If you’re new to the area, here’s a word of wisdom about wood ash from the fireplace. It’s not necessary to spread ash on the lawn or in the garden because, for the most part, our soil is plenty alkaline.
As you noticed, we said “for the most part.” After you have done your soil test, if you need to lower your pH a little, wood ash is great. Wood ash (not to be confused with coal ash) is about half to two-thirds the calcium carbonate equivalency of lime.
INVASIVES
Malta star thistle (Centaurea melitensis) is a nemesis of an invasive. Common to the Texas Hill Country, this plant can suffocate your yard, garden, and wildflowers. For photos of this nemesis, CLICK HERE. Sheryl Smith-Rodgers, a Hill Country native, has photos that differentiate the “good guys” from the bad.
Before Malta star thistle goes to seed, pull it out of the ground, root and all. Be careful there is not a cactus behind you to fall on. These bad guys are incredibly stubborn at times.
“Early detection and eradication soon after discovery will increase the likelihood of controlling a Malta star thistle infestation,” according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Although the thistle is a beautiful bloom, its benefits are short-term. According to Sheryl and the Forest Service, the seeds “can remain viable for up to 10 years.”
According to the Forest Service, one flower can produce one to 60 seeds.
BLUEBONNETS
Have you seen the bluebonnet sprouts peeking out? Now is the time to mow. No, not mow the bluebonnet sprouts, mow the dead grass, bunch grass. We lower the blade on the mower to just above the sprouts creating a nice clean landscape for the wildflowers to flourish — and so we can enjoy them better.
It’s so cool how God has the wildflowers timed. Each group or species that grows is just a little taller than the flowers that are about to expire. This allows for the windflowers to go to seed while we still enjoy the beauty of nature’s bouquet. Don’t you think that’s really awesome?
Remember: DO NOT FERTILIZE YOUR BLUEBONNET LANDSCAPES! Dad had acres of bluebonnets, and last year, didn’t have but several flowers bloom out of thousands. Learn from our mistakes. Remember: Don’t fertilize.
GENTLE REMINDERS
Do not be fooled by the day-to-day weather, remember the season.
February duties include:
• planting cold-tolerant vegetables such as sparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, English peas, onions, potatoes, Swiss chard, and strawberries for harvest spring;
• checking your sprinkler systems to see if your drainage is how you want it;
• sharpening the blades on your mower, hoes, pruning shears, etc.;
• turning your compost pile or bin;
• cleaning your hummingbird feeders clean (only a few more weeks before they start arriving!);
• and feeding and watering the birds.
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 email him at bill@texasland.net. Contact Martelle Luedecke at (512) 769-3179 or luedeckephotography@gmail.com.