June 26, 2024

Tomatoes picked too soon will not ripen, but can be used for fried green tomatoes. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife)

How to store tomatoes

By Susan Himes

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

One of the simple joys of summer is access to great-tasting tomatoes.

Whether grown and picked at “color break” from a home garden or bought fully ripened at a local farmers market or grocery store, tomatoes are a treat.

There are some tips and tricks to help you get the most from your tomato harvest or purchase, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Joe Masabni, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension small-acreage horticulturist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas and professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, shared his expert advice on storing and extending the life of tomatoes without compromising taste.

Timing is everything

Nothing will taste as great as a tomato at its peak, so timing is a major factor to consider when ripening tomatoes.

They can ripen in days or weeks, depending on the variety and stage at which they were picked, so buy or pick accordingly.

If all your tomato plants are full simultaneously and there is no possible way to eat them as fast as they need to be picked, there are ways to space out the ripening process to allow for extended use.

Any tomato reaching the “breaker stage” will continue to ripen off the vine, Masabni said. This is the stage where the bottom of the tomato has started to change from green to yellow.

The best place to let tomatoes ripen is on your kitchen counter. Ideally, ripe or ripening tomatoes prefer temperatures around the mid-60s, but Masabni said room temperature in most homes is fine.

However, breaker-stage tomatoes can be stored in a refrigerator to halt the ripening process. This allows you to pull them from the fridge and let them ripen as needed.

Once the tomatoes are at room temperature again, they will usually continue the ripening process over several days.

If you’ve picked an entirely green tomato, it will not ever ripen. It’s best to use these for a favorite recipe, like a relish or fried green tomatoes.

Vine ripening, or not

Once a tomato is at the breaker stage, it can be classified as vine ripened. Even though it doesn’t look ripe yet, it has all the sugars and essential compounds necessary for it to reach its mature color and full flavor.

“Once it’s physiologically ripe, it is considered vine ripened and can be picked and marketed as such,” Masabni said.

For gardeners, while it may seem like a good idea to keep the tomato on the vine until you are ready to eat it, the longer it is on the vine, the more likely it is to be eaten by birds or bugs.

If you can protect your tomato plants from pests that is best, but don’t have any qualms about picking your tomatoes and allowing them to finish ripening off the vine, because they will still have that same wonderful flavor.

Best way to store tomatoes

Make sure you store the tomatoes with a little space between them on the counter or in a container to allow air circulation, Masabni said.

“Tomatoes should be stored how you see them at the market — out in the open,” he said. “Consumers often do it wrong — they treat onions like tomatoes and tomatoes like onions when it comes to storage. Keep your onions in the refrigerator, not the counter or the pantry.”

Do not keep tomatoes in a closed bag unless you want to hasten the ripening process. Ethylene gas produced by tomatoes ripens them quicker when held in the bag.

Tomatoes will also ripen more quickly if left in warmer temperatures, like on a porch or in an outbuilding. This can happen quickly, so you’ll want to check on them daily in temperatures above 80 degrees.

Refrigeration can alter taste

As a rule of thumb, Masabni suggested not refrigerating ripe tomatoes whenever possible.

“Do not refrigerate ripe tomatoes unless you just can’t eat them,” Masabni said. “Refrigerators can affect the taste and texture of a ripe tomato, so let them ripen on a counter and then eat or cook with them.”

But for gardeners who have more than they can eat or share with friends and family, refrigeration is a way to extend the shelf life.

Let no tomato go to waste

If you have more tomatoes than you can eat, consider using them in salsa and other recipes. If they are just a little past their prime, they can also be turned into sauces.

Romas can be used to make tomato paste, but detecting if a Roma is still good is tough since they stay firm even after they go bad inside. Whole tomatoes may also be frozen to use in stews or cooked dishes.

“The only time a tomato is garbage is if it’s starting to be mushy,” he said.

How to water your lawn in the summer

By Valerie Smith

Sod Solutions Content Strategist

Many homeowners aim to maintain to keep their lawns hydrated in the midst of summer heat, which can lead to overwatering in an attempt to cool the grass. However, improper watering can cause drought or disease.

Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. morning to reduce disease risk and allow absorption before heat. For most grasses, 1-2 weekly waterings of 25-30 minutes should provide the needed 1 inch, adjusting based on your system and soil type. Here are some common questions about correct summer irrigation practices.

How much water does my lawn need during the summer?

