Smith County Master Gardeners

Smith County Master Gardeners Educational page for the Smith County Master Gardeners in Tyler, Texas. Department of Agriculture and the Smith County Commissioners Court cooperating.

The Master Gardeners of Smith County are specially trained volunteers who provide horticultural information and help to the citizens of Smith County, working through the Smith County Extension office. After 72 hours of instruction in botany, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, landscape, fruit and vegetable gardening, Master Gardener interns volunteer an equivalent amount of time within a y

ear to further AgriLife Extension’s mission of delivering educational programs to the citizens of Smith County. 2021 is the 28th year of the Smith County program, which has been recognized by both the local community and peers in other Master Gardener programs for outstanding programs and community service. AgriLife Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, dIsability or national origin, the Texas A&M University System, U.S.

Fruit Woes (Greg Grant, 5-31-26) It’s been a tough year for fruit trees. Here’s an excerpt from my friend Dr. ...
06/01/2026

Fruit Woes (Greg Grant, 5-31-26)

It’s been a tough year for fruit trees. Here’s an excerpt from my friend Dr. Tim Hartmann’s Texas Fruit Newsletter. Tim is our Extension Fruit Specialist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University:

“As we approach the end of the spring season, it’s becoming more and more evident how yields are shaping up for different fruit crops. Unfortunately, it’s not looking good for many. While it’s safe to say that there’s no such thing as a “normal year”, weather-wise in Texas, 2026 has so far proven highly unusual. With the exception of an unseasonably cold stretch in the latter half of January, this past winter was notably warm. Of course, this raised concerns about winter chilling. On the flip side, the hard freezes on January 25-27 and frost (for many) on March 17th were also sure to bring challenges. Peach growers across the state noticed the tell-tell signs of insufficient chilling: delayed bud break; reduced bloom; sparse foliage development; poor fruit set; lots of small “nubbins” or “second crop” that fail to size; excessively pointy fruit. What’s interesting about this situation is that, based on the numbers (at least the “Old 45°F Model”), we should have fared better. However, closer examination revealed several complications.”

“Much of the chill hours that were logged during the late January cold snap occurred when temps were below freezing. Studies have also shown that a given amount of chilling over the winter is not as effective if it’s all received toward the end. Also, the unusually, often record, warm temps over much of the winter likely resulted in negation of much of the previously accumulated chill. Another factor that should not be overlooked is the fact that the warm fall and December resulted in the retention of foliage on many crops as late as January, which has been documented as inhibiting chilling accumulation. Lastly, while last summer was generally mild and wet, the onset of heat and drought in early fall and resulting stress didn’t put plants in a good position going into the winter. All this has resulted in many crops responding as if they were 200 or even 300 chill hours below average. These effects extended into crops that usually aren’t of as much concern like blackberries, particularly some of the newer varieties. As if this wasn’t bad enough, the frost on March 17th took out many of the early-blooming peach varieties whose low chilling requirements were actually satisfied. Simply put, we were hit from “both ends” this year. That same frost also proved devastating for most blueberry growers in East Texas who did not have frost protection in place.”

“As we move further into a season with a reduced berry crop and light/spotty stone fruit crop for many growers, we’re looking for a silver lining. For many, the freeze in January wasn’t hard enough to inflict severe damage on marginally hardy fruit like figs and pomegranates. The outlook for pear and apple varieties that received adequate chilling also appears positive. The strawberry crop has been moderate to good. Lower-chill crops like Asian persimmon and pecan that tend to be later-blooming also look good. The woes of this season also serve as a reminder
to carefully consider chilling requirements for variety selection and to try to stay as close as possible to what’s expected for your area.”

To subscribe to his expanded quarterly Texas Fruit Newsletter email Dr. Hartmann at [email protected].

Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu, or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at 903-590-2994 or [email protected].

Image caption: Tim Hartmann is our Extension Fruit Specialist at Texas A&M University.


