Spring Lawn, Landscape, and Garden Soil Testing Campaign

February 1 - 28, 2023

Washington County

The Spring Lawn, Landscape, and Garden Soil Testing Campaign is underway in Washington County and will run February 1 – 28, 2023. This campaign is made possible through the support of the Multi-County Ag Committee and in cooperation with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Soil, Water, and Forage Testing Lab in College Station.  

Soil sample bags and submittal forms for the soil testing campaign are available at three locations including:

• Washington County Extension Service – 1305 East Blue Bell Road in Brenham
• Brenham Produce – 1103 South Market in Brenham
• Plants-‘N-Things – 3900 Highway 36 South in Brenham

All soil samples, campaign only submission forms, and payment must be returned to the Washington County Extension office to receive the discounted pricing. Full payment by check payable to MCAF is due when the samples are submitted to the Extension Office. Extension Office staff will deliver your samples to the testing lab. Sample results will be returned to the County Extension Office and then distributed to submitters via email or regular mail.  

NLO Introduction & Ag/Wildlife Tax Valuation (CEUs)

February 17, 2023

Washington County

The first meeting for the 2023 series will take place on Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility located at 1305 East Blue Bell Road in Brenham. Our initial session will provide an overview of the program, share information for local resources, and provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about the fundamentals of getting started with managing their property.  Representatives from the County Appraisal District Offices in each county will also be on hand for individual county breakout sessions to help answer questions related to Ag/Wildlife Tax Valuation for participants.  This is a great opportunity to network with other new landowners and learn about resources that can be of great assistance to you in establishing an agricultural or wildlife exemption for your property. One CEU (1 Gen) will be available for licensed pesticide applicators. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity! 

Water Quality Program (CEU)

February 17, 2023

Lee County

The Lee County Office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will host a Water Quality for Fisheries Management program on Friday, February 17, from 6 pm to 8 pm, in the Extension office, located at 310 S Grimes, Giddings. Doors will open at 5:45 pm.

Topics that will be discussed include: Water Quality Parameters for Fisheries Management, Clearing Muddy Ponds, Liming Acidic Ponds for Improved Productivity, and Water Quality Lab Testing.

Bring your own water sample to have it tested for alkalinity, with an option to get a full water chemistry analysis from the Aquatic Diagnostic Lab. 

RSVP by Wednesday, February 15, at 3 pm. The program is limited to the first 20 who RSVP.

Geri L. Kline is the County Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, in Lee County. She can be reached at (979)542-2753 or visit the Lee County office at 310 S. Grimes Street in Giddings.

Tomato and Pepper Plant Sale

Orders Due by March 1, 2023

Washington County

Calling all gardening enthusiasts! It’s that time of year again and we wanted you all to be the first to know that the Annual Tomato and Pepper Plant Sale is officially here, and we are ready to take orders. The varieties featured have all been selected by Washington County Horticulture Committee Members and are suitable for our area.

This year the lineup features 13 tomato varieties including one new option. In addition to some new tomato varieties, we will be offering cucumbers as part of the sale! Also included in the selection will be bell peppers, banana peppers, poblano peppers, jalapenos, eggplant, squash, zucchini, and herbs! 

Washington County Extension Office. All orders must be paid for when they are placed. No orders will be accepted without payment. 

Private Applicator Training

March 1, 2023

Washington County

If you plan on using a state limited use or state restricted use pesticide, such as Grazon P+D, 2 4-D, Weedmaster, etc., and need a license, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be sponsoring a Private Applicator Training on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Washington County Extension Office Conference Room, 1305 E Blue Bell Road, Brenham.  Books and study materials for the course need to be purchased ahead of time for $50.00 at the Extension Office.  A registration fee of $10.00 will be charged for the training.  The registration fee will include the training and additional study materials. The training will begin at 8:30am and conclude at approximately 12:30pm. Please reserve your spot for the training as soon as possible; seating is limited.