Backyard Garden

The Backyard Garden Project is a demonstration garden created and maintained by Fannin County Master Gardeners.

By Tami Hinders, Fannin County Master Gardener

In July of 2024, Fannin County Master Gardeners began work on the long-anticipated Backyard Garden Project at the Texas A&M AgriLife Fannin County Extension Office.

Starting at the entrance to the area that is located behind the office building, a soil solarization method was used to eliminate weeds and grass to prepare the area for planting native plants and trees. This is a research-based environmentally friendly way to utilize the sun to do the hard work and is also cost effective. Heavy gauge tarp was applied to the site and weighted down over a 10 feet by 100 feet area. Temperatures were pretty high during this period, and the moisture in the area was monitored to ensure good solarization. During a period of about 4 months, the tarp was moved and the ground was moistened to allow weeds to sprout, then the tarp was replaced to continue to suppress the weeds.

In November, the soil was at a point where little weed growth was seen which meant it was time to add compost and till it into the soil to add nutrition to the garden bed. The next step was to purchase plants to beautify the area. A large number of plants and trees were purchased from 2025 Texas Sage Sponsor, Twin Oaks Nursery in Denison. Late fall and early winter is a good time to plant shrubs and trees in our area. It allows the establishment of good roots while the climate is cooler and there is less stress for the plants.

In addition to the trees and shrubs, onion sets were donated by 2025 Texas Bluebonnet Sponsor, Red Coop Feed and Seed, and PVC materials were donated by 2025 Texas Bluebonnet Sponsor, Bonham Fix and Feed, for the installation of an irrigation system for the area. Many of our Master Gardeners also donated transplants from their own home gardens.

In March, during our Master Gardener Training classes, a compost area was added and experiments were conducted on a quick composting method led by Treva Gibbs, certified Master Gardener. This compost was added to the beds at the beginning of May.

The work is ongoing as new plants and additional landscaping materials will be added. Plans include adding a trellis and seating area, as well as installing the irrigation system. The Fannin County Master Gardeners have a rain catchment system that will be tied in to water the area.

The Backyard Project is shared with numerous groups under the direction of the Texas AgriLife Extension office. Areas are also designated for 4-H Nutrition and Shooting Sports, Texas Master Naturalist, Texas Master Beekeepers, and a Texas AgriLife test plot.

 

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