Greg Grant, Ph.D.
County Extension Agent-Horticulture
Smith County
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
1517 West Front St., Suite 116
Tyler, Texas 75702
903-590-2980
smith.agrilife.org
Facebook: "Greg Grant Gardens" & "Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies"
Blog: arborgate.com "Greg's Ramblings"

Zowie Zinnias!!Sure, “Z” may be the caboose of the alphabet, but when it comes to garden glamor, zinnias charge in like ...
05/31/2026

Zowie Zinnias!!

Sure, “Z” may be the caboose of the alphabet, but when it comes to garden glamor, zinnias charge in like fireworks at a summer festival—bright, bold, and impossible to ignore. My own love affair with zinnias began when I was ten. We had just moved into a new neighborhood, and I remember riding past a house with the most spectacular backyard I’d ever seen. It was an explosion of color—red, pink, orange, yellow, purple—like someone had spilled a painter’s palette over the lawn. There must have been thousands of blooms, swaying in the sun. I asked what they were, and someone said, “Zinnias.” Just the name sounded zippy and full of life.

Back then, my mother’s garden leaned practical—shrubs and vegetables—but that riot of flowers planted a seed in me. I made a vow right then: one day, when I had a garden of my own, it would be full of zinnias. And it is.

Zinnia elegans, the common zinnia, is anything but ordinary. With blooms that range from dainty pom-poms to bold, dahlia-like heads, and colors that span fiery reds, citrusy oranges, lemon yellows, soft blush pinks, and regal purples, they bring drama and joy to any garden. Their ability to thrive in the heat of summer makes them a go-to choice for sunny spaces, and they’re wonderfully simple to grow—from seed or from starter plants found at almost any nursery.

Once you get them going, zinnias grow fast and bloom profusely, stretching their season from early summer right through fall’s final warm days. Their one-season life cycle packs in a whole lot of performance. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil with full sun, and they’ll reward you with a season-long spectacle. Since the 19th century, breeders have introduced over 100 dazzling cultivars, offering gardeners a nearly endless variety to choose from.

Zinnias are delightfully low-maintenance. Once established, they only ask for regular watering and a bit of deadheading to keep the blooms coming. They don’t beg for constant feeding and can even handle a little neglect—making them perfect for both beginner gardeners and busy plant lovers alike.

But these beauties aren’t just for show—they’re also pollinator magnets. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to the bright, nectar-rich blooms like guests to a summer picnic. And if you love bringing the garden indoors, zinnias make exceptional cut flowers, holding their color and shape in a vase for up to two weeks. In fact, the more you cut, the more they bloom—how’s that for generosity?

While zinnias are generally resistant to disease, they can sometimes be visited by powdery
mildew in humid conditions. A bit of spacing for airflow and careful watering at the base can help keep your plants healthy and happy.

Lois Kelly
Smith County Master Gardener

Would You Like to be a Master Gardener?Greg Grant (5-24-26) The award-winning Smith County Master Gardener volunteer edu...
05/28/2026

Would You Like to be a Master Gardener?
Greg Grant (5-24-26)

The award-winning Smith County Master Gardener volunteer educator program (txmgsc.org) is seeking applicants to join a highly trained corps of enthusiastic volunteers to assist the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in providing horticultural education to East Texans.

Do you enjoy gardening? Do you like sharing your interest in gardening with others? Do you like answering questions, public speaking, teaching, writing, conducting workshops, or talking on the phone? Would you like to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many kinds of both ornamental and edible plants? Would you like to participate in intensive horticultural training? Do you have time to attend a three-month training course from 9-4 each Thursday, starting January 7, 2027? Are you willing to complete 72 hours of prescribed volunteer work for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Smith County within one year of training and continue volunteering each year?

If you answered yes to all these questions, the Texas Master Gardener program (txmg.org) is for you. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is accepting applications from Smith County residents who would like to receive horticultural training and use their knowledge and experience to teach others about the many aspects of Earth-Kind gardening.

The Smith County Master Gardener program is a volunteer endeavor through which trained volunteers provide science-based and research-based gardening information to the residents of Smith County. This is done through various programs and activities such as workshops, conferences, speaking engagements, school gardens, demonstration gardens, plant trials, written articles for publications and social media, along with answering individual requests for gardening information at the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk.

