January 5, 2022
Cedar fever season in Texas
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
Cedar fever season is upon us once again, complete with runny noses, itchy eyes and general misery. But what exactly is cedar fever, and why is it so insufferable this time of year?
 
For starters, cedar fever isn’t a flu or a virus — it is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by mountain cedar trees. In Texas, the predominant species of mountain cedar is the Ashe juniper.
 
“Cedar fever is the worst west of I-35, where you have primarily juniper mixed in with oaks and some other species,” said Jonathan Motsinger, Texas A&M Forest Service Central Texas Operations Department Head. “And because all of those junipers are producing pollen at the same time, you’re going to get a higher concentration of pollen in the air.”
 
This is one of the primary factors contributing to cedar fever — the sheer quantity and density of Ashe junipers in central Texas. According to Karl Flocke, a woodland ecologist for Texas A&M Forest Service, the pollen from Ashe junipers isn’t particularly allergenic or harmful — it’s just so concentrated that, even if you aren’t generally susceptible to allergies, it could still affect you.
 
“There are millions of junipers out there all releasing pollen at the same time,” said Flocke, “you can’t help but breathe it in, and when you do, your body reacts as it would to any perceived threat — it tries to fight it.”
 
Since the pollen is spread by the wind, cedar fever can affect individuals far removed from areas with a high concentration of juniper trees. And the source isn’t limited to Ashe junipers: in more eastern parts of the state, there are also eastern redcedars that pollinate around the same time and can induce a similar response from people’s auto-immune systems.
 
Besides the sheer quantity of pollen released, cedar fever is mostly problematic because of when the pollen is released. Most trees pollinate in the spring when many are expecting to have allergies. Ragweed pollen and mold spores can contribute to allergies in the fall, but very few plants pollinate during the winter. Juniper trees are the exception.
 
These trees typically begin producing pollen in mid-December, often triggered by colder weather or the passage of a Texas cold front. Pollen production reaches its peak in mid-January, before slowly tapering off toward the beginning of March, just in time for oak pollen and other spring allergens to start up.
 
“Immediately before and after a cold front it gets very dry and windy and the pressure changes very rapidly,” said Flocke. “This triggers the opening of pollen cones and the release of the pollen grains. When you see the pollen billowing off a tree that has just ‘popped,’ or opened its cones, it looks very similar to smoke coming from a wildfire.”
 
While this creates for some fascinating imagery, it can also lead to some serious misery. For people new to the central Texas region, or unfamiliar with cedar fever as a whole, it can also lead to confusion since the pollination period of mountain cedar trees is smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season — or a global pandemic. It’s not uncommon for people experiencing cedar fever to mistake their symptoms as a cold or the seasonal flu, especially given the variety of symptoms triggered by cedar fever. These include fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, partial loss of smell and — believe it or not — some people actually do run a slight fever. However, if your fever is higher than 101.5°F, then pollen likely isn’t the cause.
 
There are a few symptoms of cedar fever that are not linked to coronavirus or the flu though, like itchy, watery eyes, blocked nasal passages and sneezing. But there is one symptom that, according to Flocke, should steer you clear.
 
“Typically, mucous from allergies is clear and runny while other infections lead to thicker colored mucous,” Flocke said.
 
You can treat cedar fever by taking allergy medications and antihistamines, but you should consult with your physician or health care professional before taking new medications. You can also try and anticipate the pollen by tuning in to your local news station, many of which will give you the pollen count and can predict when it’s going to be a particular pollen heavy day. On those days, it’s smart to keep windows and doors closed, to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors and to change air conditioning filters in your car and in your home.
 
Removing juniper trees from your property isn’t recommended primarily because the pollen is airborne and — because they often wait to release their pollen until it’s cold, dry and windy — that pollen can blow for miles. It’s also important to note that only male juniper trees release pollen.
 
“The male trees have pollen cones, and the female trees have berry-like cones, which are very inconspicuous, but that’s what is pollenated from the male trees,” said Motsinger.
 
