Cherokee County Master GardenersTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

2025 CCMGA Officers

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President – Rita Weathers

 

Vice President – Nancy Acker

 

Secretary – Jenifer Babyak

Treasurer – Susie Blackman

Susie Blackman President 2023

Historian – Lynne Taylor

 

SPRING CONFERENCE 22 MAR 2025

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This year’s theme is ” If you need me, I’ll be in the garden.” 

The Conference will be held at the First Christian Church located 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, TX on 22 March.  Registration starts at noon. 

We are pleased to announce that our speakers for this year will be Mr. Greg Grant, Horticulture, Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Mr. Michael Johnson, U.S. General Manager for David Austin Roses.  

Cost per person is $20.00.  There will be food, vendors, silent auction items, raffles, and something new and exciting this year–4 different mini-talks.  So, during the breaks, while you are enjoying some of the finger foods, and visiting with the vendors you will also have an opportunity to listen to one these talks.  Each talk will be approximately 15 minutes.  

 

 

How to treat Fire Ant Mounds

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HOW to ATTACK FIRE ANTS – 6 ways….from Mississippi State University entomologist Blake Layton.
1} Granular Baits: When properly applied, granular fire ant baits are low in cost; quick and easy to apply; safe to pets, children and wildlife and effective, giving about 80% control. Baits are “fire ant-edible” granules containing low doses of slow-acting insecticides or insect growth-disruptors that are applied by spreading them over the lawn. Foraging fire ant workers collect these granules and carry them back to the mound to feed to the young. Depending on the product, it can take two to six weeks to see the full benefit of a bait treatment, but patience and persistence pays. Broadcast a granular fire ant bait over your lawn three to four times a year: around Easter, around Independence Day and around Labor Day, and you won’t have many fire ants in your lawn.
 
2} Dry Mound Treatments: This is the most convenient way to kill individual fire ant mounds. Keep a can of one of the dry mound treatments on hand to spot-treat mounds you see while working in the yard. Just sprinkle the labeled amount of product over the mound and walk away. Treatments that contain acephate smell terrible but work great, killing most mounds in just a few days. Treatments containing deltamethrin or beta-cyfluthrin don’t smell so bad but tend to be less consistent. Use a combination of granular baits and dry mound treatments to knock fire ants out of your yard with a one-two punch.
 
3} Liquid Mound Drenches: This is the fastest way to kill individual fire ant mounds. Drench a mound with an appropriate rate of permethrin, bifenthrin or other labeled product and all ants contacted by the drench will die quickly. The key to success is to use enough drench to thoroughly soak the mound: about one gallon for medium mounds and two gallons for large mounds.
 
4} Broadcast Insecticide Sprays: Primarily used on golf courses and other commercial turf, broadcast sprays contain ingredients such as bifenthrin, permethrin or cyfluthrin. Sprays kill exposed ants on contact and then move into the soil to provide residual control of foraging workers and newly settled queens.
 
5} Broadcast Insecticide Granules: This includes granular insecticides containing active ingredients such as bifenthrin, gamma-cyhalothrin or cyfluthrin that are applied by spreading the granules over the yard. Fire ants don’t eat these granules. Instead, the insecticide they contain leaches into the soil where it provides residual contact kill of foraging workers and newly settled queens. Some products give up to 4 months control.
 
6} Broadcast Fipronil Granules: Strictly speaking, fipronil is another broadcast insecticide, but fipronil (Top Choice, Fipronil 0.0143G and similar products) is placed in a class by itself for several reasons. First, a single application can give season-long control (the label indicates up to 1 year); second, it can only be applied by licensed commercial applicators, and third is the hefty cost. If you want season-long fire ant control with a single treatment, this is the way to go, but expect to pay for it. Also expect it to take a few weeks to begin working; mounds won’t die out overnight

Controling Feral Hogs

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A male feral hog stand in a woodland environment with mud on his snout

Feral Hogs in Texas: An Invasive Animal

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/asset-local/feral-hog-management/

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) are a non-native animal found across the state of Texas. They rely on rooting in the soil to find food, which can cause significant damage to natural resources. They are resilient animals who often compete with native wildlife for resources. Additionally, feral hog ranges overlap with agricultural operations, livestock, and human populations. In the areas where overlap occurs, feral hogs cause millions of dollars worth of damage and run the risk of spreading disease. Texas has no native predators capable of regulating feral hog populations, so land managers must implement control techniques to keep populations in check.

