GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY

BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

March 29, 2008

Planting a new lawn is a hard decision. The three top choices for this area are: TiffWay 419 Bermuda for full sun, Floratam St. Augustine, and El Toro Zoysia are more shade tolerant. But, no turfgrass type will grow in a deep shaded location. Often a ground cover like Asian jasmine is more appropriate.

All turfgrass types that are grown here are purchased by the piece or pallet and should be planted solid like a carpet. A sod roller should be used on the pieces at initial planting to level out the pieces, remove air pockets and have proper contact with the cleaned leveled area. Bermuda grass seed like Sahara or Black Jack is only seeded in May.

If space and full sun allows, consider planting watermelon and cantaloupes now for tasty treats on the 4th of July.

For the sweetest corn that you have ever tasted, sow G-90 in rows–a minimum of three feet deep and at least 20 feet long.

If deer are a problem in your landscape, try one of the surefire solutions offered at: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/PLANTanswers/publications/repellents.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.