GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY  BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

February 14, 2009

Instead of giving your loved one a dozen roses today, which often last only a few days? How about planting them a rose garden for many years of enjoyment? Visit the Texas A&M University Earth Kind Rose Program at http://earthkindroses.tamu.edu/ for great pointers, guidelines for success, and some of the prettiest roses that you will enjoy growing.

Core aerating and top-dressing your lawn with enriched compost is a crucial step in minimizing water stress on your turfgrass during these droughty times.

Most established turfgrass types require one inch of supplemental irrigation every 14 to 21 days during these extreme drought conditions. Make sure that your particular irrigation system is being utilized efficiently and properly.

If you planted cereal rye as a green manure and nematode trap last fall in the garden, mow it down and till it up so the material can begin decomposing before you plant the warm season vegetables in March and April.

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.