TEXAS WEEKEND HOME AND GARDEN

JANUARY IN THE TEXAS GARDEN

2013-01-07T11:58:00.001-06:00

Time to start thinking of Spring and getting your garden ready for the new growing season. You should now begin cleaning, repairing and replacing garden tools. You might also want to create a garden plan to help organize chores and planting schedules. It's is a good time to start tomato, pepper and eggplant seedlings indoor under fluorescent lights.

Here is a list of things to do in your garden for January:

Fertilize: Fertilize asparagus, strawberries, daylilies, iris, pansies and roses. Use compost, manure or a complete fertilizer.

Water:

Water everything well before a freeze, but avoid overwatering.

Transplant:

Plant bare root and container grown roses, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vines. Move hardy seedlings outdoors. Divide and transplant perennial herbs and summer and fall blooming perennial flowers. Donate extras to a plant sale.

Prepare Soil:

Add compost and/or fertilizer. Till deeply. Test soil (forms available at the Extension Office). Check winter mulch and replenish, if needed. Stockpile leaves for mulch and composting throughout spring and summer.

Lawn Care:

If lawn has a history of brown patch problems, treat with a labeled fungicide late in the month. Repeat treatment in 3 to 4 weeks, if needed.

Diseases/Pests to look for:

Check for mealy bugs and for scale on houseplants. Need a plant problem identified? Bring a sample in a ziplock bag to the Extension Office, 1600-B Smith Road.

Call: Extension Office (512) 473-9600 for fruit and nut tree spray schedules.

Things To Plant In January

Flower Plants:

Alyssum
Butterfly Weed
Calendula
Candytuft
Cornflower
Dianthus
Daisy (African, Michaelmas and Painted)
Gaillardia
Liatris
Edging Lobelia
Nasturtium
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
Pansy
Phlox paniculata
Snapdragon
Stock

Flower seeds:

Ageratum
Alyssum
Balsam
Bluebell
Calendula
Candytuft
Cleome
Coreopsis
Cornflower
Delphinium
Echinacea
Feverfew
Gaillardia
Gayfeather
Gerbera
Hollyhock
Hyacinth
Larkspur
Lobelia
Lupine
Nasturtium
Phlox drummondii
Poppy
Queen Anne’s Lace
Petunia
Snapdragon
Sweet Pea
Sweet William

Bulbs:

Allium
Alstroemeria
Amarcrinum
Canna
Crinum
Dahlia
Daylily
Gladiolus
Hosta
Hyacinth
Spider Lily (Hymerocallis)
Liriope
Monkey Grass
Rain lily
Society Garlic
Tigridia
Tulip

Vegetables:

Early—Mid Month: asparagus crowns
Mid—Late Month: Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onion sets, Peas (English & edible pod), Spinach

Herbs:

Garlic chives
Horseradish
Parsley
Chervil

Fruit:

Bare root or container grown pecans
fruit trees
grapes
berry bushes

GROW A FIG TREE

2012-10-10T17:05:00.001-05:00

If you’d like to try growing an unusual fruit crop that’s delicious and nearly trouble free, consider figs. These trees will grow well unprotected in Zones 8–10, and also in colder areas if you choose hardier cultivars or give plants proper winter protection. Selecting trees: More than 200 fig cultivars are grown in North America, with a broad range of fruit shapes and colors. It’s important to select a cultivar adapted to your climate, such as ‘Brown Turkey’, ‘Chicago’, or ‘Celeste’ for colder areas. Also look for self-pollinating cultivars, as some figs are pollinated by tiny, specialized flies native to the Mediterranean and won’t set fruit without them. (Reputable U.S. nurseries sell only self-pollinating figs.) Planting and care: Plant trees as you would any young tree. Figs need a sunny spot that’s protected from winter winds. Mulch trees well with compost, and apply foliar sprays of seaweed extract at least once a month during the growing season. Go to this link for more information: http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/fig-trees-growing-guide

