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Lightning Damage on Live Oak Tree

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Lightning damage on oak tree

Bark blown off the “Lightning Tree” by lightning strike.

Lightning is a grand display of nature’s power.

Strong thunderstorms rolled through our area in March 2021.  Afterwards, we suspected one of the mature live oak trees on our property was hit by lightning.  I sent some photos of the tree to Daniel Lewis of the Texas A&M Forest Service. Mr. Lewis confirmed the photos showed a textbook pattern of a lightning strike.  He also assured that most trees recover from lightning strike damage with no problem.

About 30,000,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes hit in the contiguous 48-states of the United States every year. Although lightning does not always strike the highest point around, it usually does so, according to NOAA’s  National Severe Storms Laboratory.  This makes tall trees, particularly on a hilltop or in a pasture, more vulnerable to lightning strikes.

NOAA’s NSSL says a typical lightning flash is about 300 million Volts and about 30,000 Amps. In comparison, household current is 120 Volts and 15 Amps. There is enough energy in a typical flash of lightning to light a 100-watt incandescent light bulb for about three months.  Lightning heats the surrounding air anywhere from 18,000 degrees Fahrenheit to up to 60,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lightning damage on tree

Lightning damage wrapped around the tree.

Lightning traveling down a tree trunk turns water to steam. If it gets under the bark into the surface moisture of the wood, the rapidly expanding steam blasts pieces of bark and branches from the tree, and the wood along the path is often killed. The charge carried by the lightning is then dissipated along the surface of the Earth.  This is explained on the NSSL website Severe Weather 101. The photos in this blog show the blasted pieces of bark from our live oak tree.

There are ways to protect trees of significance or that could endanger human life if struck by lightning.  For more information go to Texas AgriLife Extension Tree Care Kit, Understanding Lightning & Associated Tree Damage.

One conclusion from the study of our lightning-struck tree (we now refer to it as the “Lightning Tree”) is that a mature Texas live oak tree, even jolted by the immense power of a lightning bolt, is mighty indeed.

By Christy Schweikahrdt

2021 Virtual Advanced Training in Rainwater Harvesting

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Rainwater Harvesting

 

 

 

 

Think you know everything about Rainwater Harvesting? Think again! and then sign up for the online 2021 MG Advanced Training in Rainwater Harvesting. Most sessions will be led by Dr. Dotty Woodson, retired Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Water Specialist. Those that have had classes with Dotty know she is an excellent speaker and a super educator. Sign up for the class and learn new things about Rainwater Harvesting from Dr. Dotty Woodson.

The Master Gardener 2021 Rainwater Harvesting Advanced Training Class is being offered to certified Master Gardeners only by Tarrant County Master Gardeners. The training will be an online event on three consecutive Fridays in May, meaning participants can remain at home (living more cheaply than being on the road) and still obtain excellent Rainwater Harvesting training. Remaining at home is also good for spring gardens!

Three consecutive Fridays – May 7, 14, & 21, 2021
Virtual Presentation hosted by the Tarrant County Master Gardener Association

Tuition is $125.00

Registration  Deadline April 30, 2021
Click for Registration Information

AgriLife logo

Texas Master Gardener Association Virtual 2021 Conference

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TMGA Virtual Conference May 18-19, 2021

The 2021 Virtual Texas Master Gardener Conference is open for registration!

The 2021 Texas Master Gardener State Conference will be held virtually this year on May 18-19, 2021. The leadership workshop will be on May 17, 2021.

Join a virtual walk-through of Texas gardens and an amazing line-up of inspirational speakers ready to share their favorite topics in horticulture.

See the Agenda & speaker’s bios

The conference offers continuing education hours for Master Gardeners including three keynote presentations, twenty-four breakout sessions, and four virtual tours.

The conference is also time to celebrate the Search for Excellence Awards and the incredible achievements our volunteers are accomplishing in education across the state.

Please visit https://txmg.org/2021-virtual-conference to learn more and to register for the conference.

This is a unique opportunity to hear from many of our AgriLife Extension Horticulturists and Specialists as well as many public experts.

Some things you can expect at this year’s conference:

  • Skilled speakers
  • Leadership training (additional half day at minimal cost)
  • Virtual Tours
  • Awards Ceremony
  • Directors meeting
  • Agents meeting
  • Conference t-shirt option

Master Gardener General Conference     $50.00
Master Gardener Leadership Workshop $25.00

We look forward to hosting this virtual conference. Because of the virtual aspect, diligent explanation has gone into the registration and participation process. Please carefully read all correspondence associated with the conference so that you have a positive virtual experience. If you have any questions, please contact txmastergardeners21@gmail.com.

