Master Gardeners

Quite a few master gardeners come into our Farm Store and come visit us at events that we have participated in over the years.

Master Gardeners - 12/30/24-1/5/2025

Monday, December 30, 2024

Part of our orchard and the field beyond it.

Good morning. It is 45° but it will be 89° according to the weather reports...That is way too hot. In fact, it has been so hot that the broccoli heads growing in our garden are going to seed so we will not have fresh broccoli. It is so disappointing. Meanwhile, the tomatoes continue to ripen.

Well, the day went very quickly. We had one customer. We also had one order for pick up. That customer came to pick up her items. UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and the mailman all showed up. I spent the day filling orders and getting them sent out. I did not finish. Tomorrow, it will be just Matt and me filling orders.

David and I went to HEB around 3pm for some groceries. It was crazy crowded! It was so hot out in that parking lot, especially pushing the cart all the way up the hill to get to the truck. Yes, it was hot for December at 91°. We got home at 5:18pm in time to take care of the animals. The sun went down at 5:42pm so that did not give us much time.

Left to right, Pamela, Trump, and Sue Ellen. Aren't they so cute?

Master Gardeners - Understanding Master Gardeners

A group of master gardeners appear to work in the heat.

Let's dive into the world of master gardeners. If you love plants and soil like I do, you're in for a treat. Master gardeners are gardening enthusiasts just like you, but they've taken their passion to the next level. They're not just hobbyists; they're experts certified to share their knowledge with the community.

So, what exactly are master gardeners? They're trained volunteers who go through a special program to become certified gardening gurus. They learn about everything gardening-related, from soil science to plant diseases.

Master gardeners are a part of a state-run cooperative extension service. These services work with universities and local communities to offer education on agriculture, horticulture, and, of course, gardening.

But don’t worry if you’re not a university graduate. The master gardener program welcomes gardeners of all backgrounds, so you don't need any special degrees to apply. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are your tickets in.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Trump enjoyed an early morning chilly walk with me.

Good morning. It is very windy this morning and 55°. It has been windy since Saturday.

I took Trump out for a brisk New Year's Eve walk this morning. He was so concerned about having the leash in his mouth at all times. He pulled me all over the place like he was trying out for the lead position of Santa's team.

All of these were picked today from our garden--Celebrity, Tycoon, and Roma, with a few Ruby Crush grape tomatoes mixed in. We sell all of the seeds.

Meanwhile, Matt was in the garden picking tomatoes. He got a full two baskets worth. We will be freeze drying many of them. If the texture is still good, Matt said we will need to call the General...He is a friend of ours who loves tomatoes. We will test some out first and make sure they are tasty.

Sunset from the orchard. Happy New Year!

Master Gardeners - The Journey to Becoming a Master Gardener

Now, you might be wondering how you can become a master gardener. The process is both exciting and rewarding. To start, you'll need to apply to a master gardener program in your area.

Each state offers its own master gardener programs, so you'll need to find the one closest to you. The requirements may vary slightly, but they all share a passion for gardening education.

In Texas, for example, the journey to becoming a master gardener involves hands-on training and classes. You might even become an expert in native Texas plants and the challenges of gardening in the Lone Star State.

You’ll usually begin with an application process. Once accepted, you'll attend training classes that can last several weeks or months. These classes are chock-full of gardening information, from botany basics to advanced plant care techniques.

Keep in mind that once you've completed the classes, you'll need to pass a final certification exam. But don't worry, your passion and dedication will see you through.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Sunrise this morning from our side porch. You can see the roof of the car port and some of the hoop houses near the driveway.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! I got to bed at 12:17am and my neighbors were still popping fireworks. I woke up several times in the night and all was still. I got up at 6:17am and it was 45°. David got up and went shopping super early at Walmart. He left the house before 7am. That is crazy.

I have been dusting and vacuuming, after I cleaned the kitchen up some. David is out there making prime rib and potato salad so there will be lots to clean up again in a little while.

The wind is blowing a lot and I thought I might get blown across the property as I was taking care of our animals this morning. If Sister Bertrille were here wearing her habit, she definitely would have flown across Atascosa County! For those of you who have no clue, there was a TV show on in the 1960s called The Flying Nun.

