Rooted in Research: A Guide to Successful Gardening the San Antonio Area

Bexar County Master Gardener Association
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Semimonthly

Gardening in San Antonio can be challenging because of our diverse clay based soils, our water and our climate. Rooted in Research: A Guide to Successful Gardening the San Antonio Area speaks to our unique challenges gardening using research based-locally relevant information. The first podcast of each month will give ideas on what to do each month, list gardening educational opportunities, and an aspect of our unique gardening conditions will be featured each month. A second podcast each month will focus on one specific topic such as selecting plants, composting, mulches, etc

  1. 1d ago

    Soil pH

    What is soil pH and why does it matter? This podcast takes a look at what soil pH is, how it is determined, why it matters and what to do about it.

  2. Jul 1

    How to Select Plants

    Part of being a successful gardener is knowing how to select plants based on science rather than appearance. In this podcast we'll take a deep look at the "how behind the why" of plant selection for best results.

  3. Jun 15

    Water in Texas part 2

    This podcast looks at the Edward's Aquifer Authority, San Antonio Water System (SAWS), what gardeners can do to help with our water issues, and theoretically what could happen if gardeners were very proactive.

  4. Jun 1

    Water Challenges Globally-Locally

    This episode looks at the Earth's water cycle and the specific water challenges from Texas history and Texas law.

  5. May 31

    Gardening in Edwards and sandy clay-pan soils

    In this podcast what does the science say about core aerating the lawn, the concerns about "weed and feed" products, should leaves be raked or left alone, and finally the "how behind the why" of gardening on the Edward's Plateau on the northwest-north side of Bexar County and the sandy clay-pan soil on the southside of Bexar County. Pilot Knob Austin ⁠https://texashillcountry.com/pilot-knob-largest-extinct-volcano-remaining-in-central-texas/⁠ Fort Inge ⁠https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/fort-inge⁠ Soil Preparation ⁠https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/soil-preparation/⁠ Soil Testing ⁠https://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/homehort/archives-of-weekly-articles-davids-plant-of-the-week/it-all-starts-with-soil/⁠ Calcareous Soils Calcareous soils are defined as soils that contain more than 15% calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and are commonly found in arid, semi-arid, humid, and semi-humid regions.  Caliche Soil a hardened layer in soil, common in arid regions, formed when calcium carbonate cements soil particles (sand, clay, silt) into a rock-like, often whitish-gray, material. General Soil Map of Texas ⁠https://maps.lib.utexas.edu/maps/texas/texas-general_soil_map-2008.pdf⁠ Improving Landscape Soils ⁠https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2010/10/soilimprovement.pdf⁠ Tom Ewing- Texas Geologic History Quick Overview ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1zGgOktFQ8&t=6s

  6. May 16

    New Intern Class

    This podcast gives information on how to become an intern with the Bexar County Master Gardener Association.

  7. May 15

    Becoming a Master Gardener

    In this podcast we'll look at how the MG movement started the Texas MG association with Texas A&M university, explain more about the Bexar County MG application process & certification process. ___________________________________________________________ Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Links: Bexar County Master Gardner Website BCMG Gardening Question Helpline: 210-631-0400Follow BCMG on FB Research and Podcast Notes / Links to further research : The Master Gardener Training Class is designed to provide you with the horticulture information that you will use to provide the community with unbiased, research-based gardening information.  2026 Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Intern Training Class #69If you would like to apply to be a Bexar County Master Gardener submit your application now! Apply For Training HERE Hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Contact: David Rodriguez at dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.eduApplication Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026Cost: $275Location: Greenies Urban Farm1615 Sherman StreetSan Antonio, TX 78202TX Gardening & Educational Events:Festival of Flowers: 26th Anniversary May 30th9am-5pmAt: San Antonio Shrine Auditorium 901 N Loop 1604 W $10, open to the public + free parkingGardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 16, 2026At Milberger’s Nursery3920 N. Loop 1604 ESan Antonio, TX 78247@10amGardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 23, 2026Garden Center 10682 Bandera RdSan Antonio, TX 78250@10amRadio: Saturday Mornings Lawn & Garden Show 6am-9am on WOAI (1200 News Radio AM) Call in: 210-737-1200 or 1-800-383-WOAI Email Karen: karenclauss@iheartmedia.comEmail David: dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.eduFollow on FB / Follow on IG Podcast: Bugs By The Yard

  8. May 1

    Mulch

    This presentation is on selecting the correct mulch for any given project.

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Gardening in San Antonio can be challenging because of our diverse clay based soils, our water and our climate. Rooted in Research: A Guide to Successful Gardening the San Antonio Area speaks to our unique challenges gardening using research based-locally relevant information. The first podcast of each month will give ideas on what to do each month, list gardening educational opportunities, and an aspect of our unique gardening conditions will be featured each month. A second podcast each month will focus on one specific topic such as selecting plants, composting, mulches, etc

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