Resources
What Gardening Resources do we provide?
Smith County Master Gardeners provide a number of Gardening Resources, including research-based gardening articles, monthly checklists, and seasonal FAQs for Tyler and East Texas. Our research-proven techniques are based on Earth-Kind® Landscaping principles and are employed to enhance garden and landscape enjoyment while also preserving and protecting the environment. The goal of Earth-Kind® Landscaping is to merge the best practices of organic and traditional gardening and landscaping, creating a horticultural system grounded in real-world effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
Earth-Kind® Landscaping encourages:
- Water Conservation
- Energy conservation through proper landscape design
- Reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use along with an Integrated Pest Management approach
- Reduction of yard waste entering landfills and methods of composting
For more details about Earth-Kind® Landscaping, click HERE.
Gardening Articles
Dive into our deep archive of regional horticultural wisdom rooted in Earth-Kind® Landscaping principles to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes with minimal environmental impact. Written by local Master Gardeners and agricultural extension experts, our Gardening Articles cover everything from cultivating Tyler’s iconic roses to using eco-friendly techniques to managing invasive pests, diagnosing plant diseases, and optimizing acidic soil.
- Best for: Deep dives into specific plant varieties, Earth-Kind® landscaping, and scientific, low-input troubleshooting.
- Plant Spotlights: Discover step-by-step profiles of regional Texas Superstars and native flora that thrive in our high humidity and require less water and fertilizer.
Monthly Gardening Resources Checklist & To-Do Lists
Texas weather changes rapidly, and timing is everything. Our Monthly List of Things to Do serves as your personal garden calendar, breaking down precisely what to plant, prune, fertilize, and harvest each month in Zone 8b.
- Best for: Staying organized, tracking optimal planting windows, and managing seasonal landscape chores.
- Proactive Maintenance: Learn exactly when to apply mulch to shield roots from intense Tyler summers or when and how to prep your beds for sudden winter freezes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Looking for quick, definitive answers? Our Gardening FAQs solve the most common lawn and garden dilemmas faced by local homeowners. We synthesize decades of local extension data to give you fast, actionable advice on watering schedules, pruning rules, and immediate pest control.
- Best for: Fast answers to common questions like “Why are my tomato leaves turning yellow?” or “When should I fertilize my lawn?”
- Local Extension Solutions: Access answers to local issues in Smith County, including soil types, insect control, and common garden problems.