BENEFIT OF FIGS

2012-10-10T17:00:00.001-05:00

Benefits of Figs | Fig Fruit: Figs are an ancient fruit; they originated in the Middle East, are mentioned in the Bible, and were hailed by Plato as an important food for athletes. Now available worldwide, figs are finally being recognized as the important female fruit they are, and not just for their sensuous curves, sweet taste, and delectable nature. BENEFITS OF FIGS FOR FEMALE HEALTH You may only think of figs in “Newton” form, but figs are a super food that is a powerful tool for female health. Fresh figs and indeed all fruit should be an integral part of every human’s diet, but figs are especially potent in nutrients and minerals that help balance the woman’s body and mind. Figs possess many characteristics that make them an important addition to the female diet. Click on the link for the health benefits of figs: http://www.divavillage.com/article.php?id=47960

GROW AN ORANGE TREE INDOORS

2012-10-10T16:27:00.001-05:00

Photo found at http://lemoncitrustree.com/calamondin.html

How to Grow an Orange Tree Indoors | Home Guides | SF Gate: Most gardeners are familiar with the large, spreading orange trees (Citrus) that permeate the backyard with their dark green foliage. You can successfully grow an orange tree indoors as well. Specific dwarf varieties, such as calamondin (Citrus mitis) and trovita (Citrus sinensis "Trovita"), thrive well inside as long as their basic soil and light needs are met. Having these orange trees potted also allows you to move them outside during the summer so the fruits can sweeten properly.
For more information click on the link: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-orange-tree-indoors-35372.html

Fall Is Here!!!!

2012-10-10T15:03:00.000-05:00

Fall is here and it’s time to get out and enjoy the beauty and color of the outdoors that comes with this season in Texas! With the arrival of Fall and with cooler temperatures it is a great time to work out in your yard and garden. Now is the perfect time to add texture and bursts of color to your flower beds and container gardens. Plant Petunias, Mums, Violas, Bulbs, Ornamental Cabbage, Kale, Cyclamen and Pansies among others. You can also add color by adding pumkins and fall decorations!

Fall is also one of the best times in Texas to plant trees and shrubs. The roots of newly planted trees and shrubs have an opportunity to spread and become establish throughout the Winter, thus providing for more vigorous Spring blooms when spring arrives.

GROW AN AVOCADO TREE!

2012-05-03T10:40:00.001-05:00

With the recent onslaught of hot weather, we've been scarfing the guacamole and thought it a shame to just chuck the avocado pits. We grabbed a couple of our trusty Spega yogurt glasses and did our best to recall the glory days of elementary school science class. Jump below for a refresher on how to turn your seed in to a little tree.... Unfortunately, according to the website, it's pretty rare for a tree grown from a seed to bear edible fruit, but we happen to think avocado trees are mighty pretty. Either way, sure makes for a fun summer project. See the link for more information.
How To: Grow an Avocado Tree | Apartment Therapy:

How To Sprout a Mango | eHow.com

2012-04-30T12:39:00.001-05:00

How To Sprout a Mango X Jenny Harrington Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. View my portfolio By Jenny Harrington, eHow Contributor Mango fruit encases a large seed. Mangoes grow on tropical evergreen trees that can grow up to 100 feet in their native climate. As potted plants, however, they grow much shorter. The mango fruit surrounds a large seed that is sealed inside a hard husk. Mangoes grow true from seed, making it possible to plant them from fruit purchased at the market. The seed grows into a small plant or tree that makes an attractive houseplant or outdoor potted plant. In time, the tree may even produce its own mango fruit.

