January Gardening Tips

July Gardening Tips

How to grow Knockout Roses and Herbs

How to control Leaf Cutter Ants

How to manage Texas Weather

How to grow Bluebonnets

November Gardening Tips

Organic Pest Control

Pine Trees and Customer Service

How to control Powdery Mildew

How to put Tourist Farms on the Map

How to grow Roses

September Gardening Tips

How to control Snails

How to control Snakes in the Garden

Questions and Answers:

Q. I planted a Crepe Myrtle in the wrong spot. Can I move it now?

A. Yes, January is the best time for moving plants. Be sure to keep them watered if the weather remains dry. It is OK to trim the limbs back by one-third upon transplanting. It is too late to trim back spring blooming perennials. Wait until they bloom then trim back in late spring. They should be moved in the fall.

Q. I cut back my Spirea, or Bridal Wreath, last year and it doesn't look right. It's flat across the top and I'm afraid it's not going to bloom. What did I do wrong?

A. When you prune shrubs like Spirea, Forsythia, or Nandina that have long attractive canes, you will need to find the cane you want trimmed back and follow it back to the lowest point where it is either connected to a main trunk or the base of the shrub and cut there. That way you only clear out the unruly cane and the shrub will retain its natural shape.

Q. My cast iron plant is looking ragged. When can I trim it up?

A. Cast iron plants do well in dry and shady sites. Occasionally, freezing weather will make the leaves turn silver or brown. Feb thru March is the time to trim out the bad leaves or cut to the ground and expose new growth.

Q. Is it too late to clean up my blackberry plants?

A. Trim out the dead canes and remove them from the garden. Weed what you can and mulch around the new growth. Ideally, you should cut the canes that fruited to the ground a few months after harvest in early summer.

Q. I would like to start a small orchard on my land. When is a good time to start planting fruit and nut trees?

A. Jan - Feb is the perfect time for planting all trees, especially bare root or balled and bur lapped. If you buy a tree that has its roots wrapped in burlap, don't unwrap or cut the wires until the tree is set, then cut the wire and pull it out of the planting hole, leaving the burlap to rot. Never leave the wire attached to the burlap as it will cause the roots to encircle each other and eventually kill the tree.

Q. What is your opinion of those instant composting machines? I must have received 20 offers in the mail about them.

A. I've never tried one, but I do know that if you turn your compost pile regularly you can make compost fairly quickly. I am always looking for some way to save time so if anyone has experience with one, I would like to know how well they work.

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