January 2009 Archives
6:21 PM Thu, Jan 22, 2009 | Permalink
Cindy Brummer
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I just wanted to share the following article on pruning trees. It was published in North Texas, but I think much of the advice is applicable here in Central Texas:
http://www.kvue.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/home/howto/stories/DN-NHG_chores_0125liv.ART.State.Edition1.47004f3.html.
12:50 PM Wed, Jan 21, 2009 | Permalink
Cindy Brummer
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It always amazes me how the gardener in me will continue to try to succeed despite numerous failings in the past. And this year is no different. We have decided to try starting tomato seeds inside again, but this time we have a new tool -- heating mats.
The heating mat we ordered is considered "medium" and has room for four seed flats. We only have two this year, but there will be room to expand in the future.
The heating mat raises the root temperature to 10-20 degrees above the ambient room temperature. We keep the thermostat set at 70, so that room is probably around 65 to 68 degrees. So, if it works the way it should, the seeds and soil should be right around the perfect temperature for germination. For tomatoes, it's 75-80 degrees... the peppers are just a hint warmer.
I also went a different route with the planting medium. For the past several years I have tried to use seed-starting soil in little trays, and I have not had luck. I decided to go back to what worked for me before -- peat pellets. I know it's a bit more money, but I would rather end up with plants rather than waste money on something that's not working for me.
I planted five different kinds of tomatoes, three different peppers, a melon, and various herbs on Saturday. I was careful not to use every seed, so I can save some for fall or plant directly in the ground later on in the spring.
Then I left them, occasionally glancing at the clear plastic lid, which was collecting condensation and raining on the seeds again and again.
This morning, I peaked under the lid and screamed -- "We have seedlings!"
Tonight we're pulling out the lights and timer so the seeds will have about 12-14 hours of light a day. We didn't think the seeds would germinate so quickly - most of the packets say 7-10 days.
Hopefully I wasn't too late in planting them. I really want to put transplant the tomatoes by early March. My guess is that the heating mat will help.
12:49 PM Tue, Jan 20, 2009 | Permalink
Cindy Brummer
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I just wanted to update a post I published last week about my search for kid-safe plants.
On Friday, I received another call from a Travis County Master Gardener -- this time from a woman who had previously volunteered in the garden for the Ronald McDonald House in Houston. She made several suggestions right out of the Austin and Central Texas Grow Green Guide, saying they would all be good choices around toddlers.
Here are her suggestions:
- Purple Coneflower
- Ruellia
- Sage -- all kinds
- Copper Canyon Daisy
- Shrimp Plant
- Winecup
- Yarrow
- Verbena
So, it looks like I have a few options to offer the teacher, in addition to the Mexican oregano and other herbs I already came up with.
4:18 PM Wed, Jan 14, 2009 | Permalink
Cindy Brummer
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I've taken on a project for my son's school, and I've run into a bit of an issue.
My son's teacher asked for suggestions of plants for an area in the backyard that is shady, and the current residents are a little leggy and worn out. I immediately said yes because my head was floating with all these ideas about shade-tolerant natives that would be beautiful year after year, and possibly even attract wildlife to the garden.
But then my husband brought up a really good point. It's not just thorns and brambles that need to be avoided -- it's poisonous varieties too. Those beautiful berries, petals and leaves could be really dangerous for 2-year-olds who are used to pulling and picking leaves in their reach.
Uh-oh. I threw out my list and started doing research. Herbs are fine, but I want to include some shrubs and perennials to the area too. What to do?
I searched through my books and on the internet. One site wrote that most Central Texas natives are poisonous in some way. I found list upon list of poisonous plants -- all with a disclaimer that the list was by no means all-encompassing.
I called the Travis County Master Gardeners for suggestions. I left a message on their answering machine and am still waiting for a call-back.
I guess this isn't going to be as easy as I thought.
Of course, I'm still considering herbs such as Mexican oregano, chives, rosemary -- the usual suspects.
So far I have picked out a few that appear to be good choices -- I can't find documentation that they pose a danger, but I'm still looking.
1. Inland Sea oats
2. Columbine flowers
UPDATE - Thursday
A nice woman from the Travis County Master Gardeners desk returned my call today. She told me she had been doing some research on my request and that she was having trouble finding information, too. She called to let me know that she had forwarded my request on to an ag extension agent, but that it might take a few days for them to get back with me.
She also said that she thought my request was quite reasonable, and that someone should have a list of plants that are safe to have around small children, rather than just lists of what to avoid.
So we'll see what comes of that....
3:10 PM Tue, Jan 13, 2009 | Permalink
Cindy Brummer
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Are you someone who notices when plants bud out or bloom. Have you ever said, "That tree leafed out later last year."
Now you can help scientists track the impact of climate change on plants in your own backyard. I was just thumbing through a recent gardening magazine when I saw a blurb about Project BudBurst.
Participants sign up to watch a particular variety of plant, and then record their observations.
The site encourages participants to choose plants in their backyards, schoolyards, workplaces or neighborhoods, and there are even activities for school kids.
The site walks you through the steps after that -- you basically just observe the plant throughout the season.
I don't have access to any of the plants on the Project BudBurst plant list, but you can choose to observe anything else that is accessible. I was thinking about using the giant pecan tree in my backyard. Anything that helps people understand more about the natural world is worth the extra effort for me.
3:07 PM Wed, Jan 07, 2009 | Permalink
Cindy Brummer
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Rainwater barrels are great for helping to break the dependence on the outside faucets for watering your plants. I have one right now and would like to add more.
If you've been wanting to reduce your outdoor water use -- this weekend is your chance!
Rainwater Harvesting and Waterwise Gardening
January 10 - 10am to 12pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
The event is free from the Travis County Master Gardeners Association.
12:17 PM Wed, Jan 07, 2009 | Permalink
Cindy Brummer
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I have always wanted to grow potatoes, but I have so little space in my urban garden that I have always been scared off by the prospect.
Today, I spotted a gardening article in the Dallas Morning News that caught my attention. It mentioned you can grow potatoes in containers and how you can do it.
Interesting....
3:43 PM Fri, Jan 02, 2009 | Permalink
Cindy Brummer
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While our neighbors to the north are shivering and dreaming of a green spring, Central Texas gardeners are enjoying near-record temperatures today. And, believe it or not, according to planting schedules, it's time to start planting again.
You can plant asparagus crowns and radishes right now. And there are a whole host of other vegetables you can start planting beginning in the middle of January. Here is a planting calendar from the Travis County Agricultural Extension Agent
