MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

“Tomatoes, peppers and squash do best in spring. But broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and lettuce do great in cooler weather. And, all of these can be grown in pots if you are a patio farmer.”

Backyard and patio fall farming can produce bounty of vegetables, herbs

By DAVID STONE, Our Town exclusive

Most gardeners plant their herbs and veggies in the spring for an early summer harvest. But in Texas, a bountiful fall garden is also possible if correctly managed, according to Bell County Master Gardener Gary Slanga.

Picking a spot for a fall garden is kind of like opening a new business — a major key to success is location, location, location.

“If you had a successful spring garden, the same location should work well in the fall,” Slanga said. “Keep in mind, though, that vegetable crops need at least six to eight or more hours of direct sunlight every day. Also, be sure and plant in an area where soil drains well.”

Central Texans are lucky when it comes to vegetable selection, he said. 

“Just about everything grows here, even if you don’t have a great deal of space,” he said. “It’s a little different in the fall, though. Tomatoes, peppers and squash do best in spring. But broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and lettuce do great in cooler weather. And, all of these can be grown in pots if you are a patio farmer.”

While they are easy to grow, novice growers will have better luck using transplants rather than seeds, especially with broccoli, cabbage and Brussel sprouts, Slanga said.

“If you use seeds, get them going in a starter pot and keep the soil moist at all times,” he said. “It’s easier to go to a local garden center and purchase transplants.”

“Garlic grows well here and they are easy to start,” he said. “Simply buy a clove at the grocery store and plant it.”

Before planting your fall crop, it is essential to prepare the soil, Slanga said.

“If you are using an established garden area, pull out all plant material including the remains of your spring crop and weeds that may have invaded the space,” he said. 

For a new garden site, remove all grass — just tilling it into the soil will not eliminate all the grass sprigs and they will continue to grow and compete with herbs and vegetables for nutrients.

Backyard, patio and balcony farmers may consider space-saving techniques like using raised beds or pots. Both will work well, Slanga said. If you are putting a raised bed in your yard, however, be sure and remove all grass from the area before building the frame and filling it with soil.

Using fertilizer is helpful but can also be a bit tricky getting the correct soil-to-fertilizer ratio. An option gaining popularity for those who desire chemical-free farming is to use small amounts of horse or cattle manure. Never use poultry manure on a fall garden — raw chicken or poultry manure can burn and damage plants.

After adding fertilizer, mix the soil thoroughly and water the mixture. After a couple days of drying, it’s planting time!

For those using small raised beds or pots, Slanga recommends using potting soil.

“When you are ready to plant, pick the veggies and herbs you desire,” he said. “Just about all vegetables are suitable for small gardens except corn. Corn needs to be planted in multiple rows for pollination reasons. Just about anything else, though, is acceptable.”

For herbs, just about all will grow in Bell County, but be wary of mints.

“Mint does extremely well here,” he said, “but if you plant it in a bed or pot with other herbs, it tends to take over.”

In addition to all mints, oregano, rosemary, dill and basil are all strong choices, he said.

As for vegetables, tomatoes don’t grow well in the fall because the season is too short, he said.

“Sugar snap peas do exceptionally well in colder weather,” Slanga said. “They tolerate cold better than most vegetables. Also, asparagus doesn’t grow well in pots. They need at least 12 inches of soil for their root system so they are tough to grow in pots or raised beds.”

If vegetable gardening is limited by space, Slanga suggests using containers. A window sill, patio, balcony or doorstep will provide sufficient space for a productive mini-garden as long as it gets needed sun exposure.

“Problems with soil diseases, nematodes or poor soil can be overcome with container gardening,” he said. “Almost any vegetable that will grow in a typical backyard garden also will do well in a pot or raised bed.”

FALL GARDENING TIPS VIDEO

TCT Bazaar, blood drive is Oct. 3

Need a costume for Halloween? Or home décor and furniture to restyle your house? How about fabric for that unfinished sewing project? 

Stop by the Temple Civic Theatre’s annual Bazaar Thrift Sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 3 and rummage through racks of clothes and tables packed with fun finds. TCT facemarks, wristbands, mugs and memberships also will be on sale.

The theater is located at 2413 S. 13th Street in Temple.

“With the surge in Covid cases, we know that hospitals need lifesaving blood donations, and we want to help do our part for the community,” said Martha Satterwhite, TCT office manager. “Temple Civic Theatre has partnered with Carter BloodCare to take your much needed blood donations.”

Sign up for your blood donation time slot at https://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/123900. 

“We also encourage you to download Carter BloodCare's QuickScreen app to begin the registration process,” Satterwhite said. “This app can be found in the app store. Walk-ins also will be welcome.” 

To view Donor Eligibility, visit https://www.carterbloodcare.org/eligibility.

Other activities at the theater will include live performances from local musicians and food from local food truck vendors. The sale, food and entertainment will all be outside and masks are recommended. 

