Better Gardening through Science

Master Gardener Robert Castro shows a repotted agave. Photo: KCMGA.

Taking on a Thorny Subject at Heartland

Master Gardener Robert Castro shows a repotted agave. Photo: KCMGA.
Master Gardener Robert Castro shows a repotted agave. Photo: KCMGA.

On September 3, 2022, Master Gardener Robert Castro kicked-off the fall gardening series at Heartland Community with his presentation, “Confessions of an Agaveholic.” Castro, a self-proclaimed cactus fan, began the program with video demonstration of safe ways to handle cactus. He talked about different kinds of cacti, including nine labeled species that were available for participants to examine. As Castro repotted a cactus for the group, he discussed when and how to repot cactus and what supplies are needed, emphasizing those specifically needed to avoid cactus thorns. Residents were then invited to choose and pot a cactus to take home using supplies supplied by the Kaufman County Master Gardeners. Eight households, comprised of ten adults and six children, from Heartland attended, along with five Master Gardeners and one guest.

MG Robert Castro demonstrates using newspaper to protect from thorns while handling cactus. Photo: KCMGA
MG Robert Castro demonstrates using newspaper to protect from thorns while handling cactus. Photo: KCMGA
Heartland residents line up to choose and repot a cactus to take home. Photo: KCMGA.
Heartland residents line up to choose and repot a cactus to take home. Photo: KCMGA.
A woman help a young boy safely repot a cactus. Photo: KCMGA.
A woman help a young boy safely repot a cactus. Photo: KCMGA.

Taking on a Thorny Subject at Heartland

Master Gardener Robert Castro shows a repotted agave. Photo: KCMGA.
Master Gardener Robert Castro shows a repotted agave. Photo: KCMGA.

On September 3, 2022, Master Gardener Robert Castro kicked-off the fall gardening series at Heartland Community with his presentation, “Confessions of an Agaveholic.” Castro, a self-proclaimed cactus fan, began the program with video demonstration of safe ways to handle cactus. He talked about different kinds of cacti, including nine labeled species that were available for participants to examine. As Castro repotted a cactus for the group, he discussed when and how to repot cactus and what supplies are needed, emphasizing those specifically needed to avoid cactus thorns. Residents were then invited to choose and pot a cactus to take home using supplies supplied by the Kaufman County Master Gardeners. Eight households, comprised of ten adults and six children, from Heartland attended, along with five Master Gardeners and one guest.

MG Robert Castro demonstrates using newspaper to protect from thorns while handling cactus. Photo: KCMGA
MG Robert Castro demonstrates using newspaper to protect from thorns while handling cactus. Photo: KCMGA
Heartland residents line up to choose and repot a cactus to take home. Photo: KCMGA.
Heartland residents line up to choose and repot a cactus to take home. Photo: KCMGA.
A woman help a young boy safely repot a cactus. Photo: KCMGA.
A woman help a young boy safely repot a cactus. Photo: KCMGA.

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