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As the Garden Grows

A Publication of the Gonzales Master Gardeners Gonzales, Texas July 2013 Volume 3, Issue 7

Growing More Cycads (Sago Palms)

Cynthia Mueller, Master Gardener, Galveston County (Reprinted with permission from arthur-found in HortUpdate for June 2013 at Aggie Horticulture)

Cycads (Cycas revoluta and others), often referred to as Sago Palms, have increased in popularity in Southern landscapes in recent years because of milder winters and because of their tropical looks and easy-care reputation. They are slow growing plants, which means that they are thought of as some of the more expensive, but permanent residents of the landscape, so gardeners are often interested in increasing their stocks through rooting offsets or growing from seeds.

Dr. Bill Welch has grown and observed many of these cycads for years. He remarks, "The most common cycad for Texas and southern gardens is Cycas revoluta. Except for occasional cold damage, sago palms are very Female Cycad revoluta tough plants. They cheerfully survive heat and drought but dislike wet, poorly drained sites. Their positive form (image courtesy of Dr. Mike Arnold) and symmetrical leaf arrangement add a bit or formality to a garden. Cycads work well in containers but larger pots are best. For hardiness zones 8 and north be prepared to move them indoors or provide cover during cold spells.

Other cycads useful for indoor or outdoor use include Zamia furfuracea, cardboard palm, Z. floridanum and Dion edule. All of these are less cold hardy than sago palms and are best grown where they can be protected in zone 9 and higher. Z. zamioculus has become more available in recent years and is popular for use indoors."

Cycads are ancient gymnosperms that were typical plants of the Jurassic era, at the time of dinosaurs (about 150 million years ago). About 11 genera are included, comprising about 185 species. Even though they superficially resemble palms or ferns, they are related to neither.

Many times gardeners are fascinated by the pinecone-like 'megasporangium' that appears on mature plants, but are not quite sure what to do next to insure a crop of seeds. 2 The most important virtue for gardeners wanting to grow cycads from seed is - patience!

Unlike many other plants in the landscape, cycads are dioecious, meaning that each one is either male or female, so that to get viable seeds both sexes need to be present, or at least one member of the opposite sex should be just over the fence in the neighbor's garden! This proximity is very important because small insects known as thrips (especially Cycadothrips chadwicki) move pollen from the male to female cones and are capable of squeezing through small openings in the cones to do so. Cycad thrip When growing conditions are right, and the plants have reached a mature Cycadothrips chadwicki status, each sex will produce a megasporangium in its pithy, fibrous crown, some of which have been likened to a large pinecone or even an ear of corn. The male megasporangium contains clusters of microsporophylls containing pollen grains (microspores). Often these microsporophylls look surprisingly like individual segments of pine cones.

Cycads are unusual in that they generate both heat and strong, alluring odors in the microsporangia which are methods of drawing insects to investigate and distribute pollen. Dr. Irene Terry et al. (2) have reported that the temperature of a megasporangium may rise as much as 25°F in mid-day during the receptive period. Graduated increases in odor are thought to drive the thrips into male cones, then back out again covered with pollen, which they take with them on visits to female cones, which are also capable of exuding an attractive scent. It was earlier thought that pollination was only achieved through windborn means, landing on drops of sticky material in the female cones which later dries, drawing the pollen into the receptacles. A period of time goes by while the pollen tube grows and develops, finally releasing fluid and sperm (which are motile), and which finally manages to enter the egg cell. Several months may pass between pollination and fertilization.

Working With Seeds: Dr. Severn C. Doughty described the sequence of events associated with the long event of embryo development in his article in Ornamentals South (1). As long as six months in some cases goes by while the embryo continues development. After the seeds are shed, the red, yellow or orange seeds/fruit may be eaten by animals, birds or bats, although the toxic seeds are usually quickly eliminated from the animal's system. Another period of waiting takes place while the embryos continue to develop and finally crack the hard seed coat. If the seeds are gathered by gardeners, the outer parts can be removed immediately, in case the coatings have an inhibitory effect on germination. Soaking for a day or so helps to soften the outer coat first.

