Gardening Blog
Extension Master GardenerTake-All –Root rot in St. Augustine lawns
The past few years have been rough on St. Augustine lawns in this area. Summer drought, weeks of winter rain and freezing temperatures below average, all this has taken its toll. Where I work we have had numerous calls concerning poor looking turf with panicked home owners wanting something to put on the lawn to make everything better. Unfortunately there is not an… Continue reading
RAISED BED GARDENING by Ila Jean Carothers
Gardening in raised beds means that you grow your plants above the level of the ground. This is usually achieved by building a structure above ground level and filling it with soil. Even planters and pots can be considered as a raised bed.
There are many advantages to gardening… Continue reading
Don’t Bag It – Leaf Management Plan by Sandra Scott (a New McLennan County Master Gardener)
There may be many looming problems that are difficult for individual households to alleviate, but there are some we can: We can relieve landfill congestion and help hold down waste management expense. While we are at it we can improve our soil and save ourselves money.
At least 20 percent of the solid waste… Continue reading
Q: Would there be a problem with using my fireplace ashes in the flowerbeds or in my compost bin?
A: Remember all ashes are highly alkaline. If your soil is acidic, then the ashes would be of some benefit. If you have heavy clay soil, most likely you have highly alkaline (pH) soil. The ashes should not be used there… Continue reading
Q: What is compost tea?
A: Compost tea is foliar spray for your plants that you can make yourself. Get a five-gallon bucket and lid. Buy a small aquarium pump and hoses long enough to reach down inside the five gallon bucket. A bubbler stone on the end of the hose is suggested. Fill the leg of an old panty hose with compost and tie a knot above the… Continue reading