Today, I am working in the house, not out there on the business. Usually on New Year's Day, I am pulling orders. Noot today. By the way, thank you to everyone who has taken advantage of our sale. It ends at midnight Central Standard Time tonight. Here are the details.

Here is today's prime rib.

It is currently noon and 59° with high winds. I am starving. David made a delicious prime rib.

Here is a slice of the prime rib as well as some potato salad that David made.

As we were cleaning up around 4pm, the store doorbell went off. Sure enough, customers came and we are closed for the holiday. Matt went out and told them. We were open this past Saturday plus Monday and Tuesday but no one showed up until I got a day off...Go figure.

Meanwhile, the sale is still going on until midnight tonight. Orders have been pouring in and I have a lot of them to fill and get out this week.

Master Gardeners - What Master Gardeners Know

After you become a master gardener, you'll be a fountain of gardening knowledge. You’ll learn about plant biology, soil health, pest management, and sustainable gardening practices.

The actual gardening experience of a master gardener is vast. They know how to handle common gardening issues like soil acidity or invasive pests. Plus, they can guide others in creating beautiful, thriving gardens.

Master gardeners often delve into specific areas such as vegetable gardening, ornamental plants, or even organic farming. This allows them to specialize in their unique interests within the gardening world.

You might be thinking, "How much do the people who hold the title of master gardener actually know about gardening?" Well, the truth is, they've accumulated a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience through rigorous training and community engagement.

Now, I would also like to say that at gardening shows, when some master gardeners come to our booth, they always identify themselves as master gardeners. I would guess that they are proud of that and I do not blame them. Then most of them proceed to ask us the most basic questions, questions I feel they should have learned during their training.

For instance, how deep should I plant seeds? What temperature should the soil be when I plant such and such? How often should I water? Maybe they are new and are unsure of what they learned and need someone to back them up. Or maybe they are testing us to see if we know anything. We do...

David and I do not have master gardener certification. We know a lot because of our experience with many thousands of seed varieties through the years. At one point, we were selling about 2500 seed varieties a few years ago. That is just too many so we cut it back to just over 1,000 varieties which is still a lot.

Thursday, January 2, 2025

The fish pond does not look very clear today.

Good morning. It is 50° and the sky is gray and dreary looking. We got up early to get a jump on the day but all did not go as planned...That is life, right?

It will be a very busy day. The New Year's sale was successful and will keep us busy along with Amazon orders.

We had one customer this afternoon. The orders for spring seeds kept coming in all day long so it really looks like I did nothing all day.

Master Gardeners - The Impact of Master Gardeners

Becoming a master gardener isn't just about personal growth. It's about giving back to the community. Master gardeners often volunteer their time to educate others and help local gardens thrive.

They assist with community projects, answer gardening questions, and sometimes even help plan public gardens. Their expertise is a valuable asset to community groups and garden clubs.

In schools, master gardeners may teach children the joys of gardening, inspiring a new generation of plant lovers and environmental stewards.

Their work fosters a sense of community, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Imagine the difference you could make as a master gardener.

Friday, January 3, 2025

Good morning. It is slightly foggy outside. I finally got around to transferring my yearly calendar information to the 2025 calendars this morning. Honestly, I hate doing it but it has to be done. I always used to do it on New Year's Eve but I have not done that in a long time.

I just printed out a bunch of new orders but I still have so many old orders to pull and mail out. I am way behind now but that is how it is when we have a sale around a holiday.

We had a temporary helper start today. For most of the day, he stuffed counted seeds into envelopes. At the end of the day, he also picked a ton of tomatoes.

Our trash man now comes every two weeks. Today is trash day. He never came. My dumpster overfloweth.

David took the three dogs to be groomed at noon and came back. Apparently, they were quite busy because they did not call until 5pm to say the dogs were ready. Matt went to get them. They look so cute.

Pamela and Sue Ellen in the car after being groomed. Aren't they so pretty?

My sweet little Trump, so cute.

A lady stopped by to purchase some seeds right after lunch. Around 4pm, some new friends of ours, Rob and Ann from Doe Re Mi Lavender Farm came by our farm for the first time. We had a good visit and David took them on a tour. Then we all went to dinner up in Devine at Triple C. It was nice to leave the farm--my first time since last Saturday afternoon when we made a very quick trip to Walmart.

