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

This episode covers all things about Bermuda turfgrass

This podcast covers growing Buffalograss in Bexar County.

This podcast covers the orgins of St Augustine the challenges of growing it in Bexar County; getting turf from farm to home; how to install, water, fertilize; deal with insects and disease and finally 3 website that everyone who wants an amazing lawn needs to explore.

This podcast gives general gardening advice for the month of October and it lists opportunities for gardening continuing education.

This podcast explains Cation Exchange (CEC), why it matters, and what to do about it.

The opening of this podcast gives an overview of benefits and pitfalls of having turfgrass. The rest of the podcast is on managing turfgrass.

This podcasts talk about what Oak Wilt is, how it spreads-how fast it spreads, how it affects: Red Oak, Love Oak, White Oak, how to treat Oak Wilt.

How do you select a good potting soil? Why are some potting soils $4 while others are $14, is there really a differenc?e

This podcast will cover everything potting soil so that consumers can make an informed selection.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Links:
Bexar County Master Gardner Website
BCMG Gardening Question Helpline: 210-631-0400
Follow 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 #69
If 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 78202
TX 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 parking
Gardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 16, 2026At Milberger’s Nursery3920 N. Loop 1604 ESan Antonio, TX 78247@10am
Gardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 23, 2026Garden Center
10682 Bandera Rd
San Antonio, TX 78250
@10am
Radio: 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.edu
Follow on FB / Follow on IG

Podcast: Bugs By The Yard

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

Home composting is as simple as a pile of leaves and as complex as mixing various materials. In this podcast I'll cover the basics such as Browns/Greens and ratios. I'll start with the simplest of composting methods and end with tweaking your compost pile to fit your specific needs.

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Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Links:
Bexar County Master Gardner Website
BCMG Gardening Question Helpline: 210-631-0400
Follow BCMG on FB
Research and Podcast Notes / Links to further research :
Vocabulary Words:

Compost - a nutrient-rich, earthy soil amendment made from decayed organic matter - such as food scraps, leaves and yard trimmings. It is created by a managed biological process where microorganisms break down waste into a dark crumbly fertilizer that is used to improve soil health and support plant growth.

Humus - a dark, spongy, and highly nutrient-dense component of soil.

Browns - dry, carbon-rich organic materials added to a compost pile.
Greens - fresh, wet, nitrogen-rich organic materials.

Ratio - the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of the materials being broken down.

The ideal compost ratio is 25 to 30 parts carbon for every 1 part nitrogen by weight.

• Browns have a 30:1< C:N ratio
• Greens have a 30:1> C:N ratio

2/3 Brown + 1/3 Green will make the best compost blend that will break down the fastest.

LEVELS of HOME COMPOSTING
L1. How to make Leaf Mold Compost - Add shredded leaves in layers into your container, and add water to moisten after building up each layer. The easiest way to start composting.
L2. Palate Compost - a simple and cost-effective structure used to hold, aerate, and break down organic waste into nutrient-rich garden compost.
“Lasagna Method”: 2/3 Brown + 1/3 Green. Add 6” of browns, saturate with water, then add layer of greens, add water, continue…

Bacterial Dominant Compost Identifiers: Rapid, sharp spike in temperature climbing from 140-160 degrees within the first 24 hours. Can look slimy or greasy and the volume may shrink more quickly. Will have a specific strong odor. A fine textured, dark, crumbly texture.
Fungal Dominant Compost Identifiers: 100-120 degrees in the first 24 hours. You may see mycelium threads through compost pile. Will have a smell like the forest floor. A chunky textured mixture with more bits of carbon.

