GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

October 25, 2008

Water your lawn wisely throughout the cooler months of fall and winter. In lieu of any established turfgrasses typically require one inch of supplemental irrigation every two to three weeks, in lieu of any significant rainfall. Most adapted trees will suffice with an inch of water distributed underneath their drip line every three or four weeks.

Top dressing the entire lawn with a thin 1/2 inch layer of lawn compost will help mend damaged drought stricken lawns. This will also encourage the development of deeper grass roots, thereby conserving water needs in the future.

Majestic pansies are the most attractive cool season annual to plant for fall and winter color. Pansies require a well drained soil and at least half a day of sun exposure. It is best to use transplants, as seeds are small and difficult to handle. Blood and bone meal is an excellent fertilizer for pansies. Apply about 1/2 cup per 12 square feet. Beware, as dogs will be attracted to the smell of this type of fertilizer.

If you are looking for colorful fall plants to add to the landscape, consider planting hardy perennials such as Mexican mint marigold, giant cigar plant, hardy fall aster, Copper Canyon daisy, and autumn sages. These plants will liven up anyone’s landscape before the colder winter season.

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.