If you're in need of a teacher for a gardening class, a speaker for a gardening program, or a yard audit I'm your man. I am also a certified Square Foot Gardening instructor. Contact me at gardener@gvtc.com.
See course descriptions below the class listing.
2009 Schedule of Fall Classes Note: New class names now. See course descriptions below for content.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009, "The Razor-like Edge," (Sharpening) Auld Center, Kerrville, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Thursday, September 24, 2009, "Not that Kind of Drip," (Drip Irrigation) Community Learning Center, Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, 6:30-8:30 pm. To register for the class, contact www.communityed.neisd.net
Monday, September 28, 2009, "Sleeping in the Garden??? Nah," (Fall Veggie Beds) Boerne Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Tuesday, September 29, 2009, "Why Didn't Momma's Roses Grow Here?," (ABCs of Gardening Here) (for gardeners new to this area) O'Connor High School, Leslie Road, 6:30-8:30 pm. To register for the class, contact www.nisd.net/ace.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009, "Sleeping in the Garden??? Nah," (Fall Veggie Beds) Auld Center, Kerrville, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Saturday, October 3, 2009, "Planting from Scratch," (Propagation) San Antonio Botanical Garden, 9:30-11:30 am. To register for the class, contact www.communityed.neisd.net
Saturday, October 3, 2009, "Square Foot Gardening," Northside Learning Center, 6632 Bandera Road, 1:30 - 3:30 pm. To register for the class, contact www.nisd.net/ace.
Monday, October 5, 2009, "Mother Nature's Way of Doing It," (Composting) Boerne Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Tuesday, October 6, 2009, "Not That Kind of Drip! This Kind of Drip," (Drip Irrigation) O'Connor High School, Leslie Road, 6:30-8:30 pm. To register for the class, contact www.nisd.net/ace.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009, "Not that Kind of Drip; This Kind of Drip," (Drip Irrigation) Boerne Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, "Mother Nature's Way of Doing It," (Composting) Auld Center, Kerrville, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Saturday, October 10, 2009, "Square Foot Gardening," San Antonio Botanical Garden, 9:30-11:30 am. To register for the class, contact www.communityed.neisd.net
Tuesday, October 13, 2009, "Organic Gardening: Does It Really Make a Difference?" O'Connor High School, Leslie Road, 6:30-8:30 pm. To register for the class, contact www.nisd.net/ace.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009, "Not that Kind of Drip; This Kind of Drip," (Drip Irrigation) Auld Center, Kerrville, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Thursday, October 15, 2009, "Why Didn't Momma's Roses Grow Here?" (ABCs of Gardening Here) Community Learning Center, Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, 6:30-8:30 pm. To register for the class, contact www.communityed.neisd.net
Wednesday, October 21, 2009, "The Razor-like Edge," (Sharpening) Boerne Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Monday, October 26, 2009, "Planting from Scratch," (Propagation) Boerne Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Tuesday, October 27, 2009, "Getting Ready for Spring Vegetable Gardening", O'Connor High School, Leslie Road, 6:30-8:30 pm. To register for the class, contact www.nisd.net/ace.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009, "Planting from Scratch," (Propagation) Auld Center, Kerrville, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Thursday, October 29, 2009, "There's Nothing like the Taste of Homegrown Tomatoes," (Vegetable Gardening) Community Learning Center, Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, 6:30-8:30 pm. To register for the class, contact www.communityed.neisd.net
Monday, November 2, 2009, "Haircuts for Your Plants," (Pruning) Boerne Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Tuesday, November 3, 2009, "Planting from Scratch", (Propagation) O'Connor High School, Leslie Road, 6:30-8:30 pm. To register for the class, contact www.nisd.net/ace.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009, "Haircuts for Your Plants," (Pruning) Auld Center, Kerrville, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Saturday, November 7, 2009, "Haircuts for Your Plants," (Pruning) San Antonio Botanical Garden, 9:30-11:30 am. To register for the class, contact www.communityed.neisd.net
Monday, November 9, 2009, "Why Didn't Momma's Roses Grow Here?" (ABCs of Gardening Here) Boerne Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
Wednesday, November 11, 2009, "Why Didn't Momma's Roses Grow Here?" (ABCs of Gardening Here)Auld Center, Kerrville, 1:30-3:30 pm. To register for this class, contact www.clubed.net
More classes will be forthcoming as the contracts become finalized.
Speaking engagements for local garden clubs or other organizations are not listed here as they generally are not open to the public.
___________________________________________________________ Course Descriptions (These classes are 2-hour classes unless otherwise stated. All of them can be modified for shorter presentations to groups other than classes; i.e., gardening clubs, home-owner associations, etc. All of them are PowerPoint presentations.)
