June 15, 2022
The Vegetable Garden Enhancement Project was made possible by a USDA grant and the investment of Fort Bend County Master Gardeners. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo courtesy Master Gardeners)
New vegetable garden education center opened June 3 in Rosenberg
By Susan Himes
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service unveiled the Vegetable Garden Enhancement Project at 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg, created by the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners on June 3.
 
“This program was put together to address food deserts and educate both rural and urban citizens and youth on the benefits of locally grown fresh produce and greening of the urban landscape,” said project director Peggy d’Hemecourt, Fort Bend County Master Gardeners.
 
It aims to empower urban communities to use agriculture and conservation as a platform to promote education, sustainability and community as well as helping provide food and environmental benefits, she said.
 
In addition to providing residents in need with food assistance, the garden is used to teach youth and adults about growing food successfully in the home landscape.
 
The Texas Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer program conducted by AgriLife Extension. Throughout the year, Master Gardeners deliver a variety of programs in cooperation with AgriLife Extension.
 
The garden is an applied demonstration of successful food production, and Master Gardeners routinely conduct trials of vegetable varieties.
 
Project goals
 
The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners undertook the project with these objectives in mind:
 
• Enhance learning experiences in a garden setting about natural resources conservation and home food production.
 
• Improve local access to healthy, affordable food by increasing produce donations to a food pantry that benefits low-income residents and seniors.
 
• Conserve water by harvesting rainwater for use in the demonstration garden and teach residents how to replicate it at home.
 
Grant, Master Gardeners funded
 
The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners applied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas for Urban and Rural Conservation grants for the Vegetable Garden Enhancement Project. The four grant components were community gardens, pollinator gardens, high tunnels and rainwater harvesting systems. 
 
The Master Gardeners were awarded a $9,000 grant for projects involving community gardens and rainwater harvesting systems. Those funds, combined with an investment from the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, made the enhancement possible.
 
Unusual circumstances, outstanding effort
 
“Back in March of 2020, just as COVID-19 quarantines had settled upon us all, this grant announcement came to me via Jayla Fry, our Texas Master Gardener program coordinator,” said Boone Holladay, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Fort Bend County.
 
“With little time to prepare prior to the application deadline, I reached out to several of our Master Gardener volunteers here in Fort Bend County, and they were honored to accept the challenge. Now, over two years later, we are wrapping this project up, and we all couldn’t be prouder of what we were able to build, especially within the confines of COVID-19 restrictions.”
Especially in times of drought, every drop counts and rain barrels help to capture this valuable natural resource. (Stock photo)
Beginners guide to harvesting rainwater
By Susan Himes
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

With ongoing droughts across much of the state, rainwater harvesting is something nearly every Texan can do to make the most of the moisture they get.

“Even after the much-needed rainfall we recently received in late May and June, much of Texas is still under varying levels of drought from ‘severe’ to ‘exceptional’,” said Allison Watkins, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist for the Concho Valley.

Many homeowners erroneously think that if they live in an area with little rainfall, it’s not worth trying to catch for use later.

“Infrequent rainfall is exactly the reason to harvest rainwater,” Watkins said.

Rainwater harvesting is one way homeowners can invest in their landscape and continue to garden during drought while also protecting valuable water resources.

“Plants love rainwater and catching when it does come, to use later when it’s hot and dry, will really help plants survive and thrive in a yard or garden,” she said.

What you need

  • A way to collect rain — a roof is ideal.
  • A method to direct the water, such as a rain gutter and downspout.
  • Something to store the water in. The container can be a rain barrel, a food-grade barrel or even a large, clean trash can.
  • A way for water to reach the container — a pipe, pvc tube or rain chain.

What you don’t need

  • A gutter. Determine the lowest point of the roof or the valley where rain would naturally run off.
  • Heavy rain — any amount of moisture that accumulates — will work with gravity to help fill your container.
  • Fancy math skills. We’ll do that for you: For every inch of rain that falls, around 0.62 gallons of water can be captured per square foot of roof. In other words, 1,000 square feet of roof can produce as much as 620 gallons of water for harvest with 1 inch of rain.

Keep in mind

  • This water is “grey water,” which is suitable for watering plants, washing your car or other places, but is not to be consumed by people or pets.
  • If you want a system that will provide drinkable water, that is a more advanced system, and special equipment and expert advice is needed.
  • Your local AgriLife Extension horticulturist or Texas Master Gardeners group can help you get started.
  • Texas A&M AgriLife offers many resources including a rainwater harvesting website and instructions on making a rain barrel on YouTube.

“I’d encourage everyone to utilize the information AgriLife Extension has to offer when getting started harvesting rainwater,” said Watkins. “From keeping your water mosquito-free to making a filter to catch leaves and other debris from entering your system, there are many resources to help make your first foray into rainwater harvesting a success.”
The two extremes of soil moisture farmers face are drought and flood. During floods, soils can be already saturated (from rain) or frozen. New water has nowhere to go but across the land. Flooding influences the water erosion of the soil, by overland flow. Shown here, erosion of a farm field in Nebraska after extreme weather events in early spring. (Photo: John Wilson)
How does soil moisture impact our lives?
Soil Science Society of America
 
Soil moisture is key to understanding the land’s surface and all the activities that occur there, both seen and unseen. The Soil Science Society of America’s (SSSA) April 19 Soils Matter blog explores soil moisture and its impact on agriculture, hydrology, weather, and human health.
 
