Whether you’re hoping to grow bigger tomatoes, save money on your water bill or simply spend less time mowing the lawn, this year’s Fall Horticulture Seminar in Sealy promises an afternoon filled with practical advice from gardening experts.

Hosted by the Horticulture Committee of Austin County and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Austin County, the seminar will take place Friday, Aug. 28, at American Legion Post #442, 1630 Meyer St. in Sealy. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m., with presentations running from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

This year’s program features three timely topics designed to help homeowners and gardeners get more from their landscapes while working smarter—not harder.

Attendees will learn how trap plants can naturally attract harmful insects away from vegetables, reducing the need for pesticides while protecting garden crops. They’ll also explore turf alternatives, an increasingly popular option for Texans looking to conserve water, reduce maintenance and create more environmentally friendly landscapes. The seminar will conclude with practical tips for collecting and using rainwater, helping gardeners make the most of every drop during Texas’ hot, often dry growing season.

Presentations include:

  • Trap Plants for Your Vegetables presented by Gerald DuPont, Bluebonnet Master Gardener
  • Turf Alternatives presented by Dr. Manuel Chavarria-Sanchez, Extension Program Specialist
  • How to Utilize Your Rainwater presented by David Smith, Extension Program Specialist

More Than Just a Seminar

The day begins well before the first speaker takes the stage. Starting at 8 a.m., visitors can browse the Bluebonnet Master Gardener Fruit & Citrus Tree Sale outside the American Legion. The sale will feature a variety of fruit and citrus trees, and anyone who purchases a tree will receive a $5 discount on seminar admission.

Why It Matters

Did you know that as much as half of a Texas household’s water use can go toward maintaining lawns and landscaping? Choosing drought-tolerant plants, reducing traditional turf and harvesting rainwater can significantly lower water consumption while creating beautiful, resilient outdoor spaces.

Companion planting and trap planting have also become increasingly popular among home gardeners because they provide a natural way to manage pests. Rather than relying on chemical pesticides, gardeners can use specific plants to lure insects away from valuable vegetables, creating a healthier and more balanced garden ecosystem.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning to develop a green thumb, the seminar offers practical ideas and techniques that can be put to use immediately in your own yard or garden.

Registration is $20 per person or $35 per couple. Those interested are encouraged to RSVP by Aug. 24 by calling the Austin County Extension Office at 979-865-2072 or registering online through the Austin County AgriLife Extension website.

For additional information, contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Austin County at 979-865-2072.