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You know it’s summer when the weather alert is for a heat index of 110-112 degrees rather than a storm coming. Some vegetables that you can sow directly into the ground this time of year are broccoli, beans (we're going to try Gold Mine Sweet wax beans), cabbages, cauliflower, and squash.
Did you plant your pumpkins after July 4? If not, you still have time to do so for a Halloween harvest.
WATERING SPIKES
A variety of watering spikes are available to assist you in your everyday watering. Fair warning: Check the price before you fall in love with a product. Prices for watering spikes can range from $4.99 for a set of 10 to $32.99 for a set of 10 terra cotta ones.
With that said, there are basically two types: in the soil and dripping onto the soil. With the heat we are experiencing, we would recommend going with in-the-soil spikes for outside container plants. The advantage of in-the-soil dispersal is you will maximize the amount of water the roots are able to drink. The watering spikes with the nice adjustable drips onto the soil are good for inside plants. If you have a slow, continuous drip for your outside containers, a large portion of water will evaporate, resulting in thirsty plants.
ROCKS IN YOUR GARDEN
Do you have a section of your garden around the house where nothing will grow? For decoration, Colonel Klaus of Cassie recommends either river or egg rocks. As Colonel suggests, you can simply blow the leaves off the rocks without getting soil or mulch on your sidewalk. Thank you, Colonel. Great idea! Saves on time and energy and looks great.
BEAVERS AND CROWS
Beavers and crows are all around our area. What do they have in common, you might ask? They both mate for life. At the tender age of 2, beavers move out from their parents' home to look for a spouse. Some couples in the wild have been known to enjoy 20 years together. Crows “leave the nest” at 2 years of age as well. They hang out with their parents, enjoying the company of siblings and cousins, until they meet that special crow.
FOOTSTEPS AND HAMMOCKS
Here are a few fun suggestions for taking advantage of the heat to trim your trees.
First, we know we shouldn’t cut limbs flush with the tree. You want to cut at an angle so the water (it will rain again) runs off. When you’re cutting, leave them long enough to use as handholds to climb or at just the right length to hang a hammock. Ahhh, lying in a hammock beneath the shade of a tree … So, although you might be trimming off suckers or branches that like to knock off your hat, you can end up with a tree of many purposes.
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 Luedecke Photography at 512-769-3179 or luedeckephotography@gmail.com.
