Houston Gardening By The Month

February

Planting- Strawberries can be planted now; hanging baskets are an ideal way to grow the berries to avoid fungus and insects attacking the fruit.  Tomatoes can be transplanted into pots that can be brought inside for frosts and freezes; later on (after last frost) they can be planted in larger pots or in the ground.  Lettuce can be started from seed, for continual harvesting. Set out fresh seeds every 2-3 weeks through the cool season.  Bluebonnets are available for transplanting to make a great spring show.  It is past the prime time to set out seeds for bluebonnets.

Fertilize established trees and shrubs, except Azaleas and camellias with a good all-around organic fertilizer like MicroLife.

Pests- Keep an eye out for loopers and aphids on cool-season vegetables and annuals.  Use the most organic solution possible for treating these insects.  Check for scale insects on ornamentals such as camellias, hollies, magnolias, and Japanese blueberries.  Treat with horticultural oil spray while it is still cool.

Lawns- Apply pre-emergent to stop spring weeds such as crabgrass, goosegrass and dallisgrass before they start.  Corn gluten meal is an organic approach, while Barricade is a non-organic approach (both products can be found in our plant care shed).

Birds- Lower purple martin houses , clean and repair as necessary.  Re-raise and position for martin scouts.  Keep 20 feet away from trees and building for a clear flight pattern. Gold finches are feeding. Hang thistle or nyjer seed socks for these cuties. Keep suet feeders filled for hungry winter bird - their natural food sources are slim right now.

Freezes- Continue to keep an eye on the weather and stay informed on night time lows.  Have frost cloth on hand for light frosts.  If the temperature drops below 32, double wrap tender plants to ensure proper insulation.  Avoid using plastic against foliage, but it can be used as the second exterior layer when covering plants. Remove plastic during the day.  TIP: Heavy duty clothespins or spare bricks can be used to secure and weight down cloths.

Beds- Prune back perennials that are overgrown or have frost damage.  This allows for a fresh spring start. Wait to cut back tropical plants until after the last frost, this includes hibiscus and bougainvilleas.  Add in green annuals for spring color in the form of poppies, larkspur, hollyhocks, and delphiniums. Pruning- Most shrubs, trees, and roses can be pruned now.  Wait until after spring bloom cycles to prune spirea, azaleas, redbuds, and oriental magnolias.

March

• Mow lawn to help eliminate weeds. Keep weeds cut back to prevent flowering and re-seeding. Fill bare patches with St. Augustine sod. Apply lawn food after three mowings. At this time the grass will be actively growing and it is a good time to apply Micro Life or other lawn fertilizer.
• Prune or plant roses. Now is the time to begin applying rose food on a monthly basis. Use Rose Glo, an organic fertilizer we keep in stock.
• Plant tomatoes by the middle of the month for a spring harvest. Plant peppers, okra, cucumbers, eggplant, climbing spinach and more. Use Cottonseed Meal or a liquid organic fertilizer like MicroLife Ocean Harvest for an abundant and healthy harvest.
• Start seeds or set out plants for spring flowers and herbs. Plant now and get established before heat sets in. Good herbs to plant include basil, dill, chives, cilantro, fennel, oregano, mint and parsley. (Come on in and see our wide selection). Use a dilute solution of Kelp Me Kelp You to improve vigor.
• Plant fruit trees, shade trees, and ornamental trees. Be sure to apply mulch around the root zone to keep moist and avoid weeds. Make sure trees are watered regularly during first few years of growth, while tree is getting established. Add mycorrhizae to planting hole to also aid establishment of the tree. Use Super Thrive or Root Stimulator every few weeks for the first three months after planting.
• Plant shrubs such as roses and azaleas. Use Super Thrive or Root Stimulator every two weeks for the first few months after planting.
• Feed Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Plumeria, with Nutri Star. This will help plants to put out new lush growth and plenty of blooms.
• Prune trees and shrubs while dormant. If you need assistance with the proper way to prune your crepe myrtles, let us know~!!! Don’t butcher the poor things. Prune spring-flowering shrubs such as azaleas, spireas, and redbuds after they’ve bloomed. Feed with Nutri Star or Micro-life, once after they bloom and then again in June.
• Apply dormant oil to smother insects before they become a problem. Apply to hollies, magnolias, and camellias for scale. Release Lady Bugs to control insects like aphids and whitefly.
• In mid-March, move houseplants outside into shade and repot if necessary. Feed with an organic liquid fertilizer like Kelp Me Kelp You by Bushdoctor.
• Plant color annuals such as marigolds, fuchsias, petunias, osteospermum, perilla, bachelor buttons, coleus, forget-me-nots, dusty millers, annual phlox, geraniums, impatiens, begonias and more!
• Plant Sun Perennials Shasta daisy, rudbeckia, gaillardia, verbena, coreopsis, lantana, perennial salvias, bee balm, porterweed, mist flower, jatropha, skullcap are some of the many we offer.
• Plant colorful Shade Perennials like firespike, shrimp plant, Persian shield, leopard plant, cat whiskers, ruellias, turk’s cap, sweet potato vine, creeping jenny, and many more!
• Spread a fresh layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and beds to protect roots, retain moisture, and prevent weeds.
• Clean birdbaths and feeders. Keep feeders full!! Birds are hungry.  We sell feeder cleaning supplies in the bungalow.
• Put out hummingbird feeders. We are expecting our first sighting any day now! To keep birds at your feeder, maintain a fresh nectar supply, and empty and wash the feeder each time you refill. Hummingbirds remember where they find a reliable food source –so if your yard is one of them, they’ll often return year after year.