In recent decades, feral hog populations have grown dramatically in Texas leading to corresponding increases in the damage they cause. The resources provided here are intended to increase the understanding of feral hog biology and natural history so that management efforts can be more successful. The management techniques discussed here provide a variety of options so that land managers can select the tools that will work best for them.

Winter Preparation and Maintenance for Fruit Trees

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Winter care for fruit trees

 

Sponsored – The following content is created on behalf of Sorelle Farms and does not reflect the opinions of Gray Media or its editorial staff. To learn more about Sorelle Farms, visit https://bobwellsnursery.com/.

Winter is a great time to prepare your fruit trees to flourish in the upcoming spring. With proper winter preparation and maintenance, you can ensure that your fruit trees not only survive the winter but also thrive in the coming growing season. In this article, we’ll discuss essential steps to take care of your fruit trees during the winter months.

Pruning

One of the first steps in preparing your fruit trees for winter is pruning. Pruning serves multiple purposes, including removing dead or diseased branches, improving air circulation, and controlling the tree’s size and shape. It’s best to complete major pruning tasks during winter while the tree is in full dormancy, but minor pruning to remove dead or damaged branches can be done anytime during the winter months. Pruning during this time helps reduce the risk of disease transmission and allows the tree to focus its energy on root development and healing.

Pest and Disease Management

Winter provides an opportunity to address pest and disease issues before they become a problem in the spring. Inspect your fruit trees for signs of pests and diseases, such as scale insects, aphids, or fungal infections. Applying dormant oil once a month from November through March is an effective treatment to reduce pest and disease issues once the trees begin to flush out. Cover the entire tree from trunk to the tips of the branches.

Watering

Even though your fruit trees may be dormant during the winter, they still need occasional watering. If we experience dry spells or extended periods without precipitation in East Texas, make sure to water your trees deeply but infrequently. Watering prevents the roots from drying out and ensures that the trees are adequately hydrated when they break dormancy in the spring. If a hard freeze is expected (generally below 25 degrees for an extended period) water young trees heavily to protect the roots from freezing.

Protection from Cold & Harsh Conditions

It is recommended to protect your fruit trees from frost cracks, sunscald and freezing during harsh winter conditions. Your best option is to apply a paint or coating to the trunk of the tree with a paintbrush. There are several organic options such as IV Organics White Wash, or simply dilute a latex paint 50/50 with water and apply directly to the tree trunk.

Winter Fertilization

Late fall or early winter is an ideal time to apply a balanced fertilizer to your fruit trees. This provides them with the nutrients they need to support growth when the spring arrives. Use an organic fertilizer and be sure to follow the recommended application rates for your specific tree species. Follow-up applications can be made once the trees begin to flush in the spring.

Prune Dead and Broken Branches After Storms

Throughout the winter, be vigilant for storm damage. Snow, ice, and strong winds can cause branches to break or bend. Promptly remove any broken or damaged branches to prevent further harm to the tree and reduce the risk of disease entering through wounds.

Conclusion

Proper winter preparation and maintenance are crucial for the health and productivity of your fruit trees. With a little care and attention during the cold months, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest when spring arrives, making all your efforts worthwhile.

For more information, click here or visit us at Sorelle Farms in Mineola.

“Fertilizers”

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  1. Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is a crucial element for plant growth and is essential for the production of chlorophyll, which helps plants photosynthesize. Nitrogen is responsible for the green color in leaves and is important for the growth of stems and foliage.

  2. Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is necessary for root development, seed production, and overall plant growth. It is important for the transfer and storage of energy in plants and helps plants withstand stress and disease.

  3. Potassium (K): Potassium is important for plant growth and is responsible for regulating water balance in plants. It helps plants resist drought, disease, and pests, and is important for the development of strong stems and roots.

  4. Secondary Nutrients: Secondary nutrients are also important for plant growth and include calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Calcium is important for cell wall development, while magnesium is essential for photosynthesis. Sulfur is important for the production of amino acids and proteins.

  5. Micronutrients: Micronutrients are essential for plant growth in smaller quantities than the primary and secondary nutrients. They include iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine. These elements are required for specific functions in plant metabolism and growth.The specific ratios and quantities of these components will vary depending on the type of plant being grown, the soil conditions, and other environmental factors. It’s important to choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for your specific needs and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing or causing harm to your plants.