July 15 2006 Timely Tips

GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

BEXAR COUNTY

BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

July 15, 2006

  • Start over in the vegetable garden. For tomatoes,’ Solar Fire’ can be used and is a heat-setting variety. Some late cold protection may be required to produce vine-ripened fruit if unusual weather conditions occur. For a list of Extension recommended Fall Vegetable varieties, visit the website: http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu
  • Fertilize hanging baskets and other containerized plants regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer. If you failed to make a second application of fertilizer to your lawn in June and moisture is available, do so now. Use a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 formula of a slow-release fertilizer such as 19-5-9 or 15-5-10.
  • Symptoms of chinch bug damage can appear anytime in healthy St. Augustine lawns. Look for dry, burned-looking patches in the hottest parts of the lawn. Control with any contact insecticide.
  • Windmill palm, Mexican fan palm and Sabal palm are especially well-adapted to this area, and now is a good time to plant them. Palms require warm soil to establish their root systems.
  • For a beautiful hardy heat tolerant plant that attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds, consider planting ‘Firebush’. It loves the heat.

David Rodriguez is County Extension Agent-Horticulture with Texas Cooperative Extension in Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener

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