Although most of us in this area have had a lot of rain lately, this rainy season could end any day now.
As this rainy cycle draws to a close, we would like to remind you to keep your annuals and flowering perennials well watered this season, despite cooler temperatures if the rains don't hold. Plants rooted in dry soil are more likely to be affected by frost than plants that are watered regularly.
It is also important that your holiday plants, like poinsettias, thrive in moist soil. The plant can dry out quickly, shortening the time it takes for it to look its best, so be sure to check at least every other day and water thoroughly when the soil starts to look dry. Bright, indirect lighting and weightless terrain can help these vacation favorites last longer.
Be sure to mulch your fall and winter gardens well. An inch thick layer of compost applied to your garden soil will help protect your garden soil. They can be dug into the ground next spring while you prepare the soil for planting.
If tender vegetable plants are becoming overgrown in your garden, be sure to uproot them and chop them up for the compost heap. Any large, tender vegetables in your garden, like tomato bushes, okra plants, and other disease-free plants that can't stand the winter cold, can also be used in your compost pile. If you cut up large plants before putting them in the compost heap, the plant material will turn into compost more quickly.
Until next time, let's try to garden with nature, not fight it, and maybe all our weeds will become wildflowers.
Laurie Garretson was a Victorian gardener and gardener. Send your gardening questions to laurie@vicad.com or Advocate, PO Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77902.
