tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2009:/mt/ecgdallas//35 2009-07-17T19:24:29Z Log of Education Community Gardens @ Dallas Movable Type 4.23-en tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2009:/mt/ecgdallas//35.4004 2009-07-17T19:18:07Z 2009-07-17T19:24:29Z

NeighborGrow is a gardening event sponsored by the Neighborsgo and Texas Agrilife Extension Service Education Community Garden. NeighborsGrow will start with speakers Rosemary Thomas, master gardeners who oversee the community garden, along with Fouad Jaber, assistant professor and water...

Fouad Jaber NeighborGrow is a gardening event sponsored by the Neighborsgo and Texas Agrilife Extension Service Education Community Garden. NeighborsGrow will start with speakers Rosemary Thomas, master gardeners who oversee the community garden, along with Fouad Jaber, assistant professor and water resources management specialist who will give an overview of the garden and all the agricultural research the experts at A& M are working on from soil to bug control. Keynote speaker, Dotty Woodson, A&M Extension Program Specialist - Water Resources will discuss "Making the Most of Heat in Vegetable Gardens." There'll also be breakout sessions on harvesting rainwater and seeds from your plants; starting or joining a community garden; and Barbara will do a demonstration on using your garden for crafts, including how to make decorative gourd birdhouses and planters. One of the highlights of NeighborsGrow will be the seed, cuttings and plants exchange. What: NeighborsGrow When: Saturday, July 18 from 9 am to 12 pm Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Pavillion 17360 Coit Road Dallas, Texas 75252 Cost: Free; the public is encouraged to bring seed/plant/cuttings to share in the exchange. Contact: To participate as a vendor or organization or for further information contact Chris Coats at ctcoats@aol.com Agenda: 9 AM Introduction by Chris Coats, NeighborsGo columnist of Texas A&M AgriLife Education Community Garden expert Rosemary Thomas, and Fouad Jaber who will speak on the program and the latest in A&M research. 9:45 AM - 10 AM Mingle with speakers, vendors, and various gardening organizations. 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Keynote speaker, Dotty Woodson A&M Extension Program Specialist - Water Resources who will discuss "Making the Most of Heat in Vegetable Gardens." 11 AM - 11:20 AM Breakout sessions: Rainwater Harvesting in Your Backyard From Apples to Zinnias - the ABC's of seed harvesting NeighborsGrow: Joining or starting a community garden Green with Envy: Crafts from Your Garden That are Surefire Attention Getters 11:25 AM - 12:00 PM Seed/Plant/Cuttings Exchange]]> tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2009:/mt/ecgdallas//35.3916 2009-06-17T16:33:53Z 2009-06-17T16:58:28Z

Due to Circumstances beyond our control, we've had to reschedule Ms Schofield Lecture entitled "Life Cycles of Garden Pest" To November 21st, 2009. The lecture originally planned in November will be given this Saturday 20th of June, 2009 instead. The...

Fouad Jaber Due to Circumstances beyond our control, we've had to reschedule Ms Schofield Lecture entitled "Life Cycles of Garden Pest" To November 21st, 2009. The lecture originally planned in November will be given this Saturday 20th of June, 2009 instead. The lecture will be presented by Dr. Fouad Jaber and is entitled "Rainwater Harvesting in your Backyard". This will be an exciting lecture that will provide you with information about designing and installing a rainwater harvesting system in your house. The event will also include a visit to the rainwater harvesting facilities at the Urban Solutions Center. We look forward to seeing you all there. tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2009:/mt/ecgdallas//35.3393 2009-01-29T16:08:56Z 2009-01-29T16:39:39Z

Hi All! I am extremely impatient for this winter to end. My hands are becoming very itchy - I need some quality time with my garden. Despite the fact that I "should" know better, I still want to start my...

Barbara Martinez http://educationcommunitygarden.org "should" know better, I still want to start my seedlings for my spring garden at home. There are several vegetables that can be started this time of year indoors, but I have a bad habit of expecting too much this early in the year. Here is a chart of the average last dates for freezes in Texas This chart is intended to help you plan when to begin your seeds based on the information provided by the seed company. Often, they suggest that you start your seeds indoors between 8 and 12 weeks before the last average freeze date (obviously - depending on the particular vegetable you are planning). Here is a link to a useful article on starting seedlings at home http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/ornamentals/seedlings/seedlings.html I am determined to grow sugar snap peas this year. Wish me luck! Barbara ]]> tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2009:/mt/ecgdallas//35.3351 2009-01-15T15:04:17Z 2009-01-15T15:15:03Z

Very exciting plans - Brandon and Susan Pollard are meeting with Fouad and me this morning to discuss installing a hive here at the ECG. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to expand our community involvement as well as...

