GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY  BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

January 17, 2009

For a sweet spring fragrance, plant sweet pea seeds. You can enjoy the fragrance of this vine anywhere in your garden or enjoy the blooms of these long-lived cut flowers in doors.

While availability is best, select and order gladiolus corms for February and March plantings. Plant at two-week intervals in clumps of five’s to prolong flowering period.

The spring planting of head cabbage can be done at this time. ‘Cheers’ cabbage is the most reliable selection for home gardeners. More information may be found at: http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F1Column/2007%20Articles/Plant%20of%20the%20Week/SEP1%20%27Cheers%27%20Cabbage.htm.

Cut back perennials that show significant winter damage to three to four inches above their crown. Mulch with finely shredded organic cedar or hardwood to about two inches and replenish this at least twice a year.

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.

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.