Peel off the fleshy material around each seed with a sharp knife. If working with a large number of seeds, it may help to drop the cleaned seeds into a bucket of water overnight so that the heavier, fertile ones will sink to the bottom. Those with a lightweight or incomplete cotyledon will float and could be discarded at this stage. Individual seeds may be scarified, or scratched through with a three cornered file at the micropylar (pointed) end. After treating with fungicide the seeds may be buried to l/3 to l/2 the thickness of the seed in sterilized media such as sand, perlite, or a 50-50 mixture of perlite and peat. Periodically treat the soil media with more fungicide.

Temperatures between 75°F and 90°F are good for germination, and bottom heat is also beneficial. Allow the seeds to take their time. Pick out individual seedlings when they have one or two true leaves and repot in the same sort of medium and grow for two to three years under 40-50 percent shade cloth. After this the light can be increased to suit the species involved.

Leaf size, shape and "leatheriness" can often be manipulated by growers, with plants grown in stronger light usually being more compact in appearance. 3 Working With Offsets: Cycads may be increased through rooting the offsets that appear here and there on the trunk of the plant. If the shoots or offsets are from the base of the cycad, they may already have a few roots. These can be pried off carefully, let dry for a day or two, and dusted with sulphur or other fungicide. Then allow them to finish rooting in potting media.

If roots are not present, carefully cut the offset away with a sharp knife and let it dry for up to a few weeks until a callus has formed over the break. Dust the base of the offset and the wound in the cycad trunk with sulphur or fungicide to promote good plant health. A dusting of rooting hormone powder may also be applied. Then set the offsets into good potting media. If only a few leaves are attached to the offset, leave them. If leaves appear to be too numerous, cut away as many as 50%. Check occasionally for ongoing root development. Fertilize the developing suckers with a weak solution of a balanced fertilizer and plant them out when they appear to be thriving independently.

References:

1. Doughty, Severn C. History, Description & Culture of Cycads, Ornamentals South vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 10-15, 1981. 2. Terry, Irene et al. Odor-mediated Push-pull Fertilization in Cycads. Science 318, no. 5847, p. 70, 2007.

Countdown to Establishing New Plants: 3-2-1 By Mark A. Peterson, Conservation project coordinator for San Antonio Water System.

All new plants require mindful watering to get them off to a good start. Once plants are properly established, they respond with vigor and need surprisingly little water, even during times of drought.

So how do you properly water to establish plants? It's as easy as 1-2-3 or rather 3-2-1. The basic rule for all plants, including perennials and shrubs, is to start with frequent but light watering and gradually transition to infrequent, deeper watering.

Here's how our 3-2-1 rule works over a six-week period:

 First three weeks: Water three times a week.  Next two weeks: Twice-a-week watering.  Final week: — Water just once.

When you water, make sure you're concentrating only on the root ball. Watering outside the root ball doesn't help the plant, and it wastes water. This is why hand watering is the best method. Water just enough to soak the root ball – about 16 ounces of water per 1- gallon size plant. For a 2-gallon plant, that's 32 ounces of water. If you're using a hose equipped with a watering wand, then count roughly five seconds to equal 16 ounces.

Once you've finished the 3-2-1 regimen, water no more than twice a month. You pick the days- maybe the second and fourth Saturdays. (You get the idea.) And monthly rainfall means you won't have to water at all!

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A Thought from Gail

Well, it’s sure been hot enough to keep me inside although it looks like we may get some relief this third week of July. I don’t know where summer is going. But even though we can’t garden much in this heat (David calls it our “winter,” i.e. no gardening), there is still plenty of work to do planning for this coming fall. Your ideas make this organization what it is. And your participation is what makes the organization work. So, please. Come help plan what we will all be doing this coming year.

Let’s recruit a great class. We are very fortunate to have had three great classes bring terrific new members—but we need more to fill all the needs in our communities. So bring a friend, drag in a relative, talk to folks you meet. Class starts the second week of September -- there’s no time to loose.

Get in on the conversation about supporting Gonzales Elementary school. There are over 600 kids there waiting for our support. Let’s find ways to help their teachers bring them a quality education. We are planning programs for this fall now.

The Plant Sale is looking for leaders. We’re about to get this down to an art form but the two big questions for this year are (1) Should we stay at Hero Square or move to Fair Street and (2) How can we make this physically less demanding to set up.

Landscape planning for Fair Street Building is underway. Let’s dress the old lady up like she deserves. In addition, the members have agreed to set aside one morning a month to keep the building in the best possible shape with a workday. We’ll start that in September.

And if you see John Parr around town, thank him for his help. John is the one who has been mowing around the building for us and who takes care of tilling and shredding on the corn field. We are very fortunate to have folks like John who have just stepped forward and helped—without being asked and just because they can.

Fair Street Exploratorium Building Policies

Usage

The building is intended for use for public educational purposes. It may not be used by private organizations (not associated with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension irrespective of their charitable status) for private events and programs or for regular business meetings. The building is not available for rental on a fee basis. Building can be used for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension activities. Building can be used for Gonzales Master Gardener activities. Building can be used for Gonzales County 4-H activities. 5 Building may be used by local schools for educational purposes. County Extension Agent may approve other uses as he may deem appropriate.

Scheduling

Building will be scheduled for use through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Gonzales County Office. Sherry Callaway will be the contact for this, 830-672-8531 or [email protected] . The key for the building will be available when scheduled.

Maintenance and Cleaning

The expectation is that the building can be used if it is left cleaner than when you found it. The Gonzales Master Gardeners will be responsible for providing consumable items, such as toilet paper, paper towels, and trash bags.

Public Usage Checklist

Turn Lights Off Turn Air Conditioner/Heater Off Take trash with You Restock Bathrooms Clean Floors Wipe Tables Clean Return Key to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office

Summer Saturdays at Fair Street

Our next “Summer Saturdays” at FSB is scheduled for July 20, 2013 from 9:30 until 11:30 am. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, visit and discuss horticulture and gardening with other Master Gardeners. This event is open to the public. The next Summer Saturday will be on August 17.

Upcoming Planning Committees

Everyone is encouraged to participates in these planning committees! Gonzales Elementary Program- This group will be looking for ways to help with education of the children at Gonzales Elementary. Their next meeting will be Thursday, July 18 at 9 am. Children’s Garden-Tuesday, July 23 at 1:30 pm Landscaping at FSB-Next meeting is Thursday, August 1 at 10 am. Rummage Sale-Tuesday, August 20 at 10 am Plant Sale Kickoff meeting-Tuesday, August 20 at 1 pm 6

Now You See It...... Now You Don't! (Submitted by Arline Rinehart)

Even though the calendar says summer is less than a month old, here in Texas we've been experiencing heat and dry conditions for a much longer period of time. And that means watering is a necessity to keep a garden, flower beds, and lawn alive. Add to that mixture a heaping dose of insects, and then quality production really begins to decrease.

With the increasing problems in mind, the decision was made to clear the raised beds at the Children's Garden of the squash, bean, and tomato plants. The first attempt to clear the garden was Friday, July 12. Only half of the beds were cleared before it got too hot to continue. The rest will be cleared on Tuesday, July 16. This will allow the soil to rest and give the insects the opportunity to find somewhere else to linger.

Prior to the removal of the plants, there had been great harvests of tomatoes, squash, and green beans during June which was taken to the school district. The cafeteria staff at Gonzales Elementary prepared the lunches for the summer school programs in the school district and also for the Summer Youth Program at the park. Following the close of those programs, the next few harvests were taken to GCAM for dispersal to the community. All were very appreciative of our sharing the food with them.

Thanks to Fran, Cheryl, Nancy, and Shirley for helping harvest and take down the garden. At this point the marigolds are still going strong and so we will leave them for a short while to enjoy their beauty.

The teacher reviews from the spring semester were very favorable and Mrs. Leonhardt, East Avenue principal, is very willing for the Master Gardeners to continue what we have been doing at the primary level campus. There are things we need to evaluate from our perspective as we look forward to planning the fall planting schedule with first grade classes. Our first meeting to review and tweak last year's plans will be held on Tuesday, July 23, at FSB at 1:30 p.m. Please come and share your ideas so we can improve the first grade gardening experience.

7 WIC Garden

Bill Storey is in need of volunteers to sign up for helping out at the WIC gardens on Friday morning from 9 – 10 am. Please contact him if you would like to help out.

2013 Texas Master Gardener Conference

McAllen Convention Center in McAllen

Thursday through Saturday, October 17 – 19.

Hosted by Cameron and Hidalgo Counties Experience the Blooms, Birds and Butterflies of South Texas!

Registration is now open http://2013tmgaconference.org

As most of you know, the GMG Association has submitted application for various awards (see March 2013 issue of “As the Garden Grows”) and the winners will be announced at the 2013 State Conference. Let’s ALL attend and see who the winners will be!! The program agenda is available online and looks to very interesting and informative. There are seven tours available for your enjoyment, many great topics, and workshops to participate in and two dinners with entertainment.

Some of the topics included are:  Gourd Birdhouse  Garden Journaling  Hummingbird Gardens  Coping with Drought  Low Tunnel Backyard Strawberry Production  Butterfly Gardening  Good Sense Organic Gardening

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Get Ready for Our Fall Rummage Sale!!

Trash or Treasure! What will it be this year? It’s time to think about cleaning out those closets, cabinets and storage sheds. A committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 10 am to discuss the Third Annual Fall Rummage/Bake Sale. Everyone is invited to attend and share your thoughts for another GMG fundraising event. If you have any trash or treasures for the sale, please contact Fran Saliger, 830-672-2953. A storage shed is available to hold your items until the sale.

Cooking What We Grow (Submitted by Sherri Wagner)

I just saw a notice that July is National Hotdog Month, and I know that corn has recently come into season. This recipe for corn relish is a really easy way to combine both. Don't like hotdogs? Try this relish on tacos, fajitas, or mix with your favorite greens and a cucumber for a salad. This recipe makes a quart of relish, so you may want to try all of this.

5-6 large ears of fresh corn 1/2 cup sweet red onion 1 red bell pepper 5-6 fresh green onions, chopped 2 Tablespoons cilantro 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1 cup water 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon pickling salt 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 hot pepper (serrano or jalapeno), finely chopped 1 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Boil corn and cool. Using a sharp knife, run the tip of the blade through the kernels and remove them from the cobs. Mix in a large bowl with the red onion, red bell pepper, green onions and cilantro. In a saucepan, mix the cider vinegar, water, sugar and salt over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add the garlic, hot pepper, cumin and black pepper and continue to heat to a low boil. Pour the heated sauce over the fresh 9 vegetables, mix and let stand for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Then enjoy with your favorite dishes.

Tips of the Month Prepping a Pot for Planting: (Submitted by Juliana Hening)

Place a coffee filter in the bottom of the pot before adding potting soil. This will allow excess water to drain while keeping the soil from exiting the drainage hole.

Fall Gardening:

According to the SAWS Watersaver newsletter, it’s time to start thinking about the Fall Garden. Reduce garden pest populations, such as spider mites and aphids, by removing all of your spring vegetables and disposing of them. Avoid composting the remains. Instead, let your garden rest until the first week of August when fall planting begins. Add compost to all your garden beds to keep the weeds away and reduce the need for water.

Ant Guards (Submitted by Gail Johnson)

I saw Shirley in the Home Depot the other day. She saw a small pot, a can of paint and a little piece of hardware in my hands and she asked me what I was making. It’s an ant guard. The ants just really go after my hummingbird feeders and I can’t seem to find any ant guards anymore so I make my own. Here’s a picture of the parts and pieces and the end result. A little squirt of insecticide on the underside of the pot (when the feeder is in the house to be filled) really seems to keep them away. It works for me. Shirley is more creative than I am. Hmm, she said, you could make a pretty good rain chain that way too!

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Area Events (Submitted by Julian Hennig)

San Antonio: “No Money, No Time, No Experience. No problem!” will be offered Saturday, July 20 or Aug 31, from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. We understand the prospect of gardening can be a little intimidating. Especially for beginner gardeners or new homeowners who lack money, time and experience. This course is designed to help you get started on your gardening adventure. Class fee: $10 ($9 members). Please contact [email protected] or Sasha Kodet at 210.207.3270 or [email protected] for more information or to register.

Georgetown: A dynamic and intensive 3-day “JMG® Specialist Training” conference will be held Tuesday, July 23 through Thursday, July 25, from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. at the Williamson County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Georgetown. The National Junior Master Gardener® Program is growing good kids by igniting a passion for learning, success, and service through a unique gardening education. And to support these efforts, this training is designed to assist those coordinating or supporting JMG programs at the local and regional level. Upon completion of the JMG® Specialist Training Conference, you will receive certification as a JMG® Specialist by the National Junior Master Gardener Program office and a host of invaluable resources that will help grow JMG® and youth gardening programs in your area. Attendees will participate in JMG® Program presentations, including a comprehensive program overview, curriculum reviews to bring you up to date on the various program components available, current research on the benefits of gardening with youth through JMG, ideas for creating successful partnerships, and strategies for cultivating community support and fundraising. Registration Cost: $275 ($300 after July 2, 2013). For more information or to register, click here or contact Stacey Gomez, Conference Coordinator, at 512-943- 3300.

San Antonio: Come join us for the “2013 Junior Master Gardener Adult Training” designed for teachers, educators, and volunteers in support of youth gardening on Tuesday, July 23 through Thursday, July 25, at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Participants will become affiliated with the Texas Junior Master Gardener Program, which engages children in novel, "hands-on" group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. Participants will learn how to establish a garden, start a Junior Master Gardener group, and obtain the JMG curriculum. CPE Hours are provided for this three day training. Cost of the training is $100. No refunds, after the application, will be accepted. For an application, call the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Service, Bexar County office at 210-467-6575, or go on the web and download your application at: www.BexarYouthGardens.com. You may also contact Natalie Cervantes @ [email protected] for additional information.

San Antonio: “Retrofitting Your Yard for Drought Conditions” will be offered Saturday, July 27 or August 10, from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Discover the benefits of retrofitting your yard and transcend traditional gardening ideas to create a progressive low-water landscape. Bring your imagination and design a yard that will showcase your artistic talents. Class 11 fee: $10 ($9 members). Please contact [email protected] or Sasha Kodet at 210.207.3270 or [email protected] for more information or to register.

San Antonio: “Gardening in a Long Term Drought” will be offered Friday, August 2, from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. With Stage 3 water restrictions anticipated, large lawns may no longer be practical. Our gardening experts will provide an overview of turf alternative landscapes and take you on a tour through Watersaver Lane. Learn how to take advantage of SAWS landscape and irrigation rebates as well as programs and services. Class fee: $10 ($9 members). Please contact [email protected] or Sasha Kodet at 210.207.3270 or [email protected] for more information or to register.

San Antonio: “Growing Succulents in Containers” will be offered Saturday, August 3, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Containers are the ideal way to grow many succulents. Come to this workshop to find out what kind of soil to use, how to water succulents in containers, and the numerous sizes and styles of succulents that lend themselves to container culture. Plants and potting materials are provided, but bring your own 6-8 inch pot. Class fee: $45 ($40.50 members). Please contact [email protected] or Sasha Kodet at 210.207.3270 or [email protected] for more information or to register.

Victoria: A program on “Year Round Vegetable Gardening” will be presented by Deanna Wolf, Victoria County Master Gardener, at the Victoria Master Gardener’s Lunch and Learn with the Masters on Monday, August 12, from Noon – 1 p.m. at the Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro, Victoria. Bring your lunch and drink. Free and open to the public.

Seguin: The Guadalupe Master Gardeners will meet on Thursday, August 22, at the AgriLife Building on 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin. Dr. Rebecca Kelso will discuss "Preventing Skin Cancer" beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. The regular business meeting will be at the end of the program. For further information, visit www.guadalupemastergardeners.org.

College Station: In conjunction with the Texas Garden Clubs, Inc. and Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the next “Landscape Design School, Course III”, is going to be offered at Christ United Methodist Church, 4201 State Highway 6, in College Station, Monday and Tuesday, September 23 - 24. These courses are offered in four separate schools, approximately six months apart, each offering 10 hours of instruction. Participants may take the four courses in any sequence. Garden Club members, Master Gardeners, nurserymen and others who are interested in furthering their knowledge of landscape design are welcome to attend. This is an opportunity for more in-depth training in landscape design than is normally included in the Master Gardener curriculum. Each course is typically approved by local Master Gardener chapters to qualify for 12 hours of continuing education toward maintaining certification for Master Gardeners. For additional information or to register, click here or contact: Mrs. Karin Wallace, Department of Extension Horticulture, at 979-845- 8565 or by e-mail at [email protected].

McAllen: Hosted by Cameron and Hidalgo Counties Master Gardeners, the “2013 Texas Master Gardener Conference” will be held at the McAllen Convention Center in McAllen, Thursday through 12 Saturday, October 17 – 19. To register, either go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/MG or call 979- 845-2604. For conference information, please visit http://2013tmgaconference.org.

RESOURCES: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Factsheets, guides and databases about horticulture and gardening www.txmg.org Texas Master Gardener Association www.plantanswers.com Gardening information by Dr. Jerry Parsons, TAMU www.growgreen.org Good source for Texas Landscape Plants-Click Native & Adapted Plant Guide http://texastreeid.tamu.edu Tree Identification and much more www.texasstar.org Native Texas plants identification and information www.plantcare.com Plant Identification www.sabot.org San Antonio Botanical Gardens www.wildflower.org Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, TX www.texassuperstar.com Information about Texas Super Star plants www.plants.usda.gov Plant Database for the USA www.austinorganicgardeners.org Organic gardening information www.sanantonioherbs.org Information about San Antonio Herb Association www.npsot.org Native Plant Society of Texas www.davesgarden.com Great source for Plant Identification

13 DATES TO REMEMBER: (Check elsewhere in newsletter for details)

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings/classes are at the Fair Street Building (FSB)

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

JULY 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 Children’s WIC Garden Mtg. Garden 10:30 am 9:00 am

28 29 30 31 AUGUST 1 2 3 Noon MG WIC Meeting Garden Landscape 9:00 am Mtg. 10 am 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 WIC Garden 9:00 am

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 WIC Summer Garden Saturdays 9:00 am 9:30 am

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Rummage Sale WIC Committee Mtg. 10 am Garden Plant Sale Mtg. 9:00 am 1 pm 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 WIC Garden 9:00 am

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Editors: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office

Fran Saliger 1709 E. Sarah DeWitt Drive [email protected] Gonzales, TX 78629 Gail Johnson Phone: 830-672-8531 [email protected] Fax: 830-672-8532 E-mail: [email protected]

Web pages: http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org

http://gonzales.agrilife.org

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. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas cooperating. Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodations in order to participate in this meeting are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at 830-672-8531 to determine how reasonable accommodations can be made. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Service.