Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Winter Gardening Seminar


Winter Gardening
Saturday, October 1, 2011, 10am-12pm
Festival Beach Community Garden, 35 Waller St.  Austin TX  78702

Learn about garden vegetables which only thrive in the cool temperature of the fall and winter.  General gardening principles and guidelines for protecting plants from usually cool temps will be discussed.  Event is outdoors. Please bring a chair. For more information, contact the Master Gardeners Help Line at (512)854-9600.  This free seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Friday, September 23, 2011

Urban Farming Seminar Series: Farming Fundamentals--Join the Local Food Movement

Do you have a small acreage area that you would like to turn into a mini-farm? Are you interested in joining the local food movement by growing and selling crops at local farmer's markets? Do you have questions about the business aspects of farming? If so, this urban farming seminar series is for you. Whether you are just starting out or have already started your small farming business, there is something for everyone in this series.

Topics discussed will include:
planning your small-scale farming operation
the economics of small acreage production
basic considerations of both vegetable and fruit production
dealing with soil issues
plant diseases
the process of organic certification

All programs will be presented by Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists and representatives of other state agencies, including: the Texas Dept of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This series will be helpful for home and small-plot producers, including those who grow to sell at farmers markets, are involved in sustainable foods efforts or are interested in community gardens and other small-yield production. It is particularly relevant and timely given the growing public interest in food production on small-acreage sites.

The Oct. 12 program will address plant pathology, the economics of small-acreage production, vegetable production and product marketing.

The Oct. 19 program will address the Texas Environmental Quality Incentives Program, organic certification, and soils.

The Oct. 26 program will address planning a small–scale farming operation and will include an overview of fruit crops and community resources available to small-scale producers.

The cost for all three programs in the series is $125 and lunch is provided during each program.

All registration must be done through the Texas AgriLife Extension Conference Services and space is limited to 25, so attendees are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

WHEN: October 12, 19, and 26 (Wednesdays)
TIME: 8 AM to 5 PM
WHERE : Texas AgriLife Extension service office, 1600 B Smith Rd, Austin
COST: $125 (entire series)
Lunch is included all three days.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Home Fruit Production seminar


Home Fruit Production:  Conventional Choices and Sustainable Options
Saturday, September 17, 2011, 10am-3pm
Austin Community College, 1820 Stassney, Austin TX, Rm. 1130

Come attend this seminar on growing fruit at home covering the basics of fruit production, site selection, preparation and the specific needs of various fruit crops.  $25 attendance fee.  Seating limited so register and pay online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu ; Keyword Search: Fruit. 

This seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Monday, September 5, 2011

Fall Transplanting and Dividing Perennials Class

Fall is the best time to transplant and divide your garden perennials. Learn how to share your extra plants with others and re-locate perennials that may have overgrown their current place in the landscape. Get a jump on spring blooms by giving them a chance to develop a strong root system. Join Master Gardener Velia Sanchez-Ruiz in proper planning and execution of these essential garden tasks.

Fall Transplanting and Dividing Perennials
Saturday, September 10, 2011, 10am-12pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin TX 78746

For more information, contact the Master Gardeners Help Line at (512)854-9600. This free seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org