While junipers are notorious for releasing their fever-inducing allergens, they also have immense health benefits. Their berries, for instance, are used to make medicines and oils that can treat a variety of ailments, from an upset stomach to a snake bite. They are also high in nutrition and vitamins, providing a sustainable source of food for wildlife and soil enrichment, and they grow in a terrain that isn’t particularly hospitable to other species of tree. Most importantly, though, they provide the mental, physical and environmental health benefits of trees and forests everywhere.
 
Ultimately, mountain cedars are really only singled out for the unusual time of year in which they pollinate.
 
“Many trees rely on airborne pollination,” explained Flocke. “In other parts of the country folks suffer from pine or elm allergies. Here in the springtime, there is so much oak pollen collecting on surfaces that I have to wash my car’s windshield daily just to see out of it.”
 
While cedar fever might sound and seem particularly hostile, Ashe junipers are really just a species like any other, feeling out the conditions and waiting for the perfect moment to release their pollen in order to set their offspring up for success come springtime.
Squashed to Death
Editor's Note: Gardening news is slow at the beginning of the year, and many gardeners are unable to work in their gardens during winter. We thought you might enjoy a change of pace during this slow season, so following is a gardening-themed short story presented for your enjoyment. — Michael Bracken, editor 

By Charlotte Morganti
 
Blossom City, August 9, 2017
 
In other news, Petal Choufleur died a somewhat violent death yesterday. According to the investigating police officer, Sergeant Milton Courgette, a blunt instrument did the deed. Based on the evidence strewn near her body (being chunks of green squash and a pink-and-white gingham ribbon) he speculated Petal was zonked on the head with a beribboned zucchini. And not your dainty serving-for-one zucchini either. Nope. “That zucchini,” Sergeant Courgette said as he stood on my porch, “would have fed a family of six. For a week.”
 
I believed him because we are in the midst of zucchini season and every gardener in the neighborhood is scrambling to harvest those humble green squash before they become monsters. Which we know will definitely happen if we turn our eyes away from the veggie patch for an instant. I told Courgette as much.
 
“Ahh,” Courgette said, “you grow zucchini, Madame Worthing?” No doubt he was speculating he had found his suspect.
 
“Everyone does,” I said. “This is Blossom City, it’s what you do if you have a vegetable garden. Most of us grow only one zucchini plant—enough to feed ourselves and most of Lithuania. Petal Choufleur outdid us all. Did you look at her garden?”
 
Courgette nodded and blew out a short puff of air. “Bushels of squash back there.”
 
“Uh-huh, you know it. Fifteen plants at least.”
 
He glanced at a spot near my door then, and said, “Did you know you have a zucchini there, with a ribbon tied around it?”
 
Sure enough, tucked next to my door was a mid-sized zuke sporting a pink-and-white gingham ribbon and bow. I picked it up and said, “I expected this. From Petal of course. Last year’s ribbon was green and white. The year before that it was yellow with blue polka dots.” When Courgette stared at me blankly, I went on. “Yesterday, the eighth of August, was Sneak-a-Zucchini-Onto-Your-Neighbor’s-Porch-Day. One of Petal’s favourite days. Or perhaps I should say nights because she did her sneaking after dark.”
 
“She put them on everyone’s porch? Every year?” Courgette said. When I nodded, he asked, “How’d you feel about getting a large zucchini every year?”
 
I shrugged. “It’s not a big deal. To me at any rate.”
 
He took note of that. “Oh, but it was to others?”
 
I didn’t want to tell tales, but he was trying to solve a heinous crime. And it surely was my civic duty to assist. “Rumor has it one person threatened to squash Petal’s head if she ever put another zuke on their doorstep. But it wasn’t a real threat. It was just your normal Blossom City chitchat.”
 
“Who was this person?”
 
“I don’t feel comfortable naming names because I heard it fourth hand.” I shook my head and buttoned my lips but still I couldn’t stop my eyes from sliding away from him to the house directly across the street. Where Ginger Delarue lives.
 
Courgette stared at Ginger’s porch for a long moment before thanking me for my time and continuing his canvass of the neighbourhood. I puttered among the roses in my front garden and watched his progress along the block, across the street and finally to Ginger’s door.
 
