September 19, 2018
  
Texas Gardener Survey: Onions and pansies dominate list of winter plantings
 
By Mark Hartley
 
A third of Texas gardens will include the planting of onions and pansies during the winter months of December through February, according to a survey of Texas Gardener subscribers conducted in August 2018.
 
The survey asked readers about what they intended to plant during the winter months, and 33% indicated that they would include pansies and onions in their plans for winter 2018.
  • Onions 33%
  • Pansies 33%
  • Lettuce 28%
  • Broccoli 26%
  • Cabbage 22%
  • Kale 21%
  • Spinach 19%
  • Swiss chard 14%
  • Snapdragons 14%
  • Carrots 12%
  • Violas 12%
  • Peas 11%*
  • Cauliflower 9%
  • Collard greens 9%
  • Cilantro 7%
  • Turnips 7%
* Some readers differentiated between snap, sweet or garden peas, but the percentage above reflect peas as an overall group.

Other plantings receiving votes included asparagus, beets, Brussels sprouts, calendulas, catnip, cyclamens, chrysanthemums, daffodils, dianthus, dill, fennel, garlic, leeks, mustard greens, parsley, petunias, radishes, rutabaga, stock, sweet alyssum, swiss chard, and tulips.
 
Overall, 66% of gardeners in Texas will plant flowers or vegetables that are hardy enough to withstand cooler temperatures. They also said they used the cold weather to perform other duties, such as:
  • Pruning existing vegetation, 87%
  • Planning springtime garden, 87%
  • Spreading mulch, 66%
  • Performing needed maintenance on garden tools, 47%
Other duties planned for the winter months included updating hardscape and checking sprinkler systems, planting cover crops, planting shrubs or trees, fencing, and covering plants for freezing temperatures.
 
Stocking up on supplies will be on the minds of some Texas gardeners. The survey asked readers to indicate how often they visit a hardware store or nursey during the winter months. Nineteen percent said they would visit their source of supplies on a weekly basis; 56% said they would do so on a monthly basis. Twenty-five percent, though, said they would wait until the "thawing" process begins before visiting the stores.
 
Texas Gardener subscribers were also asked to estimate the number of winter days with a hard freeze in their area:
  • 44% estimated that they typically experience one to five days of a hard freeze
  • 38% estimate six to 10 days
  • 8% estimated 11 to 15 days
  • 10% estimated 16 days or more
Finally, gardeners were asked about what they liked the best and least about wintertime gardening. Here are some selected responses from Texas Gardener subscribers:
  • Best: Slower pace, not as much to do, weather is nicer to be outside in Texas. Least: Sometimes it is too cold.
  • Best: Love seeing the bones of the landscape and the shape of the deciduous trees. Love our mild, pretty days. Least: Don't like bone chilling cold. Bad on the artificial joints!
  • Best: You get to work in the garden without the crippling heat, less watering, and usually fewer pests. Least: Don't like having to protect plants during a freeze or harvest after work when it's dark and cold due to shorter days
  • Best: The crispness of the morning, gathering extra nutrient dense vegetables to be prepared that day. Least: Of course, us Southerners hate dealing with frozen water pipes.
  • Best: I like trying new veggies that can't handle our hot summers. Least: Don't like working outside when it's cold and wet.
  • Best: You don't sweat as much as you do with spring and summer gardening. Least: I don't like being cold. When it's too cold, I hibernate and look at seed and flower catalogs.
  • Best: I like best an overall lack of insect pests but there is more deer damage in winter. I also enjoy a break from the hot summer sun. Least: Everything in dormancy and just waiting for that first sign of spring growth. Guessing when the last freeze will be.

As storm season arrives, ten questions to ask while readying your outdoor power equipment

 

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

 

No matter where you live, storm preparedness is important. Hurricanes, floods and storms can damage property and endanger lives. The preparations you make ahead of volatile weather can help you recover faster and stay safer during the storm and during clean-up. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) an international trade association representing small engine, utility vehicle (UTV) and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, offers ten questions to ask to be better prepared.