Warm and cool season grasses like zoysia, St. Augustine, Bermuda, centipede grass, bluegrass and fescue need around 1 inch of water weekly, including rain. To measure this, perform a simple irrigation audit by placing various containers, like tuna cans, across your lawn zones. Run your irrigation or sprinkler until these containers collect about an inch of water, adjusting as necessary for even lawn watering.

When should I water my lawn during the summer?

In summer, water your lawn early in the morning for longer, less frequent periods. This reduces dew duration on grass blades, aiding in disease management and ensuring the grass absorbs water before daytime heat.

How often should I water my lawn during the summer?

For most warm and cool season grasses, 1-2 weekly waterings should provide the recommended 1 inch of water. However, the amount of water delivered by your irrigation system is a key factor in determining watering frequency.

To optimize your lawn watering, it’s important to conduct an irrigation audit. This will inform you of how much water your lawn receives per watering, allowing you to adjust the frequency as needed to meet the 1-inch weekly requirement.

For how long should I water my lawn during the summer?

Typically, lawn irrigation periods during summer should last 25-30 minutes. However, this duration can vary significantly based on several factors:

Irrigation System Output

The amount of water delivered by your specific irrigation system or sprinklers is a key consideration. An irrigation audit can help determine the actual output.

Soil Type and Water Holding Capacity

• Sandy soils have low water holding capacity, so longer watering periods may be needed to meet the 1-inch weekly requirement.
• Clay or loamy soils have higher water holding capacity, requiring shorter watering periods to prevent waterlogging.

The optimal irrigation duration for your lawn will depend on conducting an audit and understanding your specific soil conditions. Adjusting the watering schedule accordingly will help ensure your lawn receives the recommended 1 inch of weekly water.

How do I know I my lawn needs more water?

Even with an irrigation audit, it can be challenging to determine if your lawn is receiving adequate water. Signs of drought include thinning, yellowing, or browning grass blades, as well as slower growth.

Some drought-tolerant grasses like EMPIRE Zoysia may go dormant to preserve themselves, while other lawns may die if underwatered. Distinguishing drought from disease can be difficult, as both can cause yellowing or discoloration of grass blades. However, there are some key differences:

• Disease often appears in irregular, circular spots of varying size.
• The center of disease-affected areas will be dead, with a lighter ring around the edges as the fungus spreads.
• Overwatering creates conditions favorable for disease outbreaks.
• Checking soil moisture can help identify drought (dry soil) vs. overwatering (damp soil).

For more information on identifying and managing common lawn diseases, see the resource “Identifying Common Lawn Diseases.” Closely monitoring your lawn’s appearance and soil conditions can help you determine if adjustments to your watering schedule are needed.

How do I keep my lawn cool in the summer?

As temperatures rise, it may be tempting to overwater lawns. However, this can actually promote disease outbreaks, especially in shaded areas. If the lawn shows signs of heat stress, such as scorched or brown spots, consider adding a light layer of top dressing to provide shade and cooling.

But be cautious, as a thick layer of dark-colored compost can actually contribute to heating if left on the grass for too long. Excess use of top dressing can also smother the grass, so moderation is key. Monitor your lawn closely and make adjustments to watering and shading as needed to maintain healthy growth during hot weather.

How do I properly water newly installed sod during the summer?

Watering new sod requires a different approach than an established lawn:

• For the first 9 days, water twice daily (morning and evening).
• From days 10-12, water once per day.
• From days 13-15, water every other day.
• After day 16, transition to 1 inch of water per week

Be vigilant for disease outbreaks, especially in shady areas. Fungus can spread in irregular circular patterns. Resist the urge to overwater, as this can exacerbate disease.Proper fertilization is also crucial during establishment. The Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box provides the nutrients new sod needs.

Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Conduct an irrigation audit to determine the proper watering duration. Water early in the morning to reduce disease risk and allow absorption before heat.

For most grasses, 1-2 weekly waterings of 25-30 minutes should provide the needed 1 inch, adjusting based on your system and soil type. Signs of underwatering include thinning, yellowing,or browning grass. Distinguish drought from disease by looking for irregular circular spots with dead centers.

Overwatering can also promote disease, so monitor soil moisture. Lightly top the lawn with a thin layer of light-colored material to help keep it cool. Proper watering and maintenance will help your lawn thrive in summer.

JUNE

Quitman: "Revamping Winnsboro Library Gardens with Earth Kind Principles" will be presented noon-1:00 p.m., June 27, at the Wood County Extension Office, 618 S. Main Street, Quitman.

