July 17, 2019
  
Vegetable production budgets available for High Plains growers
 
By Kay Ledbetter
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
Gardeners and commercial producers with an extra acre in their backyard or pivot circle corner can "pencil out" vegetable production with more confidence, thanks to a Texas A&M AgriLife and West Texas A&M University collaborative project.
 
Jalapeno peppers are one of the crops used to establish the vegetable crop production budgets. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Kay Ledbetter).
The vegetable production budgets are available at https://tinyurl.com/D1vegetablebudget, then click on "spreadsheet budgets." The site also includes help files for those unfamiliar with using the spreadsheets.
 
Budgets are available for an acre of jalapenos and tomatoes in the Texas High Plains and show a comparison under drip-irrigation and with and without the use of plastic mulch.
 
"This is an important new resource for the residents of the Texas High Plains who might be looking for alternatives to the traditional portfolio of row crops in the area," said Dr. Justin Benavidez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist, Amarillo.
 
"As water continues to constrain production in areas of Texas, finding crops that provide a higher return per unit of water available will give producers, large and small, more flexibility when considering options."
 
Benavidez said while tomatoes and jalapenos are the vegetables featured, these budgets can also serve as a template for other vegetable production. Users can plug in their seed costs or transplant costs per crop, cost for inputs like fertilizer and herbicide, and the price they expect to receive per pound to determine if a particular crop is profitable.
 
The example budget for outdoor drip-irrigated tomatoes shows a profit of a little over $2,000 an acre, he said. However, because no two operations are the same, the inputs and costs will change for each location. These budgets will help determine where the breakeven point will be on individual operations.
 
The project also included a survey of traditional and alternative markets that indicated possibilities for local growth and sales of salad greens, okra, strawberries, spinach, pumpkins and squash.
 
"These budgets are not only tools for those already growing crops, they can also serve as a resource for someone who is considering smaller-scale production targeted at a farmers market or even a partnership with a local restaurant," he said.
 
Benavidez said even someone not interested in selling their produce can use the budget as a starting point to compare the costs of growing vegetables for themselves with buying them in the market.
 
While a full-acre garden would be a significant undertaking for most home gardeners, he said the budgets can be scaled down appropriately since the price per unit of input is included.
There's magic happening
 
By Corine Prieto
 
It's such a simple chore, really. I perform it methodically very third day. Every four to six months I receive a reward. I cannot help but sense the magic that adding a little water causes one of God's inexplicable wonders to occur.
 
(Photo by Corine Prieto)  
I still remember the oddity of the black orchid that Tony pinned on my shoulder my Junior Prom night. He had asked a week before, "What flower would you like?" I
facetiously said, "a black orchid." Who would imagine I would get one? It was a magnificent bloom. Not black, but the deepest purple color possible.
 
It was my introduction to my love affair with these small wonders.
 
I don't categorize or label my pots as many gardeners do. However, I do name my orchids. I have my Easter Yellow, which has bloomed every Easter season for the past five years. The Amanda's Pink blooms consist of three shades of pink. I have my Majestic White that likes to give me 24 four-inch wide blooms at once.
 
I have a collection of whites that I call my Garden of Whites. These plants started my hospice - actually, it is only a recovery site. No plants are allowed to die. The tale of how my garden started is interesting. I have a neighbor who loves to open her home to parties. One Christmas party she received 10 white orchid plants. The blooms had died off by January when she came to me with a smile and said, "I was going to throw these plants away when I remembered Corine's green thumb." By now, the word has gotten out even further. I often come home to find a bloom-less orchid plant at my front door. As I take it inside to determine its needs, soil or water, I find it a nice sunny bright spot and wait for the magic that is sure to come.
 
My plants are easy to care for, as they sleep for four to six months each year. All it takes is water: a little water here and there, and a flood of water during the fourth month. Bright sun light, but not hot. No breezes, which means no house fans blowing near.
 
Magic happens all around my home. Not all the time and not all at once. Today, the Easter Yellow has bloomed. I have a set of four un-named yellows with pink centers and a kiss of lavender. And my majestic ivory whites are about to need stocks. It doesn't take long to realize that the simple chore of watering leads to enjoying one of God's beautiful wonders.

Gardening tips

Till in a little compost in fallow areas of your garden and then mulch heavily to prepare for fall plantings. 

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 2019 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Garde ning Tips.
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.
JULY
 
Houston: "Container and Small Space Gardening" will be presented 6:30-8:30 p.m., July 18, at Freeman Branch Memorial Library, 16616 Diana Lane, Houston. For more information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu. 
 
Katy: "Container and Small Space Gardening" will be presented 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., July 20, at Maud Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. For more information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu. 
 
Rosenberg: Fort Bend County Master Gardeners announce their Junior Master Gardener Earth-Kind Kids' Kamp ("EK3"), July 22-26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Bldg D, Rosenberg. The Kamp is open to children ages 8-12 and entering grades 3 through 6 for the 2019 -2020 school year. Master Gardener volunteers will mentor each group and lead daily activities which will include several guest speakers during the week. Space is limited so remember to register early. The $75 fee for the Kamp includes activities, a T-shirt, snacks, and drinks. Kampers should dress for gardening and outside activities, including closed-toed shoes, and bring a sack lunch each day (no microwavable food). Visit https://fbmg.org/youth-education/ to print and complete the EK3 Kids' Kamp Participation and Waiver. For questions or additional information contact Margo "Mac" McDowell at mmcdowell@ag.tamu.edu or (281) 633-7033. 
 