April

• Planting - Plant new shrubs early before the heat arrives. Plant summer blooming perennials and annuals.
• Clean-up - Live oaks should be finished dropping their catkins and leaves. Rake and add them to compost, or apply mulch over them.
• Mulch -  Mulch beds to discourage weeds, keep roots cool and conserve moisture.
• Pruning - Prune spring blooming shrubs after flowers fade such as azaleas, wisteria, forsythia and quince. Pinch tips of coleus to avoid flowering and encourage bushier and compact growth. Remove spent blooms on spring annuals to promote new blooms.
• Fertilizing - Fertilize azaleas, hibiscus, and containers.
• Water - Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants. Deep root watering on trees, lawns and shrubs is best. It encourages roots to move down into the soil where they will be less susceptible to moisture changes. Avoid frequent short periods of watering.
• Pests - Keep an eye out for pests as well as beneficial insects in your vegetable garden. Pick off pests by hand. Check for snails and slugs early in the morning, when they are active.
• Orchids - Move orchids outside and place them in shady spots. Repot if necessary.
• Birds - Fill bird baths and keep water fresh.

May

Planting - Continue to plant container gardens, use larger containers and SoilMoist to allow less frequent watering.  Plant summer blooming perennials and annuals.  Choose heat-tolerant plants like purslane and bougainvillea for hanging baskets in full sun

Birds - Spring migration continues into mid-May.  Clean birdbaths often and keep feeders full, and clean them after rainstorms to prevent soggy spoiled seed.  Even non-birders can keep fresh water and food out at this time (and also during fall migration) to help our feathered friends.

Vegetable Gardens - Plant okra, cucumbers, pumpkins, basil, garlic chives, peppers and sunflowers from seed.  Container veggie transplants from the nursery in larger pots are okay to plant during May

Weeding - Be vigilant about pulling weeds early, make sure areas are mulched properly to prevent future weeds from germinating and help to retain moisture

Pruning - Pinch tips of coleus to prevent flowering and encourage bushier, fuller plants.  Remove spent blooms on spring and summer annuals to promote new blooms

Fertilizing - Fertilize flower beds and vegetable gardens with slow-release organic fertilizers like Happy Frog Fruit & Flower or Happy Frog Tomato & Vegetable, containers can be fertilized with water-soluble Hasta Gro Plant food.

Water - deep root watering on trees, lawns, and shrubs is best.  It encourages roots to move down into the soil where they will be less susceptible to moisture changes.  Avoid short periods of shallow watering, use a tree gator or soaker hose to aid in slow, deep watering.

Pests - Keep an eye out for pests as well as beneficial insects in your vegetable garden.  Pick off pests by hand, check for slugs and snails early in the morning or in the evenings when they are active.  Check your garden regularly; we have a broad range of organic pesticides to help your garden out.  Ladybugs are excellent for aphid control.

