February 26, 2020
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Take the hassle out of watering container gardens
By Melinda Myers
Growing flowers and vegetables in containers will allow you to expand planting space, grow plants right outside your door and elevate them for easier access and maintenance. Unlike growing in the ground, the smaller volume of soil in containers is exposed to heat and wind, so requires frequent, often daily, watering.
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Grow plants in large plastic, glazed or other less breathable material to extend the time between watering. (Photo: Melinda Myers, LLC) |
Don't let this watering schedule discourage you from growing in pots. Enlist one or more of these strategies to eliminate the daily burden of watering while still maintaining beautiful and productive gardens.
Grow plants in large plastic, glazed or other less breathable material to extend the time between watering. The larger the pot and less breathable the container material, the longer the soil stays moist. Small pots made of breathable materials, like unglazed terra cotta, dry out more quickly.
No matter the size and type of container used, monitor and adjust your watering schedule based on weather, number of plants in the pot and size of the plants. The more plants used and the larger the plants grow the more water needed; so, frequency will increase over time.
Use self-watering pots to extend the time between watering. Fill the reservoir in these containers as needed. The water moves from the reservoir to the soil where it is needed. This extends the time between watering. As your new plantings grow, you will need to fill the reservoir more frequently.
Use a quality potting mix that holds moisture and is well draining to avoid waterlogged soils that can lead to root rot. Most potting mixes contain peat moss, compost or bark to hold moisture. Vermiculite, perlite or rice hulls are used to provide drainage.
Add a long-lasting sustainable, water saving product, such as wool pellets, to your potting mix. This organic product is made from belly wool and tags that cannot be used for clothing. The pellets promote healthier growth, increase soil aeration and reduce watering frequency by as much as 25%.
Mulch the soil surface in newly planted container gardens. This common garden practice is often overlooked when growing in containers. Cover the soil surface with shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic material. This helps conserve moisture until plants grow and shade the soil.
Automate watering with one of the many commercial or DIY container irrigation systems. These are designed to provide water to each individual pot with the turn of the faucet. Attach the irrigation system to the faucet, attach a timer and watering becomes a breeze. Regularly check the system to make sure the lines that deliver water to the pot are intact and the watering frequency is adjusted throughout the growing season as needed.
Enlist one or more of these strategies to make container gardening a manageable growing system. Once you eliminate the inconvenience of daily watering you may just find yourself planting more container gardens each season.
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Health benefits of our green spaces
As you get outside this spring, have you ever considered how our green spaces contribute to our health? Studies show that green space and landscaping contribute to health, happiness, and intellect.
It's natural to long for spring when it's cold outside. But did you know, there's a good reason why you may pine for green? Living landscapes are an important part of the outdoor lifestyle that Americans enjoy, but the benefits go beyond the barbeque and backyard baseball. Green spaces are necessary for your health.
"The advantages of grass and landscaping surpass the usual physical benefits that result from outdoor activity," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). "Numerous studies have found that people who spend more time outside or are exposed to living landscapes are happier, healthier and smarter. As you get ready to get outside this spring with your lawn mower and other outdoor power equipment, it's great to know being outside is good for you."
Researchers have studied the impact of nature on human well-being for years, but recent studies have found a more direct correlation between human health, particularly related to stress, and the importance of people's access to nature and managed landscapes.
Getting dirty is actually good for you.
Soil is the new Prozac, according to Dr. Christopher Lowry, a neuroscientist at the University of Bristol in England. Mycobacterium vaccae in soil mirrors the effect on neurons that Prozac provides. The bacterium stimulates serotonin production, which explains why people who spend time gardening, doing yard work, and have direct contact with soil feel more relaxed and happier.
Children who are raised on farms in a "dirtier" environment than an urban setting not only have a stronger immune system but are also better able to manage social stress, according to the National Academy of Sciences.
Living near living landscapes can improve your mental health.
Researchers in England found that people moving to greener areas experienced an immediate improvement in mental health that was sustained for at least three years after they moved. The study also showed that people relocating to a more developed area suffered a drop in mental health.
Greening of vacant urban areas in Philadelphia reduced feelings of depression by 41.5% and reduced poor mental health by 62.8% for those living near the vacant lots, according to a study by a research team.
Green spaces can make you healthier too
. People who live within a half mile of green space (such parks, public gardens, and greenways) were found to have a lower incidence of fifteen diseases by Dutch researchers - including depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and migraines.
A 2015 study found that people living on streets with more trees had a boost in heart and metabolic health. Studies show that tasks conducted under the calming influence of nature are performed better and with greater accuracy, yielding a higher quality result. Spending time in gardens, for instance, can improve memory performance and attention span by 20%.
Living landscapes make you smarter.
Children gain attention and working memory benefits when they are exposed to greenery, says a study led by Payam Dadvand of the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona. In addition, exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children.
This applies to adults as well. Research has also shown that being around plants helps you concentrate better at home and at work. Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture believes that spending time in gardens can improve attention span and memory performance by as much as 20 percent.
A National Institute of Health study found that adults demonstrate significant cognitive gains after going on a nature walk. In addition, a Stanford University study found that walking in nature, rather than a concrete-oriented, urban environment, resulted in decreased anxiety, rumination, and negative affect, and produced cognitive benefits, such as increased working memory performance.
Living landscapes help you heal faster.
Multiple studies have discovered that plants in hospital recovery rooms or views of aesthetically pleasing gardens help patients heal up to one day faster than those who are in more sterile or austere environments.
Physicians are now prescribing time outdoors for some patients, according to recent reports. Park Rx America is a non-profit with a mission to encourage physicians to prescribe doses of nature.
All of these benefits reinforce the importance of maintaining our yards, parks and other community green spaces. Trees, shrubs, grass, and flowering plants are integral to human health. Not only do they provide a place for kids and pets to play, they directly contribute to our mental and physical well-being.
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Gardening tips
Go through your fruit trees and grapevines to check for dried fruit left on the plant and on the ground. Remove it now from the orchard to remove a source of potential disease infection when the new crop comes on in the spring.
Have a favorite gardening tip you'd like to share?
Texas Gardener's Seeds is seeking brief gardening tips from Texas gardeners to use in future issues. If we publish your tip in
Seeds, we will send you a copy of
Texas Gardene
r's 2020 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at:
Garde
ning Tips.
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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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FEBRUARY
Austin: Master Gardener Reeve Hobbie will present "If Plants Could Talk," 7:00-9:00 p.m.,
February 27 at the ZBG Auditorium, Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin.
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MARCH
La Marque: "A Homeowner's Guide to Weed Control": with Galveston County Master Gardener John Jons presenting, 6:30-8 p.m., March 3, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension
Bldg.
in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
Bryan:
Brazos County Master Gardeners present Gardening with the Masters - "Vegetable Gardening in Brazos County," Wednesday, March 4, noon, at Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 W, Bryan. In this session, learn what vegetables will thrive and are suited to this area's climate, soil, and water.
Austin: Annual Plant Sale/Benefit for Sunshine Community Gardens, 4814 Sunshine Drive Austin, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., March 7. Available will be organically grown tomatoes (120 varieties), peppers (80 varieties), eggplants tomatillos, herbs, natives and ornamentals for the yard and garden, and compost to help them all be healthy and happy. For more information and plant lists, please visit sunshinecommunitygardens.org.
Austin: The Travis County Master Gardeners Association will kick-off its 2020 gardening seminar series March 7, 10 a.m. to noon in the Austin Area Garden Center at the Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin. Travis County Master Gardeners Sheryl Williams and Kirk Walden will provide strategies for gardening in Central Texas' challenging conditions.You'll learn how to cope with weather patterns and how to work with the soil and gardening site you have. Additional topics will include hydrozones, which are garden areas that have specific moisture requirements because of the plantings or natural factors, irrigation best practices and suggestions for a maintenance calendar. A short walking tour of Zilker Botanical Garden to discuss its geology and water will be available for interested participants. No registration is required. Attendance to the seminar is free. A Zilker Botanical Garden admission fee is required. Fee are Adults - Austin Resident $6.00, Non Austin Resident $8.00;Seniors (62+) - Austin Resident $5.00, Non Austin Resident $7.00; Youths (3-17) - Austin Resident $3.00, Non Austin Resident $4.00) Cash, Credit card or check accepted. Parking in the main lot is limited.
Additional parking available on
Stratford Dr
.
For additional information call Travis County Master Gardeners Association at (512) 854-9600.
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners' Vegetable & Herb sale will be held 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., March 7, at the Waller County Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. Guest speakers: Mary Karish will speak about vegetables and Henry Flowers will speak about herbs. For additional information, call (979) 826-7651.
