Austin Organic Gardeners Club Meeting: Amanda Moon, co-owner of Trinity Gardens

You may be surprised at the 'hidden' ways to grow food in your own yard! Amanda Moon, co-owner of Trinity Gardens here in Austin, will expound on the virtues of edible landscaping. Doors open at 6:30 pm for the opportunity to meet and mingle with local gardeners; club business begins at 7 pm, followed by our guest speaker's presentation. Bring a little cash for the raffle! www.austinorganicgardeners.org

For 65 years, the members of Austin Organic Gardeners have shared information about successfully raising vegetables and ornamentals without using harsh fertilizers that harm the soil and toxic pesticides that disturb the ecological balance. Monthly meetings are held the second Monday of each month (except October and December) at the Zilker Botanical Gardens at 6:30 P.M.

The club's philosophy is that human and animal health depends on the health of the soil that produces their food. Healthy soil, which is rich in organic matter, abounds with organisms that convert minerals in the soil into forms plants can use. The well-nourished plants growing in these soils are better able to defend themselves against attacks from insects, diseases, and other pests.

 In addition to an educational presentation, there is a question-and-answer session and plenty of informative conversation. Members often bring seeds or plants to share. You are welcome and cordially invited to attend our meetings.

Membership dues are $10.00 per household per year. This gets you a listing in the directory, a quarterly newsletter, a postcard containing meeting schedules, and wholesale prices for kelp, fish emulsion, and row cover. You can also join our Yahoo group where some of the most experienced gardeners in the area will answer your gardening questions.

Following are the dates, speakers, and topics for our 2014 meetings:

Meeting Times: Doors open at 6:30 PM for visiting with other gardeners – bring your gardening questions to our answer desk open during this time. The meeting starts at 7:00 with club business and the speaker begins at 7:30.