Orchids - Don’t let roots dry out on orchids kept outside.  Shady spots with filtered sunlight are best.

Lawn -  Continue to water between rain events, apply molasses or compost to ensure healthy soil for healthy turf roots

June

Planting – Use larger containers to avoid frequent watering. Plant summer blooming perennials and annuals. Keep hanging baskets out of hot afternoon sun.

Vegetable Gardens – Enjoy your harvest of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc. You can still plant eggplants, squash, and pumpkins from seed. Keep an eye out for pests. Especially leaf-footed bugs on tomatoes. Provide water for birds nearby, as they sometime peck your fruit and vegetables seeking out moisture.

Mowing – Raise lawn mower blades to cut 3 inches high to retain moisture and prevent diseases and pests.

Weeding – Keep up with weeding in early morning hours. Make sure areas are mulched properly to reduce amount of sprouting weeds

Pruning – Pinch tips of coleus to avoid flowering and encourage bushier and compact growth. Remove spent blooms on spring and summer annuals to promote new blooms. Dead head young vitex trees to encourage repeat blooms. Remove any diseased or insect damaged foliage on plants.

Fertilizing – Fertilize containers and vegetable beds with slow release organic fertilizers such as microlife or with a liquid fertilizer such as Ocean Harvest.

Water – Deep root watering on trees, lawns and shrubs is best. It encourages roots to move down into the soil where they will be less susceptible to moisture changes. Avoid frequent short periods of watering. Keep your azaleas well watered as this is the time of year they are setting next years blooms.  We have a variety of soaker hoses, sprinklers and gatorbags to help out with watering

Pests – Keep an eye out for pests as well as beneficial insects in your vegetable garden. Pick off pests by hand. Check for snails and slugs early in the morning, when they are active. Pests are very active this time of year, so check your garden daily!

Orchids – Don’t let roots dry out on orchids outside. Shady spots with filtered sunlight are best. Fertilize with a weak liquid solution for orchids. Birds – Change water regularly in bird baths and keep them full.

Humans- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, wear protective sun gear, use mosquito repellents and granules for protection from bites.

July

Water deeply, especially trees.  Don’t rely on your sprinkler system to water adequately in summer.

Check irrigation systems for proper function – may need to extend the watering periods to make sure roots are watered.

Maintain mulch at 2-3” depth  -- add new mulch if needed – to conserve moisture

Prepare vegetable gardens for fall planting – pull weeds & add compost

Plant vegetable plants:  tomato, peppers, squash & cucumbers. Plant herbs: basil, oregano, thyme

Plant pumpkin seeds for October Jack-O-Lanterns. Other seeds to plant: corn, cucumber, okra, black-eyed peas, beans, cantaloupe

Identify insect and fungal problems and treat with least toxic solution

Feed the birds. Keep bird baths clean and filled with fresh water

Eliminate standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding

Deadhead annuals and perennials to encourage a great fall showing

Stay hydrated and protect yourself from UV rays (sunscreen/hats/sunglasses).

