November 22, 2023

Even though Halloween is in the past, Texas A&M AgriLife experts say there are still many practical uses for your pumpkins. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Laura McKenzie)

Creative uses for pumpkins beyond Halloween

By Paul Schattenberg 

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Halloween is over, but that doesn’t mean you have to dump your pumpkin.

From pumpkin spice lattes to harvest-themed front porches, pumpkins are an iconic part of fall. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts offer some tips on ways to use these popular gourds in and around your home beyond Oct. 31.

Pumpkins that were not carved for jack-o’-lanterns can be used to make a host of seasonal treats and beverages, said Odessa Keenan, AgriLife Extension program specialist with the Department of Nutrition.

She added that there are several pumpkin recipes available through the agency’s Dinner Tonight program.

Family-friendly pumpkin recipes

Pumpkin puree is an easy way to utilize the pulp inside, she said. Puree can be used to make sweet treats like pies, parfaits and cookies or savory snacks like hummus.

“If you remove the seeds and pulp to cook, they should be immediately refrigerated or prepared to avoid potential food safety issues,” she noted. “Once you leave the pulp out for more than a couple of hours, you can assume it’s not good to eat.”

The puree should be stored in the refrigerator and will likely last around four days before spoiling, she said.

“The shelf life of the pumpkin puree depends on how fresh it was from the vine when you purchased it, along with its current condition and any potential for bacterial exposure,” she said. “Canning the puree correctly can extend its shelf life up to four months.”

Roasting pumpkin seeds for snacking is another fun way to use your pumpkin, she said.

Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the pulp, then separate the seeds. Put the seeds in a colander and wash them thoroughly to remove any excess pulp. Dry the seeds as much as possible in between paper towels or a cloth, then toss them in a bowl with cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg or whatever other type of seasoning you prefer.

Spread the seeds evenly on a lightly greased cookie sheet and cook at 350 degrees for about 12 to 15 minutes.

Toss them a few times during cooking to help ensure they brown evenly. The roasted seeds are ready when they turn a golden brown.

“You can experiment with different spice blends — savory, spicy and sweet — to find your family’s favorite,” Keenan said. “Just be sure to watch for too much added sodium or sugar.”

Composting and preparing for pumpkin planting

When your pumpkin ultimately decays, the leftover organic matter makes a great addition to a compost pile, said Joe Masabni, Ph.D., assistant professor and AgriLife Extension horticulturist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas.

“It’s best to let it dry first so the rind can break apart into small pieces,” he said. “The smaller the pieces, the faster it will compost.”

Masabni said pumpkin seeds can also be saved to plant by laying them out flat to air dry on paper towels for about 24 hours. Once dry, place them in a plastic bag or store them in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place.

“Don’t heat dry them in an oven or in the sun because it will kill the seeds,” he said. “And mark the bag with the pumpkin variety and date.”

If stored correctly, Masabni said pumpkin seeds can remain viable for at least five years.

Our furry and feathered friends like pumpkin too

People aren’t the only ones that can get enjoyment out of jack-o’-lanterns, said Elizabeth Tidwell, a Uvalde-based AgriLife Extension wildlife program specialist in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management.

“Wildlife enjoy pumpkins as a rare and tasty seasonal snack that is packed with vitamins and other nutrients,” she said. “And birds not only enjoy the pumpkin flesh; they also thoroughly enjoy the seeds.”

She said while it is not necessary to bake the seeds for bird food, they will last longer if you place them on a sheet in the oven at 200-300 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

“Just make sure you turn them every few minutes to keep them from burning,” she said. “The preparation for the seeds is similar to what people do when they roast the seeds, but it is important to note that you shouldn’t get fancy with salt or seasonings. Many seasonings that humans enjoy are toxic to birds or can make them very ill.”

Tidwell said people who live in areas with a regular wildlife presence should not under any circumstances use bleach to make their jack-o-lanterns last longer.

“Since jack-o’-lanterns are traditionally put outside it is fair game for wildlife to nibble on your pumpkin,” she said. “However, if you use bleach to preserve your pumpkin the wildlife will be consuming the bleach as well as the pumpkin.”

To preserve a pumpkin a little longer, Tidwell recommends using a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part vinegar instead.

She said the pumpkin itself can also be used as a bird feeder and suggested following instructions from the Audubon organization. Finally, she said while animals, such as squirrels, raccoons and deer may be interested in pumpkin pieces, feeding these mammals can create problems and may be against local ordinances.

