February 2009 Archives

I just wanted to share this photo from one of the two mountain laurels in my front yard. I'm thrilled to see blooms.
It's not just because I love mountain laurel blooms for their beauty and smell (grape soda -- yum!). This is the first year this tree has bloomed so prolifically. We planted this gorgeous tree when we moved in 4 years ago, and it's finally become large enough and well-established in order to bloom.
Mountain laurels are slow growers and need a lot of attention as they become established. They need care as you transplant and frequent water. This tree received more water than the second one in our yard over the years -- and it shows. It is at least a 30 percent taller.
You can even limb these trees up to make them look more like a tree, since they are prone to looking bushy. I suggest waiting to do this for several years, and prune conservatively at first.
Once established, mountain laurels make wonderful additions to the full-sun garden.

Comments (0)

Categories: trees and shrubs |

---

We're marching toward tomato-planting season faster and faster it seems, and I just can't wait.
The seedlings are actually growing in their trays this time and I can tell there has been added growth. I have managed to thin out the seedlings fairly well, so that only one remains in each pod. All appear to be thriving.
I have to water the trays at least every other day now, and every other time I've been adding a little boost to the water. Usually it's seaweed extract, but a couple of times I decided to experiment with a little leftover coffee that was just sitting there doing nothing. I added about a tablespoon to the pitcher, and there has been no apparent ill-effects.
One thing that bothers me is that there is a little fuzz growing on the soil because it's moist. I decided I could either risk drying out the plants or turn on the fan a little higher -- I went with the fan.
I expect to plant my tomatoes later next month.

One of my co-workers approached me yesterday with questions about planting tomatoes. He has never grown tomatoes on his own and just bought a bunch of containers on Craigslist and some tomato plants at a store. I'm not sure which one, but they told him it was right on the edge of planting season.
Hmmmm.... I guess, but only with protective measures, like frost blankets or water blankets, or keeping them inside. According to the official Travis County Extension office planting calendar, tomatoes can be planted beginning March 15. He's going to give it a try with frost blankets. I wished him the best of luck and asked him to take lots of pictures to share.

Incidentally, here's the list of what you can plant now:

• Asparagus


• Beets


• Broccoli


• Carrots


• Chard


• Collards


• Endive


• Kale


• Kohlrabi


• Leeks


• Leaf Lettuce


• Mustard


• Parsley


• Parsnips


• Garden Peas


• Potatoes


• Radishes


• Salsify


• Shallots


• Spinach


• Turnips

Comments (2)

Categories: vegetables and fruits |

---

The Sustainable Food Center has a number of workshops scheduled for February and March, including one which caught my eye because one of my co-workers here at KVUE mentioned it -- vermicomposting. The process creates a rich environment for worms, and then you enrich your soil with the worm castings. It's yet another wonderful way to compost.
Find out more at www.sustainablefoodcenter.org.

Comments (0)

Categories: vegetables and fruits |

---

We decided to add something new to the garden this year -- strawberries.
I absolutely love strawberries. I remember growing up in Virginia and going out to the strawberry patch to pick our own. My brother and I spent more time eating them right off the vine than actually collecting any in our containers.
My favorite Texas organic gardening books say it's possible to grow strawberries from transplants, and the front yard is so sunny, it seemed a shame not to give strawberries a go.
I will have to say that the resources I've turned to for advice on growing strawberries has been very confusing. Some say to plant annuals in the fall, but we couldn't find any at that time. The soonest we found ours was in January. And some say not to bother with perennial strawberries -- just annuals.
Anyway, I've been very confused.
Needless to say, we charged ahead and ordered 20 crowns of Chandler strawberries and planted them just a few short weeks ago. We blanketed the bed with a thick layer of mulch and try to keep the bed moist. They've taken off.
I'm not sure we'll get fruit, but it's been an interesting adventure so far.

Comments (0)

Categories: vegetables and fruits |

---

The Mexican lime tree planted in my front yard (Limey) has so far survived the winter outside under the covering of a makeshift plastic greenhouse.
My husband and I constructed the greenhouse last last year using two tomato cages, heavy plastic, yard stakes and clamps. The material has held up beautifully, and other than a little branch that died back because it was touching the plastic, the little tree appears to be thriving.
I try to poke the hose in there and give it a good water every other day or so -- we've been so dry -- and it's still going strong.
Last winter it lost all of its leaves and we cut the dead branches back to the ground, hoping the roots would help it bounce back. Fortunately, it did -- and this winter, we took pains to make sure the plastic actually protected it.
I'm trying not to get myself too excited about the tree's progress. It's been a relatively mild winter, and temperatures could plummet again this weekend.
I'm hoping that the tree is strong enough to resist.

Comments (0)

Categories: trees and shrubs |

---