August

• Keep an eye on lawns to spot problems early and treat accordingly.  Insects such as chinch bugs (treat with EcoSmart granules or diatomaceous earth) and fungi such as grey leaf spot (treat with MicroGro Granule) are two things to watch out for.  All of these organic products can be found in our plant care shed.
• Hummingbirds are here!!  Migrating hummingbirds can be found at your feeders and natural nectar sources.  Keeping feeders clean, filled and in a shady area will encourage visitors.  Check out our ‘Hummingbird Book’ in the Bungalow for useful information and identification. Recipe for Nectar: • Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add 1 cup of granulated sugar, stir until dissolved. • Allow to cool, fill feeders.  Keep excess sealed in refrigerator.
• Natural nectar sources for hummingbirds include turk’s cap, hamelia, shrimp plant, firespike, salvia, lobelia (cardinal flower), Pride of Barbados, anisacanthus, and cigar plants.  These are all hummer magnets.
• Seeds to plant now include cucumbers, calendula, snapdragon and alyssum. Plan for the fall vegetable garden and choose seeds for planting next month.  Shop for Botanical Interests seeds in the racks at the outside checkout.
• For preparing fall gardens, top dress with 2-4” of organic matter: compost like Happy Frog Soil Conditioner and Nature's Way Leaf Mold Compost are great choices.  A layer of pine straw will keep weeds at bay until seeds or transplants have been placed.
• Plant transplants for tomatoes and peppers now.  Keep young plants protected from intense midday heat by placing cages over plants and clothes pinning newspaper or cardboard at the second rung level.  This temporary shade device can be removed once plants reach height of the cardboard; they are established.
• Use seaweed spray such as Microlife Seaweed to boost the immune system of plants.  A healthy plant is more resistant to insect infestations and fungal problems.  A spray-down every two weeks that covers the entire surface of all leaves will do the job.
• Continue slow, deep watering to encourage proper root growth and prevent runoff.  Watering longer and less often encourages deep root growth and healthier plants.  Soaker hoses or a regular hose turned on to a slow drip are good ways to do this.
• Feed the soil.  Medina Plus and MicroLife Humates Plus actually feed the micro-organisms in the soil which improves soil quality and reduces compaction, in turn increase water holding capabilities.  Healthy plants start with healthy soil.
• Mulch, mulch, mulch.  Mulching keeps plant roots cooler and weed seeds at bay.  Apply 3” deep around trees and shrubs.  The Ground Up Native Hardwood Mulch is our favorite.  Add compost around annuals, herbs, and vegetables.  Remember: never pile mulch against the base of a plant.

September

Refresh Container Gardens: Fall is in the air. Refresh container gardens with snapdragons, dianthus, mums, petunias, lobelia, crotons & more.

Watering: Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants, use a rain wand to avoid disturbing plants with small root systems. On St. Augustine and other lawns, water well but less often. With shorter days and cooler nights – begin to reduce the amount of water applied as needed. Avoid watering in the evenings if possible to prevent fungal diseases.

Hummingbirds: Migrating hummingbirds can be found at your feeders and natural nectar sources. Keeping feeders clean, filled, and in a shady area will encourage visitors

Recipe for Nectar: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add 1 cup of granulated sugar, stir until dissolved. Allow to cool, fill feeders. Keep excess sealed in refrigerator.(no need to add red food coloring)

Natural nectar sources for hummingbirds: Turk’s cap, hamellia, shrimp plant, firespike, salvia, lobelia(cardinal flower), Mexican oregano, pride of Barbados, anisacanthus, and cigar plants. These are all hummer magnets.

Vegetable Transplants: Get your transplants in your fall vegetable garden. Early September is your last chance to get tomatoes and peppers in the ground. Cool-season vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard, lettuce, and kohlrabi can be planted September through January, look for seeds or transplants to add to your garden.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch: Mulching keeps plant roots cooler , weed seeds at bay and conserves water. Apply 3” deep around trees and shrubs. Add compost around annuals, herbs, and vegetables. Do not mound mulch against the base of a plant, this only invites insect and fungus to come in contact with the crown of plants

Pests: Blast off sucking insects (aphids, mealybugs, etc) with water and/or spray with insecticidal soap. Leaf miners are active on citrus, they will not kill your citrus, leave alone or alternate treatments of spinosad and neem to keep them at bay.  BT will get rid of cabbage loopers. Insects such as chinch bugs and fungal diseases on lawns (grey leaf spot) are two things to watch out for. Organic treatment products can be found in our plant care shed.

October

Compost - Add to your pile or create one. Clean out all the dead stuff from your garden and flower beds. Leaves are already falling -- add them, too.

Plant trees, shrubs, rose bushes and perennials. Planting now will ensure better survival next spring/summer and earlier growth and blooms.

Plant fall and winter color - pansies, dianthus, snapdragons, alyssum, ornamental kale and cabbage, dusty miller, etc. Plant in beds you cleaned out (from #1), or in pots on deck or porch.

Replace dead grass with St. Augustine sod. Weeds will sprout in dead patches if you don't. New sod will be well-established by spring. Winterize the lawn that you still have left. An organic, slow release fertilizer is just what the grass needs to get ready for cold weather.

