Painted buntings are common in Central Texas. Look for the brightly colored bird at your feeders.
If you see mud at the bottom of a "watering hole" you've put out for small mammals, your first thought might be that hogs have found your oasis. However, step back and watch your dogs. On a hot summer day, our four-legged friends often step into watering holes to cool their paws before slurping a drink.
SEEDS TO SOW
Although it’s hot, you can sow some seeds directly into the ground for a fall harvest, including basil, corn, cucumbers, dill, lima beans, and squash.
Speaking of basil, have you tried cinnamon or lemon basil? Cinnamon basil is fantastic for beef dishes, and the lemon variety is a nice complement to fish entrees.
PUMPKINS
How are your pumpkins coming along for Halloween? Here are some hints to assist with the production of a perfect jack-o'-lantern.
1. As your pumpkins grow, keep an eye out for squash bugs, eggs, and nymphs. Sevin Dust works well for the younger ones; hand pick the larger ones and squash them. If you turn over a leaf and see a patch of eggs, simply mash them. If the leaves are wilting because your pumpkin plant is stressed from aphids, a strong dousing of cold water with a hose will remove the pests.
2. Pumpkins need a lot of water to thrive. Water 1 inch a week but avoid getting the foliage or fruit wet. Several deep waterings each week should do the trick. Soaker hoses work great for pumpkins.
3. Pumpkins are big eaters of nutrients. We suggest mulching around the base of your plants to reduce weeds. Weeds will compete with pumpkins for the nutrients in the soil. And, of course, the mulch will help retain moisture.
4. Lastly, as your pumpkins mature, you can give them a twirl so they grow into a nice, round shape. Also, place a board under your pumpkins to raise them off the ground, which deters pests and helps avoid one-sided rot.
TRANSPLANT NIGHTSHADES
Apropos in name and timing of the season, now is the time to transplant your nightshades into the soil. The nightshade vegetable family consists of cape gooseberry/ground cherry, goji berry, eggplant, peppers, pepino, pimento, potato (excluding sweet potatoes), tamarillo, tomatillo, and tomato.
PAINTED BUNTINGS
Have you seen rainbows at your bird feeders? The male painted bunting (Passerina ciris) has a blue head, a red chest, yellow to green shoulders, and a red back. The females and young males are a bright green. According to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, “the French name of the painted bunting, nonpareil, means 'without equal,' a reference to the bird’s dazzling plumage.”
Although their numbers are dropping due to capture and illegal sales (because they’re so pretty), painted buntings are fairly common in Central Texas. During this time of year, they forage for seed and visit our feeders. We are so blessed.
Till next time. Keep your souls and soles in your garden!
Remember the True Master Gardener: Jesus said, “I am the vine; my Father is the Gardener.” John 15:1
Contact Bill Luedecke at The Luedecke Group Realtors at 512-577-1463 or bill@texasland.net. Contact daughter Martelle Luedecke at 512-769-3179 or luedeckephotography@gmail.com.
