GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY  BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

January 3, 2009

While selection is best and transplant stress is at a minimum, containerized and bare-root pecan, blackberries and grapes should be planted now through February. This provides the plants with ample root establishment before spring flushing occurs.

With the medley of fruit and nut trees available, it is critical for long-term success to select the most adapted variety. For a listing of recommended fruit and nut trees for this area, visit the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Horticulture website at: http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F4Best/FruitNutVar.htm.

Plant two year old crowns of asparagus UC 157. Asparagus spears 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 winter 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.

Add to the aesthetics and functionality of your landscape with hardscapes. This not only decreases lawn space but utilizes less water through adding walkways, raised planters or any other non-plant specific features.

David Rodriguez is the 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.