2021 Plant Sale in Sealy at Levine Park

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Need to replace plants after this year’s winter blast?

 The Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association’s 18th Annual Plant Sale is Saturday, April 10, 2021, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

New location:  Levine Park Pavilion, 410 Main Street, Sealy, across the street from city hall.

Plants for sale include roses, “Texas Superstar” plants, “Texas Native” plants, “Earth Kind” plants, succulents, butterfly friendly plants, ground covers, herbs, bushes, and a few surprises – something for everyone.  There will also be rain barrels, planters and other garden items.

All plants are locally sourced to insure they are climatized for this area. Master Gardeners will be on hand to help you find that special plant and give you guidance for its care.  Master Gardeners’ knowledge and passion for each plant will inspire you!

Proceeds from the sale help Bluebonnet Master Gardeners support the four counties (Austin, Colorado, Fayette, and Washington) with college scholarships, community gardens, free-to-the-public “Lunch & Learns”, and other local activities.  This is a sales-tax free sale.

More information:  https://txmg.org/bluebonnet

 

Plant Sale Flyer

Pollinator Citizen Science Project Opens Again March 22, 2021

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Logo with butterflyMaster Volunteers, a group that includes Master Gardeners, contributed 7434 observations to the Pollinator Citizen Science Project according to the last updated summary on December 21, 2020.  Based on data collected in the project so far, the most visited plant by honey bees was Melochia tomentosa, also known as Teabush or Pyramid Bush.  For more information about this Texas native pollinator plant, visit the USDA Plant Database or the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center website 

photo of teabusy

Melochia tomentosa, also known as Teabush or Pyramid Bush

The purpose of the project is to use citizen scientists to determine the attractiveness of different commercially available ornamentals (annuals or perennials) to different groups of pollinators in the Southern USA, namely Texas and Oklahoma.

Due to popular demand and great results from 2020 and 2019, Pollinator Citizen Science Project is launching yet again this year.  The required training and quiz start online on-demand Monday March 22, 2021, accessible through the project page. The training will be similar to last year, with some added training on plant identification (offered by Dr. Vikram Baliga from Texas Tech University).  There will also be a live Q&A session later that week to answer any questions citizen scientists may have related to the project.

As before, BMGA members may recieve CEU credit for the training and volunteer hour credit for the time collecting and submitting data to the project.  This is a true citizen science project allowing ordinary citizens to make a  contribution that matters to the horticulture of our state.

When: Mar 25, 2021 02:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada) 
https://agrilife.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqc-2rqzkvGdfxKLO8vgAuj9ulTtgO3FiL

Results for  2020
Result for 2019

Many congratulations to the Project Team:

 

Online Event: The Unexpected Health Benefits of Gardening

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Unexpected Health Benefits Flyer

Planting flowers and vegetables can result in beautiful bouquets and bountiful harvests for your meals. But did you know that gardening offers many health benefits as well? Join Jennifer Shukaitis, MPH, FCHS Educator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension from the State Office to learn how gardening may benefit the well-being of you and your family members.  See registration link below:

When: March 31, 2021 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Central Time

BMGA CEU: 1 hour

Register for the Event Here

Presenter: Jennifer Shukaitis, Family & Community Health Sciences Educator III (Eqv. to Asst. Professor), Dept. of Family and Community Health Sciences

 

 

Plant Picturepages by Aggie Horticulture

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LogoSometimes, the answer is just knowing where to look;  and someitimes, a picutre is just what you need to answer the question.   With the help of many collaborators, Aggie Horticulture assembled a few theme-oriented searchable databases for use in their classes and for the public to use and enjoy.  If you have not checked out Aggie Horticulture’s Plant Picturepages, the link is below.  Find the information you need in pictures or just enjoy the many horticulature related sites and photos.

Plant Picturepages

Ask an Expert is now Ask Extension

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Question Mark image

Ask an Expert is now Ask Extension.  This service offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions from across the United States.  Before posting a new question, you may also search previously answered questions in the Knowledgebase catalogue.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR EXTENSION EXPERTS?

Ask A Question

Search the Knowledgebase

Frozen Plants? Aggie Horticulture Facebook Live Events

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Logo

Texas A&M  Extension Horticulture faculty are using their weekly Facebook live events and one additional event to talk about the freeze and what to expect with plants. The schedule will be as follows:

Wednesday 1:00 p.m. Ornamentals & Vegetables

Friday 1:00 p.m. Fruit

Friday 4:00 p.m. Turf

These events can be found on Facebook on the Aggie Horticulture page and will be useful information for Master Gardeners and the public.  All events are free and open to the public.

Protecting Landscapes & Horticulture Crops from Frosts & Freezes

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As temperatures drop below freezing in our area, gardeners may need to take action to protect their plants and landscapes.  Luckily, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Monte Nesbitt and Robert “Skip” Richter give advice on protecting landscapes and horticultural crops from frosts and freezes.  For the full version of this paper (9 pages) please click this link:  Protecting Landscapes and Horticulture Crops from Frosts and Freezes

protecting horticultural crops from freezes

Online Homeowner Landscaping Programs in February

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The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Travis County Master Gardeners will host two free webinars designed to help attendees create and implement their own home landscaping master plan. Creating a landscape master plan is an important step if you are installing or redoing your garden. Planning helps you identify the unique characteristics and requirements for your particular garden. Additionally, good planning has other benefits like cost and time savings.  Travis County Master Gardener Sandy Stone will present both webinars.

Homeowner Landscaping Plans: Site Documentation and Analysis
February 19, 2021
10:00 a.m.

Homeowner Landscaping Plans: Design, Implementation and Construction
February 26, 2021
10:00 a.m.

Although focused on Travis County gardening, gardeners in the BMGA counties may also find the information instructional.  BMGA Master Gardeners may earn CEU credits for attending the live presentation or watching the recorded sessions.

Sandy Stone, Travis Master Gardener. Photo from Travis County AgriLife Extension Website.

These webinars are limited of 100 attendees, but an unlimited number of people can register and see a recording of the program. Only registrants can access the live session or the program recording. You can submit questions ahead of time by clicking this link or during the webinar and get answers live as time allows. Afterward, questions that don’t make it to the webinar will receive emailed answers.

You may find more information on the Lawn & Garden sections of AgriLife Today as well as the Travis County AgriLife Extension website.

 

 

Washington County Spring Lawn, Landscape, and Garden Soil Testing Campaign 

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The Spring Lawn, Landscape, and Garden Soil Testing Campaign is underway in Washington County and will run January 25 – February 26. 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.  Link to Event Page

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

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

All soil samples, 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.

Soil Campaign

This Soil Testing Campaign offers homeowners and gardeners the opportunity to have their soil tested to determine its current fertility and receive a recommendation to improve the fertility required to maintain and produce the best possible outcome for their garden, lawn, or landscape.  This campaign is only intended for soil analysis on non-agricultural land; only samples from lawns, landscapes, and gardens will be accepted.

The cost for a routine analysis will be $8.00 and a routine analysis with micronutrients will cost $15.00.

In exchange for the reduced testing cost, some information regarding your management practices will be asked on the soil testing form.  The information you will be asked to provide includes the last time the area was fertilized, a description of previously used fertilizers, and whether or not the soil has been sampled in the past.

If you have any questions concerning the Spring Lawn, Landscape, and Garden Soil Testing Campaign, please contact the Washington County Extension office at (979) 277-6212 ext.2.

You Make a Life by What You Give

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“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare

Texas Master Gardener Logo

Master Gardeners have a gift.  The purpose of our organization is to give that gift to others by teaching them about gardening.

What do Ernest Hemingway, Benjamin Franklin & Agatha Christie have in common?  They were all volunteers during hard times!  Hemingway was a volunteer ambulance driver for the Red Cross in Italy during World War I.  Benjamin Franklin was a member of a voluntary fire brigade in Philadelphia.  Agatha Christie was a volunteer nurse during World War I.

The year 2020 was full of hard times for so many in serious tragic ways.  Volunteerism overall dropped and many chartable and non-profit organizations struggled to carry out their non-profit and charitable purpose in 2020 and continue to struggle in 2021.  Some ask:  Can a little Master Gardener organization make a difference now, especially since our meetings are on online and so volunteers and members of the public must avoid gatherings?

The answer is yes! Master Gardeners can, and are, making a difference.  In 2020, scores of Americans, many who never put their hands in the dirt to plant a seed before, decided to try gardening to secure a healthier and reliable food source for their family.  Some, with “cabin fever” during stay-at-home order times, found gardening as a way to get outdoors and relieve anxiety.  Unfortunately, many of these gardens failed due to a lack of knowledge about the basics of soil preparation, the varieties to plant, how to irrigate, fertilization, pests, and other problems.  Many abandoned their pandemic Victory Garden, but others will stick with it.  Master Gardeners, even if for now volunteering online or in small groups outdoors, can assist these new gardeners and help turn them into passionate gardeners.