Anyway, we had a fun time. We got there at 6pm and there were hardly any people. By the time we left, the place was packed.

The sun looked pretty cool on our way into Devine.

Look at that pink sun setting over I35 tonight!

Master Gardeners - The Certification Process

Certification is an important part of becoming a master gardener. Once you've completed your initial training, you remain committed to ongoing education to keep your skills sharp.

Certification isn't a one-and-done affair. Master gardeners are encouraged to continue learning through workshops, seminars, and volunteer activities.

In most states, including Texas, you’ll also need to volunteer a certain number of hours each year to maintain your certification. This keeps you connected to the gardening community and ensures you’re always up-to-date.

Remember, staying active in the gardening community not only enhances your skills but also spreads knowledge and passion for gardening.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

The fog is moving in quickly and you can barely see the trees in the background.

The oak tree is barely visible.

Good morning. It is foggy and the fog has just moved in thicker than 20 minutes ago. The above photos are what it looks like now.

David called for everyone, including the new guy to work today. They are all out there now working. Matt arrived before the fog closed in and fed the animals so it will be an easy Saturday for me. I am grateful.

I need to get ready and join them all out there. It is still dark in the house.

I started working more than an hour before the store opened. I pulled orders the entire time except for about 30 minutes when one family was shopping in the store. One of our workers went home at noon, the others around 2:45pm. I left at 3:30pm. I finally got all of the week's orders pulled and now I have to mail them out.

At 5pm, I was out collecting eggs and putting animals away for the night. I started walking over to the goats and I stopped in my tracks. This is what I saw.

To my shock, Norton was in the girl's area. There was no way I could get him back to his area. He fights me tooth and nail.

Norton on his hind legs. He is so happy to be on this side where he can be the boss.

So how did Norton get out of his area? I went over and looked at his gate. It was unlatched. It seems that someone special did not make sure it was latched.

When Matt got here for the Svengoolie movie, he put Norton away.

Norton with Trixie.

Master Gardeners - Master Gardeners in Texas

Maroon bluebonnets are Texas natives that come from Texas A&M.

If you're in Texas, there's a rich history and strong network waiting for you. Master gardeners in Texas are supported by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

The program in Texas emphasizes plants that thrive in the local climate, such as native shrubs and trees, making the most of regional growing conditions. Don't forget the native Texas flowers. David's Garden Seeds® sells a nice selection of Texas native flowers here.

You’ll participate in practical workshops and fieldwork, gaining experience in everything from drought-resistant plants to Texas wildflowers.

With a practical emphasis, the Texas program ensures you’re well-equipped to tackle any gardening challenge unique to the region.

A master gardener trimming plants.

Sunday, January 5, 2025

The thick fog burned off by 9am.

Good morning. The fog is extra thick this morning. I need to go out in it and feed everyone. It is 58° and the high today will be 73°. The forecast is calling for high winds at 3pm and overnight, it will be in the thirties. I imagine we will lose all of our veggies that are still growing except for the roots.

I fed everyone and then we got ready for church. After church, we went back to Triple C with two couples from church. Then we got some groceries and came home. The wind started around noon, blowing in a cold front. It was 80° earlier. It is now 61° at 6pm and will get down in the low 30s tonight.

We had some disappointing news this weekend. We were planning on buying another four acres from a neighbor this year but he emailed us that he sold it to someone else. So that is that.

Such a pretty sunset.

Master Gardeners - Your Path as a Master Gardener

A master gardener transplants started plants into the ground.

Embarking on the path to becoming a master gardener is a lifelong journey filled with learning and friendship. You’ll meet people who share your passion and learn from experts in the field.

If you're ready to take your gardening skills to the next level, reach out to your local extension service. They’ll guide you through the steps necessary to join a program.

Prepare to roll up your sleeves, get your hands in the dirt, and immerse yourself in a world where the only limit is your curiosity and love for plants.

Remember, growth isn’t just for your garden plants; it's about personal growth too. Enjoy the journey and the lifelong impact you’ll make as a master gardener.

Good luck on your adventure into the world of vibrant greenery and endless learning!

Return from Master Gardeners to Our Sixth Year

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