This coming Tuesday, January 20, the Angelina County Extension Office will host its monthly noon gardening seminar on Earth-Kind® Gardening. Despite the name, there’s nothing “new-agey” or extreme about it. Earth-Kind® is a Texas A&M AgriLife research-based approach designed to help homeowners maintain attractive landscapes while protecting the environment—and, just as importantly, enjoying the process.
At its core, Earth-Kind® Gardening blends the best of traditional and organic practices into a practical, common-sense system that works especially well in East Texas.
The program is built around seven key principles, starting with planning and design. This may sound basic, but many landscape problems can be traced back to skipping this step. A thoughtful design from the beginning—considering space, sunlight, drainage, and access—prevents costly mistakes and ongoing frustration later. Make a plan, then work the plan. Most landscape problems don’t happen overnight—they happen one plant at a time, usually because something “looked good at the nursery.”
Next comes appropriate plant selection. East Texas offers an enormous selection of plants, but not all varieties perform equally well here. Whether it’s turfgrass, roses, shrubs, fruit trees, or vegetables, choosing varieties adapted to our soils, rainfall patterns, and heat makes the difference between success and constant struggle.
Practical turf areas are another important principle. Long, narrow strips of lawn or awkward patches surrounded by hardscaping are rarely efficient or attractive. When lawn areas are sized and shaped sensibly, they become easier to maintain and less demanding on time, water, and inputs.
Soil improvement follows. Investing time and resources into improving soil before planting pays long-term dividends. Incorporating quality compost improves structure, drainage, nutrient availability, and root development—benefits that no fertilizer program can replace.
Although East Texas averages close to 50 inches of rainfall annually, water management still matters. Earth-Kind® gardening promotes efficient irrigation—using water when plants need it most, particularly during establishment or extended dry periods. A plan for supplemental irrigation reduces stress on plants without driving up water bills year-round.
To conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health, mulching is one of the most effective tools available. Pine straw, bark, and other organic mulches all fit Earth-Kind® principles. Maintaining mulch in landscape beds is one of the simplest ways to improve plant performance and reduce maintenance.
The final principle is appropriate maintenance. Guessing at fertilizer needs is unnecessary and expensive. A soil test—available through Texas A&M or Stephen F Austin State University for less than $20—provides precise recommendations for lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens, each of which has different nutrient requirements. Proper watering techniques, such as “soak and cycle,” and mowing turf at the correct height further reduce stress and improve plant health. Scalping a lawn only injures it and sets it back. Scalping a lawn doesn’t make it healthier any more than shaving your head makes you younger.
Local Master Gardener Clara Coziar will be the guest speaker for the seminar, which runs from noon to 1 p.m. at the Angelina County Extension Office, located at 2201 S. Medford Drive in Lufkin, between Café Del Rio and the Farmers Market. There is no cost to attend.
Participants will also receive packets with links to reliable websites, reference materials, and publications for further learning.
Earth-Kind® Gardening isn’t about doing more work—it’s about doing the right work. And for East Texas homeowners, that makes all the difference.
