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2024 Speaker’s Network Topics

Composting

 

• 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 

 

Ergonomic Gardening

 

Gardening with Aches and Pains. This presentation will suggest ways to garden effectively with less physical strain: • Planning a garden for easy access.

• Assessing resources to make best use of time.

• Learning ergonomic principles for minimizing strain on back, legs, arms, and hands.

• Becoming acquainted with ergonomically designed garden tools and useful assistive devices.

• Assess resources to make the best use of time 

 

 

 Fall Planting 

 

• What grows well in the Fall

• Herbs, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, trees

 

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.

 

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  

 

Stunning Texas Superstars®

 

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.

 

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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