We can do this with sponsoring online education, plant and tree sales with planting and care advice, and planning for the future.  Planning for when we can work with kids in school gardens, operate our popular summer Kids Kamp and all get together again for other activities.  But these things, like plants in the garden, need tending now if we want them to grow and be beautiful in the future.

Charelen Koehler teaching class

Charlene volunteer teaching at Sealy High School

It is important to recognize volunteers for their selfless hard work.  However, volunteering is about more than logging hours worked, certificates of achievement or accolades.  As an example, Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association members Charlene and B.R. Koehler exemplify the true volunteer spirit.  In 2020, despite the pandemic and her own personal challenges, Charlene logged 350 volunteer hours for BMGA, and those are just the hours she took the time to enter into the system!  Charlene and B.R. also volunteer long hours with other organizations giving of themselves to their community in multiple ways. When asked why she and B.R. volunteer, Charlene said, “Volunteering is all about sharing one’s time and talents.  It is an opportunity to learn and work alongside like-minded people who share the same interests and goals.  B.R. and I believe in helping others, our community and ourselves by learning and passing on the knowledge to others.”  That is the true spirit and heart of a volunteer.

Without volunteers, many educational, health care and humanitarian needs would go unfulfilled.  Volunteers make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Did you know that altruistic volunteerism also provides important benefits to the volunteer?  Researchers know that volunteering benefits the volunteer by boosting the volunteer’s positive feeling, known as the “Helpers High.”  According to the Mayo Clinic website, research shows that volunteering offers health benefits, especially for older adults, such as:

  1. Volunteering decreases the risk of depression.
  2. Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.
  3. Volunteering helps people stay physically and mentally active.
  4. Volunteering may reduce stress levels.
  5. Volunteering may help you live longer.
  6. Volunteering helps you meet others and develop new relationships.

According to Harvard Health Blog (citing Health Psychology of the American Psychological Association) psychologists “found that participants who volunteered with some regularity lived longer, but only if their intentions were truly altruistic. In other words, they had to be volunteering to help others—not to make themselves feel better.”

In 2021, Bluebonnet Master Gardeners can make a difference in their communities by volunteering and, perhaps, live longer and healthier for it.

“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”
—Winston Churchill.

Frost/Freeze Protection in Small Raised Beds

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By Paula K. Trahan, BMGA Master Gardener

As our Texas fall has turned into a real winter including snow in Bluebonnet Master Gardener’s four counties, we are all seeking to protect our precious plants we put into the soil in September and October.  Depending on the size of garden you have, there are options to shield your investment and not lose much, if any, plant stock.

In past seasons, I have not been vigilant in covering my small, raised beds and just taken my chances.  This stance has cost money (losing future production and plant material) as well as extra work (all the wilted plants are a mess!).   Social distancing has given me time to design a frost/freeze protection system that can be deployed easily and removed for use this year and next.  With an up-front cash outlay of less than $100.00, the coverage is approximately 160 sf (two raised beds, 4×20 feet each).

The structure consists of several 1/2” pvc pipes, 10’ long.  Each pipe is bent in an arch across the raised bed and tucked inside along the raised portion of the bed’s 2×10’s.  The interval is about 4’ apart. With a bed width of 4’, this arch is around 4’ high giving plenty of height for your growing plants. As the bones of the system doesn’t interfere with the garden itself, you can leave these in place until the danger of frost is gone in spring.

Planket installed over raised bed for the recent freeze in Cat Spring, Austin County.

Planket installed over raised bed for the recent freeze in Cat Spring, Austin County.

 

The product to cover and protect was readily available at a local do it yourself store.  The brand purchased was Planket.  It comes in various sizes and variations such as round and rectangular.  The application for my garden needed 2 packages of 10×20’.  These were cut in half resulting in four 5×20’ pieces. This was easier for one person to handle when installing, especially on a windy day.  Each piece was laid lengthwise across the skeleton of pvc pipes then clipped together with colorful binder clips and then attached to the pipes themselves with small plastic clamps.

 

Clips holding the fabric on to the pvc skeleton.

Clips holding the fabric on to the pvc skeleton.

The clamps are perfectly sized, and the fabric doesn’t blow apart or in the case of recent sleet and frozen precipitation, it won’t sag and touch the plant material inside.

With our unpredictable weather it may be necessary to remove after only one or two days.  It is quite simple to take the Planket off and store for the next frost warning.  Just unclip all the fabric, lay it out lengthwise on the grass and roll each piece onto the cardboard tubes in which they were purchased.  Rolling them at a two-foot width allows for storage in a plastic tub along with the binder clips and clamps.  Plus, storing them in a roll makes for trouble free use in the future.