“We can all do our part to help the community and have a little fun at the same time,” Satterwhite said.

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Our Town announces weekly schedule

For the past few months, Our Town e-magazine has been publishing on a mixed schedule to determine peak days and times that people are reading stories.

“What we found is a little surprising,” said Our Town publisher David Stone. “Traditionally, Sunday has been a big newspaper day. Mostly because back in the day it was a heavy advertising day.”

But for electronic delivery news media, Sunday readership is the second lowest of the week. Only Saturday has a lower email open rate.

Starting today, Our Town will be delivered by 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“The late afternoon delivery time allows us to get readers news as soon as it happens,” Stone said. “We intend to gradually become your full-service, around-the-clock news source.”

Stone said the Monday through Friday schedule is for regular editions, but Our Town is not limited to those days.

“We will not be bound by time and calendar restraints,” he said. “We will publish as often as necessary to get our stories out on a timely basis.”

The Monday issue will focus on ag and animal stories, as well as happenings from the day and weekend.

“Monday’s stories will include articles about wildlife, urban and suburban farming, the environment and small agribusinesses, and we plan to get very creative,” Stone said. “Don’t think Monday’s will be all about corn and cows.”

On Tuesday’s, the planned focus will be on new and existing small businesses in the Temple/Belton areas. 

“Small business is our bread and butter, and we won’t limit these stories just to Tuesday,” he said. “But, it will be our focus for the day.”

In its Wednesday editions, look for stories about local history and culture.

“School will be in session every Wednesday, and we will learn a bit about the people and events that have shaped Central Texas,” Stone explained. “We will also be exploring local museums and heritage centers for the latest exhibits.”

Thursday’s edition will focus on fun!

“A day before the weekend starts, we will provide full stories on some of the happenings in our daily calendar, and we will also feature local musicians, artists and more. Our Thursday goal is to present the weekend offerings so you and your family can find entertainment suited for your budget and lifestyle.”

And, we will also include the weekly fishing report for you weekend anglers!

As of now, we aren’t planning a certain theme for the Friday edition. 

“We’re still experimenting with a variety of ideas, including health and fitness, senior living, outdoor fun and others,” Stone said. “Ideally, we will produce a special report on issues that matter to you. For now, Friday will be a surprise!”

Our Town is a subscriber-based electronic magazine that focuses on the good things in life. Rates are extremely affordable — $5 for a month or $50 for a year. 

“I’d love to be able to send Our Town for free, but it does cost to generate and publish our stories,” Stone said. 

National Night Out registration ends today

Today is the final day to register to host a block party during this year’s National Night Out.

The celebration will be 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at locations throughout Temple. Police officers will be stopping by each registered party, Police Chief Shawn Reynolds said.

“We hope residents use this time to connect with their neighbors and interact with officers to enhance relationships and discuss ways to keep Temple safe,” he said.

Anyone interested in hosting a party in their neighborhood should register by 5 p.m. today at templetx.gov/nno.

National Night Out promotes crime prevention, drug awareness and police-community partnership.

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NWS: Nicholas to bring light rain locally

By DAVID STONE, Our Town exclusive

Tropical Storm Nicholas is moving toward Texas today and likely will bring heavy rains and flooding to some parts of the state, but the storm likely will miss Central Texas.

“The Temple area may see some rain — maybe a half inch or a little more -- but nothing compared to East and Southeast Texas,” said Matt Stalley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. “There’s about a 30 percent chance of scattered rain tonight in Central Texas but those chances go up early tomorrow to 50 or 60 percent.”

Of course those percentages could change in the blink of an eye if Nicholas tracks further west, Stalley said.

“It could definitely change, so stay informed,” he advised. “For now, the bulk of the rain will stay to the east.”

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami said top sustained winds have reached 60 mph and the storm is traveling north-northwest at 5 mph. Nicholas is expected to strike land this evening and move up the Texas coast.

Rainfall totals of 8 to 16 inches are expected along the middle and upper Texas coast with isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches possible, Stalley said.

What’s happening?

September 13, Monday - Third House Session with State Rep. Hugh Shine, Belton Area Chamber of Commerce, 7 a.m.

September 14-16 - Texas Communications Expo. Bell County Expo. 

September 15, Wednesday - Open Mic Comedy, Corky’s. 8 p.m.

September 15, Wednesday - Tiny Thinkers, Kids 5 years old and younger are invited to the museum to experience the State Fair! Bell County Museum. 10 a.m.

September 16, Thursday - Live Comedy Night hosted by Steven Farmer. Soon Wine Bar & Small Plates, 7373 Honeysuckle, Temple. 7 p.m.

September 17, Friday - Matt Cearley & The Rowdy Few live at O’Briens Irish Pub, 9 p.m.

September 17, Friday - Wade Ralston live at Fire Base Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m.

