January 6 2007 Timely Tips

GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

BEXAR COUNTY BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

January 6, 2007

  • Containerized and bare-root fruit trees, pecans, blackberries and grapes should be selected and planted in January, 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 listing of recommended fruit and nut trees for this area visit our website at: http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F4Best/FruitNutVar.htm
  • Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs can still be planted.
  • After mid-month, begin planting transplants of asparagus, cabbage, leeks, onions, and shallots. It is still time to transplant pansies, dianthus, stock, calendulas and other cool-season annual flowers. Protect small plants against severe cold until they are well established.
  • January and February are the best months to do any major fruit or ornamental tree and shrub pruning. Prune deciduous trees now while you can see damaged or rubbing limbs, misshaped parts, etc. Do not top the trees. This is the ideal time to prune oak trees to avoid the possible spread of oak wilt.
  • If you have planted cereal rye (Elbon rye) in the garden area for nematode control and as a green manure source, shred and till that area of the garden which you will plant in February. The remaining portion of the garden planted in rye can remain and be shredded-tilled 30 days prior to planting that section.
  • Use water-soluble fertilizers or hibiscus food for bougainvilleas and other plants that are actively growing in the greenhouse. Bougainvilleas will bloom all winter if they are in a greenhouse. Keep watering and fertilizing.

David Rodriguez is County Extension Agent-Horticulture with Texas Cooperative Extension 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

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