JULY

Houston: Organic Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 5, 1:00 p.m. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr., Houston. Learn more about organic gardening practices and how they benefit your garden. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Composting by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 8, Noon. Fonteno Senior Education Center, 6600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Learn best practices and techniques to make your own compost. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Online: Fall’s Best Vegetable Garden by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 8, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Learn how to prep your backyard garden by preparing the soil, using fertilizer and discover which vegetables are best to grow for the fall season. Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Houston Community College. Register in advance to receive link: hcc.idloom.events/gardening-series/register.

Houston: Identifying and Managing Bugs by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 9, 1:00 p.m. Glazier Senior Ed Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston. Learn how to boost your beneficial bugs and safely get rid of the destructive ones. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Fall Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 10, 10:30 a.m. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston. Learn how to get your fall vegetable garden started and see how easy it is to grow your own tasty fall vegetables. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Plant Propagation by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 10, 6:00 p.m. Tuttle Neighborhood Library, 702 Kress St., Houston. Learn the basics of propagating plants for your garden. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Pasadena: Growing and Cooking Mushrooms by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 10, 6:00 p.m. Pasadena Public Library, 4330 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena. Learn the different techniques, tips and tricks to growing and cooking your own mushrooms! Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Composting by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 13, 10:00 a.m. Fonteno Senior Education Center, 6600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Learn best practices and techniques to make your own compost. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Online: Fall’s Best Vegetable Garden by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 16, 11:00 a.m.-noon. Learn how to prep your backyard garden by preparing the soil, using fertilizer and discover which vegetables are best to grow for the fall season. Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation required: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events.

Houston: Fall Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 18, 10:00 a.m. Glazier Senior Ed Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston. Learn how to get your fall vegetable garden started and see how easy it is to grow your own tasty fall vegetables. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Fall Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 23, 10:00 a.m. Steve Radack Community Center, 18650 Clay Rd., Houston. Learn how to get your fall vegetable garden started and see how easy it is to grow your own tasty fall vegetables. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Fall Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 25, Noon. Dr, Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library, 5505 Belrose Dr. Houston. Learn how to get your fall vegetable garden started and see how easy it is to grow your own tasty fall vegetables. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

Quitman: "Vegetable Gardening for Fall" will be presented noon-1:00 p.m., July 25, at the Wood County Extension Office, 618 S. Main Street, Quitman.

Houston: Growing Tomatoes in Fall by Harris County Master Gardeners, July 30, 10:30 a.m. Glazier Senior Ed Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston. Learn how to get your fall tomatoes started along with tips and tricks to make them thrive. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu.

AUGUST

Houston: Mycorrhizal Fungi by Dr. Lisa Morano, August 6, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Rd., Houston. First Tuesday Monthly Lecture Series is free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu/lecture-series

Online: Growing Bulbs in Texas by Harris County Master Gardeners, August 12, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Learn how to choose, plant and grow bulbs in our warm climate. You can have something in bloom almost every month of the year! Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Houston Community College. Register in advance to receive link: hcc.idloom.events/gardening-series/register

Houston: Composting by Harris County Master Gardeners, August 14, 10:30 a.m. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr., Houston. Learn best practices and techniques to make your own compost. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu

Houston: Container Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, August 15, 10 a.m. Glazier Senior Ed Center, 16600 Pine Forest Ln., Houston. Learn the basics to start and maintain a container garden. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu

Hockley: Fall Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, August 19, 5 p.m. Hockley Community Center, 28515 Old Washington Rd., Hockley. Learn how to get your fall vegetable garden started and see how easy it is to grow your own tasty fall vegetables. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu

Online: Growing Bulbs in Texas by Harris County Master Gardeners, August 20, 11 a.m.-noon. Learn how to choose, plant and grow bulbs in our warm climate. You can have something in bloom almost every month of the year! Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation required: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events

Quitman: "Herbs: Harvesting and Preservation" will be presented noon-1:00 p.m., August 22, at the Wood County Extension Office, 618 S. Main Street, Quitman.

Houston: Raised Bed Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners, August 27, 10 a.m. Steve Radack Community Center, 18650 Clay Rd., Houston. Learn the tips and tricks to get the most out of raised bed gardening. Free and open to the public. hcmga.tamu.edu

SEPTEMBER

Quitman: "Winterizing Your Garden" will be presented noon-1:00 p.m., September 26, at the Wood County Extension Office, 618 S. Main Street, Quitman.

