Gardening Blog
Extension Master GardenerGardening with Herbs
Herbs are becoming more and more popular in gardens. Many are useful in cooking and some have medicinal uses. The essential oils in some herbs are used for their fragrance. Many herbs have attractive flowers and some attract beneficial insects and nourish butterfly larvae.
The ornamental value of herbs means they can be used in flower beds, borders and rock gardens. Some herbs are annuals that must… Continue reading
Early Start for Better Tomato CropTomatoes are the most popular vegetable grown in Texas gardens. Learning more about growing them will aid you in harvesting a maximum crop. Tomatoes will grow in almost any type of soil with good drainage and at least 6 hours of daily sunlight. Now is the time to begin preparing your tomato bed. Tomatoes will produce best with lots of organic matter in the soil… Continue reading
Rose Pruning in Mid-Februaryby Carol Wood and Elizabeth Milam (Or MCMGs’) Mid February is time to start pruning roses to tidy up their appearance; control size; and improve their vigor, growing habits and bloom. One exception is climbing roses which bloom on last year’s growth and should be pruned after flowering.
Proper pruning shears are a must. A sharp pair of bypass (scissor like) shears will not crush the cane left… Continue reading
Queen of the South
With its delicate thin petals that form large blooms in white, pink, red or purple, lush green leaves that form a thick canopy of foliage and smooth, exfoliating bark, it is easy to see why the Crape Myrtle is one of the favorite landscape plants in the South.
Crape Myrtles prefer full sun, thrive in the heat and are drought tolerant once established, making those perfect… Continue reading
Take-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