La Marque: "Herbs for the Gulf Coast": with Galveston County Master Gardener Briana Etie presenting, 9-10:30 a.m., March 7, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension
Bldg.
in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
La Marque: "Kitchen Gardening": with Galveston County Master Gardener Mary Demeny presenting, 1-3 p.m., March 7, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension
Bldg.
in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
Rosenberg: The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will hold their annual spring Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale on Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. (or until sold out). The sale will be held inside the Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Rd., Rosenberg. The varieties of vegetable and herb plants selected are recommended for Fort Bend County by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and are reliable producers for the area. All plants available at the spring sale have been grown in the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners' greenhouse. Vegetables offered at the sale include 16 varieties of tomatoes, eight varieties of hot peppers, five varieties of sweet peppers, four varieties of eggplant, along with a single variety each of Moringa, tomatillo and Swiss chard. Also offered will be 16 varieties of herbs Visit https://fbmg.org/events/annual-sales/vegetable-herb-sale/for additional information, a complete list of plants and directions to the sale. For more information about this event and other Fort Bend County Master Gardeners programs, visit www.fbmg.org or call (281) 341-7068.
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners' club March meeting on Monday, March 9, will feature
David Barrow from
Springdale Farm. David manages operations of Springdale Farm in East Austin. Though not a farmer by background, David is learning fast from the experienced staff and the close community of Austin's urban farmers. David will share his experiences with the farm, what he's planting for spring, and what's involved in providing produce for Eden East, a restaurant owned by his partner Sonya Cote and operated on the farm. His talk will include: Farming and gardening - and why; Seasonal produce; What to plant for culinary purposes; The future of urban farming.
The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meets at the Austin Area Garden Center,
2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens
the 2nd Monday of each month except December. Doors open at
6:30 p.m.
for the opportunity to meet, mingle, and ask questions with experienced local gardeners. Club business begins
at 7 p.m.
, followed by our guest speaker presentation. For more information, please visit
www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardener Association "Lunch and Learn With the Masters" will hold a program on the "Benefits of Backyard Gardening" Monday, March 9, at the Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria. The event will be from noon until 1 p.m. with vegetable specialist Gerald Bludau speaking. The event is free, and those attending may bring a sack lunch and beverage.
Rosenberg: The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners' Youth Activity Committee in conjunction with Junior Master Gardeners and Fort Bend County 4-H present Kids Spring Break Gardening Day Tuesday, March 10, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Bldg. D, 4310 TX HWY 36 S, Rosenberg. The children will learn about plants and the environment while participating in hands-on activities under the mentorship of Master Gardener volunteers. Space is limited to the first 50 children (ages 8-11) registered. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Pick up no later than 3:15 p.m. $10 - Pre-registration required; no walk-in registration; fee includes lunch. Outdoor play clothes & closed-toe shoes are required; Participant must be signed in and out by the adult listed on the application - no exceptions. To register and pay online visit https://txmg.org/fbmg/spring-break-camp-registration/. For more information, contact Margo "Mac" McDowell at (281) 633-7033 or email mmcdowell@ag.tamu.edu.
Houston: The HRS monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m., March 12, features retired Texas Master Gardener Angela Chandler as the speaker. Angela will lecture on how to choose annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses that are good companion for roses. Properly arranged companion plants can add contrast to rose bushes and attract beneficial insects. They can also help control pests naturally. Angela is a lifelong gardener and she's teaching classes and provides a wide variety of horticultural advice at the Arbor Gate Nursery. She also has a half-acre micro-homestead in Highlands where she and her husband are growing vegetables, fruits, and bee-friendly plants. Cherie Flores Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. 7:00 p.m. for social time and refreshments. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Free Admission. For more information, visit
www.houstonrose.org
.
Conroe
: Saturday, March 14. Educational Classes. Session 1: Must Do, Should Do and Don't Do in Your Garden. 8:00 until 10:00 a.m. Session 2: Attracting Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators to Your Garden. 10:30 til 12:30. $5 per session or $8 for both. Learn what you need to know about having great gardens in Montgomery County. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more information, call (936) 539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.
Jacksonville:
The Cherokee County Master Gardeners will host their 2020 Spring Conference, featuring learning sessions on Choosing Your Fruit Trees, Companion Planting and more. Enjoy door prizes and treats while visiting with the many onsite vendors. Saturday,
March 14, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
at the First United Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. Registration 12-1 p.m., $15.00 per person.
