Cherokee County Master Gardener Association

07/24/2026

07/15/2026

A special thanks to Jerry Halpain from Texas Ramp Project who came to speak at our monthly meeting on Monday. He shared the history of the Texas Ramp Project and how they, through their volunteers, serve our community. If you know of anyone in need of having a ramp, or would like to donate, please contact them at TexasRamps.org

06/26/2026

🎉 woo-hoo

🍅🏆 Congratulations to our 2026 Best Home Grown Tomato Contest Winners! 🏆🍅

What an incredible showcase of East Texas gardening talent at the 42nd Annual Jacksonville Tomato Fest! From giant tomatoes to colorful heirlooms and the sweetest cherry varieties, our growers brought their very best to the competition.

👏 Congratulations to all of this year's winners and a huge thank you to everyone who entered and shared their passion for growing tomatoes. Your hard work helps keep Jacksonville's tomato heritage alive and thriving!

A special thank you to UT Health Jacksonville for sponsoring this year's Best Home Grown Tomato Contest and for supporting our local community and traditions.

❤️ We can't wait to see what everyone grows for the 43rd Annual Tomato Fest in 2027!

06/24/2026

We got out early (to try to beat the heat)and work in the our Demo (demonstration) garden. We were putting down cardboard and pine chips along the walkways.

06/13/2026

Best Homegrown Tomato contest 2026 and the winners are:
Biggest
1st - Jack Sheridan -Mortgage Lifter
2nd- Cheryl Reynolds- Mortgage Lifter

Best Plate of 3
1st - Joseph Davenport - Early Girl
2nd- Becky Johnson - Lemon Boy

Most Unusual
1st - Brandi Gibson - Phil’s One
2nd- Becky Johnson - Cherokee Purple

Best Plate of 3 Cherry/Grape
1st - Cheryl Reynolds -Little Cherry
2nd- Patti Perron - Rapunzel

Best Plate of 3 Heirloom
1st - Patti Perron -Rapunzel
2nd- Kyle Jeane - Large Red Cherry

Best Tasting
1st - Dana Davenport - Early Girl
2nd - Caddo Mounds State Historical Site - Sun Gold Hybrid

Thanks to all that participated
See you next year 🍅

06/12/2026

The Best Homegrown Tomato and the Salsa contest was today. The winners will be announced tomorrow at noon under the overpass in Jacksonville

06/10/2026

News Flash — Cherry or grape tomatoes will have their own category this year. Bring a stem of at least 3 cherry or grape tomatoes. If loose, bring at minimum of 5.

06/08/2026

NEW - a cherry/grape category!

News Flash — Cherry or grape tomatoes will have their own category this year. Bring a stem of at least 3 cherry or grape tomatoes. If loose, bring at minimum of 5.