What are you growing in your Houston garden right now?
Cold-hardy crops can be planted in winter. This includes lettuce, spinach, carrots, radishes, peas, leeks and cabbage. All cabbage crops belong to the Brassica (or mustard) family and are variants of the genus Brassicaceae. These include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cauliflower, collard greens, collard greens, collard greens, and mustard greens. Not only does the cabbage family tolerate low temperatures, light frosts also improve the taste, and in some varieties the sugar content increases.
Transplant: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, white cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, collard greens, leeks, and onions.
Sow seeds directly into the ground: beets, carrots, lettuce, peas, green peas, Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce.
In recent years we have lost citrus fruits and avocados to frost. What types of peaches, pears and plums are best for this region?
Harris County Master Vintners for sale select the best varieties grown in our area. They have previously sold the following peach varieties (cold hours): Sam Houston (500), Rio Grande (450), August Pride (300), May Pride (175-200). and Eve's pride (100-200). Pear cultivars: 'Twentieth Century' (400), 'King of the South' and 'Acre Home' (300-350). Plum varieties: 'Burgundy' (250-350), 'Broom' (250) and 'Beauty' (200-300).
This year, Harris County Plant Sales will be held at three locations and on multiple dates from February through May. For more information: hcmga.tamu.edu.
I am interested in growing food in my garden. It would be nice to use the interface as a pollen garden. The courtyard has plenty of shade this time of year.
Let's first discuss the general characteristics of shade, shade and sun in relation to plants. Sunny conditions are those that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Half sun, half shade. Can receive four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. As a general rule, the sun is in the shade for less than four hours a day. However, the definitions of sun and shade become moot when many other factors come into play, with daytime sun being stronger than morning sun. Dappled sunlight is not the same as direct sunlight. The north side of the house gives off a softer light than the south side. Keep in mind that experimentation may be the best plan, as no two sites are the same.
If your garden gets more sun in the spring, summer, and fall, you'll have more options, but I'd stick to the shade-tolerant ones. Foods generally require full sun. If all else fails, consider native Texans who are excellent pollinators, such as Turk'scap (Malvaviscus arboreus) and American bluebell (Callicarpa americana).
Grasses are a great way to incorporate foods into the landscape, especially as borders. Parsley, lemonmint, oregano, and basil can tolerate more shade than other herbs, but avoid growing lemonmint without a barrier. They can lose control. Parsley is inhabited by blackworm larvae, so if it's hidden among other border plants, the occasional caterpillar may not be as exciting. Of the first three options, it's best to leave the parsley where it is. Thyme and basil can also tolerate partial shade (two to six hours of sun). There are many ornamental varieties of basil that make great borders with a variety of leaf colors and textures. However, basil is best kept without the head, which is not good for pollinators. African blue basil is heaven for pollinators (especially bees), but prefers full sun.
Shade tolerant vegetables are leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and root vegetables. All this will help neither pollinators nor for decorative purposes.
Trees in our area have been affected by the recent drought and flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. I am looking for a tree specialist to help me identify dead or dying trees. Can you direct me to the right resource?
We recommend finding a certified arborist at treeregood.org. Just enter your postcode and a list of ISA certified tree enthusiasts will appear.
Soil testing. Soil tests at oiltesting.tamu.edu start at $12. The price was wrong in last week's column. On the website, select "Urban Soil" in "Submission Forms" for more information about samples and payment.
Brandi Keeler is a Harris County horticulturist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
