Ruby Crush grape tomato variety was named a Texas Superstar plant for its consistent performance in trials around the state. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Mike Arnold) |
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Ruby Crush tomato named Texas Superstar plant |
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Ruby crush, a determinate grape tomato variety with a long-standing reputation for performance and taste, has been named the newest Texas Superstar plant.
Larry Stein, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist and Texas Superstar executive board member, Uvalde, said the variety has performed exceptionally well in field trials under less-than-ideal growing conditions around the state.
Stein said the variety has been a top-performing tomato plant in field trials over the past several years, despite it being a grape variety. Ruby Crush has also performed well in taste tests over the years, including at the San Antonio Rodeo, where it was named the 2021 Rodeo Tomato.
“It’s been extremely consistent since day one,” he said. “It performs even where fields or planting conditions are poor. Other varieties don’t do that year upon year.”
To be designated a Texas Superstar, a plant must perform well for growers throughout the state. Texas Superstars must also be easy to propagate, ensuring the plants are widely available and reasonably priced.
Get to know the Ruby Crush tomato
Ruby Crush is a truly determinate plant that can reach 3-4 feet tall, Stein said. The plants are perennial but are grown as an annual in Texas due to the cold. They perform best in gardens when grown in a cage but are also ideal for containers.
Ruby Crush can spill over the top of a 4-foot cage when caged and adequately fertilized, Stein said. The compact plants produce trusses of tomatoes, which can be 1.5 inches wide by 1.25 inches long and weigh half an ounce, roughly the weight of a AAA battery.
The plant is highly resistant to several fungal diseases, including fusarium crown and wilt; root rot and tomato mosaic virus 0-2. Plants show medium resistance to gray leaf spot.
It is best to plant Ruby Crush tomato plants in the spring, but they also can be planted in mid-summer for fall harvests. Stein said white flies are problematic and can hinder production later in the growing season.
Fruit matures early, often 60 days from transplanting, Stein said. The tomatoes are scarlet red, oblong and weigh about half an ounce, with a flavorful sweet taste. Tomatoes do continue to ripen after being picked and are typically harvested when they start to “break” or change color.
“They really do produce nice clusters of grape-shaped tomatoes,” he said. “You don’t necessarily have to pick the whole cluster if they don’t ripen all at once.”
Recommendations for Ruby Crush
Ruby Crush requires full sun for optimal fruit production and tolerates any soil that drains well, Stein said.
Stein said Ruby Crush have produced under various field conditions under sub-optimal treatments, such as poor soil and no fertilizer. But, he said, plants perform and produce fruit best when side-dressed with slow-release fertilizers.
“They do load up with fruit when properly fertilized,” he said. “Ruby Crush performs better than other varieties under less-than-ideal conditions, but it can be really spectacular with fertilization and in a cage.”
The red tomato is listed on most nutritional lists as a superfood. It is packed with the antioxidant vitamins A and C, potassium and the B vitamins for heart health, and above all a powerful carotenoid called lycopene.
Texas Superstar is a registered trademark owned by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Plants are designated by the Texas Superstar executive board, which comprises nine horticulturists from AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
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A water feature and statue add interest and relaxation to the landscape. (Photo: MelindaMyers.com) |
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Enjoy the many benefits of adding water features to the landscape |
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By Melinda Myers
Boost the beauty and your enjoyment by adding a fountain, birdbath, or other water feature to your balcony, deck, or landscape. This one addition to your outdoor space provides many benefits.
The sound of moving water helps create a sense of peace and relaxation. It is a form of white noise that helps calm the mind and revive your spirit.
It also helps mask noise pollution. Combine water features with strategic screening to create a quiet and private space.
Water is also a great way to attract songbirds and pollinators to your gardens. A birdbath with gently sloping sides allows birds and insects to take a sip without getting all wet. Or add a few stones to your birdbath to accomplish the same results. Be sure to change the water often as providing fresh water is important for the health of your winged guests.
Bring in even more birds by adding some type of water agitator to your birdbath. Moving water is very appealing and helps attract more birds, especially during spring and fall migration.
No need to worry about mosquitoes taking residency in your water feature. Moving water is less appealing and adding Summit Mosquito Dunks (SummitResponsibleSolutions.com) to water features prevents mosquitoes from breeding there. Just toss this donut-shaped cake of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) into the water. This naturally occurring bacteria only kills the larvae of mosquitoes, black flies, and fungus gnats. It won’t harm people, pets, fish or wildlife.