Participants become certified Master Gardeners after completing both the 3-month training and a 12-month internship. The certification lasts for one year and is renewed through ongoing volunteer participation and required continuing education. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Youth Protection Standards, all Master Gardeners are required to pass a mandatory initial background check, with updates every 3 years.

If interested, your first steps are to contact Amanda Southard at [email protected] to have your name placed on our interest list and then to apply online at evs.tamu.edu.

All applications must be submitted online by September 1, 2026. Not all applicants will be accepted into the program. Class size is limited, and preference will be given to qualified Smith County residents with gardening experience, dedication to educating others, enthusiasm, and time to volunteer.

The 2027 Smith County Master Gardener class will begin Thursday, January 7. Classes will be held every Thursday at the Cotton Belt Building (1517 W. Front St.) from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. through March 25, 2027. The $203 fee includes the 450-plus page Texas Master Gardener Handbook, handouts, refreshments, instructors’ honoraria, and travel expenses for visiting specialists.

A mandatory orientation meeting for all potential Master Gardener trainees will be held at the Smith County AgriLife Extension office classroom (1517 W. Front St.) on June 16 from 10:00-12:00, July 15 from 2:00-4:00, or August 7 from 1:00-3:00 (choose one). If you have questions, call the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at (903) 590-2980.

Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu, or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at 903-590-2994 or [email protected].

Image caption: Smith County Master Gardeners are volunteer educators trained and coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.




Greg Grant, Ph.D.
County Extension Agent-Horticulture
Smith County
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
1517 West Front St., Suite 116
Tyler, Texas 75702
903-590-2980
smith.agrilife.org
Facebook: "Greg Grant Gardens" & "Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies"
Blog: arborgate.com "Greg's Ramblings"

Petals of RemembranceAs late May settles over Tyler and the last of spring gives way to the first true hints of an East ...
05/24/2026

Petals of Remembrance

As late May settles over Tyler and the last of spring gives way to the first true hints of an East Texas summer, Memorial Day arrives with both warmth and weight. Here in the Piney Woods, flowers are more than decoration – they are part of how we remember. From quiet country cemeteries to shaded churchyards, blooms tell stories of sacrifice, love, and enduring gratitude.

The most recognized of these is the red poppy, a symbol rooted in World War I and immortalized in the poem “In Flanders Fields.” Though poppies don’t grow as easily in our humid climate, their meaning still resonates. You’ll often see them pinned to shirts or displayed at local Memorial Day events, a small but powerful reminder of lives given in service.

Closer to home, East Texans often turn to flowers that thrive in our soil. White lilies, with their soft fragrance and graceful petals, are a familiar sight in arrangements placed at gravesites throughout Smith County. They symbolize peace and the hope of rest, offering comfort in moments of reflection beneath towering pines and wide Texas skies.

Roses flourish here as well. Red roses speak of deep love and sacrifice, while white roses convey reverence and humility. It’s not uncommon for families to clip a bloom from their own garden to lay at a loved one’s resting place – a simple gesture that feels especially meaningful when grown right at home.

Carnations, hardy enough to withstand the rising May temperatures, are another popular choice. Their durability makes them well-suited for graveside tributes that last through the holiday weekend. Red carnations honor admiration, while white ones reflect pure and enduring love.

And then there are the wildflowers, perhaps the most distinctly Texas tribute of all. Bluebonnets, daisies, and black-eyed Susans dot roadsides and open fields, their bright faces turned toward the sun. Though fleeting, they serve as a reminder of the natural beauty of the land so many fought to protect. Gathering a small handful to place at a gravesite can feel like bringing a piece of East Texas itself in the act of remembrance.

Many families also mark the holiday by tending small remembrance gardens, where seasonal blooms are planted in honor of loved ones. In a place where gardening is as much tradition as pastime, these living memorials offer a way to reflect year after year.

While cookouts and lake days may fill the long weekend, the flowers of Memorial Day gently guide us back to its deeper meaning. Each bloom, whether from a nursery, a backyard, or a country roadside, carries a quiet message of gratitude. And as we honor those who gave everything, we also extend our heartfelt thanks to all veterans for their service to our great country – past and present – whose dedication continues to safeguard the freedoms we cherish here at home.