 

"Right before a storm, people sometimes rush and avoid key steps in getting their outdoor power equipment out and ready," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. "They run out of time as weather is often unpredictable. At all times of the year, keep your equipment in working order, have the right fuel on hand, and know where your safety gear is. This is doubly true during storm season."

 

OPEI offers ten questions for home and business owners to ask when planning ahead:

 

What equipment will you need during and after a storm? Survey your property. Consider the damage a storm might cause and make a list of what tools might be needed to weather the storm or make repairs afterwards. You might need a chainsaw, pole pruner, generator, or UTV. Take time to think through a strategy for clean-up efforts.

 

What outdoor power equipment do you already have and what condition is it in? Make sure equipment is in good working order. If needed, take your equipment to an authorized service center for maintenance or repair.

 

Where is your safety gear for operating the equipment? Avoid the scramble for sturdy shoes, safety goggles, hard hats, reflective clothing, flashlights with working batteries and work gloves. Round them up now and store them in an accessible area with your equipment.

 

Did you review the owner's manuals for your equipment? Know your machine. The key is to read and understand the owner's manual. The same kind of machine will vary by manufacturer. Read product manuals to ensure you know how to operate your equipment safely. If you don't have the printed manuals on hand, you can look them up online. Save an electronic version to your computer for reference or save a hardcopy if power failure is anticipated.

 

Do you have the right fuel on hand for your outdoor power equipment? Fuel stations may be closed after a storm, so it's important to have the proper fuel for your equipment. Store your fuel in an approved container. Use the type of fuel recommended by your equipment manufacturer. It is illegal to use any fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol in outdoor power equipment (for more information on proper fueling for outdoor power equipment visit www.LookBeforeYouPump.com).

 

Do you know basic safety precautions? There are some fundamental safety tips everyone should follow year-round. For instance, observe the safety zone, which means keeping bystanders and power lines (those above you and any that might have fallen down) at least 50 feet away from your work area. Also, if using a chainsaw, understand kickback, which may happen when the moving chain at the tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Always stand with your weight on both feet, and adjust your stance so you are angled away from the blade. Hold the chainsaw with both hands. Never over-reach or cut anything above your shoulder height. Always have a planned retreat path if something falls.

 

If using a portable generator, do you know to use it safely and have a place outside for it to run? Generators should never be used in an enclosed area or placed inside a home or garage, even if the windows or doors are open. Place the generator outside and away from windows, doors, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. It should have plenty of ventilation. Keep the generator dry and do not use it in rainy or wet conditions. Before refueling, turn the generator off and let it cool down.

 

If you have a UTV, do all operators in your home know how to drive it with caution? It's important that anyone operating the vehicle know how to follow safety procedures. Keep the vehicle stable and drive slowly. Do not turn the vehicle mid-slope or while on a hill.

 

Do you know how to safely use a pump to remove water after a flood? Never operate a centrifugal pump without water in the pump casing. A self-priming pump creates a partial vacuum by purging air from the intake hose and pump casing. All self-priming pumps require water to be added to the pump casing to start the priming process.

 

Is everyone in your home or business aware of safety procedures when outdoor power equipment is in use? Keep bystanders, children and animals out of your work area. Do not allow other people near outdoor power equipment when starting the equipment or using it.
Prescribed fire online tools now available through Texas A&M Forest Service
 
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
Fire, field and forestry professionals now have additional tools, resources and online checklists to safely and effectively conduct prescribed burns in Texas.
 
Texas A&M Forest Service is launching an online toolkit with comprehensive step-by-step information to assist burn managers in planning and conducting a prescribed burn. The toolkit includes forms, templates, links and guidance on safe burning conditions.
 
