Texas Gardener's Seeds - Texas A&M Faculty to Redefine Horticultural Crop Quality for Human Health

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Jan 22, 2025, 3:04:39 PM1/22/25
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------ Forwarded Message ------
From "Texas Gardener" <mic...@texasgardener.ccsend.com>
Date 1/22/2025 12:01:03 PM
Subject Texas Gardener's Seeds

January 22, 2025

Ahmed Darwish, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)

New faculty redefining horticultural crop quality for human health

By Adam Russell

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

 

Ahmed Darwish, Ph.D., is among a scientific movement in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences that emphasizes crop quality over quantity.

 

Darwish joined the faculty in September as an assistant professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences. His research focuses on secondary metabolites in horticultural crops. These compounds help plants handle stress from different biotic and abiotic stresses including drought, heat and other diseases. They also connect to flavor, nutrition and human health.

 

“My research looks beyond the traditional goal of higher yields,” he said. “I am looking to improve horticultural crop quality in both economically and environmentally sustainable ways, like reducing the need for pesticides.

 

“But I am also interested in ways to enhance what plants can provide us, like their taste, aroma profiles and health-related metabolites or even their ability to help us fight chronic diseases like cancer or diabetes.”

 

Focused on the future of horticulture

 

Since his arrival, Darwish has been developing a horticulture course for undergraduate students during the spring semester. One of those classes will teach students about plant metabolomics, which is the study of measuring metabolites and their interactions with biological systems.

 

These interactions involve plants and their surroundings. They also include how plants respond to pests and drought. Additionally, metabolomic research might consider how healthy beneficial compounds in plants affect overall human health including gut health.

 

His course development is laying the groundwork for stacked courses for undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Outside of the classroom, Darwish has worked with various horticulture industries, such as wine grape, vegetable and fruit production. He aims to address the challenges growers face and identify new opportunities for the producers. Their input is helping him build the framework for his research lab, and he is already working on important research for the wine industry in Texas and beyond.

 

In other scientific efforts, Darwish is planning to work with NASA on research about plant-based protein. This research aims to support deep space travel and living on other planets.

 

“My research and teaching are focused on solving long-standing problems and identifying solutions for the future,” he said. “It all relates to the key issues of human health and wellness, sustainability for producers, and educating future generations of professionals who will lead within this exciting and innovative scientific field.”

 

More about Darwish

 

Darwish earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural science at Minia University in Egypt. He also received a master’s degree in agricultural science with a focus on plant chemistry. He earned his doctorate in chemistry from Hiroshima University in Japan. He also has completed postdoctoral research at Virginia Tech and Florida A&M universities.

 

He has more than 30 research publications in referred journals covering a range of topics from metabolomic analyses of sour cherry cultivars to investigating anti-cancer antioxidants, cytotoxicity in chocolate and muscadine extracts, and antioxidant activities of different crops.

Upcoming Garden Events
 
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.

JANUARY

 

Tyler: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Earth-Kind Environmental Education committee of Smith County will present its secon  “Professional Landscape Maintenance Annual Conference,” a landscape maintenance educational program on Friday, January 24, from 8:30 a.m. until noon in the Cotton Belt Building, room 116. During this program participants will learn about soil fertility, interpreting soil analysis and nutrient applications, identifying common landscape diseases that can be found on local landscape plant materials and a live demonstration of using proper pruning techniques on common landscape plant materials. Speakers include Smith County Ag/Natural Resources agent Mr. Clint Perkins, Mr. Ron Hill and Dr. Greg Grant, Smith County Horticulture agent. On-site registration for this program will be provided in front of the Smith County AgriLife office on the bottom floor of the Cotton Belt Building. Companies sending a group of employees will need to identify one person to pay for all participants in their group and have their entire group register together. Registration will run from 8 am to 8:30 am. Program fee is $10 per participant; cash or check only, please. Checks can be made out to the Smith County Horticulture Fund. For more information, please contact the Smith County AgriLife Extension office at 903-590-2980. This program will be held in the Cotton Belt Building, room 116, 1517 W. Front St., Tyler.


Katy: Fruit Tree Selection and Care by Harris County Master Gardeners will be presented at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, at HCC Katy Campus, 22910 Colonial Pkwy, Katy. Learn more about selecting and caring for fruit trees in Houston. Attendees get front of the line access to the Tree Sale at 9 a.m. hcmga.tamu.edu

 

Katy: Harris County Master Gardeners Westside Fruit Tree & Berry Sal takes place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until sold out) Saturday, January 25, 22910 Colonial Pkwy., Katy. Now is a great time to plant fruit trees & berries in Houston, and all 30+ varieties have been chosen to thrive here. Pre-order online Jan 16-23 and pickup at the sale for the best selection. txmg.org/hcmga/sho

FEBRUARY


Hempstead: Waller County Master Gardener training begins February 1. Classes take place 8:00 am.m to noon, each Saturday, February 1 through March 15, and on Thursday, February 6, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For more information or to register, visit https://txmmg.org/wallermg, call 979-826-7651, or email wall...@tamu.edu.


