There’s nothing quite like picking a sun-ripened strawberry from your own garden. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, strawberries are one of the most rewarding fruits to grow at home. Whether they’re piled on pancakes, blended into smoothies, baked into pies or enjoyed fresh by the handful, strawberries remain one of America’s favorite fruits.
They’re also packed with nutritional benefits. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, making them a heart-healthy addition to nearly any diet. Homegrown berries often taste even sweeter than those found in grocery stores because they can ripen naturally on the plant before being picked.
While strawberries are popular with gardeners, they’re not always the easiest crop to grow successfully. Choosing the right variety for Texas, planting at the proper time, preparing healthy soil and protecting plants from pests and disease can make the difference between a disappointing harvest and baskets of fresh berries throughout the season.
The Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association will host its next 2026 Fall Lunch N Learn Series program on Monday, Aug. 18, featuring “Strawberries,” presented by Stacie Villarreal, Austin County AgriLife Extension Agent.
The free program will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, located at 800 E. Wendt St. in Bellville.
Registration begins at 11:50 a.m. and, while not required, is encouraged. The presentation will run from noon until 12:55 p.m.
Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch, and light refreshments will be provided.
During the presentation, participants can expect to learn practical information about selecting strawberry varieties that perform well in Texas, proper planting techniques, seasonal care, watering, fertilization and other tips for growing healthy, productive plants at home.
Whether you’re planting your very first strawberry bed or looking to improve the harvest from an established patch, the program offers practical, research-based advice that gardeners of all experience levels can put to use.
The Lunch N Learn Series is designed to provide convenient, one-hour educational programs for homeowners, hobby gardeners and anyone interested in learning more about horticulture. Each session features local experts sharing practical information that participants can immediately apply in their own landscapes and gardens.
The program is free and open to the public.
For more information or to register, visit austin.agrilife.org or contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Austin County at 979-865-2072.