September 17, Friday - Neal McCoy, Cotton Country Club, Granger. 9:30 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Dale Watson, Texas Music Series, Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Live Comedy Showcase. Corky’s. 8 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - The Chancers, O’Briens Irish Pub, 9 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Night Bright Bike Ride, Pepper Creek Train off North Kegley. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to local food pantries. Trail parking is available at the Scott & White West Campus next to the hospital's parking lot. Look for green trail signs along FM 2305 and Kegley Road to direct you to the parking area. 6:30-9 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Harvest Celebration. Bring your family and friends to enjoy grape stomping, food trucks, music, and wine. This is a ticketed event. 3 Texans Winery. 6 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Detox/Retox Yoga, Fire Base Brewing Company, 11 a.m.

September 18, Saturday - Quest for the Best Hog Show & Sale, Bell County Expo. 4 p.m. Preview, 6 p.m. Sale.

September 18, Saturday - Sip and Spin Pottery Night. Instructors guide you in making pots and bowls on the wheel. Tap Tap Art School, Harker Heights. 6 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Original Debonaires Reunion Dance, Cotton Country Club, Granger. 8:30 p.m.

September 21, Tuesday - Body of Christ Community Clinic’s Together We Heal Banquet, UMHB, Jimmy Dorrell, keynote speaker. 5:30 p.m.

September 24, Friday - Maxx Carter live at Fire Base Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m.

September 24, Friday - Belton Bacon, Blues & Brews Festival, noon to 9 p.m.

September 24, Friday - Aaron Watson, Cotton Country Club, Granger. 9:30 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Littlest Wildcat Cheer Camp, Temple High School. 9 a.m.

September 25, Saturday - Name That Tune Bingo: Belt it Out Edition. Fire Base Brewing Company, 7:30 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Belton Bacon, Blues & Brews Festival, noon to 9 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Baxley & Acadian with special guests Ghost Republic at O’Briens Irish Pub. 9 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Fun at the Fair! Join us at the museum to for fun at the fair! View the newest exhibit and take part in fun activities - explore symmetry by decorating a popcorn bucket, build your own mini rollercoaster, race your family in duck races, and visit our petting zoo! Bell County Museum. 11 a.m.

September 30, Thursday - TLC’s Celebration of Crazy, Sexy Cool with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Bell County Expo Center. 7:30 p.m.

September 30, Thursday - Funniest Comic in Texas semi-finals. Corky’s. 

October 1, Friday - Randy Rogers Band, Johnny Steaks and Bar-Be-Que, Salado. 6 p.m.

October 3, Sunday - Temple Civic Theater’s annual Bazaar Thrift Sale & Blood Drive. Rummage through racks of clothes and tables packed with fun finds. TCT facemarks, wristbands, mugs and memberships also will be on sale. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 5, Tuesday - Temple’s National Night Out. 6:30 p.m.

October 7, Thursday - The Spazmatics, Schoepf’s BBQ, Belton. 6 p.m.

October 8, Friday - Painting with a Twist, 3 Texans Winery. 6:30 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Shinyribs, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 11-17 - Hocus Pocus, The Beltonian Theatre, Belton. Noon.

October 16, Saturday - West Temple Oktoberfest. 3 West Alehouse & Grill. 11 a.m.

October 16, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Michael Salgado at Schoepf’s BBQ in Belton, 6 p.m.

October 18-23 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Beltonian, Belton. 6-8 p.m.

October 23, Saturday - Don Gregory Memorial Lions Club Golf Tournament. Sammons Golf Course. Contact Jeffrey Thigpen Thigpen.jeff@gmail.com to register or for sponsorship opportunities. 4-person scramble begins at 8:30 a.m.

October 23, Saturday - Free Movie Night. Harker Heights Community Park. 5 p.m.

October 23, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 29, Friday - Uncasing of the Colors for the 607-member 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the 3rd Squadron, 36th Infantry Division, now headquartered at the Texas Army National Guard on Airport Road in Temple. Santa Fe Plaza, 10 a.m.

October 29, Friday - Season closing event, Domestics vs Imports, Little River Dragway, 7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Barktoberfest, Dog costume contest at 5:30; adoptable dogs on site. Barrow Brewing Co., Salado. 1-7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Bulls & BBQ, Live bull riding followed by concert with Jake Worthington and Keith Braxton. Schoepf’s BBQ, Belton, Noon.

November 4, Thursday - Spur Classic Sporting Clay Shoot, Weber Shooting Range. 8 a.m.

November 6, Saturday - Chris Hillman, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - Market in the Vines. Take a walk through the vines and shop with over 50 vendors! Free to the public. 3 Texans Winery. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November 18, Thursday - Taste of the Holidays 2021: A Candy Cane Christmas. Mayborn Convention Center. 10:30 a.m.

December 4, Saturday - Barrow Brewing Christmas Market, Salado. Noon.

Have an event you would like to promote? Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com with “What’s Happening” in the subject line. Keep it short and sweet — what, when and where. You may include a short description. You must include a phone number for verification purposes. The phone number will not be published unless requested by submitter.

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