 

After several hours of freezing weather, the brussel sprout leaves are unfazed. Very easy to check on the status of your plants by just unclipping at various places.

After several hours of freezing weather, the brussel sprout leaves are unfazed. Very easy to check on the status of your plants by just unclipping at various places.

Brussel sprouts looking good. Ready to harvest soon.

Brussel sprouts looking good. Ready to harvest soon.

 

Broccoli plants are still producing from side shoots, so we are protecting them.

Broccoli plants are still producing from side shoots, so we are protecting them.

As it is early January, you can still get a couple of months use out of a system such as this.  Considering the cost of plant loss and replanting, it can still be cost efficient for your garden. We all remember those late Easter freezes and now you won’t be caught off guard! For more information on larger garden frost protection, please consult your local BMGA Master Gardener.

Tomato & Pepper Plant Sale – Spring 2021

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Photo of Tomatoes

Washington County Horticulture Committee Tomato & Pepper Plant Sale – Now Accepting Orders

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 basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley as part of the sale!  Also included in the selection will be bell peppers, banana peppers, poblano peppers, jalapenos, eggplant, squash, and zucchini!  A brief description of each tomato variety is included on the back of the flyer; we have put some basic information together to help you make the best decision!

If the great selection and confidence in the proper varieties for our area is not enough, we are also offering these plants at $2.50 per pack!  Plus, all proceeds from this sale benefit the youth of Washington County through the annual AgriLife Extension – Horticulture Committee Scholarship Program.  Each year the Horticulture Committee works to identify graduating seniors pursuing a degree in agriculture who are deserving of a scholarship and will award these scholarships in May at their school assemblies.

Order forms are available online at https://washington.agrilife.org/plantsale or at the Washington County Extension Office.  All orders must be paid for when they are placed, and no orders will be accepted without payment.  For more information on the Tomato and Pepper Plant Sale please call the Extension Office at (979) 277-6212.

Orders are due by March 12th!  – Don’t delay, order today!

Pick-Up will be on Tuesday, March, 23 from 10:00am-5:30pm at the

Washington County Expo Sales Facility in Brenham!

 

 

Online Horticulture Learning Could Never be Easier

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LogoSo many online horticulture learning opportunities you don’t know where to start?  This guide can get you started learning from horticulture experts.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recorded many of their programs for viewing on your own schedule.  These recorded presentations are free to the public.

Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association members may claim Continuing Education Units (CEU) for these all AgriLife programs that pertain to gardening and horticulture; live or recorded.  Just watch the presentation and record your time as CEU.  BMGA members, remember to get your CEU credits recorded by December 31, 2020 to apply those hours to your re-certification requirement.  For 2020, you need 6 CEU credits.

Below are links to some of these programs to start learning from our Aggie experts.

Gulf Coast Gardening Online Series
There are 22 videos for more than 24 hours of learning. Topics include:

Young Tree Care – Video  #5
Earth Kind Pest Disease & Weed Control – Video #10
Texas Superstar Plants – Video #19

Horticulture & Gardening Webinar Series with David Rodriguez, County Extension Horticulture Agent, Bexar County
There are currently 17 of these recorded sessions for more than 13 hours of education. Topics include:

Getting Your Lawn and Landscape Ready for Summer Heat – Video #9
Tomato Basics 101 – Video #13
Butterfly Gardening – Nectar Plants – Video #5

Aggie Horticulture Facebook Live Recordings
There are 55 horticulture recorded events. Wow!  You do not need a Facebook account to watch.  Topics include:

Homeowner Greenhouses- Video #41
Transitioning to a Fall Garden, Two Parts – Video #40 & #45
Toys for Vegetable Gardening – Video #50
Fall Blooming Flowers & Biennials Planted in Fall – Video #51
Growing Blueberries in Containers – Video 18

 

2021 Master Gardener Training Class Announced

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Training classes begin January 12th and will be held every Tuesday through April 27th at the Weimar Civic Center at 1754 I-10 in Weimar from 9:00 am-1:00 pm.  Final assessment will be held on April 20th, with graduation held on April 27th. Applications are available at the Colorado County Extension Office or online at https://txmg.org/bluebonnet/ . Class size will be limited, so to ensure your spot in the 2021 BMGA Training Class the application and payment of $175 must be turned into the Extension Office as soon as possible.

The updated training manual published in 2020 by the Texas Master Gardener Association and horticulture specialists at Texas A&M is included in the registration fee.

Register Button

For more information, call the Colorado County AgriLife Extension office at  (979) 732-2082.