How to Grow Mango Trees in Pots | eHow.com

2012-04-30T11:27:00.003-05:00

Mangoes are tropical fruits that are native to Asia and grow on trees. Although most mango trees are grown outdoors, they also adapt well to growing in pots. Since the mango tree is not cold hardy, pot-grown mangoes are the primary growth method in colder climates. The fruit of the mango has a peach-colored interior and can grow to be eight to 24 ounces in weight, according to the California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc. The best time to plant a potted mango is in early summer

How to Grow Mango Trees in Pots | eHow.com

2012-04-30T11:27:00.001-05:00

Mango Tree Five Gallon Shipped in Soil by Clifton's Nursery

2012-04-30T11:21:00.001-05:00

Mango Tree Five Gallon Shipped in Soil by Clifton's Nursery: Fresh mangos are all yours with a one of our mango trees shipped right to your door. Mangos are self fertile, so one tree is all you will need for fruit that has a rich, pleasant taste that is peach like and juicy. Fruit can be up to 9 inches long. Protect tree from frost, planting in a container on protected porch or patio if grown in an extreme winter area. Plant in at least average soil, and feed throughout the growing season. All of our trees are shipped potted in soil to ensure a healthier start when planted in yard or garden. Tree about 3 to 4 feet tall when shipped.

Water Conservation in the Garden

2012-04-10T10:52:00.001-05:00

Today, more than ever, cities across the United States are implementing permanent water restrictions. Here are three ways I conserve water.

1. Collecting rain in barrels.

2. Diverting the rinse water (grey water) from the washing machine.

3. Planting drought resistant plants. Below are relevant videos.

Grey Water Recycling

Make a Inexpensive Rain Barrel

Drought Resistant Plants: Xeriscape

African Mango Irvingia Gabonensis - Weight Loss Medical Miracle? - Home

2012-04-04T09:53:00.001-05:00

Health Lifestyles - Health News - National News - African Mango Irvingia Gabonensis - Weight Loss Medical Miracle? - Home: Move Over Weight Watchers, an exotic super fruit called 'African Mango' is quickly becoming America's hottest new way to lose weight.
And much to the chagrin of the nation's $40 billion-dollar diet industry, which sells outrageously expensive surgical procedures and drugs that have done little, if anything, to trim America's ever-growing collective waistline.

Keep Beneficial Bugs In Your Garden

2012-04-04T09:47:00.001-05:00

Your plants attract a lot of unwanted insects. An important factor in helping control the pesky pests in your garden is learning to recognize beneficial bugs and keep them safe by not using insecticides that harm them. Some insects can be of great help in controlling garden pests. Lady Bugs help in controling Aphids and other unwanted insects. For more information on the insects you want to keep around see the following article:

Top 10 Beneficial Garden Insects

Predators That Feed on Garden Pests

http://insects.about.com/od/insectpests/tp/top10beneficialinsects.htm

Five Foods That Should Never Be In Your Grocery Cart | The Dr. Oz Show

2012-03-28T15:30:00.001-05:00

Five Foods That Should Never Be In Your Grocery Cart | The Dr. Oz Show: Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans obtain the food that nourishes their family at the supermarket, spending $100 every week and almost $5,000 annually. Last year, unwholesome heavily processed foods like salty snacks, frozen dinners and breakfast cereals were among the top 10 bestsellers, with carbonated beverages ringing in at #1, commanding a whopping $12 billion in sales.

The items tossed in your grocery cart play a huge role in the health and wellbeing of your family. Today’s supermarket shelves are stocked with tons of healthy and unhealthy foods. You need to make the right choices when walking the aisles, steering clear of foods that can have disastrous long-term health consequences for your household.

Here are 5 grocery items that should never make it through the checkout line.

PLANTING DROUGHT RESISTANT

2012-03-28T14:55:00.003-05:00

This Spring take into consideration the amount of water it takes for what you plant. With water restrictions becoming prominent in most areas carefully planning now can make all the difference later this summer. To figure out what plants are drought resistant in your area, read labels and research the plants online. See the list below. All of these plants survived last years severe drought and have come back with an abundance in my garden. I will start adding more to this list soon.

For more information on planning your garden check out my link, "PLANNING YOUR GARDEN", to the right of this post.

