The Master Gardeners of Grimes County
is a non-profit educational and charitable association working with the AgriLife Extension to improve gardening skills throughout the community. Program objectives are implemented through the training of local volunteers known as Master Gardeners. We collaborate with AgriLife Extension to conduct youth and community education; establish and maintain demonstration gardens; and provide a speakers bureau. We work with special audiences in the community (4-H horticultural clubs, Junior Master Gardener groups, schools, and others) for youth and community outreach of a horticultural nature. We recruit and educate new Master Gardener candidates for effective volunteering.

When it rains, it pours!! Perhaps we are now past irrigating the top planting layers, and the aquifers are now being recharged. Now, if only we could have some sustained cold weather - never satisfied, are we? Along with the rains have come infestations of sucking insects on the remaining tomatoes, herds of snails, and sky-darkening swarms of mosquitoes. With all the recent rains, it is difficult to keep standing water under control, but isn't that part of the challenge of gardening - indeed, living - in Grimes County?
Outside, plant those daffodil bulbs for naturalizing, and refrigerate tulip bulbs if you intend to try them for spring color. Save seeds of flowers and shrubs for next year, making sure to label the envelopes, packets, bags, etc.
Who has not wondered what was in some of the packets in the spring?
Continue the garden clean-up and get ready to feed the birds. Bluebirds are already scouting next year's prime real-estate and are checking where they might nest in the spring. They, and all (well, most) birds should be welcome in the garden!