TX Gardening & Educational Events:

2026 Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Intern Training Class #69
If you would like to apply to be a Bexar County Master Gardener submit your application now! Hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServiceContact: David Rodriguez at dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.eduApplication Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026Cost: $275Location: Greenies Urban Farm1615 Sherman StreetSan Antonio, TX 78202
Festival of Flowers: 26th Anniversary May 30th9am-5pmAt: San Antonio Shrine Auditorium 901 N Loop 1604 W $10, open to the public + free parking
Gardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 16, 2026At Milberger’s Nursery3920 N. Loop 1604 ESan Antonio, TX 78247@10am

Gardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 23, 2026Garden Center 10682 Bandera RdSan Antonio, TX 78250@10am
Radio: 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.edu
Follow on FB / Follow on IG

Podcast: Bugs By The Yard

In this podcast we'll look briefly at watering. The final segment of the podcast will cover: what is compost; sources of compost- manure or vegetable; specific sources such as cotton burr-mushroom-human, etc.

This podcast is a recorded conversation between Bill Swantner and Bexar County Master Gardener, Linda Cace, who has advanced training in Herbs. How to grow herbs and 5 herbs for every beginner to try.

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Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Links:
Bexar County Master Gardner Website
BCMG Gardening Question Helpline: 210-631-0400
Follow BCMG on FB
Research and Podcast Notes / Links to further research :
Book: The Tea Garden: A Guide to Planting, Harvesting, and Enjoying Your Teas, by Victoria W Williams___________________________________________________________

Linda’s Top 5 Herbs for a new garden in San Antonio:

• Curly & Flat Leaf Parsley
• Peppermint (Herba Buena)
• Ginger Mint
• Lemon Balm
• Basil

Texas Superstar® Herbs:

• Barbecue Skewer Rosemary
• ‘Balsamic Blooms’ Basil

Vocabulary Words:

Decoction - a method of extracting active components from hard plant materials—such as roots, bark, seeds, and stems—by boiling them in water to produce a concentrated liquid.

TX Gardening & Educational Events:
Spring Plant Sale
At the San Antonio Garden Center3310 N New Braunfels AveSaturday, March 21, 20269am-4pm

Dig It! Gardening Series (presented by San Antonio Public Library & Bexar Co Master Gardeners)
mysapl.org/events

Dig It: Spring Into Landscape GardeningSunday, March 15, 2026
1:00-3:00pmDenver Heights Community Center300 Porter StreetSan Antonio, TX 78210

Dig It: Spring Into Landscape GardeningSaturday, March 21, 20261:00-2:00pmPruitt Library

Dig It: Pollinator GardeningSunday, March 22, 202610:00-11:00am

Semmes Library

Dig It: Texas! It’s a Whole ‘Nuther CountryMonday, March 23, 20261:00-2:00pmIgo Library

Dig It: Texas! It’s a Whole ‘Nuther CountryTuesday, March 24, 20266:00-7:00pmWestfall Library

Dig It: Texas! It’s a Whole ‘Nuther CountryThursday, March 26, 20262:00-3:00pmMemorial Library

Dig It: Spring Into Landscape GardeningSaturday, March 28, 20261:30-2:30pmPan American Library

Dig It: Pollinator GardeningSaturday, March 28, 20263:30-4:30pm

Johnston Library

Dig It: Succulents: Nature’s Water-Saving WondersSunday, March 29, 20261:00-2:00pm

Tobin Library

Beyond the Garden: Basics of Food Preservation
Topic: Water Bath & Fermentation

Wednesday, March 18, 20261:00-4:00pmBexar Country AgriLife Urban Farm1615 ShermanSan Antonio, TX 78202($50 Registration Fee)

Radio: 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.edu
Follow on FB / Follow on IG
Podcast: Bugs By The Yard

This podcast begins with touching turfgrass pre-emergents, selecting plants for the landscape, chilling injury and freezing injury; and finally, the origins and challenges of Blackland Prairie soils and Sandy soils.

BCMG Calendar:

https://bexarmg.org/events/

The Real Dirt on Austin Area Soils

https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/soils-and-composting-for-austin/the-real-dirt-on-austin-area-soils/#:~:text=The%20Blackland%20Prairies%20Description%20and,deep%2C%20solid%20rock%20rarely%20found

David's Year-round Lawn Care Guide:

https://bexarmg.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lawn-Care-for-SA.pdf

March Garden Checklist:

https://bexarmg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/3-MARCH.pdf

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