Now is spring.
I know because my garden is full of beautiful purple flowers, unfortunately due to a good crop of berries, so you know I spend a lot of time trying to "break" my landscape.
Even though it's officially spring, that doesn't mean we won't have cold weather. As I write this, it's 34 degrees outside with a 27 wind chill, so I won't be working outside until late at night. I check lists of landscape plans and use Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening Monthly and Doug Wells' Texas Garden Almanac.
Landing Tips
Plant tomatoes, peppers, corn, beans, zucchini, cucumbers, watermelons, and eggplants early this month. You can extend the harvest time of fast-growing crops by planting second and third crops every two weeks.
Plant herbs such as sage, basil, parsley, rosemary, mint and thyme to add interest to beds and containers, and plant other herbs in the garden.
Plant summer annuals to add color to your landscape. Some examples are moss rose, hollyhock, lanthanum, Dahlberg's pearl, penta, and angelonia for flowers; sun-resistant coleus, ornamental drum for copper plants and foliage; And begonias, caladiums and coleus in shady areas.
Perennial (quart or quart size). Be sure to check maturity size, color, and bloom time to ensure proper placement in your landscape.
plant grass Bermuda can be planted from seeds or plants. Plant St. Augustine, Josiah and Buffalo grass from pots. Do your homework to make sure you're planting the right variety for your needs.
Plant trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers from the nursery. Be sure to seek advice from a certified professional to ensure you select the correct maturity size and best type for your landscape.
Tips for decorating
Cut the grass at the recommended height. Don't let it grow too long before cutting it.
Spring flowering shrubs and vines are pruned after they fade. Use a hand pruner to give the plant a more natural look.
Prune trees to remove lower branches that create excessive shade in grassy areas. Do not prune oak trees until mid-summer or mid-winter to reduce the chance of oak drying.
Prune fall perennials like Mexican sage and fall star for fuller plants.
Remove dead flowers from annuals, perennials and roses to keep them blooming.
What to feed?
Fertilize the soil. For best results, use a compost suitable for your soil type (clay, sand or loam).
Fertilize trees, shrubs, vines and ground cover plants with the same nitrogen or high-nitrogen products used on your lawn.
Fertilize gardens and parks with the same products used for lawns and landscape plants. Be sure to follow label directions for use on bedding.
Fertilize container gardens with a high-nitrogen, water-soluble top dressing. Follow label directions.
Various tips
Look for signs of fungus or pests on the plant. Fix the problem properly.
Take care of snails, slugs, snails and slugs and treat them with the right products.
Cover the plants you bought and take them home in the back of the truck. These plants can be easily damaged by wind, so it's best to cover them with a sheet or shade cloth to protect them on the way home.
Please collect new purchases soon. Water the soil thoroughly after planting.
Water the plant as needed. Check your plants for curled leaves and stressed leaves.
mulch It conserves moisture and helps control weeds.
Last month I mentioned that I reviewed your landscaping plans for this year's spring planting. New landscaping will add interest and quality to your yard and garden. Remember, a good source of plants that will survive and thrive in our area is the Big Country Garden Plant Sale in April. Online sales will start from April 12 and in-person sales from April 15.
Check out our Facebook page and website for available plants and sale details.
BCMGA will be offering several free educational programs during the month of April. The watering event will be held on April 4 at 6:00 pm at the Abilene Public Library on the Abilene Mall and the same event will be held on April 14 at 10:00 am at the Abilene Public Library main office.
We will be hosting a Saturday BCMGA Workshop on April 29th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Taylor County Extension Office Conference Room. The subject is expanding.
When in doubt, call or email the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-672-6048 We hope you'll like us on Facebook and visit bcmgtx.org for all Big Country Master Gardener information and events.
This article first appeared in the Abilene Reporter-News. Your garden this spring. What to do in April