When they put Ginger into the back of the police car, I heard her protest. “But Petal never gave me a zucchini this year. I told her not to.”
 
The police confiscated and cataloged all the beribboned zucchini from the neighborhood. Every porch had one. Except for Ginger’s. Sergeant Courgette’s theory is Ginger didn’t have a zuke on her porch because she used it to kill Petal.
 
I wonder.
 
Petal Choufleur loved Sneak-a-Zucchini-Onto-Your-Neighbour’s-Porch Day. She wouldn’t have paid any attention to demands she stop sharing her harvest. Especially from Ginger, our local femme de la rue.
 
Suppose someone was deeply wounded by home-wrecker Ginger and knew about Ginger’s threat to do Petal in? I could name two recent divorcées who qualified. Suppose that person waited patiently for the eighth of August and then snatched Petal’s gaily attired zucchini from Ginger’s porch and smashed Petal’s head with it. A few dozen times.
 
I may give Sergeant Courgette a call. He’s lived here fewer than ten years, much too short a time to gain an accurate understanding of the private lives of our townspeople. Since I have lived here all my life and am attuned to the town’s goings-on, I can provide welcome context to the bare facts.
 
Of course, some of Courgette’s officers may tell him my theory of the crime is too Machiavellian for our little town. But I think he’ll find my suspicions are correct. This is, after all, Blossom City, and things are rarely the way they first appear.
 
I remain
 
Your gentle gardener,
 
Persimmon Worthing
 
Charlotte Morganti (https://charlottemorganti.com) is a Canadian writer of crime fiction (from short to long, cozy to gritty). She lives, writes and grows killer zucchini in a small town on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.
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.
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or rescheduling of many events these past two years. If you wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the presenters in advance to determine if the event has been cancelled or postponed, or if it will take place as scheduled.
JANUARY

Online: Paul Winski, Texas A&M AgriLife Harris County Extension Agent-Horticulture, will discuss "Starting plants from Seeds,"at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 6. This is a free virtual lecture. Registration is required: homegrown2022.eventbrite.com

La Marque: Wedge Grafting, Saturday, January 8, 9:00-11:30 a.m. Master Gardeners Hazel Lampton, Debbie Espinosa, and Herman Auer will discuss the how, when and why of wedge, whip and tongue, and chip bud method grafting. This hands-on program will give you choices to graft stone fruit, pome and evergreen fruit trees. The possibilities are endless when you know how to graft your own fruit trees! NOTE: Class is limited to 20 persons participating. Others may attend for observation only. You must pre-register to attend. Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Register here: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/

Online: "Gardening in Small Spaces" presented by Harris County Master Gardeners, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Monday, January 10. Learn how to best garden in containers and small urban spaces. FREE Virtual Lecture through Houston Community College. Registration required at: hccs.edu/community-learning-workshops

Online: Learning to be Kind to the Earth: An Introduction to Earth-Kind Landscape Design, presented by Denton County Master Gardener Association, 2022 Series 1 Classes, Tuesdays, Jan. 11-March 1, 7:00-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register at dcmga.com, Nov. 15-Dec 28. Topics include Planning & Preparation, Water Conservation, Pest Management, Plant Selection, Soil & Fertilization and Design Basics. Cost: $50 for 8 classes & materials. Series 1 is a prerequisite for the Series 2 Design Application classes.

Online: Besides water, the soil and construction of your rose bed are the second most important items required to grow beautiful roses. January is a perfect time to build a new rose bed or modify and upgrade the nutrients in your existing rose bed. On January 13, Donald Burger will explain how to prepare beds to grow healthy roses. Burger has been practicing law for over 40 years in Texas and is a Master Rosarian and Past President of our Rose Society. He currently grows over 100 varieties of roses. He has provided programs and written articles on many rose gardening topics including irrigation systems, chemical safety, disease resistant roses, and other topics. His website at www.burger.com has a wealth of information about gardening and his other hobbies and interests. Thursday, January 13 for New and Renewed Rose Beds at 7 p.m. To join from your computer, tablet or smart phone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/421776557. New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/421776557.

