org/jcmg.
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit http://txmg.org/orange for more information.
Pasadena: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.
San Marcos: The Spring Lake Garden Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m., September-May, at McCoy's Building Supply Headquarters, 1350 IH-35, San Marcos. Contact Terri Boyd (512) 395-66644 x6134.
Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center.
Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.
College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit http://www.amgardenclub.com/.
Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the second Saturday of each month,January through November, at 10:00 a.m. at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.
Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit www.RainbowGardenClub.com.
THIRD WEEK
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at LJepson@aol.com.
Cleburne: The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit comalmg.org.
Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.
Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact Big Country Master Gardeners Association at mgardeners@yahoo.com.
Alvarado: The Alvarado Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month during the months of September through May (excluding December). The meeting time is 1 p.m. and the locations vary for each meeting. The club hosts a different and exciting speaker each month that focuses on enriching the lives of all gardeners. Meetings are free and include a light lunch. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, please contact 817-680-4291.
Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the third Tuesday of each month,except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.
New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and visitors are welcome. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer. Note: there will be no meeting in June or December.
Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.
Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 107 Fink Street, Hallettsville. Each month, the club hosts speakers that provide informative programs on a wide range of gardening subjects, and refreshments are provided by member hostesses afterwards. Visitors are welcome! Please email Sharon Harrigan at sharonspetals@gmail.com for more information.
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter meets at 6:45 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/houston.
Mineola: The Fannie Marchman Garden Club meets at the Mineola Civic Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month from September through May. For additional information, find them on Facebook or email FannieMarchmanGardenClub@gmail.com.
San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. During the months of Jan., March, May, July, Sep. and Nov., an evening meeting with presentation is held 6:00-8:00 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Check http://www.bexarmg.org/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting.
Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. After a brief social hour, the meeting and guest speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Fort Worth: The Greater Fort Worth Herb Society meetings are held the third Saturday of each month at Texas Garden Club Inc, 3111 Old Garden Club Rd., Fort Worth (located next to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden), 10:00 a.m. to noon, September through June. For more information, email herbalhen@yahoo.com.
FOURTH WEEK
New Braunfels: The New Braunfels Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the fourth Monday of each month except July and December. Meetings are held at the Westside Community Center, 2932 S. I-35 Frontage Road, New Braunfels. Meetings start at 6:15 p.m. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting. Programs begin around 7:00. Native plant and seed exchanges are held monthly. Expert speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information or to join, visit www.npsot.org.
Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio.
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.
Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.
Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at khtromza@yahoo.com.
San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact hnpat@prairies.org.
Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.
Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com.
Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.
Denton: The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the fourth Thursday of each month to share information about native plants. Excellent programs are heard each month. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/wp/trinityforks/.
Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a garden Open Days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Drop-in tours are permitted but pre-registration is encouraged. Docent led tours are $10 for guests, free for members. For more information, http://peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. For more information, visit www.gdogc.org.
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Planning Guide & Books of Interest
2022 Planning Guide & Calendar
Only $14.95 per copy (includes tax and shipping)
Make gardening easier and more enjoyable in 2022. No more keeping it in your head or, worse yet, juggling all those wrinkled, sweat-stained pieces of paper that seem to accumulate and end up lost. It's time to get organized and the perfect way to start that off is with your very own copy of the 2022 Texas Gardener Planning Guide and Calendar. No more guessing when to plant or do different activities. You will find everything you need in one simple but informative guide and calendar. Plus plenty of room to record your own planting dates, rainfall events and other data for future reference.
Here's a sample of what you will find in this information-packed guide:
- Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
- Organic, earth-friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
- Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
- Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns
Order today, while it's fresh on your mind. Don't forget to order copies for your gardening friends and relatives!
Easy Edibles
By Judy Barrett
Only $29.75 (includes tax and shipping)
Eating fresh and eating local has really caught on! Easy Edibles: How to Grow and Enjoy Fresh Food focuses on ways to grow some of your own food without devoting a lot of space, time and work to the project. Barrett also covers how and where to find the bounty offered at local farmers markets, farm stands and pick-your-own operations. This book is the perfect gift or guide for folks new to gardening or those who have limited time and resources but still want to eat fresh! Click on this link to order https://texasgardener.com/product/easy-edibles/.
The Texas Tomato Lover's Handbook
By William D. Adams
Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)
The best thing for tomato enthusiast since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years' experience to provide a complete, step-by-step guide to success in the tomato patch. Learn everything from soil preparation, planting, feeding, caging and watering. Liberally sprinkled with the author's easy humor and illustrated with his own excellent photographs, the must have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Click on this link to order https://texasgardener.com/product/texas-tomato-lovers-handbook/.
And check out these other great books available from Texas Gardener:
Worms Eat My Garbage
Grow Great Vegetables Texas
Wicked Bugs
Wicked Plants
Wicked Plants Coloring Book
A Kid's Guide to Keeping Chickens
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Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2022. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher.
Texas Gardener's Seeds has been published each Wednesday since April 26, 2006.
Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676
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