Mother Nature's Way of Doing It (Composting)
Composting is nature's way of recycling the leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen vegetable wastes that many of us send to the dump. Compost does NOT, however, make itself! The neat thing about making your own compost is that you know exactly what's in it PLUS you can take so much pride in doing it yourself and recycling our natural resources. You'll also find out how, when, where and why you use compost as a natural supplement in your gardening. The class also includes an in-depth discussion of local soils and a complete description of fertilizers and how to use them.Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist Dr. Tom Harris, will show you how to build your own compost bins and explain the details of blending your own "brown gold".
Grow Anything Anywhere in a Pot (Container Gardening)
Container gardening: If your gardening space is limited but you still want to grow veggies, flowers, herbs or fruit trees, you can still do it...just on a smaller scale. Portable gardening beds are called containers and you can grow anything in a container that you can grow in the ground. In this class, we will discuss containers, soil, fertilizing, watering and harvesting. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
Picky, Picky, Picky...There ARE Some Plants Deer Won't Eat(Deer Resistant Plants)
Deer Resistant Plants: It has been shown in the San Antonio/Hill Country area that deer in different neighborhoods eat different things. When the rain stops and the deer don't have their usual haunts to browse in, they eat just about anything- -even plants that are poisonous. In this course, we see photographs and brief descriptions of plants that deer don't eat in the Hill Country area. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
Sleeping in the Garden??? No!!!(Fall Veggie Beds)
Fall Veggie Beds: As Dr. Jerry Parsons says, "Spring gardening is just practice for fall gardening." Whether or not you're ready, fall gardening is well underway by September. Flowers, grass, trees, shrubs, and veggies will all do well with fall planting. We'll talk about bed preparation, selecting the right varieties of plants, planting them, watering them, and fertilizing them. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
Could I Actually Build One of Those?(Build Your Own Inexpensive Greenhouse)
Greenhouse: This class shows you how Tom Harris built his 3-sided greenhouse several years ago and attached it to the side of his shop building. The building is very simple construction, double-walled for dead-air-space- insulation, has an automatic watering system (home-made, of course), lights and a heater. 6 windows swing out for cross-ventilation. Dr. Tom Harris, a fixer-upper kinda guy, Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
Grow Your Own Food Fast (not Fast-food), (This class can be made into a half-day or all-day, hands-on workshop.)
Intensive gardening: Want to take the next step in intensive gardening, raised beds or Square Foot Gardening?Then you’re ready for the second SFG class…practical information on how to grow your own food fast in your own back yard.In this class you’ll learn how to build the beds, the right kind of soil to use to fill them, how to build and install the grids, how to build and install drip irrigation on the beds, and how to protect them…making this class a combination of at least three other classes—SFG, soils and compost, and drip irrigation.The photographs for this class were taken as the Bexar County Master Gardeners built 4 raised beds in the Children’s Gardens at the San Antonio Botanical Garden.Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
Not That Kind of Drip! This Kind of Drip (Drip Irrigation) (This course could be made into a half-day, hands-on workshop.)
Irrigation: It isn't "rocket science" as they say and it's not all that expensive. All you need is a pair of scissors, some tubing and a few small parts and you're all set. You can build enough in one morning to do all your beds. The neat thing about drip irrigation is that it ALWAYS puts the water where it's needed and, if you purchase a battery-powered timer, WHEN it's needed.Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist, Dr. Tom Harris, will show you how to design, build, and nstall your own drip system.
Why is THEIR Grass Greener than Mine? (Lawn Grasses for Bexar County)
Lawn grasses in our area can be a beauty or a beast. Some require lots of water while others don't. All require at least some TLC in order to be lush and carpet-like. In this class we discuss the four major varieties of grass that do well here, fertilizer for them, watering, and pest/disease problems. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
Organic Gardening; Does It Really Make A Difference?
Organic Gardening is an often-heard term but what does it really mean? It's the science and art of growing things "...that sustain the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved." —International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements This course includes information on soils, compost, watering, fertilizers and pest control. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
What's Wrong with My Freakin' Plant?(Plant Diseases) Plant diseases are caused by fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses and environmental conditions. Many of these problems we cause ourselves, many are caused by pests. In this class, we discuss the causes and treatments of all these diseases with emphasis on identification before treatment. Students are encouraged to bring a diseased plant or two with them for identification by the class. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
Planting from Scratch (Plant Propagation) (This course could be made into a half-day, hands-on workshop.) Plant Propagation: Ever wonder how some people just seem to get plants started?Magic?Nah.Just some good old-fashioned gardening sense about how plants do what they do.This class covers seeds, cuttings, planting media, and two methods of grafting.Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
Have It Your Way (What You Can Do before You Call the Landscaper)
Pre-Landscaping: Before you go out and spend the big bucks to hire a landscape designer or architect, there are many things you can do concerning the design of beds around your house and yard. Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist, Dr. Tom Harris, will show you how to do most of the basic design process yourself and give you some hands-on experience on how you can do some of the basics yourself. He'll help you get started drafting your plan and offer tips on selecting and planting the right varieties. Dr. Harris is NOT a landscape designer or a landscape architect.
Haircuts for Your Plants (Pruning) (This topic makes a good half-day, hands-on workshop.)
Pruning is one of those gardening tasks that most people just can't or won't do.The truth of the matter is, however, that plants actually need some pruning to help them bloom, set fruit, and/or generally prosper...believe it or not. And, they will respond according to how they are pruned.Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions. He will also teach you what not to do and will show you how to sharpen your pruning shears. Bring a pair to class and see how to keep them razor sharp.
Sure You Can Grow It There (Building Raised Beds) (This class could be made into a half-day, hands-on workshop.)
Raised Beds: If you live on rocks or caliche, then raised beds are the only way to garden successfully. It's not hard to do, just takes a little patience and a few tools. In this class we'll discuss types of edging, tools and materials to use, and types of soil used to fill them. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions. Dr. Harris has built close to a hundred raised beds of all shapes and sizes. Why Didn't Momma's Roses Grow Here? (ABCs of Gardening Here)
Regional Gardening: If you recently moved to our area, you're very quickly going to find that all those plants you brought from "back home" aren't going to grow here. Gardening in this area is gardening in the desert. If you don't believe that, just drive down to the coast or the valley and look on both sides of the highway as you go. THAT's what it was like here originally. In this class, we cover soils, plants, fertilizers, plant problems, composting, pruning, turf grass and xeriscape. It's a lot of material to cover in a couple of hours, but it's vital to successful gardening here. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions. Blooms in My Shady Yard??? You're Kidding Me! (Plants that Grow in the Shade)
Shade Plants: Yes, you can have plants blooming in the shade. You just have to know which ones to choose. There are a number of them that thrive in the shade. In fact, many of those shown and discussed in this class will die very quickly in the sunshine of South Texas. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions. That Razor-like Edge(Sharpening) (This topic works well for a half-day, hands-on workshop.) Sharpening a knife or chisel or pruning shears looks really easy when you see someone who is skilled do it.But there really is a science to it; and, with the proper instruction, you can learn to do an acceptable job in this short 2-hour, hands-on, class. With practice, you can get that razor-edge that people talk about.Instructor Dr. Tom Harris has 40+ years experience sharpening all kinds of things.Plus, he answers gardening as well as sharpening questions. You're encouraged to bring a pair of pruners or a knife to sharpen (one or two only, please) -- under supervision, of course. Square Foot Gardening (This class can be made into an all-day, hands-on workshop.)
No work. No weeds. No digging. No kidding. If that sounds like your kind of gardening, join Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist Dr. Tom Harris as he shares tips on this very simple yet revolutionary system perfect for beginning and expert gardeners alike. He will discuss location, construction, soil, planting, vertical gardening, and out-of-season growing--all on a smaller plot that will save 80 percent of space, water and work.This easy, efficient way to garden is making a comeback because it makes so much sense. The class covers everything from construction of the bed to harvesting. There's Nothing Like the Taste of Home-grown Tomatoes (Spring Veggie Gardening)
Vegetable gardening: Do you long for the taste of home-grown tomatoes? Did you know that they're the number one home-grown vegetable in the USA? That's right. Learn about veggie varieties, planting dates, beds, containers, soils, watering, fertilizing, and harvesting to get the best possible veggies for yourself and your family. Eat healthy to stay healthy. This is another class that shows that gardening can be easy and fun. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions. Like the old C/W song said, "There's only two things that money can't buy; one's true love and the other's home-grown tomatoes."
Worm Poo? Yuck!!! (Worm Composting -- Vermicomposting) (this is a 1-hour class)
Worm composting: Composting is a natural process where kitchen and yard wastes decomopose into a dark, nutrient-rich, earth-smelling soil conditioner. Perhaps you've considered backyard composting but live in an apartment or don't have the room to do "big" composting. Perhaps you want to compost indoors. This class covers all that and more. Dr. Tom Harris, a Texas certified Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist teaches the class and answers questions.
For information on Square Foot Gardening, go to www.squarefootgardening.com. Go frequently to get updated information on this revolutionary system of gardening.
To eliminate mold, mildew, smoke, cat-urine and other odors, check out the most technologically advanced, Space-Foundation-certified, indoor air purification system in the world. Scientific research by Kansas State University proves that these air purification systems kill staph and are effective against MRSA. To find out more about air and water purification, email lvngpruf@gvtc.com or go to www.ecoquest.com/gsh .