Creative pumpkin-themed home décor

Now that Halloween is over, Keenan said there are additional uses for pumpkins as home décor.

“Pumpkins make fantastic front porch decorations as well as great fall table centerpieces,” Keenan said. “I have even seen pumpkins used to hold flower arrangements.”

To use a pumpkin to hold your flowers, she advises that it is best to carve out just enough of the pumpkin to hold a vase. Arrange and water the flowers inside the vase to reduce the moisture level inside the pumpkin and keep some space between the pumpkin and the arrangement. 

“There are many ways pumpkins can be used indoors and outdoors to give the feeling that fall has arrived — and will be here for a while,” she said.

Fruit trees protected from freezing temperatures at The Gardens at Texas A&M. A cold protection plan should include covers for sensitive trees and plants. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Laura McKenzie)

Time to create a cold-protection plan for your garden

By Susan Himes

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

As the temperatures begin to head downward, Texas gardeners need to start planning and preparing their gardens for seasonal changes.

“Wetter and cooler weather is predicted as we move into the November gardening season,” said Larry Stein, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulture specialist, Uvalde, and professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Horticultural Sciences. “Now is the time gardeners need to be thinking about their cold protection plan.”

A protection plan helps gardeners prepare their plants and yards to survive colder weather, whatever month that may arrive in your part of Texas.

Easing into a cold season is usually easier for plants when the temperatures steadily drop, but with the erratic weather Texas can have, it can be more of a rollercoaster of temperatures. It pays to be aware of how hardy plants are and if they are suitable for your region before you plant them.

Even well-established plants that have done fine in the past may be under additional stress due to dryer and hotter conditions earlier in the year or if they’ve been subjected to the stress of insects or disease.

Enacting your protection plan

A plan for protecting plants from the cold should include mulch, mound trunks and plant covers as appropriate. The ground offers natural insulation, and mulch serves as an extra layer of insulation.

Fallen leaves from trees can be mulched up — your lawnmower can do the work — and then used to protect those same trees or other plants in your yard. Leaves can also go into your compost pile. Keep in mind that some insects overwinter in leaf litter.

Plants in pots outside can be clustered and covered together as needed. Some container plants may also need to come inside.

When the water in the cells of plants freezes, ice crystals form and damage cells. Frost also impacts plants, but it is usually the top or outermost part of the plant that will take the biggest hit — unlike a freeze, which can kill the entire plant.

“Now is also the time people should begin to monitor their lawn for late-season fungus issues, which could be exacerbated by receiving too much water or rain,” Stein said.

Beyond plants, protect equipment

A protection plan for your garden tools and lawn equipment is also important.

Drain gasoline from power tools and run the engine until fuel in the carburetor is used up unless you have made the switch to ethanol-free gas. Even with ethanol-free gas, running the gas out of the carburetor is a good idea.

Drain and store garden hoses and watering equipment in a readily accessible location. The lawn and plants may need water during a prolonged dry spell, so they shouldn’t be inaccessible.

Continue being water-wise

Even just half-inch-plus rains can benefit landscape plants, especially in the areas of the yard and garden you have been able to continue to water. Despite recent rains, some of Texas remains under water restrictions, and streams continue to dwindle.

“Unfortunately, such spotty and scattered rains do not end the water challenges, and we will need to continue to provide as much help as we can to those plants most valuable in our landscape,” Stein said.

He said as we head into the cooler months, it is preferable if leaf drop is normal, as opposed to being caused by drought. Plants that lose their leaves to drought are losing access to nutrients they need too early. Once plants go fully dormant, they can go about six weeks before they need water.

November gardening tips

Enjoy eating cold crops

As the temperatures cool, your cold crops will develop prime eating quality.

Don’t let an orange persimmon fool you

The full color of persimmons adds color to landscapes, but just because astringent persimmons turn orange does not mean they are ripe; a light frost seems to expedite this process.

An orange doesn’t need to be fully orange to enjoy

Citrus is another pop of color for gardens and yards as the weather turns. Most citrus does not need to be totally orange for prime eating quality.

Get your greens

Now is the time for bi-weekly planting of salad greens, such as leaf lettuce, kale, chard, spinach and the like.

Plant containers, wait on bare roots

Container trees and shrubs can be planted; wait until January to plant bare root stock.

Select and plant the appropriate annuals

If you have not already done so, now is the ideal time to select and plant annuals such as pansies, violas, ornamental cabbages and kale.

Think ahead for spring color

Plan now for your spring flowering season with a mixture of annuals and perennials.

