Somervell County Master Gardeners

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office of Somervell County, along with the Hood and Johnson County Extension Offices, will be offering a Master Gardener Training starting April 2, 2019. Classes will be on Tuesdays for 10 weeks and typically are scheduled from 9am to 5pm. The fee for the classes is yet to be determined. The classes held in Somervell County will be at First United Methodist Church Family Center. Somervell County dates are 4/16, 4/30, and 5/21. If you are an avid gardener or someone who enjoys… Read More →

From Newsletter Archives by Merilyn Cranford, Somervell County Master Gardener Since the weather has cooled and the calendar says it’s December, one of the flowers we all look forward to this time of year is the poinsettia.  They are beautiful and enhance the looks of any home or office.  But sadly they only last for just a short time.  However, here are a few tips you might try if you would like to coax your poinsettia to bloom again for another year:   Christmas: Pick a colorful plant… Read More →

From Newsletter Archives by Donna Hagar, Somervell County Master Gardener Lawn Care – if you are lucky enough to have a plethora of deciduous trees, rake leaves and either use as mulch in landscape beds or run through a shredder and add to the compost pile Planting – Take advantage of the frequent warmish weather and plant container plants or transplants. After Christmas, get those live Christmas trees in the ground so their roots have a chance to establish before spring! Pruning – you can cut back herbaceous… Read More →

From Newsletter Archives by MaryAnn Steele, Somervell County Master Gardener Onions!  There is no substitute!  Bulb onions are valued by cultures all over the world.  Not only do they add rich, savory flavor to our culinary endeavors, but they are also a source of potent cancer-fighting phytochemicals. The Texas sweet onion was designated the official state vegetable by the Texas Legislature in 1997. The first seed, from the Island of Bermuda, was planted in South Texas near the town of Cotulla in 1898. Onions are photoperiodic, which means… Read More →

Training for new Master Gardeners are set to begin April 2, 2019. There are a few details still to be confirmed but this is what we know so far… This will be a partnership with Hood and Johnson Counties. Classes will be on Tuesdays for 10 weeks and typically are scheduled from 9am to 5pm. The classes held in Somervell County will be at First United Methodist Church Family Center. Somervell County dates are 4/16, 4/30, and 5/21. More details to follow!!  

By Shirley D. Smith, Somervell County Master Gardener Well, thank goodness the rains seem to have quit for a bit.  I can’t believe that as a Texan I am actually not wanting more rain.  However, this last “rain event” was something else.  If you are seeing mildew on your plants then here is a great organic way to get rid of that:   (1) dissolve 2 uncoated aspirin tablets (325mg) in 1 quart of water and use this mixture as a foliar spray; or (2) this is good… Read More →

GARDENING TIPS By Merilyn Cranford, Somervell County Master Gardener         A healthy garden starts in the kitchen!  That’s right – at the kitchen sink.  If you make a pot of coffee every morning you are well on your way to improving your garden’s soil.  Enjoy a crisp salad for lunch and the prettiest plants are within reach.     So what does cooking have to do with composting?  Everything.  All of those nutrient-rich scraps you are scraping into the disposal or trash are food for… Read More →

Ellerie Jackson will be Somervell County’s new Extension Agent beginning in November. She is replacing Zach Davis, who transferred to Denton County. Ellerie is originally from Pflugerville, Texas and graduated from Tarleton State University with an Undergraduate degree in Animal Science with a minor in business and a Master’s degree in Agricultural and Consumer Resources.  WELCOME ELLERIE!!

By Elaine Wilshusen, Somervell County Master Gardener The thornless prickly pear is ubiquitous around the Glen Rose area. It was one of the first things I wanted to plant in my yard when we moved here and also the first thing I was trying to share with others as its growth surpassed my expectations! Tall “tree” style specimens provide lovely structure in the garden.   Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying it is one tough plant very well suited for Texas. You don’t have… Read More →

Written by Christine Morgan, N.D., PSc.D President of Somervell County Master Gardeners Prickly pear fruit, called “tunas” in Mexico, come in a variety of colors. My plants make a dark red fruit that matures in late August or September. Using them is a two-step process. First harvest and juice, then you can make jelly or jam. How to make Prickly Pear Tuna Juice 1. Harvest with tongs! DO NOT touch them, even with gloves!Burn off the nasty spines by holding the fruit over a burner on the stove… Read More →