Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) are an example of companion planting, and according to legend, they have been so for hundreds of years. The legend began with an old English poem written by John Gay: “All in the Read more…
Read more
Where in the world has the year gone? Our young helpers are already back in school sharing how they got to help in the garden. There are a variety of things to do in September. 1. Begin planting the seeds Read more…
Read more
Little Suzy from Bertram wrote: “Mamaw said that she was sending her dirt to A&M to have it tested. Do I need to, 4 my mud pie? It’s really fun. Mamaw and Pawpaw blue up a balloon to use instead of Read more…
Read more
It’s perfect weather for … what, you might ask, is this heat perfect weather for? Well, the hot days of a Central Texas summer are perfect for solarizing. Our summer heat is like a microwave for killing weed seeds or Read more…
Read more
Can you say “HOT?” Yes, it is summertime. Please make sure to stay hydrated! We drink lots of water. Sometimes, we get tired of the taste of water, but you have your garden. Pinch off a couple of mint leaves and Read more…
Read more
Plant your pumpkins for Halloween this July 4 weekend. (Well, the Monday after will be fine, too.) Pinch back chrysanthemums, Mexican marigold mint, marigold, autumn asters, salvias, and other late summer, fall-blooming annuals and perennials. Vegetables to plant: Okra, eggplant (transplants), peppers (transplants), Read more…
Read more
Stan from Granite Shoals asks: How long do mosquito eggs survive on a dry surface? (After I’ve dumped the bowl that collected water when it rained.) Answer: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Eggs are very hardy; Read more…
Read more
Two in the morning. Dogs are going crazy. Coyotes aren’t howling, and bobcats aren’t screaming. But the dogs are barking. Next morning, I saw why. Hibiscus and rock roses really are deer candy. So, lesson learned: Air conditioners do not protect Read more…
Read more
How is your garden growing? Tender vegetables peeking through the green leaves? As you walk through your gardens daily (gentle reminder), have the garden pests got you frustrated? Have you noticed all those little spoilers in your squash, pepper, and Read more…
Read more
Replace or replenish mulch in the flowerbeds and vegetable garden. It’s time to deadhead the blooms from geraniums, pansies, snapdragons, stock, and calendulas. Deadhead means to remove the spent blooms. This practice encourages the continuation of the blooms. The more Read more…
Read more
