GARDENING CALENDAR

LYNN RAWE, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT – HORTICULTURE

TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

September 24, 2005

• Fertilize and groom verbenas, perennial salvias and lantanas by lightly pruning and removing non-vigorous wood, to stimulate a long and productive fall season.
• Christmas cacti can be made to flower by supplying 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness and cool nights (55 degrees F) for a month starting in mid-October. Keep plants on the dry side for a month prior to the treatment.
• As they begin to dry naturally on the plants, cut ornamental gourds and store in a well-ventilated, dry place for several weeks prior to use.