Houston: Topic TBD by Harris County Master Gardeners. Tuesday, February 4, 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

 

Pasadena: Fruit Trees by Harris County Master Gardeners. Wednesday, February 5, 6:00 p.m. Pasadena Public Library, 4330 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena. Learn more about selecting and caring for fruit trees in Houston. hcmga.tamu.edu


Rosenberg: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Fort Bend County will host the 40th annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference on February 6 in Rosenberg. The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Building C, 4310 Texas 36 South, Rosenberg. The cost is $35 before Jan. 25, and $45 after. To register visit https://tx.ag/FBVegetable. For more information, contact Lorraine Niemeyer at Lorraine...@ag.tamu.edu.


Tyler: The annual East Texas Fruit, Nut and Vegetable Conference, Friday, February 7, at the Cross Brand Cowboy Church, 11915 FM 2015, Tyler. Educational topics will be offered for both professional and amateur gardeners tips on Pollinator Management, Pecan Production, Vegetable Production, and Fruit & Berry Production. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the first session at 8:00 a.m. Program will conclude at noon. Pre-registration is required (for lunch head count) and ends February 6 at 5:00 p.m. The cost of the program is $20 (plus 5% convenience fee for online credit card payment); $30 onsite registration if paying at the door the day of the program. The program will be held in person only. Five (5) hours continuing education will be given for certified Texas Master Gardeners will be offered. Topics and speakers include Earth-Kind Pollinator Management: Dr. Garett Slater, Assistant Professor & Honeybee Extension Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Overton. Earth-Kind Pecan Production: Mr. Bob Whitney, Organic Program Specialist I, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Stephenville. Earth-Kind Vegetable Production: Dr. Greg Grant, County Extension Agent Horticulture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Smith County. Earth-Kind Fruit & Berry Production: Dr. Tim Hartmann, Assistant Professor, Fruit Crops, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-College Station. This event was organized to meet the growing demand for information about fruit, nut, and vegetable production for home gardeners and commercial growers in East Texas. It’s an opportunity to learn tips from specialists and agents on how to be successful, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to learn more as you grow. For more information contact the Smith County Extension office at 903-590-2980. The flyer, schedule, and registration link are posted on the “Texas A&M AgriLife-Smith County” Facebook page and on the county web page at smith.agrilife.org/fnvc/.

 

La Marque: Sat., Feb 8: Herbs for Beauty, with Galveston County Master Gardeners Donna Merritt and Briana Etie presenting a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to make homemade skincare products using natural herbs, 9-11 am. Free. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Register and details online: https://galveston.agrilife.org/events/or call 281-309-5065.

 

La Marque: Sat., Feb 8: Backyard Citrus, with retired Galveston County Master Gardener and citrus expert Robert Marshall, 1-3 pm. Free. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. For details and to register: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.


Online: Spring Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners. Monday, February 10, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Choose the best veggies, prepare soil, start seeds & use natural pest control for homegrown produce. Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Houston Community College. Register in advance to receive link: hcc.idloom.events/gardening-series/register


Houston: Spring Vegetables by Harris County Master Gardeners, February 11, 10:30 a.m. Glazier Sr Ed Center, 16600 Pine Forest Ln., Houston. Learn how to get your spring vegetable garden started and see how easy it is to grow your own tasty vegetables. hcmga.tamu.edu

 

Houston: Texas Superstar Plants by Harris County Master Gardeners, February 13, 11 a.m. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr., Houston. Learn about the Texas Superstar program and how these specially selected plants can make a difference in the success of your garden. hcmga.tamu.edu


Spring: Texas Watershed Steward Workshop by Harris County AgriLife Extension, February 13, 1-5 p.m. George H.W. Bush Community Center, 6827 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Learn about water quality management and how you can become involved in improving and maintaining the quality of local waterways. Free & CEUs available. Preregister at tws.tamu.edu/workshops/registration


Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners Southeast Fruit Tree & Tomato Sale, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 1210 Genoa Road Bluff Road, Houston. 8:00 a.m. class on citrus growing led by Dr. Nesbit of Texas A&M. A variety of fruit trees, berries, tomatoes and peppers available. For best selection, pre-order online February 3-13 for easy pick up on sale day. For more information, visit txmg.org/hcmga/shop.


