GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

September 19, 2009

Plan to direct seed wildflowers from late September through October. Check supplies now and order seed for planting in open and sunny weed free areas. Consider bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush, coneflower, fire-wheel, black-eyed Susan, evening primrose and many others. Soils should be lightly cultivated prior to planting and sufficiently kept moist.

Minimize pillbug damage on newly planted vegetable transplants and on newly-germinated wildflowers with an approved bug and snail bait.

Incorporate generous amounts of enriched organic compost to all newly planted beds, shrubs, and trees. As well as a two inch top layer of an organic living mulch. This will build the soil, cut back on weeds and help insulate for the winter.

If you have not already done so, prune roses of twiggy, unproductive growth and any crossing or dead canes. Lightly feed too.

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.