Agriculture
 
Most people only consider soil moisture when they water their plants indoors. They might also use sprinklers to water their lawn or garden. But soil moisture is the critical component of a productive agricultural system. Crops depend on rain and soil moisture to feed their growth.
 
However, there is an important balance. Crops need enough water to grow, but just the right amount. Too much soil moisture means farmers cannot easily manage their crops. If tractors cannot traverse fields to plant, this is referred to as prevented planting. Likewise, if the combines and harvesters cannot collect the crops at the end of the season, this is called delayed harvest. Both have severe financial impacts.
 
Dryland farming systems use only rainfall and snowmelt for water. In areas with less predictable rainfall, farmers use irrigation. The farmers can control the amount of soil moisture available at any given time, but this comes with the cost to irrigate and the risk to deplete aquifers.
 
Hydrology
 
Soil moisture is considered the water stored in the soil in the “vadose zone.” This is the layer of soil which has a mixture of soil air and water usually ranging from the surface to 1 m (3’) deep, depending on your location.
 
The two extremes of soil moisture status are drought and flood. When the soil moisture falls below the wilting point of the local plants, they start to wilt and die, leading to drought conditions which is less than desirable. Drought conditions can lead to wind erosion, if plant life dies off and leaves the soil exposed.
 
The other extreme is when the soil reaches saturation. Water can start to flow over the surface instead of down into the soil. When this combines with rainfall, flooding can occur. New water has nowhere to go but across the land. Flooding can also occur when water in the soil is frozen. Sometimes flooding occurs when the soil just cannot soak up (infiltrate) heavy rainfalls. Flooding influences the water erosion of the soil, by overland flow.
 
Weather
 
When solar energy hits the soil’s surface, much of the energy is directed toward the heating and evaporation of water and soil moisture. This diversion of energy into water evaporation (much like our sweating) keeps the surface from heating up until all the soil moisture is evaporated. In this way, soil moisture helps maintain a cooler climate.
 
Put another way, soil moisture is the thermostat for the land surface. This influence on the land surface heating means that the amount of soil moisture can have a significant impact on weather systems that are influenced by surface heat.
 
Human Health
 
One of the newer areas of research is the impact of soil moisture on human health. During drought conditions, winds can loosen dust particulates and release them into the air. This lowers air quality, and impacting people with emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma. Fungal spores and molds can also be carried by wind erosion from dry soils, which can lead to other health issues like Valley Fever. Other safety issues can also arise from lack of soil moisture as dust can be a hazard for navigation and visibility for transportation.
 
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 few 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, postponed, has moved online or if it will take place as scheduled.
JUNE

Online: “Sizzling Summer Sale.” Online sale Noon, Friday, June 17, until Noon, Saturday, June 18. Browse online beginning June 10. Curbside pick-ups will be scheduled for June 24. Visit the Galveston County Master Gardener online store for more details: https://store.galvestonmg.org.

Cypress: Ask A Master Gardener at Towne Lake Farmers Market, Saturday, June 18, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 9955 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress. Hands-on children activity.
 
Houston: Genoa Friendship Garden Open Garden Day, Monday, June 20, 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Genoa Friendship Gardens, 1210 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Houston. Tour a variety of planting exhibits and meet and talk with Harris County Master Gardeners.
 
Online: Gardening Open Forum by Harris County Master Gardeners
Tuesday, June 21, 11:00 a.m.-noon. Free Virtual Lecture with Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation needed: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events/.

Richmond: You Give Me Butterflies (Bingo & Beer Night!), June 23, 6-8 p.m. This seminar is in honor of the future work program of Mustard Seed and the #milkweedmovement, covering everything you need to know about butterfly gardening, growing butterfly host and nectar plants, and all of our favorite local butterflies. Former director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center and current Education Coordinator for the Houston Botanic Garden, Erin Mills, will be the guest speaker and bingo caller. This seminar will be in the form of a Butterfly Bingo game with the chance to win lots of exciting prizes, while learning great information to help you create your own butterfly oasis at home. Each ticket purchased will include one ice cold beer (or water). https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-seminar-series-tickets-333697156177.

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners will host Anne Deleon, the nursery manager at the Farm Patch, who will talk about designing an English-style cottage garden in Texas. Ms. Deleon will share her design expertise and her extensive knowledge of plant selections for Brazos County. Tuesday, June 28, at 7:00 p.m. at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Court, Bryan. This event is open to the public at no charge.

