Somervell County Master Gardeners
By Mary Ann Steele, Somervell County Master Gardener Gardening is one of the most gratifying of all human endeavors. Some people say “Gardening is too hard. There is so much to learn and it’s hard work. I know if I plant something, I’ll kill it.” Everyone who has gardened since Adam and Eve has killed a plant or two. That is how you figure out what will work and what won’t. Don’t get upset when plants die. It’s not failure. Think of it as an opportunity. It’s like… Read More →
Cooler months in Texas mean harvesting time for crops including cotton, corn, and a Texas favorite… pecans! With pecans being eaten raw and as a part of many delicious recipes, pecan production has become a large industry in Texas. Yearlong cold weather in northern states make southern states the appropriate place for pecan production – In 2014, Georgia and New Mexico produced a total of 143 million pounds of pecans alone. Larry Stein, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulturist, said Texas is also a major contributor to the pounds… Read More →
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!!
