Rodeo Tomato – 2023, Thunderbird
The 2023 Rodeo tomato, Thunderbird, was a highlight of the 16th annual South Texas Home and Garden Show.
If you missed the 2023 garden show, check with your favorite retail nursery or the Master Gardeners to get access to the new Rodeo Tomato that has been selected for 2023, Thunderbird.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension team, which makes each year’s Rodeo Tomato selection from a large number of competitors, describes the Thunderbird as producing a large fruit with a slightly flattened shape that ripens to a deep red color.
Thunderbird is a determinate plant, meaning it quickly reaches production size and concentrates on producing fruit. It produces a firm tomato that is well covered by its foliage while it is maturing.
We talk about a fast start because the new Rodeo Tomato is available from retail and Master Gardener sources in limited numbers now even though it is too cold to plant it in the garden. The usual procedure for gardeners who want early access to the new tomato is to purchase them and “pot them up.”
If you missed the 2023 garden show, check with your favorite retail nursery or the Master Gardeners to get access to the new Rodeo Tomato that has been selected for 2023, Thunderbird.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension team, which makes each year’s Rodeo Tomato selection from a large number of competitors, describes the Thunderbird as producing a large fruit with a slightly flattened shape that ripens to a deep red color.
Thunderbird is a determinate plant, meaning it quickly reaches production size and concentrates on producing fruit. It produces a firm tomato that is well covered by its foliage while it is maturing.
We talk about a fast start because the new Rodeo Tomato is available from retail and Master Gardener sources in limited numbers now even though it is too cold to plant it in the garden. The usual procedure for gardeners who want early access to the new tomato is to purchase them and “pot them up.”
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T-Shirts are in!
Do you have your South Texas Home and Garden Show t-shirt yet? Get yours for only $12.99 (S-XL) or $13.99 (2-3X) at C Street Gift Shop in Floresville, located at 1012 C Street inside the Wilson County News!
2023 Show Activities
• Master Duncans Martial Arts demonstration – 10:45 a.m. & 3:15 p.m.
• Black Barn Alpacas, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CLASSES
First classroom
Preparation, Planting, and Maintenance Phases of a Native Prairie Restoration, including habitat and wildlife recovery projects completed and underway, volunteer and agency assistance, and lessons learned.
• Black Barn Alpacas, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CLASSES
First classroom
9:30 a.m.-12:00
William H. "Bill" Nodine, Texas Master Gardener, Certified Advanced Master Gardener
Planning and Preparing a Garden for Spring
1:00-4:30 p.m.
Don Kirchoff, Kirchoff Family Farm, will give a presentation at 1:30 p.m.; throughout the afternoon he will be joined by representatives of some of the organizations involved in the restoration project who will share information and answer questionsPreparation, Planting, and Maintenance Phases of a Native Prairie Restoration, including habitat and wildlife recovery projects completed and underway, volunteer and agency assistance, and lessons learned.
Second classroom
9:00 a.m.-11:00
Maria Alaniz-George, sharing years of 4-H poultry knowledge and more
Basics on Backyard Poultry (Hens and Quail)
11:00 - 12:00
Rochelle Rackham, rancher and engineer, sharing her creativity
Raising Happy, Healthy Backyard Chickens
1:30-3 p.m. - Mark de Kiewiet, Texas Master Beekeeper and Master Naturalist
Is Beekeeping Right for Me, 101
3:15-4:30 p.m. - Mark de Kiewiet, Texas Master Beekeeper and Master Naturalist What's Happening to the Bees (and Other Pollinators)?
3:15-4:30 p.m. - Mark de Kiewiet, Texas Master Beekeeper and Master Naturalist What's Happening to the Bees (and Other Pollinators)?
Save a flowerpot at WCBA’s ‘Rescued Flowerpots’ at the Garden Show
Wilson County Beautification Association is launching a new fundraiser at the 2023 South Texas Home and Garden Show – Rescued Flowerpots!
WCBA’s Rescued Flowerpots undertaking is a way to give new life to some of those pretty, unused pots many of us have lying around – ones we can’t use but can’t bear to toss out – and at the same time support the efforts of Wilson County Beautification Association, a Keep Texas Beautiful Affiliate, toward its mission of enhancing and preserving the beauty and environment of Wilson County.
Visit the Wilson County Beautification Association booth at the 2023 South Texas Home and Garden Show in the Floresville Event Center on March 25 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to learn more about the organization and how you can participate. Pick up a pot or two of your choice for your cash donation, bring your own clean decorative pots to donate or trade, or buy one of the special flowerpots marked for sale. Every donation or purchase earns a chance to enter a special drawing -- no need to be present to win.