A History of the Sens Activity Center Demonstration Garden

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 A History of the Sens Activity Center Bluebonnet Master Gardener Demonstration Garden 

 By Faye Beery, Master Gardener
Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association

Sens Garden produce

Sens Garden produce

The original garden was started by then Master Gardener Judy Mead in 2001.  It was a program started with the Boys and Girls club at the old Bellville High School. Due to planned construction, around 2003, the garden was moved to the jail with the help from then Sheriff Dewayne Burger, and was called the Jail Garden. Members decided that a more appropriate name would be the Chesley garden when the garden was moved from behind the jail to beside the jail on Chesley street. Ed Linseisen, Larry Miller, Harry DeFoy, and Marvin Schindler, along with other members, were instrumental in getting the garden established.

The garden remained at the Chesley street location until 2015. Many interns earned their hours there as well as learning about vegetable gardening from Master Gardeners. Vegetables were given to the food pantry; some were sold to the Farmer’s market and some brought to meetings for sale to the members. Some were given to the inmates for use in the jail kitchen. Many hours of friendship were forged working in the beds and learning from one another about vegetable gardening.

In 2015, Sheriff Brandes announced that the sheriff’s office would be constructing a new building where the garden was located and asked that the garden be moved.   The board of directors at Sens Activity Center had contacted me for help with the landscaping at the Center.  The Center had adequate land for a garden and access to water, which was not included in other sites that had been explored for a garden. In December of 2015, Garry Kroeger submitted a proposal to the City of Bellville to use the Sens Center land for a new Master Gardener demonstration garden. In return, the Master Gardeners would care for the flower beds around the Center. The city agreed to provide the necessary water and parking space. In 2016, Garry and a team of Master Gardeners and community help moved all the bedding materials and the shed to the Sens Activity Center.

Garden under construction

Garden under construction

Many hours of hard work went into plowing the land and establishing the beds. The first year, deer and rabbit, and probably other small animals also found the garden rewarding. Unfortunately, some vandalism also occurred, and it was decided that a fence would be built around the garden. This provided security for the garden, and no further crops were lost to marauders. Garry Kroeger had been instrumental in finding a good site for the garden and had also done much of the work including using his own tractor to plow the land, and has spent many hours working to see that the garden is as productive as possible.

Garry's Garden Sign

Garry’s Garden sign

The Master Gardeners decided to name it Garry’s Garden, and Elery Kimes, also a Master Gardener, made the sign to put on the fence in his honor. Pete Smith has also been instrumental in working the garden, and fortunately lives in the subdivision, giving him easy access to working there. Pete has been managing and directing efforts to pick and prepare vegetables to be sold at the Farmer’s Market on the square in Bellville.

The garden has been extremely prolific under Garry’s and Pete’s direction. It is still giving interns and Master Gardeners opportunities to work for their hours and to develop friendships and knowledge. Usually, around 5 to 7 people work the garden each Wednesday starting around 7:00 to 8:00 am.  In 2018, 1,208 lbs. of vegetables were harvested from the garden. Some were sold, some were given to the food pantry, some were taken to meetings, some were taken home by those who worked there. In 2019, 1,505 lbs. were harvested from the garden. Vegetables included beans, peas, corn, blackberries onions, chard, cucumbers, okra, eggplant, cabbage, turnups, carrots, broccoli, squash, potatoes, peppers, bell and jalapenos, cantaloupes and some herbs.

Volunteers weighing produce

Volunteers weighting produce

Pete Smith working the okra

Pete Smith working in the okra

Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the garden. Hopefully, we can have some sort of a celebration and educational activity to let everyone know about the history and successes of the garden. Everyone is welcome to come and work with us in showing what can be done to raise your own produce and lessening dependence on outside sources. Not only does local produce taste better and is better for you, but it reduces transportation costs and reduces waste.

Hope to see you there!

Fall 2020 Fruit Tree Sale – Order Online

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Peach Tree

UPDATE:  Orders Open to October 9, 2020
Order Button

The Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association will kick-off its Fall 2020 Fruit Tree sale on September 28.  Revisit this page to order and for updated information. In the meantime, review the tree list and plan your order!

 

Only varieties suitable for growing in the Austin, Colorado, Fayette and Washington Counties are offered. Orders accepted from September 28, 2020 to October 9, 2020.

Pick-up: Buyer must pick-up trees between 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2020 at one of the following locations, chosen when the order is placed:

Note Pick-up Locations

Austin County                       Colorado County
Koehler Ranch                       Colorado County Extension Office
1333 Downey Rd.                   316 Spring Street
Sealy, TX 77474                     Columbus, Texas 78934

Fayette County                    Washington County
AgriLife Building                   Washington County Fairgrounds-VIP Building
255 Svoboda Ln                   1305 E. Blue Bell Rd
La Grange, TX 78945           Brenham, TX 77833-2436

Figs

Everything listed will grow well in our area however, lemons must be protected from frost and freezing weather. Figs and citrus have to be protected when they are young.