Cibolo:  "Become a Master Gardener" Class will be presented by GC Master Gardeners from July 30-November 19; class time is 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Class will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1142 FM 1103, Cibolo. Registration deadline is July 19; class size is limited. Cost is $210, which includes Texas Master Gardener Handbook. For more information contact Karen Ulrich, Class Coordinator, at kku14035@aol.com or (210) 422-1594.
AUGUST

Athens: As part of the Henderson County Master Gardeners' Summer Series, Chris Wiesinger will be presenting "The Bulb Hunter" on Thursday, August 8, at 6:00 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center, 3344 TX Hwy 31, Athens. Chris is the owner of Southern Bulb Company near Tyler, where he farms and sells bulbs, most of which he has collected throughout the South. He travels nationally as a frequent speaker to nursery groups, garden clubs, cemetery preservation organizations, and small business associations. He and his company have been featured in the New York Times, Southern Living, and House and Garden. Wiesinger is coauthor (with Cherie Foster Colburn) of Heirloom Bulbs for Today. Chris will be giving his presentation about bulbs. He will also be selling his book, The Bulb Hunter and will also be selling his bulbs. For more information, call (903) 675-6130, email hendersoncmga@gmail.com , or visit txmg.org/hendersonmg.

Houston: The topic of the Houston Rose Society's August 8 meeting will be "Build your own Irrigation System." The program will be presented by Baxter Williams. Williams is an American Rose Society Master Rosarian, past president of the Houston Rose Society, former HRS Program VP, and he has also served as the American Rose Society Region 7 Director. Williams has been a member of the HRS since 1970. He and his wife Patsy grow more than 500 roses in their personal garden. He is an entertaining speaker. Learn about irrigation for your roses and hear some good jokes! The meeting will be held at the Cherie Flores Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. Arrive at 7:00 p.m. for refreshments. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Free Admission. For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
 
Nacogdoches: Jordan Cunningham, Greenhouse Technician at SFA Gardens, presents "The Life and Times of a Nursery Worker: Propagation, Production and Morale," August 8, at the Ina Brundrett Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., Nacogdoches. There's a social beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the presentation following at 7:00 p.m. 

Austin: Learn the basics of growing herbs in the Austin area August 10, 10 a.m. to noon at the Austin Area Garden Center in Zilker Botanical Garden. Explore a fascinating group of plants that have been part of mankind's history for thousands of years. Master Gardener and past President of the Austin Herb Society, Lucinda Rudin, will cover a comprehensive set of topics, including soil preparation, watering, growing seasons, when to plant, when to harvest and how to preserve and store your herbs. Additionally, she will provide ideas for growing herbs in a variety of situations, from apartment balconies to raised beds, and even to incorporating them into your landscape. There will be an opportunity to visit the beautiful Herb Garden at Zilker Botanical Garden at the end of the presentation. No registration is required. Attendance to the seminars is free and open to the public. A garden admission fee is required. The Austin Area Garden Center in Zilker Botanical Garden is located at 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin 78746. The fees are $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), and $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

Conroe:  Saturday, August 10, Educational Classes. Session 1: DIY: Composting and Enriching the Soil, 8:00-10:00 a.m. This presentation will: identify the benefits of compost, outline the steps to creating compost, and explain ways to use compost to a garden and a lawn. Session 2: Honing In on Your Fall Vegetable Bounty, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Presenters will explain how to be a Green Thumb Gardener of Vegetables. Presentation includes proper time to plant and harvest, how to control diseases and insects, adequate soil moisture, crop rotation and recommended varieties for fall gardens in this area. $5 per session or $8 for both. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more info, visit http://www.mcmga.com or call 936-539-7824.
 
Forney: "Rainwater Harvesting: Making a Rain Barrel" with Jim Burt, Kaufman County Advanced Master Gardener - Rainwater Harvesting. Thursday, August 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 101 E. Main St., Forney. This is a hands-on session on building your own rain barrel. You will get printed instructions, see a barrel put together, and have an opportunity to help assemble barrels. You may purchase a completed barrel for $50. Make checks to Kaufman County Master Gardeners and mail to Jim Burt, KC Master Gardeners, 2471 N. State Hwy 34, Kaufman, TX 75142. Checks must be received by August 16. You must attend the class to buy a barrel. Please pre-register at (972) 932-9069 or by email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
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
  
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.

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 Peckerwood Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is required. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
 
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 Woodmen of the World, 1800 College Ave., Jacksonville. For more information, e-mail Tom Abbott at tom@deerfield-abbey.org.
 
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.   
 
Lockhart: Caldwell County Master Gardeners meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. January through November at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, 1st Floor, 217 S. Main St., Lockhart. A monthly educational horticulture program is presented from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. covering various topics of interest to gardeners and homeowners. For more information, email caldwellcountymg@yahoo.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.

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.
 
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 Houston Arboretum Nature Center (entrances at 4501 Woodway Dr. and 610 West Loop N). 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 begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by a free presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1-3:30 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.

Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts the Evening at Peckerwood Lecture series at 7 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. Tickets are available online. Tickets are $10, $5 for members.For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
 
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 at the Cherie Flores Pavilion in McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. 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, holds an Open Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Tours start at 10 a.m. and the last tour leaves at 2 p.m. Tickets available online or at the gate. $10, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.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. 2019. 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.

 

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