Smith County Master Gardeners are volunteer educators certified and coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Lynn McGinnis
Smith County Master Gardener

Periwinkle BlightGreg Grant (5-17-26) Periwinkles have long been one of our most dependable summer bedding pla...
05/18/2026

Periwinkle Blight
Greg Grant (5-17-26)

Periwinkles have long been one of our most dependable summer bedding plants, brightening East Texas landscapes with months of cheerful color. For generations, gardeners counted on them the way we counted on bachelor buttons and zinnias. Because they evolved in a hot, dry climate, they thrived in heat, tolerated drought, and bloomed without complaint from spring until frost. That reputation took a hard hit when a disease known as aerial phytophthora, or periwinkle blight, arrived on the scene. Since then, many gardeners have learned the hard way that many of today’s periwinkles are not the carefree plants they once were.

Aerial phytophthora is a water‑mold disease that attacks the stems and foliage of Madagascar periwinkle, also called vinca. Unlike root rots that stay below ground, this one splashes upward. It often begins with a single wilted branch that looks thirsty even when the soil is moist. Soon the entire plant collapses, turning brown almost overnight. Gardeners often assume they underwatered or overwatered, but the real culprit is a microscopic organism that thrives in warm, wet conditions.

Plant pathologists often explain disease using the disease triangle. For any plant disease to occur, three things must be present: a susceptible host, a pathogen, and the right environmental conditions. Remove any one side of the triangle and the disease cannot take hold. Unfortunately, with periwinkle blight, all three sides tend to line up perfectly in our East Texas summers.

The host is certainly present. Many periwinkle varieties are beautiful but highly susceptible to aerial phytophthora. The pathogen is also present. Once introduced into a landscape, it can linger in soil, mulch, and plant debris. The final side of the triangle is the environment, and this is where gardeners have the most influence. Aerial phytophthora needs moisture on the leaves and stems to infect the plant. Every time water splashes from soil to foliage, the disease gains an opportunity to spread.

That is why irrigation practices play such a large role in whether periwinkles survive. Overhead sprinklers, especially those that run in the evening, create ideal conditions for infection. Water sits on the leaves overnight, giving the pathogen plenty of time to invade. Frequent light watering keeps the soil surface damp, which encourages spores to move upward. Even heavy rains can trigger outbreaks when plants are crowded or mulched too deeply.

Gardeners who still want to grow periwinkles can tilt the disease triangle in their favor by managing moisture. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses keep water off the foliage. Morning watering allows leaves to dry quickly. Proper spacing improves air flow and reduces humidity around the plants. Planting in raised beds helps water drain away rather than linger. To be honest, I water periwinkles when I plant them and almost never again. Removing and disposing of infected plants promptly (sanitation) keeps the pathogen from spreading to healthy ones.

There is some good news, however. The Cora Series was bred for improved resistance to aerial phytophthora. Even better, the newer Cora XDR line offers an additional level of resistance, making it the best option currently available for gardeners determined to keep periwinkles in their summer beds. The challenge is availability. If you spot them for sale, grab them.

Periwinkles remain beautiful plants, but they now require thoughtful care and careful watering. By understanding the disease triangle and how moisture encourages aerial phytophthora, gardeners can make informed choices and give their periwinkles the best chance to shine through our typically hot, dry summer.

Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu, or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at 903-590-2994 or [email protected].

Image caption: Periwinkle blight is a deadly fungal disease encouraged by frequent watering.



Greg Grant, Ph.D.
County Extension Agent-Horticulture
Smith County
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
1517 West Front St., Suite 116
Tyler, Texas 75702
903-590-2980
smith.agrilife.org
Facebook: "Greg Grant Gardens" & "Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies"
Blog: arborgate.com "Greg's Ramblings"

How To Clean Gardening ToolsCleaning your tools is probably one of the most neglected aspects of residential gardening. ...
05/17/2026

How To Clean Gardening Tools

Cleaning your tools is probably one of the most neglected aspects of residential gardening. However, it is a necessary task to prolong the useful life of your tools, maintain their appearance and performance, and prevent the spread of any pathogens in your home garden. Soil, contaminated water and plant borne pathogens (such as bacteria, fungus, nematodes and some viruses) can be very harmful to your landscape and must not be spread. At a bare minimum, complete cleaning should be performed several times throughout the growing season but ideally should be done after each use of those tools.