This is a list of must have plants for drought stricken Texas:

LANTANAS,

COME IN A VARIETY OF COLORS
FLOWERS FROM SPRING TO FIRST FREEZE

KNOCKOUT ROSES

VARIETY OF COLORS
ABUNDANCE OF FLOWERS FROM SPRING TO FALL, LEAVES STAY GREEN IN WINTER

SALVIAS

LARGE VARIETY OF SPECIES AND COLORS
BEAUTIFUL FLOWERING STEMS

BEARDED IRISES

VARIETY OF COLORS
BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS IN SPRING AND GREEN FOLIAGE ALL YEAR

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

LARGE VARIETY OF GRASSES
VARIETY OF COLORS
ECO FRIENDLY

CREPE MYRTLES

VARIETY OF COLORS AND COME IN MANY SIZES
BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE

ROSEMARY

SMALL SHRUB AND HERB
GREENERY ALL YEAR

PRUNE OAK TREE'S NOW

2012-02-16T13:33:00.002-06:00

Now is the time to prune your Oak trees. You shouldn't ever prune Oak trees in warm weather because they will be apt to get Oak Wilt. To learn more about Oak Wilt look for the link on this page.

Pansies

2012-02-16T10:06:00.002-06:00

Pansies come in a variety of colors and will survive a freeze. They are great winter flowers. I have planted pansies in my garden and in pots this winter and they are doing very well!

BARGAIN HUNTING

2012-02-16T08:53:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I found an old antique push reel lawn mower at an estate sale for $20.00 and five potted cactuses for $22.00. What a great addition to my garden! You don't have to spend a fortune for garden ornaments and plants. Check your local paper for garage sale and estate sales. You can also do a search online for sales in your area.

SAVINGS AT AMAZON

2012-01-18T14:33:00.000-06:00

I have found great deals on cell phone products such as phone covers, chargers etc. at Amazon.com. If you are needing any of these types of products I recommend researching the costs and comparing. You'll be pleasantly surprised! Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T08:14:00.001-06:00

PRESERVING YOUR CHRISTMAS OR HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

2011-11-29T11:57:00.001-06:00

After the extensive Texas heat, some people have found this season that their Christmas and/or holiday ornaments have not survived. To help preserve your ornaments after this year's festivities you can wrap them in acid free paper to protect them. White acid free tissue paper can be found at Amazon.

FRUGAL FALL DECORATING TIPS

2011-11-23T16:15:00.001-06:00

Fill clear containers, baskets or a colorful plate that you have around the house with varieties of colorful miniature pumpkins and gourds, colorful leaves etc.

Cover various colorful leaves that have fallen outside with a moisturizer.Let the leaves dry completely and scatter them around the house.

You can use all shapes and sizes of pumpkins as vases for flowers. Clean out the pumpkin's flesh and seeds, then arrange your flowers inside. Just cut the stems of the flowers to fit the size of your pumpkin. Of course, florists are always full of ideas and have ready made bouquets that you could use.

Glue a variety of branches, acorns, walnuts, pinecones and other natural things found outdoors to make a topiary out of a foam forms that you can find at your local Dollar Store.

SAVE MONEY-COUPONS

2011-11-23T06:47:00.001-06:00

Target offers many coupons on-line. To find their offers, click on the link below.

http://coupons.target.com/

DEAL OF THE DAY WAL MART CHRISTMAS TREE BUNDLE

2011-11-23T06:04:00.001-06:00

This deal of day includes an artificial Christmas Tree and ornaments for $40.00.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Artificial-Christmas-Tree-Value-Bundle/17656887

OAK WILT

2011-11-20T08:49:00.001-06:00

According to the USDA Forest Service. In Texas and 20 other states, Oak Wilt is becoming a serious problem. Oak wilt, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) Hunt, kills oak trees. There has been serious damage occurring in the Midwest. It was first recognized as an important disease in 1944 in Wisconsin (fig. 1) where, in localized areas (less than 100 acres (40.4 ha)), over half the oaks have been killed. Surveys in eight Wisconsin counties showed that about 11 percent of the annual growth increase of oak forests was offset by mortality caused by oak wilt.

To learn more about Oak Wilt click on the links below.

http://na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/oakwilt/oakwilt.htm

http://www.texasoakwilt.org/Documents/Stewardship/OakWilt_English.pdf

http://oakwilt.com/spanish/english.html