Pause on pruning

Don’t get in a hurry to prune woody plants. Late December through February is usually the best time to prune them.

Order seeds to keep your options open

Place orders for seeds this month so you will have them available when you are ready to plant. By ordering early, you will be more certain of getting the varieties you want. In addition to ordering seeds you are already familiar with, try a few new kinds each year to broaden your garden contents.

Bring the late-bloomers indoors

Bring in late-blooming plants such as decorative kalanchoes or Christmas cacti so they may finish flowering in the warmth of the house.

Reduce fertilizer as needed

Reduce the fertilization of indoor plants from late October to mid-March. An exception would be plants in an atrium or a well-lit window.

NOVEMBER

Houston: Fall Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, hosted by Houston Public Library. Speaker: Teresa See. Nov. 29, 11:00 a.m., Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library, 3223 Wilcrest, Houston. Learn how to get Fall Vegetable Garden started and see how easy it is to grow tasty fall vegetables. The Houston Public Library Fall Lecture Series is available in person and also via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/houstonlibrary.

Houston: Living Holiday Tree Alternatives by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, hosted by Houston Public Library. Speaker: Brandi Keller, County Extension Agent – Horticulture. Nov. 30, 11:00 a.m. Central Library, 500 McKinney St, Houston. Learn about traditional cut holiday trees vs. alternative living tree options. Plantable tree varieties will be covered, along with care and planting guidance. The Houston Public Library Fall Lecture Series is available in person and also via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/houstonlibrary.

DECEMBER

La Marque: Accepting entries through December 6, 2023. There will be 3 categories for commercial, classic and new division, and natives. Submit samples to the Galveston County AgriLife Extension office by 3:00 p.m. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque (inside Carbide Park). For more information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/events, or call 281-309-5065.

Houston: Container Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, hosted by Houston Public Library. Speaker: Teresa See. December 9, 11:00 a.m. McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library, 7405 Stella Link Rd, Houston. Learn how to grow vegetables or ornamentals in containers. The Houston Public Library Fall Lecture Series is available in person and also via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/houstonlibrary.

La Marque: “Growing Tomatoes from Seed”: presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Ira Gervais. First in a series of 3 programs on growing great tomatoes in Galveston County. Saturday, December 9, 9-11:30 a.m. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque (inside Carbide Park). Free. For more information and to register: https://galveston.agrilife.org/events, or call 281-309-5065.

La Marque: “Going Nuts for Pecans”: presentation by Horticulture Agent Stephen Brueggerhoff, Saturday, December 9, 1-2:30 pm. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office classroom located inside Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. For additional information and to register: https://galveston.agrilife.org/events, or call 281-309-5065.

Houston: Pre-Freeze and Post-Freeze Landscape Care, by Brandi Keller, County Extension Agent – Horticulture. Hosted by Houston Public Library. Tuesday, December 12, 11:00 a.m. Central Library, 500 McKinney St, Houston. Learn how to prepare your landscaping for a freeze and what steps to take afterwards. The Houston Public Library Fall Lecture Series is available in person and also via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/houstonlibrary.

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

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

Schulenberg: Schulenburg Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, at 11:30 a.m., September-May, at the Schulenburg First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Upton Ave., Schulenburg.

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

Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order 972-338-2233). For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at borderlineart1@gmail.com.

Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.

Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.

Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., at the First Baptist Church Family Life Building, 500 E. Holland St., Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door of the Family Life Building. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.

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

Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit www.allengardenclub.org.

Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit http://cass.agrilife.org. 

Fort Worth: The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.

Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.

Gonzales: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org for more information.

New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.

SECOND WEEK

Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; club business begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at The First Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. For additional information, contact Kim Benton at kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu.

Cedar Park/Leander/Liberty Hill: The Hill Country Bloomers meet the second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize and swap plants and seeds. Meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for the home gardener or landscaper. They host a plant sale in the spring and a garden tour in the late summer/early fall. Throughout the year they contribute time and expertise to local projects. Those with any level of experience are welcome. Non-members are invited to their first meeting at no cost. Membership and speaker info is available at www.hillcountrybloomers.com.

Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email stringer030@yahoo.com.

Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email prairierose.npsot@gmail.com. 

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

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

Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.

Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.

Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.

Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.

Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners. 

Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the

second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.

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, November and December, at the Gathering Hall at The Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park and via Zoom. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.

Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact hnpat@prairies.org.

Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.

Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com.

Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.

Denton: The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the fourth Thursday of each month to share information about native plants. Excellent programs are heard each month, January-September. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/chapters/trinity-forks/.

Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets 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.

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.