Please note that the Chocolate Persimmon isn’t really chocolate. It just has brown stripes on the orange fruit.

Available Trees & Prices –  3 Gallon Containers
Availability may be limited

  1. APPLE – FUJI   $24
  2. AVOCADO – LILA  $58
  3. AVOCADO – PANCHO  $58
  4. BLUEBERRY – CLIMAX   $22
  5. BLUEBERRY – PREMIER  $22
  6. BLUEBERRY – TIFBLUE   $22
  7. DWARF IMPROVED MEYER LEMON  $58
  8. DWARF KEY LIME   $58
  9. DWARF PERSIAN LIME   $58
  10. DWARF ORANGE NAVAL N-33   $58
  11. FIG – CELESTE   $24
  12. FIG – TEXAS EVERBEARING   $24
  13. GINGER – CULINARY   $24
  14. GOJI BERRY   $24
  15. LEMON – IMPROVED MEYER   $44
  16. LEMON – LEMONADE   $44
  17. LOQUAT   $24
  18. ORANGE – VALENCIA RHODE RED   $44
  19. PEACH – FLORIDAKING   $32
  20. PEACH – LA FELICIANA   $32
  21. PEAR – SHINSEKO   $32
  22. PERSIMMON – GIANT FUYU   $38
  23. PERSIMMON – CHOCOLATE   $38
  24. POMEGRANITE – SALAVATSKI   $38
  25. PUMMELO – CHANDLER   $44
  26. SATSUMA – MIHO   $44
  27. SATSUMA – OWARI FROST   $44

Variety Descriptions

Apple, Fuji– 400 – 600 chill hours, yellow-green skin with red stripes. Ripens in early fall. More tasty than the red Fuji.  Allow to ripen on the tree.

Avocado, Lula – Green skinned medium sized fruit. Ripens in late October-January. Hardy to about 24 degrees. Full sun

Avocado, Pancho – Originated as a seedling at Stuart Place, TX.  The fruit is oval to slightly pear shaped and is light green in color with a very thin skin.  Medium sized fruit.  Cold hardy to mid teens, ripens Aug – September.

Berry, Goji- Nutritional and Medical benefits. Super food high in antioxidants. Known to promote longevity

Blueberry, Climax – rabbiteye blueberry, which is early ripening. Most of the fruit ripens in a short period of time. The crop load is moderate to high.  310-420 Chill hours. Requires a pollinator.

Blueberry, Premiere – This variety is an early season rabbiteye variety, that produces fruit of excellent color, size and flavor. The bushes are vigorous and productive, and have been suited to mechanical harvesting. 310-420 chill hours. Requires a pollinator.

Blueberry, TifBlue – is the most universally outstanding rabbiteye blueberry grown to date. The fruits are large, light blue and ripen late in the season. The bush is vigorous and very productive. Tifblue is more cold hardy than most rabbiteye blueberries varieties. 350-400 chill hours. Self fruitful

Fig, Celeste – medium sized sweet fruit, ripens in July. Requires lots of water with good drainage

Fig, Texas Everbearing (Brown Turkey) – medium sized fruit that is nearly seedless, mild sweet flavor

Ginger, Zingiber “Baby Ginger”–  Great selection of yellow edible ginger, tender with mild flavor, does not need to be peeled.

Loquat, Japanese Plum – Evergreen tree. Tangy and sweet fruit. Can get 20-30 feet tall. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Mulberry, Dwarf Everbearing- Sweet medium sized berry, Produces continuously in warm bright conditions, strengthens immune system, great for eyesight.

Peach, Flordaking – High quality, early season peach, large semi-freestone sweet fruit, 450 chill hours or less

Peach, La Feliciana- Heavy bearer of high quality fruit. Firm and flavorful. Yellow fleshed freestone. 550-600 chill hours.

Pear, Shinseiki– juicy, sweet crisp Asian pear with bright yellow-skin. 12 – 16’. Vigorous and heavy bearing.  Cold Hardy, self fruitful best with pollinator. Resistant to fire blight.

Persimmon, Chocolate – Large fruit, delicious flavor, has chocolate brown stripes on orange skin. Ripens in September. Acorn shaped.

Persimmon, Giant Fuyu – Orange fruit is larger than the regular Fuyu and just as good. Ripens in October and November. Non-astringent, crisp and sweet.