"As we head into the fall and winter seasons, this is a just-in-time resource that will add to the pool of prescribed fire information that is already out there," said Andy McCrady, a Texas A&M Forest Service fuels coordinator. "This is our contribution to support qualified professionals and burn managers to safely and effectively conduct prescribed burning within the state."
 
Among its contents, the new Texas A&M Forest Service webpages have templates, checklists and notification forms to plan prescribed burns, provide notification of when a burn is scheduled and a guide to manage fuels and smoke during a prescribed burn. Partner agencies, county officials and emergency dispatchers will benefit from the reporting system for public notification about prescribed burns being conducted in their area. 
 
"Trees are one of Texas' top renewable resources and our forests have developed with fire for centuries. These TFS tools will help expand the natural and necessary tool of prescribed burning which improves tree and forest health," said Rob Hughes, Texas Forestry Association Executive Director. "Working together to develop policy, through the Texas Burn Managers Council and the Prescribed Burning Board, will promote sustainable ecosystems that enrich all our lives."
 
Texas A&M Forest Service works with statewide forestry, wildfire operations and prevention partners to safely and effectively manage wildfire risk but does not conduct prescribed burns on private land. Prescribed burning is the application of fire to the landscape under predictable conditions to safely manage and restore ecosystem health. Controlled burning is a fire ecology application used by conservation experts under specified weather conditions to help restore forest health and manage land and natural ecosystems.
 
Foresters and land managers use prescribed burning to thin overgrowth and mitigate wildfire risk by reducing fuels, such as slash piles, timber litter and overgrowth of brush and grass. Prescribed fire helps to restore wildlife habitat, regenerate plant and tree growth and stop the spread of invasive plants.
Gardening tips

Plant rye grass when daytime temperatures are in the 70s to low 80s and nighttime temperatures are 20 degrees cooler. 

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.
SEPTEMBER
 
Athens: At 4:30 on Thursday, September 20, Neil Sperry will call into the KCKL radio program (95.9 FM) to talk about his upcoming presentation "Facts and Fantasies of Texas Gardening, An Evening with Neil Sperry". The presentation is part of the Henderson County Master Gardener Fall Conference, which will be held two weeks later on Thursday, October 4, at the Athens Country Club. Tickets for the HGMGA Fall Conference are $50 each, including dinner, and are on sale now. A table can be reserved with the purchase of eight tickets. Tickets are expected to sell out, so buy your tickets as soon as possible! The tickets may be purchased at https://hendersonmg.ejoinme.org/fallconference , and assistance is available from a Master Gardener, if needed, for online ticket purchases. A receipt will be emailed immediately after purchase. For those who like to shop, the event will also include a silent auction, with wonderful items donated by local businesses. For more information, contact: Claudia Durham, (214) 507-8583, or Elizabeth Murphy, (719) 649-2320.
 
Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners Green Thumb Series: Roses: Planting, Growing & Upkeep - 6:30-8:30pm, September 20, Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane, Houston. Free. For more information, call (713) 274-0950.
 
San Antonio: Growing Good Kids with the Bexar County Youth Gardens Program will be the topic of the next Bexar County Master Gardener (BCMG) Educational Seminar on Thursday, September 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78230. This seminar is Free and Open to the Public. Ruby Zavala, Youth Gardens Coordinator at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will speak about the innovative program in Bexar County which strives to create an environment to bring together the community in order to educate urban youth about horticulture, staying healthy, developing interpersonal skills and promoting community involvement. Learn some cool, kid friendly, hands-on gardening activities, and learn how to become part of your county's great effort to improve youth education by using outdoor garden classrooms. Since the summer of 2014, Ruby Zavala has served as the Youth Gardens Coordinator for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Bexar County and been certified as a Junior Master Gardener leader. She became a Bexar County Master Gardener in 2015. Ruby facilitates fall and spring Youth Garden Educator Trainings, Summer Junior Master Gardener Adult Leader Trainings, coordinates Summer and Spring break camps, as well as Fall and Spring Learn Grow Eat and Go! programs. For more information, contact the BCMG President: President@bexarmg.org or visit the BCMG website at https://www.bexarmg.org.
 
