Somervell County Master Gardeners

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 →

The next scheduled CHES meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 19th at 11am. The location will be at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office located at 1405 Texas Drive in Glen Rose. As always, CHES meetings are open to the public. Christine Morgan, President of Somervell County Master Gardeners will present an interesting program titled Succulents/How to raise, care for and propagate    

Written by Dr. Christine Morgan, N.D., PSc.D., Master Gardener and Vegetable Specialist President of Somervell County Master Gardeners Most plant people like succulents, I really love them! In this article I am going to discuss the ins and outs of raising and caring of them. Sedums are included in the succulent group, most are cold hardy and outdoor, direct garden plants. Sedums are a little different from container succulents and I will be covering them in my next article! Most succulents are from the Sempervivum, Echeveria, Crassula, Euphorbia,… Read More →

By Shirley D Smith, Somervell County Master Gardener Every once in a while I do something right and this summer I picked up a plant I had never tried before but looked interesting. Since I am really into trying different, this one really appealed to me. The full scientific name is Angelonia angustifolia and is a member of the plantain family. It is also called Summer Snapdragon. This little plant has been a workhorse in a flowerbed that gets full afternoon sun. It has bloomed from about June… Read More →

  Submitted by Julie Conner, Somervell County Master Gardener Lasagna Gardening, sheet composting, or layer gardening is a no till method that is great for rocky or hard clay soils. This method creates a nutrient rich garden and is easy in either a raised bed or a ground surface area in your garden. For my flower garden, I created a raised bed with one row of landscape stones 4 inches high and placed in a circle. The first layer is of paper and cardboard, which will break down… Read More →

By Elaine Wilshusen, Somervell County Master Gardener As I am writing this little article, I look over at the outdoor temperature reading…a balmy 102 degrees. Truly, compared to the weather from the previous week, it is much cooler. But still, brutally hot and prolonged. Compared to prior seasons, my tomato harvest was short and fairly sparse, ending in late June. My pole beans look as if a blowtorch has been lapping at them. Spider mites, taking advantage of the hot dry weather, are drinking the remaining life out of… Read More →

By Merilyn Cranford, Somervell County Master Gardener Since we find ourselves in the doldrum days of summer, do you find your thoughts looking ahead with enthusiasm to planning a fall garden? Well, that’s natural and healthy. Fall promises cooler weather and a promotes a desire to plant crops that will enhance your family’s dining options. Where do you start? If you are an “ole timer,” you may need to think in terms of garden location. All vegetables require some sunlight; the most popular vegetables require full sun which… Read More →

Submitted by Mary Ann Steele, Somervell County Master Gardener If given a choice of one crop to grow, most gardeners would pick tomatoes. There are so many different kinds to choose from. Tomatoes are so easy to grow that most of us plant too many. Oh well, we can share! Tomatoes need full sun and protection from the wind. They also require a constant source of water and food. To meet their needs, poke a hole the size of a pin in the bottom of a gallon milk… Read More →