The required three steps are to: 1) physically clean the tools, 2) sanitize/disinfect them and 3) preserve them. The materials you will need are water (via one or more buckets), liquid soap (such a Dawn detergent), a garden hose, a sanitizing disinfectant (such as bleach, Lysol All Purpose Cleaner, hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol), sandpaper (or a scrubbing pad), mineral oil, linseed oil, and paper towels (or clean rags). Allow several minutes cleaning time for each tool and do a thorough job. Remember to always dry your tools before putting them away.

Start by physically cleaning your tools with clean soapy water and a stiff bristled scrub brush, using a bucket of water with some liquid detergent. Remove all soil and plant debris. Remove any rust using sandpaper. (Rusty hand tool springs may need to be soaked in distilled white vinegar for 12 to 24 hours to remove any rust.) Rinse off the soapy water with the hose. Then, sanitize/disinfect the tools by dunking them in bucket with a ten percent solution of bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water). A safer but more expensive rub-on disinfectant solution to use is Lysol, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Then, hose rinse and dry the tools thoroughly to ensure that the disinfectant will not rust them.

Next, you must preserve the tools by rubbing mineral oil on all of the metal parts and linseed oil on any wood handle parts. Remove any excess oil with paper towels or clean rags. Store your clean tools vertically to air dry and remove any residual moisture. Some people like to store their small clean tools face-down in a bucket of sand, as an added safeguard.

Finally, remember to clean your non-leather gardening gloves by thoroughly scrubbing them and then putting them in the washing machine with your other dirty gardening clothes. Proper cleaning should be an integral part of your gardening routine that will ensure the best results.

Smith County Master Gardeners are volunteer educators certified and coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Smith County Master Gardeners

YEAGER GARDENIn the heart of Tyler’s historic Azalea District, Holly Cottage Garden—approaching its 100th anniversary in...
05/15/2026

YEAGER GARDEN

In the heart of Tyler’s historic Azalea District, Holly Cottage Garden—approaching its 100th anniversary in 2026—unfolds like a series of outdoor chapters. Brick walkways weave through a sunken garden and cutting garden, slip past whimsical follies, and reveal tucked away fountains and quiet corners meant to be discovered slowly. The perennial walkway overflows with blackeyed Susans, peonies, lilacs, hydrangeas, and the intoxicating scent of brugmansia. A small kitchen garden offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, while a tranquil plunge pool, added in 2023 where the koi pond once lay, anchors the landscape.

Autumn ignites the garden in fiery hues, as Japanese red maples blaze in shades of gold, crimson, and orange. Out front, a grand saucer magnolia presides over borders of drift roses, yaupon, and holly. Nearly a century of caretakers—from Connally and Wolfe to Holley, Powers, Fair, and later the Babins—have shaped this beloved space. Today, Esther and Daren Yeager continue to honor its history while guiding its next chapter.

______

A Tour with a Purpose

The Home Garden Tour does more than open the gates to five beautiful private gardens—it fuels a year of community education. Proceeds support youth gardening programs, handson workshops, and outreach efforts across Smith County, helping gardeners of all ages grow with confidence.

Every Master Gardener you meet along the way is a trained volunteer through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, dedicated to sharing researchbased, regionally tested horticultural knowledge. With each ticket purchased, you’re not just enjoying a day of inspiration—you’re investing in the educational mission that strengthens our community.

Event Details
• TOMORROW (Saturday, May 16, 2026)
• 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., rain or shine
• $20 day of (cash or credit)
• Children under 12 attend free
• Tickets & information: txmgsc.org/HGT

If you’ve ever wanted to peek behind the garden gate, ask that plant question you’ve been saving, or simply enjoy a beautiful day surrounded by blooms, this tour is your invitation.

