August 12 2006 Timely Tips

GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

BEXAR COUNTY

BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

August 12, 2006

  • Lantanas, firebush, purslane, portulaca, and Vinca (periwinkles) are prospering in this heat. Especially, with a 4 inch layer of an organic hardwood mulch. Looking for a new selection of Vinca? Consider, planting the ‘Nirvana’ series. This series tends to hold up better in this severe heat conditions and is less susceptible of diseases.
  • Move the hummingbirds to the patio with firebush, salvia, hibiscus and Allamanda
  • Bougainvilleas love the heat. If they’re root bound in the pot, even better. Wait until they just start to wilt before watering-this could be every day depending on the pot and individual plant. Also, consider top-dressing all container plants now with a time release fertilizer to make up for depleted and lost nutrients in the soil.
  • For full production, pecan trees need 1 inch of water over the entire root area. Fruit trees can be maintained with less until after harvest.
  • Good time to start planting fall vegetables. For tomatoes that are heat setters, consider planting ‘Solar Fire’, ‘Sunmaster, and ‘Sunpride’. If you can find them, try ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Surefire.’

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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