Some vegetables you can sow directly into the ground this time of year are broccoli, beans (there’s one variety Gold Mine Sweet wax bean that we’re going to try), cabbages, cauliflower, and squash. Did you get your pumpkins planted after the Fourth of July? If not, you still have time to plant so you have a harvest for Halloween.
Footsteps and Hammocks
When we’ve had many days of 100-degree heat, you’ll have an opportunity to trim some of your trees. Here are a few suggestions:
First, we know we shouldn’t cut limbs flush with the tree. You want to cut at an angle so the water runs off. How about when you’re cutting, leave them long enough to use as handholds to climb. Or, just the right length to use when hanging a hammock. Ahhh! Laying in a hammock beneath the shade of a tree … So, although you may be trimming suckers off or branches that like to knock your hat off, you can end up with a tree of many purposes.
Beavers and Crows
Beavers and crows are all around our area. What do they have in common you may ask? They both mate for life. Beavers at the tender age of 2 move out from their parents looking 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.
Watering spikes
A variety of watering spikes are available to assist in your everyday watering. Fair warning: Make sure to check the price before you fall in love with a product. Prices for watering spikes can range from $4.99 (set of 10) to $32.99 (terra cotta set of 10). With that said, there are basically two types: in the soil and dripping onto the soil.
With the heat we are experiencing, and more to come, we recommend going with the in-soil variety for outside container plants. The advantage of in-the-soil dispersal is that you 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 will evaporate. Thus, resulting in thirsty plants.
Rocks in your Garden
Do you have a section of your garden around the house where simply 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.
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
"In the Garden" is written by daughter-father gardening team Martelle and Bill Luedecke. If you have gardening questions, contact Martelle at 512-769-3179 or luedeckephotography@gmail.com or Bill at 512-577-1463 or bill@texasland.net. Read more "In the Garden" columns in the 101 Lawn & Garden Guide.