STRAUSS GARDENThe Strauss Garden Oasis is a one acre retreat shaped over a decade of clearing bramble, carving out theme...
05/13/2026

STRAUSS GARDEN

The Strauss Garden Oasis is a one acre retreat shaped over a decade of clearing bramble, carving out themed beds, and creating dry creek beds and winding paths. Visitors can wander nearly a quarter mile of trails, bridges, and quiet nooks, enjoying year round blooms and moments of reflection. More than 200 plant varieties fill the landscape, including Japanese maples, camellias, azaleas, hydrangeas, and native dogwoods.

Labeled specimen beds highlight an impressive mix of hostas, ferns, groundcovers, roses, hellebores, and fragrant favorites like gardenias and honeysuckle. Throughout the garden, small delights appear—miniature fairy gardens, painted rocks from neighborhood children, flagstone patios, and whimsical statuary. Guests can
settle onto a creekside bench, skip stones across the water, or search for hidden treasures such as rock turtles and snakes.

Six seating areas invite birdwatching and quiet contemplation, while a patio table and stump table offer spots for games or snacks. The garden is cared for using natural mulches and materials gathered from the surrounding woods, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and ongoing experimentation. The result is a
vibrant, ever evolving landscape that celebrates creativity, nature, and the joy of tending it.

Beat the Heat Library Lecture Greg Grant (5-10-26) Every spring, East Texas gardeners set out with big plans a...
05/11/2026

Beat the Heat Library Lecture
Greg Grant (5-10-26)

Every spring, East Texas gardeners set out with big plans and bigger hopes. Seedlings go into the ground, raised beds are mulched, and optimism is high. By fall, that enthusiasm fades. Many gardeners are frustrated, discouraged, and convinced they simply “don’t have a green thumb.”

When those conversations start, the complaints are familiar: extreme heat, endless humidity, bugs, diseases, and fire ants that appear to have organized themselves into an army. Gardeners are excellent at complaining, but they are also remarkably understanding of each other’s struggles, because every gardener has struggled. There is a simple truth that often brings relief: it isn’t personal. Gardening in East Texas is genuinely challenging.

One obstacle we can count on year after year is summer heat. As July slides into August, and often well into September, our gardens face a punishing combination of high temperatures, humidity, and often drought. Yet many gardeners are still trying to coax peppers, peas, and other vegetables through conditions that are far from ideal. In cooler climates, gardeners would have already given up. Here, we keep pushing on.

The good news is that we are not without help. Decades of research, plant breeding, and field testing by Texas A&M AgriLife have given us practical tools to manage heat stress and improve success. Understanding how plants respond to heat is the first step. Some wilting during the hottest part of the day is normal and temporary. Other signs, such as persistent wilting, leaf scorch, and blossom drop, signal that plants are under serious stress and need adjustments.

Fortunately, many of the most effective solutions are simple. Proper mulching keeps soil cooler and conserves moisture. Deep, slow watering encourages stronger root systems. And certainly when is absolutely critical. Planting species that prefer cooler temperatures during the summer is a recipe for disaster. Plant selection plays an oversized role. Some vegetables and varieties are far better adapted to heat and humidity than others. Choosing plants suited for East Texas can mean the difference between frustration and productivity.

These topics, along with many practical strategies, will be covered on May 15 at noon at the Tyler Public Library, where Elizabeth Waldrop, Smith County Master Gardener and longtime East Texas gardener, will present “Gardening to Handle the Heat” as part of the Master Gardeners at the Library lecture series. Waldrop brings years of hands-on experience and AgriLife-based knowledge focused on helping gardens not just survive summer but remain productive.

With the right expectations and tools, gardeners can have success, even during an East Texas summer. And if next year you find yourself complaining about sweet potato vines all over the place or neighbors avoiding you because you’re giving away okra, rest assured that is a much better problem to have.

Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.

Image caption: Okra and southern peas are both heat tolerant and productive.


Greg Grant, Ph.D.
County Extension Agent-Horticulture
Smith County
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
1517 West Front St., Suite 116
Tyler, Texas 75702
903-590-2980
smith.agrilife.org
Facebook: "Greg Grant Gardens" & "Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies"
Blog: arborgate.com "Greg's Ramblings"

Address

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 1517 W Front Street, Ste 116
Tyler, TX
75702

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(903) 590-2980

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