Overton: The 29th East Texas Horticultural Field Day will feature more than 350 ornamental plant trial varieties for public viewing on June 30 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton. The center headquarters is about 2 miles north of downtown Overton at 1710 Farm-to-Market Road 3053. For driving directions to the center or the East Farm trial site, go to https://flowers.tamu.edu/field-day/ or call 903-834-6191. This year’s field day will allow in-person attendance from 8:30 a.m. to noon for a free, “open house-style” event, said Erin Smith, Texas A&M AgriLife Research horticulture research associate, Overton. The annual field day started in 1993 to showcase the ornamental trials for commercial seed companies, local nursery managers and gardening enthusiasts. The field day will begin at the center’s Bruce McMillan Jr. East Farm, 2215 Texas Highway 135 E., 2 miles east of Overton from 8:30-11 a.m. The entrance to the ornamental trial field is on County Road 133, just past the East Farm main entrance. There will be signs to guide visitors. Attendees can also visit the demonstration garden and view container plant trial selections at the Overton center until noon. Ornamental plant lovers can expect to see around 350 selections, including potential new releases, being tested under various trial conditions. A wide array of petal and foliage colors and shapes will be on display.
JULY

College Station: The Texas A&M AgriLife STEM Educator Academy, for Youth Educators working with children grades 4th-8th grade, will be held Wednesday, July 6, at the Texas A&M University AgriLife Complex and Texas A&M Leach Teaching Gardens in College Station. This hands-on one-day conference will allow educators to select 2-3 hours STEM sessions including JMG Garden Science, Entomology, Water Science, Robotics and Wildlife/Natural Resources. Activities include classroom instruction and hands on STEM experiments with TAMU Faculty and Extension educators with lessons and experiments to use with children. Citizen Science applications will be incorporated into each of the sessions to enhance integrated global science interactions with others. Educators will receive 8 CPE and TEEAC credit hours for professional development credit. Registration information, agenda, speaker bios, and other conference details can be found at www.jmgkids.us/agrilifestem Attendees will be provided all workshop supplies, curricula for each session, make and take samples, lunch, snacks and beverages. Door prizes will also be offered during the conference.

Richmond: The Romance of Grapes on July 7, 6-8 p.m. Come for a wine tasting, leave as a grape growing expert! AgriLife Extension is bringing in Gulf Coast Viticulture Specialist Fran Pontasch to discuss the differences between wine grapes, table grapes, and muscadine grapes. She will answer your grape-growing questions to help you grow your own vineyard at home. Your ticket purchase will include a complimentary wine tasting. Wander around Enchanted Gardens sipping wine, listening to some relaxing music, and enjoying the sunset! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-seminar-series-tickets-333697156177.

Houston: Learn about rose hybridizing from expert Steve Roussell, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 14. Steve is a member of the Southwest Louisiana Rose Society, Houston Rose Society, and three other local societies, as well as the ARS and Rose Hybridizers Association. He and his wife Carmen have been growing roses for approximately 44 years. Steve started hybridizing in 2010 and successfully turned his rose-growing hobby into a profession. He is interested in creating big roses with fragrance, vigor, disease resistance and either good garden rose or show rose form. Last September, Steve shared his knowledge about rose hybridizing at the ARS National Convention in Milwaukee and has also presented at other rose society meetings across Louisiana and Texas. The meeting will held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., Houston. You can also join from the comfort of your home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone with Go To Meeting: https://meet.goto.com/917509069. New to Go To Meeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install.
 
Richmond: Farm-to-Table @ Home—My Backyard Orchard, July 28, 6-8 p.m. This seminar will be in the style of a casual farm-to-table small-bites dinner. Fruit growing expert and Extension Program Specialist, Dr. Monte Nesbitt will be discussing how to grow your own olive trees, figs, citrus, pears, and berries to help you pick the perfect fruits for your home. The visionary behind @southernhomeandfarm, Rhonda Kaiser will also be attending with pictures of her transformed backyard space and plenty of inspiration to help you achieve the perfect combination of beauty and function. Sample some delicious food as you learn, including a custom creation from the wonderful culinary mind of Scott Chapman, owner of Proud Pie. It's sure to be an evening to remember! There will be 5 tasting stations for you to visit while you explore the nursery and enjoy some great music. Come hungry for tasty food and fruit growing knowledge! Each ticket purchased will also include one beverage of your choice. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-seminar-series-tickets-333697156177
AUGUST

Richmond: Salsa Night on August 18, 6-8 .p.m. Tomato growing expert and Fox Farm representative Andy Chidester will be discussing tips for growing great peppers, tomatoes, and herbs in your fall gardens. Bring your best homemade salsa to enter for prizes (and bragging rights). There will be a salsa tasting along with tasty Mexican food small bites. Following the seminar, Salsa music will be playing to get you moving while you explore the nursery and enjoy a frozen margarita to cool your taste buds! Each ticket purchased includes one beverage of your choice. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-seminar-series-tickets-333697156177
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.

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

Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order 972-338-2233). For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at borderlineart1@gmail.com.
 
Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.
 
Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.

Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., 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 Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John 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 always welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT contact guadalupecounty@npsot.org. Or visit https://npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/
 
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
 
Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.
 
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
 
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
 
Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners. 
 
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
 
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners 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 County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct., Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.
 
Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.
 
Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at khtromza@yahoo.com.
 
San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, except August 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 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