Barbara Martinez http://educationcommunitygarden.org http://www.texashoneybeeguild.org/ ]]> tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2009:/mt/ecgdallas//35.3348 2009-01-12T16:15:34Z 2009-01-12T16:32:21Z

We have our new schedule for 2009! Our first lecture is Saturday, January 17 at 9:00 AM. Dr. Greg Church, Ph.D, Collin County Extention Agent - Horticulture, will be lecturing on Fruit Tree Care (Planting, Pruning, Harvest) with a demonstration...

Barbara Martinez http://educationcommunitygarden.org January Fruit Tree Care (Planting, Pruning, Harvest) - Greg Church, Ph.D., Collin County Extension Agent - Horticulture February Rainwater Harvesting March Wildlife in the Garden (Butterfly Garden, Bee Keepers, Eco-Friendly Wildlife Management) April Soil Amendments and Fertilizing May Drought Damage Prevention and Summer Care of Turf June Entomology - Life Cycles of Garden Pest July Making the Most of Heat in Vegetable Gardens August Seed Starting and Planning for Fall Gardens September Backyard Composting October Urban Tree Selection, Planting and Care November Irrigation Scheduling December Holiday Get-Together We hope to see you this Saturday! ]]> tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2008:/mt/ecgdallas//35.3038 2008-07-18T19:21:05Z 2008-07-18T19:24:10Z

The July 2008 issue of the Seedling report is now available from the ECG website. Click here for the shortcut to the newsletter page....

Kevin Ong http://www.educationcommunitygardens.org Click here for the shortcut to the newsletter page.]]> tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2008:/mt/ecgdallas//35.3006 2008-07-01T19:47:13Z 2008-07-01T19:52:14Z

Late last Friday, the sign guy came and put up a new sign, moving the current ECG sign off to the right. This new sign reflect the change in the name of the Agriculture Program (Texas A&M System) agencies. It...

Kevin Ong http://www.educationcommunitygardens.org Late last Friday, the sign guy came and put up a new sign, moving the current ECG sign off to the right. This new sign reflect the change in the name of the Agriculture Program (Texas A&M System) agencies. It also displays the new logo. The two agencies affected were Texas Cooperative Extension (now known as Texas AgriLife Extension Service) and Texas Agriculture Experiment Station (now known as AgriLife Research). The Texas A&M Research and Extension Center in Dallas is now officially known as the AgriLife Research and Extension Center Urban Solutions Center in Dallas. Our web address remains the same at http://dallas.tamu.edu.]]> tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2008:/mt/ecgdallas//35.2977 2008-06-22T01:40:51Z 2008-06-22T01:55:53Z

This morning, my son and I led a disease safari as a part of the 3rd Saturday education program. We saw a few diseases in the garden. This is quite surprising as we have had moist conditions as well as...

Kevin Ong http://www.educationcommunitygardens.org blossom end rot, a problem due to nutritional imbalance. There was powdery mildew on summer squash, zucchini, gourd plants. And on the grape, just a little "tar spot". Interestingly, quite a few tomato plants were also exhibiting abnormal growth of new plant tissue (also known as epinasty). I am not entirely sure why this is happening, I don't think its due to herbicides though. It is probably a response to fertility and the high fluctuation in temperature we had in the last few weeks (Just a guess!). In all, the safari proceeded on a day that was rather pleasant. Don't miss the next 3rd Saturday program. We are taking a break in July and will continue in August with Ms. Kim Schofield talking about good and bad bugs.]]> tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2008:/mt/ecgdallas//35.2803 2008-04-10T19:36:07Z 2008-04-10T19:42:11Z

The newly completed rain garden is almost functioning the way that we would like it to. However, we still have some hiccups along the way. Some plant are in the rain garden, but we hope that several more, as...

Kevin Ong http://www.educationcommunitygardens.org The newly completed rain garden is almost functioning the way that we would like it to. However, we still have some hiccups along the way. Some plant are in the rain garden, but we hope that several more, as they get establish, will help with the integrity of the structure. Last night storms dumped 1.64 inches of water at the Center, as a result a part of the berm constructed to detain the water in the rain garden failed. Dr. Jaber is intently studying this breach as he comes up with another plan to deal with the water issue. We are all waiting for a break in the weather to put in more of the water loving plants in the rain garden. Don't forget that the 3rd Saturday education program in April is about rain gardens. For more information, call 972.952.9210.]]> tag:agrilifeblogs.tamu.edu,2008:/mt/ecgdallas//35.2771 2008-03-27T15:27:21Z 2008-03-27T15:31:58Z

A quarter of 2008 is almost done. Finally there is some updates to the factsheets on plant problems. Check out sickplants.tamu.edu for these factsheets. They include items on seedling diseases (damping off) and the live oak leaf drop situation, as...

Kevin Ong http://www.educationcommunitygardens.org A quarter of 2008 is almost done. Finally there is some updates to the factsheets on plant problems. Check out sickplants.tamu.edu for these factsheets. They include items on seedling diseases (damping off) and the live oak leaf drop situation, as well as a spanish translation of the Cedar-Apple rust factsheet. Also, do not forget to check out the educationcommunitygardens.org website for the various 3rd saturday program that is being presented. Next one up is "Creating rain gardens" with Dr. Fouad Jaber (Extension Stormwater Water Specialist). tag:tceblogs.tamu.edu,2007:/mt/ecgdallas//35.2544 2007-11-26T02:59:39Z 2008-03-27T15:35:32Z

One of many challenges that we faced in the Education Community Gardens at Dallas are varmints. These are either rabbits or rats. Lately I am thinking that these sorts of damage are done by rats (cotton rats to be...

Kevin Ong http://www.educationcommunitygardens.org One of many challenges that we faced in the Education Community Gardens at Dallas are varmints. These are either rabbits or rats. Lately I am thinking that these sorts of damage are done by rats (cotton rats to be specific). Check out the November issue of Seedling Report to get an update on the rats that we have come across in the ECG@Dallas. So what can be done? We have had some success with cages, fences and netting. Stay tuned as we battle these varmints and keep you update on the successes and failures.]]> tag:tceblogs.tamu.edu,2007:/mt/ecgdallas//35.2533 2007-11-20T17:39:07Z 2007-11-20T17:44:32Z

I have just updated the Texas Cooperative Extension publication E-159 " Chemical controls for plant diseases at home". This is a guide to the various over the counter stuff plant disease control products that you can purchase at the local...

Kevin Ong http://www.educationcommunitygardens.org click here to download the pdf file. ]]> tag:tceblogs.tamu.edu,2007:/mt/ecgdallas//35.1307 2007-09-29T02:11:30Z 2007-09-29T02:20:45Z

Construction of the rain garden has begun! Dr. Dotty Woodson, our Extension Water Education Specialist, is in the process of installing TWO rain gardens in the ECG @ Dallas. A rain garden is an area designed for the purpose...

Kevin Ong http://www.educationcommunitygardens.org
Construction of the rain garden has begun! Dr. Dotty Woodson, our Extension Water Education Specialist, is in the process of installing TWO rain gardens in the ECG @ Dallas. A rain garden is an area designed for the purpose of capturing excess rain water, and utilizing it in a fashion where we can grow more water loving plants. It is a method of water conservation as well as a natural approach to reducing runoff (which may carry unwanted chemicals) to our storm waters. We have had the work crew from the Collin County Sheriff's Department helping us to construct these novel gardens. With their help, we hope to make this effort into a learning experience for all people. It will be use to demonstrate that a rain garden can be put into your yard and it is a beautiful thing!]]> tag:tceblogs.tamu.edu,2007:/mt/ecgdallas//35.1275 2007-09-21T02:15:21Z 2007-09-21T02:26:56Z

EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA! The upcoming educational program will begin at 9:00am on October 20th, 2007 in the classrooms at the Whitehurst Education Building at the Texas A&M Systems Urban Solution Center - Dallas. We are privileged to have a rescheduled...

Kevin Ong http://www.educationcommunitygardens.org

EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA!

The upcoming educational program will begin at 9:00am on October 20th, 2007 in the classrooms at the Whitehurst Education Building at the Texas A&M Systems Urban Solution Center - Dallas. We are privileged to have a rescheduled program from our resident soil scientist, Dr. John Sloan. Dr. Sloan is also a Master composter and a real certifiable 'soil freak' (according to me -Ong). He is passionate about soil (not dirt!!!). So come, invite your friends and learn how we can all have healthy soil even in the city! For more information about the 3rd saturday programs at the ECG website http://educationcommunitygardens.org or call our ECG Central line at 972-952-9210 (Scherle Barth is there usually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.]]> tag:tceblogs.tamu.edu,2007:/mt/ecgdallas//35.1265 2007-09-18T16:24:42Z 2007-09-18T16:27:01Z

Red okra, green peppers (Hungarian wax) and egg plant. These are the bounties from the Education Community Gardens @ Dallas harvested today!...

Barbara Martinez http://educationcommunitygarden.org Red okra, green peppers (Hungarian wax) and egg plant. These are the bounties from the Education Community Gardens @ Dallas harvested today!]]>