Grant: Garden pest management program coming up in Overton

Published 9:10 pm Saturday, December 13, 2025

If you’ve ever knelt beside a squash vine and wondered what bored through the stem or watched your roses crinkle under a siege of aphids, you’re not alone. Garden pests are a persistent challenge in East Texas, but help is on the way. On Thursday, December 18, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will host a free Garden Pest Management Seminar at the Overton Research Center, and it promises to be a morning well spent.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon, with registration beginning at 8:30. There’s no cost to attend, and no RSVP required; just show up ready to learn. The Overton Research Center is located at 1710 N FM 3053 in Overton, a short drive for most in the Tyler area.

This seminar brings together three outstanding speakers, each offering practical, research-based advice for home gardeners. Dr. Rafia Khan, Extension Entomologist, will kick things off with “Organic Methods to Manage Your Most Troublesome Pests.” If you’re looking for ways to control squash bugs, spider mites, or leaf miners without resorting to harsh chemicals, Dr. Khan’s insights will be especially valuable.

Next up is Dr. Andrew King, Research Horticulturist, with “Thriving Landscapes: Best Practices for Sustainable Home Gardening.” His talk will focus on building resilient gardens that can withstand pest pressure and environmental stress. Expect tips on soil health, plant selection, and landscape design that work with nature, not against it.

Rounding out the morning is Dr. Garett Slater, Extension Entomologist, presenting “Sustainable Gardening for Pollinator Health.” With bee populations under pressure and pollinators playing a vital role in vegetable and flower production, this session will highlight how gardeners can support beneficial insects while keeping pests in check.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this seminar offers something for everyone. You’ll leave with a better understanding of pest identification, organic control strategies, and how to create a garden that’s both productive and pollinator-friendly.

I’ll be there as well. Our programs at Overton are always well-organized, informative, and welcoming. The speakers are approachable, and there’s plenty of time for questions. Plus, it’s a great chance to connect with fellow gardeners and Extension staff who understand the unique challenges of gardening in East Texas.

If you’d like more information about the program, you can contact Dr. Rafia Khan at the Research and Extension Center in Overton at (903) 834-6191 or email her at rafia.khan@agnet.tamu.edu.

As we wrap up the season and look ahead to spring planting, now’s the time to sharpen our pest management skills. I hope to see many of you in Overton on December 18. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe a friend or two. Your garden will thank you.

— Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, read his “In Greg’s Garden” in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.