Be sure to have nectar feeders or nectar plants for migrating hummingbirds and butterflies.

Plant fall veggies and herbs - Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts , lettuce, cabbage, peas, dill, cilantro, parsley, Swiss chard, mustard greens, etc.

Plant bulbs by the Holidays. Between Halloween and Thanksgiving: Crocus, anemones, freesia, ranunculus, alliums, lycoris, etc. Plant paperwhites in pots by November 11th (Armistice Day) for blooming in time for Christmas. Refrigerate tulips until New Year's Day, then plant every two weeks through Valentine's Day for longer bloom time.

Plant wildflower seeds through November - bluebonnets, paintbrush, larkspur, etc. Also plant sweet pea seeds in November for better results in spring.

Move and divide perennials and roses while they are dormant or growing slowly. They will be ready to burst into bloom in spring.

Mulch, mulch, mulch -- the mulch you applied last spring is long gon! Protect roots and maintain moisture while keeping weeds to a minimum with a 3-inch layer of the mulch of your choice -- pine straw, bark mulch, compost, leaves.

November

• Keep the moisture level up in your compost pile. This time of year we have a lot more dry material to add to the pile. Use a garden hose to water the pile as needed.
• Continue planting trees, shrubs, rose bushes and perennials. Planting now will ensure better survival next spring/summer and earlier growth and blooms.
• Plant fall and winter color - pansies, dianthus, snapdragons, alyssum, ornamental kale and cabbage, dusty miller, etc.
• Replace dead grass with St. Augustine sod. Weeds will sprout in dead patches if you don't. New sod will be well-established by spring.
• Apply pre-emergent weed control such as corn gluten or Barricade to prevent weeds from sprouting.
• Winterize the lawn with an organic, slow release fertilizer.
• Plant herbs and winter veggies. Cilantro, parsley, dill, mint, lavender and rosemary. Lettuce, spinach and other greens are just weeks from the salad bowl. Start onion sets, leeks and garlic now for spring harvest.
• Plant bulbs between Halloween and Thanksgiving for the holidays: Crocus, anemones, freesia, ranunculus, alliums, lycoris, etc. Plant paperwhites in pots by November 11th (Armistice Day) for blooming in time for Christmas. Refrigerate tulips until New Year's Day, then plant every two weeks through Valentine's Day for longer bloom time.
• Plant wildflower seeds through November - bluebonnets, paintbrush, larkspur, etc. Also plant sweet pea seeds in November for better results in spring.
• Last chance to get that mulch down before the weather gets cold. The mulch you applied last spring is long gone! Protect roots and maintain moisture while keeping weeds to a minimum with a 3-inch layer of the mulch of your choice -- pine straw, bark mulch, compost, leaves.

December

• Planting- Deadhead and feed cool-season color and vegetables with an organic slow-release fertilizer such as Microlife Flower and Vegetable or Happy Frog Fruit and Flower. Continue to plant cool weather color: pansies, snapdragons, and cyclamen. Lettuces, arugula and mustard greens can also still be started from seed.
• Water- Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants. Continue to deep water trees and shrubs. A well-hydrated plant holds up to frosts and freezes better than a drought-stressed plant.
• Pests- Bring in containerized tropicals: Plumerias, crotons, dracaenas, etc. Check undersides of leaves and new growth for insects and treat accordingly.
• Lawns- Mow fallen leaves with a mulching mower. When the lawn can’t take more leaves, add to flower beds. When beds are full of mulched leaves, add them to the compost bin.
• Poinsettias- Water well until soil is saturated and allow to dry between waterings. Apply water to soil and not the foliage or blooms. Keep away from drafts.
• Birds- Don’t forget to keep seed feeders full and fresh water in birdbaths. Put out suet cakes — the extra protein helps keep our feathered friends warm in the winter months.
• Freezes- Have frost cloth on hand to cover tender plants in case of freezing weather. Wrap plants completely down to ground level. The fewer drafts that move under the frost cloth, the better.
• Soil- Work compost into the top couple inches of your garden beds. Use cover crops such as peas, oats, or rye to keep the soil active. These cover crops can be cut and worked into the soil before spring planting.