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!

These seminars are free, open to the public and require no reservations.

Rainwater Harvesting and Waterwise Gardening
Download a PDF version of the January 10th presentation.

Rainwater Harvesting and Waterwise Gardening
June 13, 2009   10am- Noon
Riverplace Country Club, 4207 River Place Blvd.
Come enjoy a free seminar on capturing rainwater and lowering water usage in your landscape.  This session will cover all the basics of building a non-potable rainwater harvesting system.  In addition, learn how to design beautiful gardens designed for lower water usage.  Don't be misinformed, xeriscaping is not "zero-scaping".
Vendors representing tank and gutter companies will be available to answer specific questions.  City of Austin representatives will be available to answer rainbarrel, permit and rebate questions.

Becoming a Garden Detective: Diagnosing Plant Problems
June 16, 2009  7-9pm
Steiner Ranch Towne Square Community Center, 12550 Country Trails Lane
Just when you think you've done everything right by your plants, one of them starts to go downhill.  One of the biggest challenges for gardeners is correctly diagnosing plant problems and finding effective, safe solutions.  Is your plant dying because of an insect, environmental or disease problem?  Join us to learn the causes of plant problems, the process for diagnosing plant problems, and preventive garden management techniques.

Becoming a Garden Detective: Diagnosing Plant Problems
July 11, 2009  10am-Noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
Just when you think you've done everything right by your plants, one of them starts to go downhill.  One of the biggest challenges for gardeners is correctly diagnosing plant problems and finding effective, safe solutions.  Is your plant dying because of an insect, environmental or disease problem?  Join us to learn the causes of plant problems, the process for diagnosing plant problems, and preventive garden management techniques.

Propagation 101: Growing New Plants for Your Garden
Saturday, Sept, 26, 2009 11am-1pm
Yarborough Public Library, 2200 Hancock Dr., Austin TX
Fall is the perfect time to plant perennials, but you don’t have to go buy new plants. Attend this free seminar on plant propagation and learn how to grow your own plants from seeds or existing plants. Attendees will learn multiple ways to propagate plants including cutting, layering, division, and seed propagation. In addition, learn tips on transplanting and care for your new plants to get them off to a strong start when planted.