GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

January 8, 2011

This is the best month to plant trees but as with fruit trees, selection of adapted species is critical for long-term success. Select trees for permanence and durability, not just for fast growth. A listing of the best adapted tree species can be obtained from your local county Extension agent’s office or simply go to http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.

Start planting your spring broccoli crop at this time. The ideal broccoli transplant is 4 to 5 weeks old, has 5 to 6 true leaves, is medium-green in color, and free of insect and disease damage. Look for the variety called ‘Green Magic’ for the best harvest in about 65 days.

The sweetest carrots harvested by the home gardener are through the month of January. Carrots left in cool soils often will develop additional sweetness due to the conversion of starch to sugar that occurs in the roots. Danvers and Nantes are two very popular selections.

Collect and mail soil samples for testing now. You can pick up a soil test form at the County Extension office located at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212, or call 467-6575.

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.