Tyler: The annual East Texas Fruit, Nut and Vegetable Conference, Friday, January 14, at the Cross Brand Cowboy Church (11915 FM 2015, Tyler) will offer both professional and amateur gardeners tips on blackberries, blueberries, fire ants, native fruits and nuts, pecan grafting, peppers, and tomatoes. Registration will begin at 8 a.m.; followed by the first session at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is provided. Cash, checks, or credit cards will be accepted at onsite registration. Program cost is $25. The program will be held in person only. Pre-registration is required for a lunch headcount. No Texas Department of Agriculture CEUs will be awarded for this event. However, CEs (5 hours) for certified Texas Master Gardeners will be. Topics and speakers include: Growing Tomatoes and Peppers in East Texas, Kim Benton, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Kim is the county horticulturist in Cherokee County, home of the famous “Jacksonville tomato.” Growing Berries in East Texas, Dr. David Creech, Professor Emeritus, Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Creech is the director of SFA Gardens in Nacogdoches and the leading expert on blueberries in Texas. Fire Ant Control, Janet Hurley, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Senior Program Specialist. Janet is an entomologist and contributor to the popular Insects in the City website (citybugs.tamu.edu). Grafting Pecans, Truman Lamb, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Truman is the county agent in agriculture and natural resources for Anderson County and has a lifetime of experience grafting and growing pecans. Native Fruits and Nuts, Greg Grant, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Greg is the county horticulturist in Smith County and is also a past winner of the Lone Star Land Steward Award for his property in Shelby County. This event was organized to meet the growing demand for information about fruit, nut, and vegetable production for home gardeners and commercial growers in East Texas. It’s an opportunity to learn tips from specialists and agents on how to be successful, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to learn more as you grow. The East Region AgriLife Conference and Expo will be held the same day, at the same time, on the same property, so be sure and find your way to the Fruit, Nut, and Vegetable Conference if that is your desire. The Expo on site will be attended by professionals seeking Texas Department of Agriculture CEUs. For more information on either conference or to pre-register, contact the Smith County Extension office at 903-590-2980. The flyers and schedules are posted on the Texas A&M AgriLife-Smith County Facebook page.

La Marque: Planting Fruit Trees, Saturday, January 15, 9:00-11:30 a.m. Master Gardeners Hazel Lampton, Debbie Espinosa, and Herman Auer will present information to help you plant your desired fruit trees to ensure a long, productive life with a well-anchored root system. With over 50 years of combined experience these instructors will show you there is no limit to what your fruit trees can do…you don’t want to miss this program! Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Register here: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/
 
La Marque: FRUIT TREE SELECTIONS, Saturday, January 15, 1:00–3:00 p.m. Master Gardener Robert Marshall will present information on the better, easier to grow fruit trees for Galveston County. Why not benefit from the success of other fruit tree lovers and growers? Rootstock, variety, pollination, and chill hours will be discussed. Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Register here: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/

Online: "Gardening in Small Spaces" presented by Harris County Master Gardeners, 11 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, January 18. Learn how to best garden in containers and small urban spaces. FREE Virtual Lecture with Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation needed: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events/

La Marque: Growing Great Tomatoes, Part 2 of 3, Saturday, January 22, 9:00-11:30 a.m., Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. This is part two of the three-part program on Growing Great Tomatoes by Galveston County Master Gardener Ira Gervais. Gervais reveals his secrets of successful planting and production of great tomatoes. Learn about the various varieties that do well in this area, making your selections, when to transplant your seedlings and various growing techniques. Information on soil requirements, needed nutrients and the temperature ranges for best tomato fruit set will be included. With this knowledge, you can become the tomato king or queen on your street and be challenged by your friends. Register here: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
 
La Marque: Successful Spring Vegetable Gardening, Saturday, January 22, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Master Gardener Kevin Lancon, a vegetable enthusiast with a passion for garden fresh vegetables, will share his knowledge of years of hands-on experience growing vegetables. Topics will include how to plan and plant a vegetable garden, location, and the best varieties for Galveston County. Also included will be pollination, mulching, the effects of full sun and shade on leafy and fruiting vegetables, and garden failures. Register here: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.

Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardener Fruit and Nut Tree Sale, Saturday, January 29, presentation at 8, sale begins at 9 a.m. til noon. Live and in person! The plant catalog is ready and open for viewing at this link: mcmga.square.site/shop. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe, 936-539-7824, mcmga.com

La Marque: Growing Peaches in Galveston County, Saturday, January 29, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Master Gardener Herman Auer, an avid gardener with over 60 years of experience growing stone fruit in Galveston County, will guide you through what it takes to grow peaches. Learn the better variety selections (both white and yellow flesh) for Galveston County, what to look for when buying your peach or other stone fruit tree, and the best planting locations (think drainage). Topics discussed will include chill hours, rootstock, pruning to shape for air flow, production, thinning methods that lead to larger fruit, and diseases & insects. Register here: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
 
La Marque: Garden Bulbs for Galveston County, Saturday, January 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Master Gardeners Fran Brockington & Lisa Davis, bulb enthusiasts, will introduce participants to true bulbs, corms, tubers and rhizomes that can be grown successfully in Galveston County. The history of bulbs, gardening techniques and calendar care will be covered. Come discover the joys of gardening with bulbs both in the garden and in containers. Register here: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
FEBRUARY

McKinney: The Collin County Master Gardeners Association will host a special and informative event this February. “Edible Gardening” will be held on February 5, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Landing at Myers Park & Event Center located at 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. Registration is open and is just $20 per person! To register, visit https://square.link/u/vYPOdQuo. Registration closes February 2. Collin County Master Gardeners and AgriLife personnel, with decades of combined training and expertise, will discuss the specifics of Soil Preparation, Vegetable Gardening in Collin County, and Growing Herbs in North Texas. Additionally, demonstration tables will feature hands-on displays and will be manned by Master Gardeners and local experts knowledgeable in a variety of horticulture related topics, including irrigation, greenhouses, beekeeping and more. Weather permitting attendees may also enjoy a tour of the Vegetable Research and Demonstration Garden. To learn more about the Edible Gardening workshop, visit the CCMGA website www.ccmgatx.org. Seating is limited so registration is required to ensure there will be enough handouts and light refreshments for attendees.

Online: Galveston County Master Gardener Online Spring Plant Sale, Noon, Friday, February 11-noon, Saturday, February 12. Choose from hundreds of plants adapted to the Texas Gulf Coast growing area. We will have a selection of fruit & citrus trees, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet peppers, bulbs, and perennials available for purchase. Browse online starting February 4! Shop noon to noon Feb 11-Feb 12 online & schedule a curbside pick-up time. Visit the Galveston County Master Gardeners’ online store for more details: https://store.galvestonmg.org.
MARCH

Austin: Sunshine Community Gardens Annual Benefit Plant Sale, 4814 Sunshine Dr., Austin, Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m.-noon. Austin's largest community garden will be offering some of your favorite tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, tomatillos and herbs. Then keep looking for the new and unusual varieties that the Plant Sale has offered over the years: ornamentals, natives, perennials, annuals. For more information, visit www.sunshinecommunitygardens.org.

Round Top: Herb Society of America — Pioneer Unit Plant Sale will be held Friday, March 18, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 19, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., on the grounds of the Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jasper Road, Round Top. The sale features a huge selection of herbs, bedding plants and more, plus gift items. For more information visit http://www.herbsocietypioneer.org/events.

Huntsville: Saturday, March 26, Herb Festival at the Wynne Home, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., on the beautiful grounds of the Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 Eleventh St., Huntsville. A huge selection of locally grown herbs, perennials, pollinator and native plants, bulbs, and vegetable plants will be for sale. Speakers, herbal and garden vendors, music, artists, and more round out the day. Visit the historic Wynne Home and its current art exhibition. Sponsored by the Texas Thyme Unit of The Herb Society of America. For more information, call 936-891-5024 or visit texasthymeunit.org.
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.
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 each 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 Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 302 Nolan Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door of the Family Life Building. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.
  
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.
 
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 contactguadalupecounty@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.org 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.
 
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 Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, 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 comalmg.org. 

Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.

Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact Big Country Master Gardeners Association at mgardeners@yahoo.com.

Alvarado: The Alvarado Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month during the months of September through May (excluding December). The meeting time is 1 p.m. and the locations vary for each meeting. The club hosts a different and exciting speaker each month that focuses on enriching the lives of all gardeners. Meetings are free and include a light lunch. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, please contact 817-680-4291. 

Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the third Tuesday of each month,except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.
 
New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at  6:30 pm at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and visitors are welcome. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer.  Note: there will be no meeting in June or December.
 
Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.
 
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
 
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
 
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
 
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.

Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.
 
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 107 Fink Street, Hallettsville. Each month, the club hosts speakers that provide informative programs on a wide range of gardening subjects, and refreshments are provided by member hostesses afterwards. Visitors are welcome! Please email Sharon Harrigan at sharonspetals@gmail.com for more information.
 
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter meets at 6:45 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/houston. 

Mineola: The Fannie Marchman Garden Club meets at the Mineola Civic Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month from September through May. For additional information, find them on Facebook or email FannieMarchmanGardenClub@gmail.com.

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 http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.

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

Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.

Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a garden Open Days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Drop-in tours are permitted but pre-registration is encouraged. Docent led tours are $10 for guests, free for members. For more information, http://peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
 
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. For more information, visit www.gdogc.org. 
Planning Guide & Books of Interest
 
2022 Planning Guide & Calendar
Only $14.95 per copy (includes tax and shipping) 
 
Make gardening easier and more enjoyable in 2022. No more keeping it in your head or, worse yet, juggling all those wrinkled, sweat-stained pieces of paper that seem to accumulate and end up lost. It's time to get organized and the perfect way to start that off is with your very own copy of the 2022 Texas Gardener Planning Guide and Calendar. No more guessing when to plant or do different activities. You will find everything you need in one simple but informative guide and calendar. Plus plenty of room to record your own planting dates, rainfall events and other data for future reference.
Here's a sample of what you will find in this information-packed guide:
  • Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
  • Organic, earth-friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
  • Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
  • Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns
Order today, while it's fresh on your mind. Don't forget to order copies for your gardening friends and relatives!
 

Easy Gardening for Texas
By Joseph G. Masabni

Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)

Gardening in the Lone Star State has unique challenges, but that doesn't mean you can't grow vegetables here. This new book tells what varieties are best, how to handle insect and disease problems, and how to control weeds with a minimum of work, plus detailed growing information on a host of vegetables that do well in Texas. This is the perfect guide for gardeners new to the state as well as those more-experienced gardeners looking for a handy guide of research-tested advice. 220 pages with lots of color photos! Click on this link to order https://texasgardener.com/product/easy-gardening-for-texas/.

Easy Edibles
By Judy Barrett

Only $29.75 (includes tax and shipping)

Eating fresh and eating local has really caught on! Easy Edibles: How to Grow and Enjoy Fresh Food focuses on ways to grow some of your own food without devoting a lot of space, time and work to the project. Barrett also covers how and where to find the bounty offered at local farmers markets, farm stands and pick-your-own operations. This book is the perfect gift or guide for folks new to gardening or those who have limited time and resources but still want to eat fresh! Click on this link to order https://texasgardener.com/product/easy-edibles/.

The Texas Tomato Lover's Handbook
By William D. Adams

Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)

The best thing for tomato enthusiast since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years' experience to provide a complete, step-by-step guide to success in the tomato patch. Learn everything from soil preparation, planting, feeding, caging and watering. Liberally sprinkled with the author's easy humor and illustrated with his own excellent photographs, the must have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Click on this link to order https://texasgardener.com/product/texas-tomato-lovers-handbook/.

And check out these other great books available from Texas Gardener:

Worms Eat My Garbage

Grow Great Vegetables Texas

Wicked Bugs

Wicked Plants

Wicked Plants Coloring Book

A Kid's Guide to Keeping Chickens
Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2022. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. 

Texas Gardener's Seeds has been published each Wednesday since April 26, 2006.
 
Publisher: Jay White ● Editor: Michael Bracken 
 
Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676