Houston: A pruning demonstration will be held outdoors weather permitting on Saturday, February 15, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church,1819 Heights Blvd, Houston. This is a great time to learn from Consulting Rosarians how and when to prune your rose bushes. Participants are encouraged to bring roses they no longer want and are worthy of a new home to be pruned. The bushes should be dug up carefully with their roots wrapped in a plastic garbage bag. You can dig up the bush the morning of the meeting or prior day. Unwanted rose bushes in pots are also accepted for this meeting. Immediately following the demonstration, there will be a drawing to give away all the bushes! Also, participants gloves and pruning shears are invited to assist in pruning the bushes located throughout the St. Andrew’s Church grounds.


Online: Mon, Feb 17 Noon – Tue, Feb 18 Noon: Spring Fling! Plant Sale, choose from hundreds of plants adapted to the Texas Gulf Coast growing area. Shop online and schedule plant pickup. For details and online store: https://galvestonmg.square.site/.


Houston: Native Plants by Harris County Master Gardeners, February 18, 1 p.m. Freed Community Center, 6818 Shadyvilla Ln., Houston. We will discuss the many benefits of planting native plants in our gardens. Where we can find them and how we can make a positive impact in our own ecosystem. hcmga.tamu.edu

 

Online: Spring Vegetable Gardening by Harris County Master Gardeners. Tuesday, February 18, 11 00 a.m.-noon. Choose the best veggies, prepare soil, start seeds & use natural pest control for homegrown produce. Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation required: facebook.com/harriscountypl/event


Houston: Stimulating Senses with EarthKind Landscaping by Harris County Master Gardeners, February 20, 11 a.m. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr., Houston. We will discuss the many positive benefits of creating an ecosystem in your garden. hcmga.tamu.edu


Hempstead: Tree Giveaway. Friday, February 21, 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. or until the last tree is gone. Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead, 979-826-7651, wall...@tamu.edu


Longview: Gregg County Master Gardeners host their annual gardening seminar on February 22. Learn about ornamentals; Texas Gardener Magazine’s own Jay White will help you embrace your inner Urban Homesteader spirit during his presentation, and you will also learn how to improve your soil. Refreshments, door prizes, vendors, and CEUs! Doors open at 8:30 a.m. 2023 Alpine Rd, Longview. $20 tickets available online or in person. For additional information, call 903-236-8429 or https://txmg.org/gregg.


La Marque: Sat., Feb 22: Growing Avocados, with Galveston County Master Gardener Hazel Lampton’s, 9-11 am. Free. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. For details and to register: https://galveston.agrilife.org/events/ or call 281-309-5065.

 

La Marque: Sat., Feb 22: Irish Potatoes, with Galveston County Master Gardener Kevin Lancon presenting how to successfully grow them, 1-3 pm. Free. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. For details and to register: https://galveston.agrilife.org/events/ or call 281-309-5065.


Houston: Spring Herbs by Harris County Master Gardeners, February 27, 1pm. Glazier Sr Ed Center, 16600 Pine Forest Ln., Houston. Learn the best practices on how, when, where and why to grow herbs in the Houston area. hcmga.tamu.edu

Weekly Meetings

Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.

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 jrobe...@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 borderl...@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.


Tyler: Smith County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Tyler Rose Garden & Center, 420 Rose Park Drive, Tyler. Meetings are from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Featuring informative speakers, it’s a great way to earn CE hours and attendees can tour the Tyler Botanical Gardens while there.

 

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.b...@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 https://hcbloomers.org/.


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 strin...@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 prairier...@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 hctxmaste...@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 quitmang...@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 Gardener Association holds a members-only meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at the AgriLife Extension office, 405 E. Marshall Avenue. For information, call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like them on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.


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 ksh...@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 LJe...@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 blackmt...@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 mgard...@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.


Kempner: The Browning Community Garden Club meets the third Tuesday of each month, August-May. Meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. and are held at the Kempner Volunteer Fire Department Training Room, 315 Pecan Street, Kempner. For more information about speakers, field trips and projects, visit www.bcgctx.org.

 

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 arans...@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 Reunion Grounds, 641 Reunion Ct., Granbury, 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 boebl...@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 sharon...@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 FannieMarchm...@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 herb...@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 6 p.m. at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct, Bryan, TX 77807. 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 khtr...@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.sa...@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 hn...@prairies.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 LeanderG...@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 bo...@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. 2025. 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 

 

Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676


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