Master the Art of a Sustainable, Year-Round Harvest

TYLER, TEXAS — As the summer heat intensifies, local gardeners are looking for ways to protect their hard work and make their harvests last. The upcoming “Making the Most of Your Edible Garden” summer workshop offers a comprehensive guide to sustainable gardening, from surviving the Texas heat to mastering the art of food preservation. The workshop will take place on July 9, 2026, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Tyler’s Rose Center Complex in the Camilla room. Check-in begins at 8:30 am.

This workshop empowers gardeners to adopt a full-circle approach to sustainability, beginning with innovative water strategies designed to keep thirsty landscapes thriving during the peak of summer. Participants will dive into expert harvesting and late-season planting techniques to maximize their garden’s output. To ensure nothing goes to waste, the program highlights the essential skill of food preservation, teaching attendees how to extend the shelf life of their produce through canning, dehydrating, and more. By connecting water conservation with smart harvesting and preservation, growers can transform a temporary summer surplus into a resilient, year-round food source.

If you would like more information, please contact our Help Desk at smithmghelpdesk@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: July 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Registration opens at 8:30 am
Location: Tyler’s Rose Center Complex, the Camilla room

Session 1: Water Strategies to Beat the Heat – Clint Perkins, Agriculture and Natural Resources
– 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
– Develop an innovative watering strategy that provides methods to irrigate your thirsty landscape while adhering to earth-kind principles.

Session 2: Food Preservation and Canning – Amy Shively, Family and Community Health
– 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
– Explore methods to preserve your hard work and enhance the longevity of your produce through canning, dehydrating, and more.

Session 3: Harvesting and Late Season Planting – Dr. Greg Grant, Smith County Horticulture Agent
– 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM
– Discover specific gardening challenges, with personalized insights for local growers.

Interlude
-11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
– Katy Barone will offer a short program on how the Shade Garden has handled water problems in the landscape.

Tour of the Tyler Botanical Gardens – Shade Garden
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
-Visit the Shade Garden to see how water runoff has been skillfully managed to control erosion. This demonstration highlights sustainable landscaping practices that effectively manage water flow while promoting soil health and preserving the garden’s natural beauty.