For more information, call Ginger Coleman at 281-414-2363 or email info@wcba-Tx.org .
WCBA’s Rescued Flowerpots undertaking is a way to give new life to some of those pretty, unused pots many of us have lying around – ones we can’t use but can’t bear to toss out – and at the same time support the efforts of Wilson County Beautification Association, a Keep Texas Beautiful Affiliate, toward its mission of enhancing and preserving the beauty and environment of Wilson County.
Visit the Wilson County Beautification Association booth at the 2023 South Texas Home and Garden Show in the Floresville Event Center on March 25 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to learn more about the organization and how you can participate. Pick up a pot or two of your choice for your cash donation, bring your own clean decorative pots to donate or trade, or buy one of the special flowerpots marked for sale. Every donation or purchase earns a chance to enter a special drawing -- no need to be present to win.
For more information, call Ginger Coleman at 281-414-2363 or email info@wcba-Tx.org .
Planning and Preparing a Garden for Spring
Planning and Preparing a Garden for Spring. You will learn how to get your garden ready for spring, planning considerations and how to prepare soil for planting vegetables, starting seeds, sowing seeds, growing , nurturing, and harvesting your favorite vegetables.
William H. Nodine is a Texas Master Gardener and is part of a state corps of vegetable volunteers and educators. He currently holds certifications in the following areas of the Advanced Master Gardener Training program, Vegetables, Greenhouse Management, Compost, Plant Propagation and Budding and Grafting. Bill believes the world needs more gardens and more gardeners. His passion is to inspire and instill confidence in anyone who wants to be a better gardener.
William H. Nodine is a Texas Master Gardener and is part of a state corps of vegetable volunteers and educators. He currently holds certifications in the following areas of the Advanced Master Gardener Training program, Vegetables, Greenhouse Management, Compost, Plant Propagation and Budding and Grafting. Bill believes the world needs more gardens and more gardeners. His passion is to inspire and instill confidence in anyone who wants to be a better gardener.
Is beekeeping right for me, 101
During this 1 hour presentation, the following topics will be covered;
• Why do I want to start beekeeping”
• AG exempt taxes
• Hobby
• Income
• Pollination
• Where to place a hive (is my location conducive for bees)
• What equipment do I need (examples of some will be in display)
• A typical calendar of events for a beekeeper
• Is non-treatment of bees possible
Presented by Mark de Kiewiet, Texas Master Naturalist and Texas Master Beekeeper, and owner of African Queen Apiaries - supplier of local natural honey, "You host We host" program, static pollinator services. Mark is the founder of the Bees-in-the-East Club, a club to educate and mentor new beekeepers on how to start beekeeping the natural way.
• Why do I want to start beekeeping”
• AG exempt taxes
• Hobby
• Income
• Pollination
• Where to place a hive (is my location conducive for bees)
• What equipment do I need (examples of some will be in display)
• A typical calendar of events for a beekeeper
• Is non-treatment of bees possible
Presented by Mark de Kiewiet, Texas Master Naturalist and Texas Master Beekeeper, and owner of African Queen Apiaries - supplier of local natural honey, "You host We host" program, static pollinator services. Mark is the founder of the Bees-in-the-East Club, a club to educate and mentor new beekeepers on how to start beekeeping the natural way.
What is happening to the bees (and other pollinators)
Phenology and Bees
During this 1 hour presentation, the following topics will be covered:
• Are bees numbers declining, Managed vs Native
• European Honey Bees generalists, Native bees specialists
• Interaction between Bees, their food source and the climate.
• As keepers of bees, are we helping or hindering?
• Introduction to food and medicinal products from the hive.
• What role can I as a Gardener do to protect bees (and pollinators) in our environment
Presented by Mark de Kiewiet, a Texas Master Beekeeper and Master Naturalist.
• Are bees numbers declining, Managed vs Native
• European Honey Bees generalists, Native bees specialists
• Interaction between Bees, their food source and the climate.
• As keepers of bees, are we helping or hindering?
• Introduction to food and medicinal products from the hive.
• What role can I as a Gardener do to protect bees (and pollinators) in our environment
Presented by Mark de Kiewiet, a Texas Master Beekeeper and Master Naturalist.
Raising Happy, Healthy Backyard Chickens
Rochelle Rackham, a local rancher and an engineer, will present "Raising Happy, Healthy Backyard Chickens." Combining her knowledge about raising healthy animals and her engineering expertise, Rochelle has created a backyard poultry haven. She will share some helpful and valuable information for a creative approach to raising your backyard flock.
Basics on Backyard Poultry (Hens and Quail)
Maria Alaniz-George will present and demonstrate her expertise gained from living on a farm and from her eight years in 4-H raising meat and fancy poultry of all types, and current 4-H involvement with her children.
