By Shirley D. Smith, Somervell County Master Gardener
Any questions we have about almost anything is now right at our fingertips if (and that is the key word here – IF) we know where to look. This can open a Pandora’s box so let me see if I can’t narrow down your search somewhat. Whether we like it or not (and I LOVE it), the computer is here to stay. As a gardener, I have found some wonderful places to visit as I sit sipping my coffee on the back porch in the mornings and contemplating what to do next in my gardens. The computer can be a great tool for any would-be, practicing or experienced gardener of any age.
In the past to get the information we sought, we would go to our own set of encyclopedias, magazines, plant books, etc. or make a trip to our local library to find answers to our questions – that is if, after asking a more experienced gardener, we still did not have the answer – very time consuming and often as not – not very productive. Now, we can open our computer, smart phone or iPad and go from there. To help in that search, here are some places I have found that you might want to take a look at.
Just plain old websites:
https://www.texasgardener.com – You will need to subscribe to this one to read all the articles or, if you have a paper subscription, you can use that to get online. This is a very, very good source as it deals with Texas gardening only. I have subscribed to this magazine in the past and found it very helpful.
http://www.klru.org/ctg – This is one of my favorites! KLRU is a TV station in Austin and this website lets you view actual videos of past programs and it has a blog that is very interesting. Be sure to check this one out thoroughly.
http://www.txsmartscape.com – Great website. Don’t miss this one.
Here are ONLY 3 that I showed you. I Googled “Central Texas Gardening” and, oh my, many, many websites came up. You can do the same and what fun to look thru these!
Another source is YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYeoakQzYz0mMEwzCL30h3A. Be careful because you can get completely lost in so many videos and the first thing you know, two hours have past and hubby or the kids are hungry and there you sit!
I have recently found out about another source from my computer guru son called Podcasts (no, that’s not my son’s name – he’s James). These are short “radio” programs on virtually any subject. On my laptop I typed in:
http://whyy.org/cms/youbetyourgarden
www.newsradioklbj.com/media/podcasts/gardening-naturally – This one is Gardening Naturally with John Dromgoole. “John Dromgoole hosts the longest, continuously running, organic gardening talk show in the United States. For the last twenty-five years on KLBJ AM 590, he has shared his passion and extensive knowledge of organic gardening. John’s main focus is protecting the environment while enriching the soil and growing healthier plants.”
These are just two of many, many podcasts out there. Just do a little searching and you will be rewarded with many, many different gardening subjects.
On my iPad, I actually downloaded the Podcast app so I can now use that device to listen to gardening podcasts. Just go to the App Store and type in “Podcasts” in the search box. I downloaded the purple one just called Podcasts. Then you can search for gardening podcasts from here.
Of course, you can always call your favorite Master Gardener or your local Extension Office, too!
I do hope this has been helpful and you try some of the above to further your gardening knowledge.
Happy Gardening!