Pomegranate, Salavatski –  6 – 8’ tall, heavy producer, slightly dwarf, fruit has hard seeds with sweet tart juice, self fruitful. Produces bright orange flowers edible over an extended time. Cold Hardy.

Citrus

Lemon, Improved Meyer – sweet and tangy, medium size fruit, thin yellow skin, very juicy. Least cold sensitive of all the lemons, but still needs to be protected from freeze.

Lemon, New Zealand Lemonade – delicious, sweet lemon hybrid with few seeds, very productive, very large fruit

Orange, Valencia Rhode Red – great for juicing, harvest between March & June. Only variety of orange in season during summer.

Pummelo, Chandler – large tree, dark green winged leaves, very large fruit, flesh is pink & sweet. Ripens in November

Satsuma, Miho  – cold hardy, medium to large fruit, seedless, good flavor. Ripens in September and October.

Satsuma, Owari Frost –  very cold hardy, medium sized sweet, seedless fruit, keeps well on the tree, ripens in early October

Dwarf Varieties

Dwarf Varieties are 30 to 40% smaller than standard trees which make them easier to grow in pots and to protect from the cold. They do well in a garden setting, have standard size fruit and are easier to pick.

Dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon – compact tree, medium size fruit, thin yellow skin, very juicy. Least cold sensitive of all the lemons, but still needs to be protected from freeze.

Dwarf Key Lime  – Extremely cold sensitive, small tangy fruit, tasty

Dwarf  Lime, Persian – dark foliage, medium-large fruit with delicious juicy flavor.

Dwarf Orange, Navel N-33 – fruit has thick orange rind, rich flavor, juicy & seedless

Live Lunch and Learn Gardening Series – September 2020

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Lunch & Learn

Live Lunch and Learn Gardening Series – September 2020

Join Horticulturist David Rodriguez and Entomologist Molly Keck for their Live Lunch and Learn Gardening Webinar Series.  Learn about your landscape and vegetable gardening.   To join, click link below and put in the meeting id and passcode at the date and time of the presentation.
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central Time

Click Here to Join

Meeting ID: 990 2593 9574
Passcode: Garden2020

September 16: Where do Insects Go When it Rains?
September 23: September is Butterfly Month!
September 30: Dragonfly Watching

 

9th Annual Texas Fruit Conference – Online

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Figs

Texas AgriLife Extension announced today that The 9th Annual Texas Fruit Conference on September 21st and 22nd will be held On-line, rather than in person.   The program is committed to providing an easily-accessible, Online web conference that will be practical and educational for the diverse Texas fruit growing community’s needs.

The tentative program plan is as follows:

Session 1, Monday, September 21st: 1 pm to 5:00 pm: Intro to Fruit Growing Workshop—a crash course in starting a fruit orchard—crop and variety options, soil and water evaluation, orchard design, planting, irrigation etc.

Session 2, Tuesday, September 22nd: 9 am to 11:30 am: Texas’ Fruit Future—a series of presentations aimed at new growing practices, new crops and new marketing strategies (Titles and speakers to be determined)

1:30 pm to 3:00 pm: Experiences in Growing Fruit Trees—a virtual field trip to one or more established fruit growers in Texas (Site(s) to be announced)

3:30 pm to 5:00 pm: Hard Questions—Good Answers—Live panel discussion with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Fruit Team

Registration Fee:
Monday (9/21) Only: Intro to Fruit Growing Workshop: $50
Tuesday (9/22) Only: Texas’ Fruit Future, Experiences in Growing Fruit Trees, Hard Questions/Good Answers: $35
Combination package: both sessions $70.00

Registration site: http://Agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ (Registration begins 8/14/2020)

Register Button

For more information contact:
Monte Nesbitt
Horticultural Sciences
mlnesbitt@tamu.edu

Live Lunch and Learn Gardening Series

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Lunch & Learn

Live Lunch and Learn Gardening Series – August 2020

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central Time
Join Horticulturist David Rodriguez and Entomologist Molly Keck for their Live Lunch and Learn Gardening Webinar Series.  Learn about your landscape and vegetable gardening.   To join, click the link below and put in the meeting ID and Passcode at the date and time of the presentation.
Join the Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 990 2593 9574
Passcode: Garden2020
Schedule:
August 11: Tomato 101: Growing Basics
August 12: Pests of Tomatoes
August 18: Lawn 101: Turfgrass Basics
August 19: Lawn 101: Turfgrass Pests
August 25: Growing a Fall & Winter Vegetable Garden
August 26: Managing Cool Weather Fall Veggie Pests
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central Time
For more information, contact David Rodriguez,  dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu