The Travis County Master Gardeners Association and the Travis County AgriLife Extension sponsor free public seminars on gardening topics throughout the year at different locations in the county. Our goal is to help the public learn easy-to-follow tips they can do on their own that will help them get more joy from their gardens, and to learn from research-based Extension and other sources what can go wrong in the garden and what to do about it in environmentally sensitive ways.

Lectures include such common themes as rainwater harvesting, vegetable gardening, lawn care, tree maintenance, native and adapted plants, propagating plants, and much more. Join us for some really great free learning opportunities and bring your questions!

Most of these seminars are free, open to the public and require no reservations (unless otherwise noted)

Planting Spring Vegetables
Saturday, January 14, 2012, 10am-12pm
Zilker Botanical Garden

Master Gardener Patty Leander is a frequent guest on public televisions' Central Texas Gardener and speaker throughout the State of Texas. She will share her immense knowledge of planning and growing your own home vegetable garden. Patty will also address our recent drought conditions and it's long term effects. Plant lists, seed sources and planting schedules will be provided for you to take home. Join us for this informative and visually stimulating presentation.

Parking and seating are limited so please register online to reserve your seat at http://travis-tx.tamu.edu/horticulture/ and click on "Public Seminar Registration". This seminar is free; Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child or senior.

From Seeds to Transplants
Thursday, January 19, 2012, 10am-12pm
Travis County AgriLife Extension Office

From Seeds to Transplants will help you understand which vegetable plants are good candidates to start from seeds to get a jump start on the growing season. Learn about seeds, growing material, lighting, temperature, air circulation and moisture requirements. The knowledge gained in this seminar will help ensure success for your vegetable garden.

Rose Care and Pruning
Thursday, February 16, 2012, 10am-12pm
Travis County AgriLife Extension Office

Discover the varieties of roses available and care requirements. Learn how to plant a rose, fertilizer requirements, disease identification, general care, and pruning. Bring pruning shears for hands-on lesson.

Raising Backyard Chickens
Saturday, February 18, 2012, 10am-12pm
Zilker Botanical Garden

Master Gardener Joy Williamson brings her expertise to you in the fascinating hobby of raising backyard chickens. She will be sharing her tips on the benefits of this garden activity, how to get started, FAQ on coop construction and how to protect your feathered friends.

This seminar is free, but space is limited and reservations are required to ensure a seat is available for you. Sign-up online at http://travis-tx.tamu.edu/horticulture/ Please note, the Zilker Park entrance fee is $2 per adult and $1 per child or senior.

Planting the Spring Garden
Thursday, March 15, 2012, 10am-12pm
Travis County AgriLife Extension Office

Now is the best time to plant the vegetable garden! Soil preparation, plant varieties which do in the Austin area, and the general basics needed for a thriving garden will be discussed. Part of the session will be outdoors.

How to Construct Compost Bins
Thursday, April 19, 2012, 10am-12pm
Travis County AgriLife Extension Office

Learn how to build a simple wire enclosure and a three bin compost station. Go away with building plans and the knowledge to complete your project.

Preparing Your Landscape for Summer
Thursday, May 17, 2012, 10am-12pm
Travis County AgriLife Extension Office

There are numerous things you can do yourself to ensure healthier, bushier, plants with an increased blooms. Learn when to fertilize which plants, which plants to pinch back and other tips from a pro.