Preparation, Planting, and Maintenance Phases of a Native Prairie Restoration
Preparation, Planting, and Maintenance Phases of a Native Prairie Restoration will include wildlife recovery projects completed and underway, volunteer and agency assistance, and lessons learned.
Presented by Don Kirchoff, of the Kirchoff Family Farm, winner of the 2019 Lone Star Land Steward Award for South Texas for the ongoing restoration of his family's row-cropped farm to the native tallgrass blackland prairie it once was. Don will be joined throughout the afternoon by representatives of some of the several organizations involved in this important habitat restoration. The 200-acre farm is located near Poth.
Presented by Don Kirchoff, of the Kirchoff Family Farm, winner of the 2019 Lone Star Land Steward Award for South Texas for the ongoing restoration of his family's row-cropped farm to the native tallgrass blackland prairie it once was. Don will be joined throughout the afternoon by representatives of some of the several organizations involved in this important habitat restoration. The 200-acre farm is located near Poth.
2023 Vendors
Anna Can Now Embroider • Auntie Janies Crafts • Bath Fitter • Bee Grateful • Beldon Roofs • Bill’s Tractor • Bryce’s Crafty Mommy & Co
C Street Gift Shop • Camp Gladiator • Conviva Floresville • Country Boy Creations • Cutco Cutlery • Dare2DazzleCreations • Dazzle Snaps Boutique
Nancy de la Zerda Designs • Dipped Treats by Laura • Drama Kids • Floresville Chamber of Commerce • Expo Home Improvement • Express Flooring
Floresville Electric Light & Power System • Floresville Opry/Wilson Co Historical Society • Freedom Mowing • Grumpy Mack’s Woodshack
Hill Country Tractor • Howdy Hides Leather • Humana MarketPoint, Inc • JoJo’s Kettlecorn • Joy’s Ceramics • Kilgore Laser Imaging LLC
Kirchoff Prairie • Kraus Seed Haus • La Vernia News • Little Minnow Crafts • Lone Star Market Place • Madie B’s • Miranda Martin Designs
Mossy Oak Properties of Texas • Newspapers In Education • Noni’s Natural Soaps • Norwex • Pampered Chef • PaperPie • Patti’s Pretties
Pinnacle Pest Defense • Plexus by Aubri • Potters on the Creek • Ray’s Crafts • Re-bath • Rental Service of Texas • Reile Creations • Renewal by Andersen Rockin Chair Ranch • RX Baked Goods • SCENTCHIPS • Solar Edge Pros LLC • Sweet Side Of Life Bakery • Texas Rhino Shield
The BELDON Group of Companies • Timeless Inspirations • Turtlegirl Creations • Wanda Polasek • We Light Up Your Life
Wilson County Beautification Association • Wilson County Extension Office • Wilson County News • Women Warrior Veterans of Wilson County
Wooden N Wreaths • Wreaths and More by Argentina • Young Living Essential Oils
C Street Gift Shop • Camp Gladiator • Conviva Floresville • Country Boy Creations • Cutco Cutlery • Dare2DazzleCreations • Dazzle Snaps Boutique
Nancy de la Zerda Designs • Dipped Treats by Laura • Drama Kids • Floresville Chamber of Commerce • Expo Home Improvement • Express Flooring
Floresville Electric Light & Power System • Floresville Opry/Wilson Co Historical Society • Freedom Mowing • Grumpy Mack’s Woodshack
Hill Country Tractor • Howdy Hides Leather • Humana MarketPoint, Inc • JoJo’s Kettlecorn • Joy’s Ceramics • Kilgore Laser Imaging LLC
Kirchoff Prairie • Kraus Seed Haus • La Vernia News • Little Minnow Crafts • Lone Star Market Place • Madie B’s • Miranda Martin Designs
Mossy Oak Properties of Texas • Newspapers In Education • Noni’s Natural Soaps • Norwex • Pampered Chef • PaperPie • Patti’s Pretties
Pinnacle Pest Defense • Plexus by Aubri • Potters on the Creek • Ray’s Crafts • Re-bath • Rental Service of Texas • Reile Creations • Renewal by Andersen Rockin Chair Ranch • RX Baked Goods • SCENTCHIPS • Solar Edge Pros LLC • Sweet Side Of Life Bakery • Texas Rhino Shield
The BELDON Group of Companies • Timeless Inspirations • Turtlegirl Creations • Wanda Polasek • We Light Up Your Life
Wilson County Beautification Association • Wilson County Extension Office • Wilson County News • Women Warrior Veterans of Wilson County
Wooden N Wreaths • Wreaths and More by Argentina • Young Living Essential Oils