The Randall County Master Gardeners begin their highly popular, long-standing series of classes Gardening with the Masters this coming Tuesday, March 21. The three 3 hour classes cover important and popular aspects of gardening here.
On consecutive Tuesdays, the topics covered will be: Annuals, Perennials, and Containers; Gardening from Seeds; Microgreens; Winter Sowing; Efficient Irrigation; Trees, Shrubs, and Ornamental Grasses; Vegetables and Tomatoes; Landscape Design; and Xeriscape Gardening. Here are some thoughts about these classes.
Annuals and perennials are the most numerous of ornamental plants and containers are an alternative way to display them as well as a separate way of gardening. Learning about these plants and different ways to use and grow them benefits even experienced gardeners.
Gardening with seeds gives gardeners more choices and is more affordable. Learn the basics of seed starting and stretch your plant budget.
Microgreens are delicious, nutritious, and easily grown. Having significantly more nutritious value than their adult version, to many people they are a special treat with associated health benefits.
Winter sowing discusses easy, reliable ways to germinate seeds during the winter that are commonly sown in fall for the following season.
There are many ways to irrigate, many of which are inappropriate or wasteful in the panhandle. Get more for your water dollars with knowledge of proper irrigation practices.
Trees in the Texas panhandle are not only rare, but where they exist, they are special. They are essential in our landscapes for many reasons but must be properly selected and maintained in order to survive and thrive in our environment. Many trees are available to buy yet some are ill-suited for our conditions. Learn about trees for the panhandle and spend your money wisely.
Like trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses form the backbone of a garden and are major investments that should last for years. Understanding the proper selection of shrubs and grasses will enable you to put your newly learned design techniques to good use without the fear of wasting time and money.
One of the most frequently asked questions I get is what kind of tomatoes and other vegetables do well here? Come learn what works best from expert veggie gardeners and get your questions answered.
Many are afraid to garden, fearing what they don’t know. While I don’t believe there is an incorrect way to garden if it pleases you, there are good landscape design techniques that are simple to learn and use. You do not have to be a professional to design attractive gardens. An understanding of some basics will take the fear out of designing and help you be creative.
I teach a class called Common Sense Gardening. I call it this because when I called it Xeriscape Gardening people had misconceptions about what it entailed. Cactus, gravel, and plants that need little, if any water is not what xeriscape gardening is about. Park your notions about this type of gardening and come see what it is really about.
Held at Texas AgriLife Extension Center, 6500 W. Amarillo Blvd. (just west of the VA Hospital), $20 purchases the three 3-hour classes – pre-registration not required.