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners present "Container Gardening," Saturday, September 22, at 10:00 a.m. at theClara Mounce Public Library, Bryan. Container plantings are beautiful and easy using the thriller, spiller, filler planting design. Learn how to do all that at this session. This program is open to the public at no charge.
 
La Marque: "Composting," with Galveston County Master Gardener Jim Gilliam presenting, 9-11 a.m., September 22, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
 
La Marque: "A Passion for Plumeria (Frangipani)," with Galveston County Master Gardener Loretta Osteen presenting, 1-3 p.m., September 22, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.

Nacogdoches: Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host a Saturday Seminar on wildscaping for pollinators from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 22 at the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center. Pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat, but their populations are threatened with serious decline, according to Dawn Stover, SFA Gardens research associate and pollinator plant specialist. During the seminar, Stover will present how to effectively garden to attract pollinators. Participants will learn about the different kinds of native pollinators and other beneficial insects and their roles in the garden. Stover also will explore appropriate plants to use and effective gardening techniques to maximize pollinator participation in the garden. The workshop will include a hands-on opportunity to make pollinator-friendly seed balls and an option to tour pollinator plants in the landscape and nursery at the PNPC. Participation for the garden design seminar is limited, and advanced registration is required. The cost is $25 for SFA Gardens members and $30 for non-members. Call (936) 468-4129, or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu to reserve a seat.

Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners present "Butterflies of the DIG," Tuesday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m., at The Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest, Bryan. See the exquisitely detailed images of photographer Shirley Wilkerson and learn about rare and common butterflies of Brazos County. This program is open to the public at no charge.
 
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners present "Cool-Season Vegetables in B/CS - Leafy Greens," Wednesday, September 26, at noon, at the Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 W, Bryan. It is easy to grow salad and other leafy greens. Get the scoop at this session. This program is open to the public at no charge.

Kemah:  Kemah Gardenkids, A Junior Master Gardener Group, will present its second "Vegetable and Flower Show" Sept. 29, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The Kemah Community Center 800 Harris Avenue (near Hwy 146), Kemah. See youth-grown vegetables, herbs, flowers,crafts and more. For more information, call (281) 334-7529 or visit  www.Kemahgardenkids.org .
 
Arlington: Native Plant Sale hosted by the Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter, Saturday, September 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at River Legacy Park - Elm Grove Pavilion, 701 NE Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. Sale plants have been grown organically from local seed by members. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips. Groomed by Mother Nature to thrive in our climate, native plants have minimal water needs, don't need pesticides or fertilizers, and benefit birds, butterflies and the overall ecosystem. The event raises funds for outreach, including training, education and demonstration gardens. For a list of species with photos, visit  www.txnativeplants.org/plantsale/index.php .
 
La Marque: "T-bud Grafting of Citrus & Fruit Trees," with Galveston County Master Gardener Sue Jeffco presenting, 9-10:30 a.m., September 29, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but class is limited to 24 participants, you MUST pre-register to participate. Others welcome to observe.
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 at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas. The club hosts different speaker each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch! For more information, email Bunny Williams at bunny-williams@sbcglobal.net.
 
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/Odessa: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners meet at noon, the first Wednesday of each month, Alternating between the Midland and Ector County's Extensions Offices. For more information about location, 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. 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.

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.

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 Lind Spivey, Corresponding Secretary at spivey209@hotmail.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@yahoo.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 120 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
 
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.
 
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at the REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. For more information, call 214-824-2448 or visit www.gdogc.org.
  
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/.
 
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Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2018. 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.

 

Missed an issue? Back issues of Texas Gardener's Seeds, beginning with the first issue in April 2006, are available at www.texasgardener.com/newsletters.

 

Publisher: Jay White ● Editor: Michael Bracken 

 

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