OCTOBER

Richmond: Join the Coastal Prairie Conservancy and its partners for the 2024 Lands & Legacies Conference, a joint event between the Texas Coastal Prairie Initiative (TCPI) and the Texas Grasslands and Savannas Initiative (TGSI)! It will be held on Thursday, October 24, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, October 25, from 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The George Ranch, 10215 FM 762 Road, Richmond. This conference is a critical opportunity for landowners and conservation partners to come together and discuss the preservation of wide-open spaces in Texas. Conference topics will include conservation success stories, new conservation easement funding opportunities in Texas, land management guidance for landowners, and more! There will be a full day of presentations and workshops on October 24 followed by field trips to remnant and restored prairies as well as working ranches and farms on October 25. General Admission: $68 ($85 after August 1); Students: $36 ($45 after August 1). Landowners receive a free ticket. Email information@coastalprairieconservancy.org to claim.

Quitman: "Greenhouses: How to Get Started" will be presented noon-1:00 p.m., October 24, at the Wood County Extension Office, 618 S. Main Street, Quitman.

Monthly Meetings

If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details. 

FIRST WEEK

Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting; Visit  https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.

Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardener Association meets the first Monday of each month (second Monday, if the first is a holiday) at the First Christian Church (formerly, and still on Google Maps, Grace Christian Church) located at 504 S. Houston Street, Kaufman. An educational program begins at 10 a.m., followed by the business meeting. For topic and additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org/ and check Events. Refreshments will be available. For more information or to ask about accommodations, call 469-376-4520, or email Jackie Robertson at jrobertson@ag.tamu.edu.

Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet the first Tuesday of each month at Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Houston. Announcements begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by an educational lecture. For additional information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu/lecture-series/. Location is subject to change for Holidays & Voting days.

Schulenberg: Schulenburg Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, at 11:30 a.m., September-May, at the Schulenburg First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Upton Ave., Schulenburg.

Corpus Christi: The Coastal Bend Cactus and Succulent Society meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. The purpose is to stimulate an interest in cactus and succulent plants by providing a forum to foster and broaden knowledge of the plants. Join the society on Facebook: Coastal Bend Cactus & Succulent Society.

Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order 972-338-2233). For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at borderlineart1@gmail.com.

Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.

Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.

Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., at the First Baptist Church Family Life Building, 500 E. Holland St., Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door of the Family Life Building. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.

San Antonio: The San Antonio Garden Center meets on the first Wednesday of each month from September – May at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston, San Antonio. Social and plant sale begins at 9:30 a.m. Program at 10 a.m. Open to the public. For more information visit www.sanantoniogardencenter.org.

Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit www.allengardenclub.org.

Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit http://cass.agrilife.org. 

Fort Worth: The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.

Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.

Gonzales: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org for more information.

New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.

Temple: Temple Garden Club, District V meets 9:30-11:30 a.m., the first Thursday of each month (September-May), at the Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N 3rd Street.

SECOND WEEK

Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; club business begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at The First Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. For additional information, contact Kim Benton at kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu.

Cedar Park/Leander/Liberty Hill: The Hill Country Bloomers meet the second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize and swap plants and seeds. Meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for the home gardener or landscaper. They host a plant sale in the spring and a garden tour in the late summer/early fall. Throughout the year they contribute time and expertise to local projects. Those with any level of experience are welcome. Non-members are invited to their first meeting at no cost. Membership and speaker info is available at www.hillcountrybloomers.com.

Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email stringer030@yahoo.com.

Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email prairierose.npsot@gmail.com. 

Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet at 11:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, in the Harrison County Extension Office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall. Meetings are held in the AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email hctxmastergardener@gmail.com.

Seguin/Marion: The Guadalupe Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of the month except for July, August, and December. The Chapter alternates meetings. Seguin, First Presbyterian Church, January, March, May, September and November. Marion, St. John Lutheran Church, February, April, June and October. Meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Program at 7:00 p.m., Visitors are always welcome. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/chapters/guadalupe.

Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.

Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.

Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.

Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.

Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners. 

Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the

second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners host hour-long Lunch & Learn programs on various gardening topics on the second Wednesday of most months from 12 to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch, these programs are free and open to the public. They are held at the AgriLife Extension building, 210 E Live Oak, Seguin. For more information, visit GCMGTX.org.

Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meeting is held on the second Wednesday of each each month at noon at the Central Presbyterian Church, 9191 Woodway Dr., Woodway. For more information, call 254-757-5180.

Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or txmg.org/jcmg.

Belton: The Bell County Master Gardners Herb Interest Study Group meets the second Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Office: Learning Center, 1605 N. Main Street, Belton. 

Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.

Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit http://txmg.org/orange for more information.

Pasadena: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.

San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.

