Smith County – Edible Gardening Workshop

          Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Smith County Master Gardeners will host their second Edible Gardening Workshop on Thursday, July 9, at the Rose Garden Center’s Camellia Room in Tyler. Check‑in begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program running from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The workshop is free and open to the public.

          The morning will begin with Clint Perkins, Smith County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, presenting Water‑Wise Gardening Techniques. Perkins will explain how East Texas soils accept, move, and retain rainwater and irrigation, and offer practical guidance on soil amendments, garden design, and watering strategies for productive summer gardens.

          Dr. Jenna Anding, Professor and Extension Specialist in Nutrition, will follow with a session on Food Preservation. She will cover safe, research‑based methods for canning and storing summer produce, emphasizing food safety and reliable recipe sources so gardeners can enjoy their harvest long after the season ends.

          After a short break, Dr. Greg Grant, Smith County Horticulture Agent, will present Summer Harvest and Planting. Grant will share harvest recommendations, plant suggestions, and practical solutions for common summer gardening challenges.

          The workshop will conclude with a guided look at the Shade Garden Water Project in the Tyler Botanical Garden. Master Gardener Katy Barone will outline recent water‑retention improvements, and Master Gardener Dan Gerber will lead a brief shaded tour of the site.

          For details or to register, visit https://form.jotform.com/261554572103149, the Smith County Master Gardeners website or Facebook page, or call the Smith County AgriLife Extension office at 903‑590‑2980.