With so many options you are sure to find one that fits the size and style of your outdoor space. A wall-mounted fountain provides calming sound to patios, porches, and spaces near your home without taking up any valuable floor space.
A small tabletop water garden or fountain can make a nice centerpiece when dining outside or entertaining guests. Then simply move your miniature water feature as needed to maximize your enjoyment.
A natural boulder-turned water fountain is the perfect addition for those with informal or natural spaces. Make it appealing to birds by selecting one with a flat area or small indentation to capture some of the water before it flows over the edge.
Select a garden statue with a built-in water fountain for a different aesthetic. Animals and mystical figures add playfulness to the garden while stately figures fit nicely in more formal settings.
Convert one or several plant pots into a fountain. You’ll find lots of ideas and step-by-step directions on the internet. Or purchase one ready to install in the garden. These, like other fountains, recirculate water which reduces water waste.
Freshen up any space in the landscape with one of these water features. As soon as it is in place, you’ll enjoy the relaxing sounds of water and the songbirds, butterflies, and others it attracts to your gardens.
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Get ready for spring & summer “backyarding”: keep safety in mind |
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Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)
“Backyarding” — the art of taking indoor activities to the outdoors — is a trend that has caught on. As winter begins to wind down, thoughts of playing in and working in our yards often kick into high gear.
Perhaps you are already dreaming of family gatherings, grilling and eating in your backyard. Or maybe you wish to add a yoga zone, design an outdoor movie theater, or build an agility course for your pet this year. Or perhaps this is the year you wish to add a pollinator garden or plant a vegetable or flower garden. Or are you hoping to get that outdoor office setup with extended WiFi?
Knowing the purpose of your yard and how it will meet the needs of your family and pets is a great start to getting “backyard ready” for these warmer weather activities. Also, knowing your climate zone and the mix of trees, shrubs, grass and flowering plants that will grow sustainably is key to designing a dream yard. After all, our yards are not only an oasis for family but also for wildlife and important pollinators such as birds, bees and butterflies.
Now is the time to start planning. Visit your nursery, plant centers, outdoor power equipment service dealers, and/or contact a landscaper, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
“Think about how your yard can work best for you, your family, pets and community, but do it now,” says Kris Kiser, CEO and President of OPEI. “And while you’re getting it in top shape for warm weather, remember to keep safety top of mind especially with your equipment and tools.”
Here are some tips from OPEI to get your backyard ready, safely and efficiently:
• Take stock of your outdoor power equipment to help you maintain your yard and make big jobs easier. A lawn mower will trim the grass, but perhaps you might need a cultivator for a garden, a chain saw to take down dead tree limbs, or a leaf blower to clear debris. Having the right equipment on hand can help you save time and effort if you don’t want to hire a professional.
• Follow equipment manufacturer’s guidance for safety and usage of all outdoor power equipment. Look over the manual for your equipment for a refresher on how to safely use it, and read the safety information on equipment manufacturer’s web sites. Review how to shut on and off equipment and make sure safety features are working and have not been disabled. Never disengage or disable manufacturer-installed safety equipment.
• Remember to keep children and pets away from outdoor power equipment. No children on mowers.
• Do not mow in reverse, and avoid starting, stopping or turning a mower on a slope. Follow manufacturer guidance to the letter on mowing on slopes.
• Service equipment as needed and according to manufacturer’s directions. Well-maintained equipment will last longer and run more efficiently.
• Buy fresh fuel for gasoline-powered equipment and be sure you have matched the correct battery with the right charger. Only use batteries that are authorized for your equipment and do not use counterfeits.
• Before working in the yard, clear the area of dead limbs, sticks and debris. Inspect trees for damage and clear the work area.
By keeping this information in mind, you can get your yard in its best shape safely.
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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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MARCH
La Marque: “March Madness Plant Sale at the Discovery Garden,” in-person sale featuring Master Gardener grown plants, flowers, vegetables, and herbs, Thursday, March 23, 9 am-2 pm. Location: Discovery Garden inside Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. More details online: https://store.galvestonmg.org.
Austin: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Travis County Master Gardeners spring 2023 Earth-Kind Gardening Field Day will be held Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Travis County AgriLife Extension office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin. Parking is available along Smith Road. The event is free and open to the public. The spring 2023 theme is Container Gardening 101 — for indoor and outdoor gardening. The first 100 attendees will receive a free 5.5" eco-container and saucer courtesy of Gardenio (https://www.growgardenio.com/) — a new kind of garden club app for food growers — to start their growing journeys. Workshops will teach participants about houseplant care, growing ornamentals or vegetables in pots, and create a composting system. Other activities focus on vermicomposting, irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and entomology. A limited supply of Earth-Kind plants and the popular Travis County Master Gardener publications Garden Guide for Austin and Vicinity, and From Drought to Deluge: The Resilient Central Texas Garden will be available for purchase. (https://www.tcmastergardeners.org/publications/). Special guests Kim and Andrew Cook from EXACO (https://www.exaco.com/) will be on hand to cut the ribbon on the new educational greenhouse that they donated to the Travis County Master Gardeners. The schedule includes: 9:00 a.m. Compost Workshop; 10:00 a.m. Houseplant University 11:00 a.m. The 6D’s of Container Gardening; 12:00 p.m. Dedication Ceremony. For more information, visit: https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/2023/02/15/container-gardening-at-2023-earth-kind-field-day-march-25th/ or call the Master Gardener Help Desk at (512) 710-7098.
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!
Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale, Saturday, March 25, presentation at 8, sale 9 a.m.-noon. Live and in person! Come get your spring plants, veggies and more. Watch for plant list at mcmga.square.site. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe, 936-539-7824, mcmga.com.
Cypress: Fruit Tree & Perennial Sale by Harris County Master Gardeners, Saturday, March 25 & Sunday, March 26, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or until supplies last. Purchase fruit trees and perennials at this sale located outside the Cy-Fair Home and Outdoor Living Show at the Berry Center. 8877 Barker Cypress Rd., Cypress. For more information and list of available plants: hcmga.tamu.edu/plant-sales.
Houston: Learn how to grow and propagate native plants Saturday, March 25, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m. Each participant will go home with seeds, a native plant! plant tomatoes. 1210 Genoa Red Bluff Rd, Houston. Registration required: bit.ly/3IzFWB3.
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.
Taylor: The Friends of the Taylor Public Library are hosting a Plant Swap at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, on March 25 from 11 to 2 p.m. All children will receive a free plant. Adults bring plants or garden tools to swap. Master Gardeners and other plant experts will be on hand to give advice.
Online: Registration is now open for the free, quarterly Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Plant Party webinar beginning at 10 a.m. March 29. The webinar will focus on the diverse world of pollinators and the many ecosystem services they provide. Participants can register and access past webinars at tx.ag/plantparty. Pollinators are also essential to keeping our native rangelands diverse. While they often go unnoticed, these diverse species of wildlife play a direct role in our daily lives. Expert speakers will discuss plants that rely on pollinators, native pollinator species, as well as how the use of herbicides and pollinators can coexist. The goal of these webinars is to promote advanced training on all things plants and get people excited about the flora of our state. The Plant Party webinar series is a collaboration between AgriLife Extension, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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APRIL
La Marque: “Louisiana Iris for the Gulf Coast Garden” with Galveston County Master Gardener Monica Martens, EdD, Saturday, April 1, 9-11 am. Location: Discovery Garden inside Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque 77568. For additional information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
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.
McKinney: The 2023 CCMGA Spring Plant Sale will be presented by The Collin County Master Gardeners Association on Saturday, April 15, 9A a.m.-1:30 p.m. or until sold out. Proceeds from the sale benefit community outreach programs, horticultural education programs, workshops, and water conservation education throughout Collin County. CCMGA has carefully sourced a collection of locally grown drought tolerant plants that are well suited to our climate and will perform well in North Texas gardens. Attendees will find dozens of varieties of perennials, shrubs, ferns, grasses, groundcovers, succulents, vines, daylilies and annuals, as well as native milkweed that attracts Monarch butterflies, which are not typically found at big box stores. Collin County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and offer free advice to help homeowners plant with success. Come early for best selection! There is no sales tax, and purchases can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Bringing your own cart or wagon is recommended. Parking is free. The 2023 CCMGA Spring Plant Sale will be held rain or shine inside the Show Barn at Myers Park, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. To learn more, visit www.ccmgatx.org.
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.
Online: "Flowering Plants for 4 Seasons" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, April 21. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
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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JUNE
Online: "Weed & Nutrient Management" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, June 16. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
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AUGUST
Online: "Trees for Small Landscapes" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, August 18. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
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SEPTEMBER
Rosenberg: Sat., September 9: Grow Your Own Series: Composting with Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, 9-10:30 a.m. For additional details, visit Grow Your Own - Fort Bend (agrilife.org) or 281-342-3034.
Online: "Fall is for Planting" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, September 15. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
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NOVEMBER
Online: "Winter Protection" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, November 17. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
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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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