Growing Together

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Gardening Education Blooms in Jarrell

For years, the Green Thumbs Up series has been a go-to resource for budding gardeners and seasoned horticulturists alike in Round Rock, Leander, and Hutto. Now, the Williamson County AgriLife Extension program is adding roots in Jarrell, bringing gardening education tailored to the growing community and its unique environment. “We’re just trying to spread more education within Williamson County, especially in places we haven’t reached before,” says Amy Hays of the Williamson County AgriLife Extension.

The expansion to Jarrell was sparked by local gardener Mary Montalvo, who had attended Green Thumbs Up events in other cities and saw a need for a similar program in her own backyard. She reached out to the AgriLife Extension Office about bringing the free, public series to the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, and in January, that vision bore fruit. Jarrell’s first Green Thumbs Up session featured Williamson County Master Gardener Pam DenOtter, who introduced attendees to Texas Superstars — plants that have been rigorously tested to thrive in the state’s challenging climate. She shared expert advice on choosing resilient landscaping plants for Jarrell’s rapidly growing neighborhoods and Texas terrain, where gardeners must navigate unpredictable temperature swings and drought conditions.

Each session is held at 10:30am to noon on the second Saturday of each month at the library. To learn more about Green Thumbs Up, visit williamsonagrilife. org and follow the Williamson County Master Gardeners on Facebook.

2025 Green Thumbs Up Schedule

• April 12: Tree Care Tips

• May 10: When to Worry: Integrated Pest Management

• June 14: Water Wise

• July 12: Out with the Old: Mature Landscaping Design

• August 9: Creating a Four-Season Veggie Garden

• September 13: Landscaping Your New Construction: Where to Begin on Your Blank Canvas

• October 11: Tree Selection in Central Texas

• November 8: Severe Frost Management

Growing Community

While Green Thumbs Up brings gardening education to Jarrell, the Jarrell Plant People and Seed Swap group cultivates a thriving community of plant lovers. Founded in 2023 by local gardening enthusiast Kaylee Jo Wilson, the group has become a hub for sharing backyard harvests and troubleshooting common gardening challenges. “It is a great way for us to share seeds, gardening tips, and pest control advice, including those ‘What is eating my plants?!’ moments,” organizer Mary Montalvo says. “It also gave us a way to share the abundance from our backyards with others in the community.”

Jarrell Plant People and Seed Swap, she adds, is simply a group of people who love plants. “So many of us are transplants from other states and haven’t had the chance to learn the challenges of Texas gardening.” It’s one of the reasons she reached out to the Williamson County Extension Office about bringing Green Thumbs Up to Jarrell. “Bringing those experts to our library seemed like the next step. As our community in Jarrell grows, so does the need for gardening education and support.”

Botany buffs can join the Jarrell Plant People and Seed Swap Facebook group, where members swap and barter plant-related items, ask for advice, and stay updated on upcoming events. A Plant People Swap Party is already in the works for spring that will give members a chance to exchange plants and gardening wisdom. Looking ahead, the group hopes to launch a Junior Gardener Program introducing kids to hands-on gardening and community projects. Mary says, “Gardening isn’t just about plants – it’s about fostering real connections and life skills, and we believe the next generation should be part of that journey.”

Spring Into Gardening

Essential Prep For A Thriving Yard

As winter loosens its grip, it’s time to wake up your garden and get it ready for a new season of growth. From tackling winter weeds to fine-tuning your irrigation system, Pam Lovelace with the Williamson County AgriLife Extension shares essential tips for creating a beautiful, flourishing garden this spring.

 CHECK YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM: Cold weather can take a toll on hoses and sprinklers, so inspect your irrigation setup for leaks or damage. If you haven’t already, empty irrigation hoses to prevent cracking from hard freezes.

 PREPARE YOUR VEGETABLE BEDS: Give your veggie garden a boost by working compost into the top six inches of soil. Adding a layer of mulch will help lock in moisture and keep weeds at bay.

 TACKLE WINTER WEEDS: Winter weeds are already growing, so stop them before they spread. Mow frequently or hand-weed to prevent them from forming flowers and seed heads. To keep summer weeds from taking over, apply a pre-emergent herbicide now.

 TEST YOUR SOIL BEFORE FERTILIZING: Spring is a great time to submit a soil sample to determine if your lawn needs fertilizing. If needed, plan to apply fertilizer in mid-April— once your grass is actively growing.

 PRUNE YOUR ROSES: February is prime time for pruning shrub roses. A good trim now will encourage healthier growth and more blooms once spring arrives.

 STAY FROST-READY: While March 4 marks the average last freeze date for Williamson County, keep frost cloths handy to protect young plants from unexpected cold fronts.