For more information, contact Kim Benton at
kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu
.
La Marque: "Tomato Stress Management, Growing Great Tomatoes, Part 3 of 3": with Galveston County Master Gardener Ira Gervais presenting, 9-11 a.m. March 14, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension
Bldg.
in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
La Marque: "Bonsai (hands-on workshop)": with Galveston County Master Gardener Clyde Holt presenting, 1-4 p.m., March 14, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension
Bldg.
in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. $25 fee will be charged for material the participant may keep; to be paid at event; limited to 10 persons. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. You must pre-register.
McKinney: The CCMGA 2020 Garden Show, presented by the Collin County Master Gardeners Association, will take place March 14 & 15 at Myers Park & Event Center in McKinney. Browse through booths of more than 60 garden and gift vendors, attend expert lectures on a variety of topics, including "Growing Tomatoes in North Texas," "Earth-Kind Gardening," "Container Gardens" and "Terrariums." Children will enjoy the Peter Rabbit skit and a passport activity. Sharp tools make every gardening job easier! An expert tool sharpener will be onsite, so bring your favorites to get them ready for the season. Demonstrations and presentations will run throughout the show. The Garden Show is an indoor event, so come rain or shine! Hours are 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, and 11: a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15. Entry on both days is a donation of $2 per person. Parking is free! Bringing your own cart or wagon is encouraged. Visit
www.ccmgatx.org/TheGardenShowÂ
for up-to-date information.
Nolanville: "Planting Tomatoes and Peppers" will be presented at 2:30 p.m., March 14, at Grizzly's Hidden Hills Nursery & Landscaping,1101 W. Hwy 190, Nolanville. For additional information, email ybgi2018@gmail.com.
College Station:
Brazos County Master Gardeners present Get Growing Series - "Plant Sale Preview: All the Plants You Can Grow in Brazos County" Tuesday, March 17, 6:00 p.m., at Lick Creek Nature Center, 13600 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station. Plants that are just right for Brazos County growing conditions will be for sale on Saturday, March 21. This session will preview the thousands of plants from which you may choose - perennials, vegetables, herbs, annuals and trees - as well as the physical details of the new Master Gardener plant sale location.
La Marque: "Louisiana Irises": with Galveston County Master Gardener Monica Martens presenting, 9-11 a.m., March 21, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
La Marque: "Aquaponics": with Galveston County Master Gardeners Gene Speller and Briana Etie presenting, includes tour of aquaponics unit, 1-3 p.m., March 21, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
Bryan:
Brazos County Master Gardeners' Community Education Event features Steven Chamblee, Executive Director, Longview Arboretum & Nature Center, presenting "Garden Harmony 101" Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 p.m., Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest, Bryan.
Conroe
: Saturday, March 28, Spring Plant Sale. Free Presentation 8:00 a.m., sale 9:00 a.m. unti noon. Get your Spring "yardening" needs! Don't forget your wagon. On sale are varieties that will do well in Montgomery County! Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more information, call (936) 539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.
La Marque: "Greenhouse Selection and Management": with Galveston County Master Gardener and Greenhouse Specialist Briana Etie presenting, 9-10:30 a.m., March 28, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
La Marque: "Rainwater Harvesting": with Galveston County Master Gardener and Certified Rainwater Harvesting Specialist Nat Gruesen, 1-3 p.m., March 28, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
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APRIL
Conroe
: Saturday, April 11. Educational Classes. Session 1: Soil Issues in Your Garden. 8:00 til 10:00 a.m. Session 2: Best Herb Selections for Montgomery County. 10:30 until 12:30. $5 per session or $8 for both. Learn what you need to know about having healthy soil and fresh herbs in Montgomery County. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more information, call (936) 539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.
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Weekly Meetings
Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.
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Monthly meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
Jasper:
The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting; Visit
https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
Kaufman:
The Kaufman County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at the First Community Church at 1401 Trinity Drive in Crandall. January through April and August and September meetings are at 9 a.m., with the remaining meetings beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org, call 972-932-9069 or email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the
first Tuesday of each month at a location in Houston to be determined. For additional information, visit
http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ or call 713-274-0950.
Schulenberg: Schulenburg Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of the month, at 11:30 a.m., September-May, at the Schulenburg First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Upton Ave., Schulenburg.
Dallas:
Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order
972-338-2233)
. For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at
borderlineart1@gmail.com
.
Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the
first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit
www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.
Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the
first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.
Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the
first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., usually at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 300 Church Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door at the North entrance. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.
Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the
first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit
www.allengardenclub.org.
Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the
first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit
http://cass.agrilife.org.
Fort Worth:
The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the
first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit
http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org
for more information.
New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the
first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
Hempstead:
The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a special Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is encouraged. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://peckerwoodgarden.org/product/peckerwood-insiders-tours/.
SECOND WEEK
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; club business begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a presentation. For more information, visit
www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at The First Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. For additional information, contact Kim Benton at
kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu.
Cedar Park/Leander/Liberty Hill: The Hill Country Bloomers meet the
second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize and swap plants and seeds. Meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for the home gardener or landscaper. They host a plant sale in the spring and a garden tour in the late summer/early fall. Throughout the year they contribute time and expertise to local projects. Those with any level of experience are welcome. Non-members are invited to their first meeting at no cost. Membership and speaker info is available at
www.hillcountrybloomers.com.
Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the
second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email
stringer030@yahoo.com.
Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email
prairierose.npsot@gmail.com.
Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email
wannagrow2@gmail.com.
Marion: The Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the
second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit
www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/
or contact
guadalupecounty@npsot.org.
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the
second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail
quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
Denton:
The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month
. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit
http://dcmga.com/.
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the
second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
Longview:
The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second
Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit
www.rockportherbs.or
g and
http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the
second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or
txmg.org/jcmg.
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit
http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the
second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit
http://txmg.org/orange
for more information.
Pasadena
: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the
second Thursday of each month
at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information,
visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the
second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit
www.sanantonioherbs.org.
San Marcos: The Spring Lake Garden Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m., September-May, at McCoy's Building Supply Headquarters, 1350 IH-35, San Marcos. Contact Terri Boyd (512) 395-66644 x6134.
Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center.
Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the
second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.
College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the
second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit
http://www.amgardenclub.com/.
Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the
second Saturday of each month, January through November, at 10:00 a.m. at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.
Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners meets at 1:30 p.m. on the
second Saturday of each month. For more information, call Carole Ramke at 903-986-9475.
Killeen: Youth Backyard Gardening Initiative holds community engagement meetings the
second Saturday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at Monarch Academy, 4205 Old Florence Road, Killeen. To learn more, visit
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ybkydgarden/.
Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the
second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit
www.RainbowGardenClub.com.
THIRD WEEK
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the
third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at
LJepson@aol.com.
Cleburne:
The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W Henderson, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the
third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the
GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit
http://txmg.org/comal/.
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.
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.
Evant: The Evant Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., usually at the bank in downtown Evant. To confirm the date, time and place of each month's meeting, call 254-471-5860.
New Braunfels:
The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at
6:30 pm
at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker
and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and
visitors are welcome. For more information,visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer.
Note
: there will be no meeting in June or December.
Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the
third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail
aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the
third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit
www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the
third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the
third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit
www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the
third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit
http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.
Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the
third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email
boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the
third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 605 E 2nd St, 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 after the business meeting. Visitors are welcome. Please email Sharon Harrigan at
sharonspetals@gmail.com for more information.
Houston:
The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter meets at 6:45 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/houston.
San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meet on the
third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. During the months of Jan., March, May, July, Sep. and Nov., an evening meeting with presentation is held 6:00-8:00 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Check
http://www.bexarmg.org/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting.
Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the
third Thursday of each month, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. After a brief social hour, the meeting and guest speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit
www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Fort Worth: The Greater Fort Worth Herb Society meetings are held the
third Saturday of each month at Texas Garden Club Inc, 3111 Old Garden Club Rd., Fort Worth (located next to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden), 10:00 a.m. to noon, September through June. For more information, email
herbalhen@yahoo.com.
FOURTH WEEK
New Braunfels: The New Braunfels Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the
fourth Monday of each month except July and December. Meetings are held at the Westside Community Center, 2932 S. I-35 Frontage Road, New Braunfels. Meetings start at 6:15 p.m. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting. Programs begin around 7:00. Native plant and seed exchanges are held monthly. Expert speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information or to join, visit
www.npsot.org.
Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every
fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit
www.npsot.org/sanantonio.
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the
fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at
brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.
Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the
fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.
Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the
fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at
khtromza@yahoo.com.
San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the
fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit
www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email
npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the
fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact
hnpat@prairies.org.
Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the
fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit
http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.
Leander:
The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com .
Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the
fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit
h
ttp://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.
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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