Composting

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• Basic Composting materials

• Ideas for design

• Dos and don’ts

• For the beginner or advanced

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Drip Irrigation Basics for Home Gardens

 

Keeping your garden watered shouldn’t take all your time. Learn how to develop a simple plan, get the right tools and materials, and install a drip irrigation system that conserves water, time and saves your plants from the central Texas heat!

 

Earth-Kind®: Preserve the Good, Prevent the Rest

 

Participants will be introduced to the four basic tenets of EARTH-KIND:

• Water conservation 

• Energy conversation 

• Reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use 

• Reduction of yard waste entering the landfill

• Strategies for accomplishing each of the goals in the landscape will be explored 

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 Fall Planting 

 

• What grows well in the Fall

• Herbs, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, trees

 

Go Native

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Learn about the many advantages of using native plants in the landscape.  Several plants native to our area will be highlighted, including when to plant and how to prune them for best results.

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Hays County Master Gardeners Association Overview

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• History of Texas Master Gardeners

• Master Gardener Community Service

• Master Gardener Certification Training

• MG Association Membership

 

Laws of the Land…..scape

 

This presentation is to make gardeners aware of the Texas laws regarding gardening and water conservation in Texas. This is an overview of the written laws for better understanding and interactions with and between Homeowners Associations, cities, and other groups.

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Let's Talk Tomatoes

So, you want to learn the secret of having Beautiful and well-producing tomato plants??  There is no secret!  HCMGA will take you through the simple steps of producing healthy plants with an abundance of fruit, including how to keep them protected against pests, weather, and disease.  Not only does HCMGA keep it simple and fun, but we also include helpful links and resources on what to do with your tomato harvest.

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Planting a Perennial Garden for a Glorious Spring

 

Perennial gardens can transform any space with colors, textures and dimension to enjoy year after year. However, “perennial” is not synonymous with “work-free.” Taking the time to plan all aspects of your garden can reduce the effort and is the first step in your long-term relationship with your thriving garden. This presentation will focus primarily on the planning process, explaining:

• What is a perennial?

• Considerations for selecting your space

• Planning stages

• Considerations for hardscape

• Considerations for plants

• Consideration for water conservation

• Considerations for soil preparation

• Considerations for installation

• Considerations for care and maintenance with examples  

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Starting from Seed

 

Learn about how to save money by starting your plants from seeds!  HCMGA will walk you through what you need, where to get seeds, how to start them, and how to transfer seedlings to your outside garden.  Come ready to get your hands a little dirty because in this presentation, you will be starting some seeds to take home with you.

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Saving Seeds

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Walk into another world of seeds with our seed saving class!  Learn about all of the different types of seeds and harvesting them to plant year after year!

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Stunning Texas Superstars®

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The Texas Superstar program identifies specific plants that have been proven to thrive in our Texas heat. The plants are insect-tolerant, and highly drought- and diseaseresistant. They provide stunning color and beauty while requiring minimal care or reliance on chemical pest-control. Come ready to learn how to save money, identify these Texas Superstar plants, find ways to use them in your landscape, and care for them just enough to help them flourish and reward you with their beauty.

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Note: This is a 2-part program.

Part 1 - Superstar perennials: how to identify, find ways to use in your landscape, and care for the plants just enough to help them flourish and reward you with their beauty.

Part 2 - Superstar shrubs, trees, and specialty plants (e.g., tomatoes, some fruits, and others): how to identify, find ways to use in your landscape, and care for the plants just enough to help them flourish and reward you with their beauty.

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Vermicompost 101

 

Participants will be introduced to worms and are beneficial to you, your garden, and our planet. We will dive into all aspects of vermiculture including:

• How to make a worm bin

• How to maintain your bin

• What to feed your worms

• How to harvest the castings

• How to use them in your garden

 

Your Vegetable Garden 

 

• Recognize the importance of planning

• Site and soil preparation

• Plant selection and planting guide

• Tools and tips for a bountiful harvest                                            

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