San Marcos: The Spring Lake Garden Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m., September-May, at McCoy's Building Supply Headquarters, 1350 IH-35, San Marcos. Contact Terri Boyd (512) 395-66644 x6134.

Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center. 

Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.

College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 2201 Rio Grande Blvd., College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit http://www.amgardenclub.com/.

Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the second Saturday of each month,January through November, at 10:00 a.m. at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.

Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit www.RainbowGardenClub.com.

THIRD WEEK

Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at LJepson@aol.com.

Cleburne: The Johnson County Master Gardeners meet on the third Monday of each month at Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 6 p.m. An educational program precedes the business meeting.

New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit comalmg.org. 

Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.

Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact Big Country Master Gardeners Association at mgardeners@yahoo.com.

Alvarado: The Alvarado Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month during the months of September through May (excluding December). The meeting time is 1 p.m. and the locations vary for each meeting. The club hosts a different and exciting speaker each month that focuses on enriching the lives of all gardeners. Meetings are free and include a light lunch. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, please contact 817-680-4291. 

Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the third Tuesday of each month, except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.

New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at  6:30 pm at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and visitors are welcome. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer.  Note: there will be no meeting in June or December.

Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.

Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.

Belton: The Bell County Master Gardeners Herb Interest Study Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (January to November) at the AgriLife Extension Office, 1601 N. Main Street, Belton, in the Kitchen Classroom. Socialize from 10-10:30 a.m. Study Begins promptly at 10:30-Noon.

Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.

Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit www.somervellmastergardeners.org.

Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.

Waco: The McLennan County Master Gardeners host Lunch with the Masters on the third Wednesday of each month at noon at MCC’s Emergency Services Education Center (ESEC), 7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr., Waco. These educational programs are free and open to the public. Attendees bring their own lunch. For more information, call 254-757-5180.

Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.

Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the First United Methodist Church Annex, corner of S. Glendale and East Fourth streets behind the church in Hallettsville. Each month, the club hosts speakers that provide informative programs on a wide range of gardening subjects, and refreshments are provided by member hostesses afterwards. Visitors are welcome! Please email Sharon Harrigan at sharonspetals@gmail.com for more information.

Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter meets at 6:45 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway, Houston. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit https://npsot.org/wp/houston/. 

Mineola: The Fannie Marchman Garden Club meets at the Mineola Civic Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month from September through May. For additional information, find them on Facebook or email FannieMarchmanGardenClub@gmail.com.

Ft. Worth: The North Texas Daylily Society is affiliated with the American Daylily Society and is located in AHS Region 6. Club meetings are held in the Camellia Room located inside the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, on the third Thursday of each month (excluding June and July). Throughout the year NTDS hosts guest speakers, special interest programs, an annual daylily show, an annual daylily sale, and social activities and outings. For more information visit, their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northtexasdaylilysociety.

San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. During the months of Jan., March, May, July, Sep. and Nov., an evening meeting with presentation is held 6:00-8:00 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Check http://www.bexarmg.org/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting.

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. After a brief social hour, the meeting and guest speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.

Fort Worth: The Greater Fort Worth Herb Society meetings are held the third Saturday of each month at Texas Garden Club Inc, 3111 Old Garden Club Rd., Fort Worth (located next to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden), 10:00 a.m. to noon, September through June. For more information, email herbalhen@yahoo.com.

FOURTH WEEK

New Braunfels: The New Braunfels Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the fourth Monday of each month except July and December. Meetings are held at the New Braunfels Public Library, 700 E. Common St, New Braunfels. Meetings are “hybrid” with in-person and Zoom available. They start at 5:45 PM. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting at 6:15 PM. Programs begin at 6:30 PM. Native plant and seed exchanges are held monthly. Expert speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information about Zoom or to join, visit https://npsot.org/wp/newbraunfels/.

Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio.

Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct., Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.

Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.

Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at khtromza@yahoo.com.

San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, except August, November and December, at the Gathering Hall at The Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park and via Zoom. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.

Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact hnpat@prairies.org.

Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.

Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com.

Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.

Denton: The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the fourth Thursday of each month to share information about native plants. Excellent programs are heard each month, January-September. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/chapters/trinity-forks/.

Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets on the last Thursday of each month, January through September, at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. October is the annual potluck. Visitors are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments provided by members. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. followed by a raffle. For additional information, email board@aogc.org.

Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. For more information, visit www.gdogc.org. 

Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2024. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. 

Texas Gardener's Seeds has been published each Wednesday since April 26, 2006.

Publisher: Jay White ● Editor: Michael Bracken 

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