GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY

BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

January 5, 2008

Containerized and bare-root fruit trees, pecans, blackberries and grapes should ideally be selected and planted this month, so they will be well established before spring growth begins. The medley of recommended varieties of fruit and nut trees is critical for long-term success. For a complete listing of recommended fruit and nut trees for this area, visit our Extension Horticulture website at: http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F4Best/FruitNutVar.htm.

Proper planting and initial pruning techniques for young pecan and fruit trees is very crucial for long-term maintenance and potential yields, illustrations and information may be found at: http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homefruit/pecan/pecan.html and http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu//extension/peach/peach.html.

Two year old crowns of asparagus UC 157 may be planted now. Asparagus are low in calories and loaded with vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of folic acid, vitamin A, B vitamins and vitamin C. They are also a fair source of calcium and fiber. More information on growing asparagus in South Texas may be found at: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/easygardening/asparagus/asparagus.html.

Consider adding Lancelot leeks to your vegetable garden. Leeks are a member of the onion family, but unlike the onion, it does not form a bulb. The thick, fleshy stalk is about the same diameter at the base and resembles a large green onion without a bulb. Leaves are flattened like those of garlic. More information on how to grow leeks may be found at: http://www.dixondalefarms.com/apr07.

David Rodriguez is County Extension Agent-Horticulture with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener “Hotline” (210) 467-6575 or visit our County Extension website at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu.