GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

BEXAR COUNTY BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

January 20, 2007

The life of a plant received during the Holiday’s can be extended with suitable care. Keep the soil moist, but provide drainage so that surplus moisture can flow from the pot. Keep the plant out of range of heating ducts and away from heating units. Keep in a cool room at night, preferably at 60º to 65º degrees.

Select and order gladiolus corms for February and March planting. Plant at two-week intervals,

this will prolong flowering period.

Finalize your vegetable garden design in preparation for planting next month. Consider adding drip or soaker style irrigation for more efficient watering.

Control winter weeds in lawn by regular mowing, or remove completely by hand or with a weeding tool.

Bare-root roses are excellent if available in your area; otherwise, choose containerized plants. The most durable roses can be found on website: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/publications/roses/rose.html

It’s a good time to aerate your lawn with the plug-cutter type and then top dress with a half-inch of compost.

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