Hill Country Gardening: Recent Episodes
Beth
Tired of your plants dying? New to the Texas Hill Country area, and want to know what to plant, and when? This station is dedicated to helping you learn more about gardening in the Texas Hill Country area. FYI- Austin and San Antonio listeners, you are warmer than we are in Fredericksburg. You will be planting earlier! Please contact your local county extension office for better planting dates.
Why travel when you can attract birds to your own backyard to watch. Listen to learn more. Photo by Steve Wilkins.
Are you feeling lucky? No? Go eat some black eyed peas. Or better yet, grow them. Listen to learn more about why southern peas (like black eyed peas) are lucky and how to grow them.
Any bug that bugs your squash bugs you. Listen to learn how to remove this problem from your life.
Excess nitrogen can pollute water systems, and why spend that money for something your plants don't need anyways. Listen to learn more about fertilizing southern lawn grasses.
Bluebonnets are over-rated. Get your picture taken in a sea of golden Greenthread instead.
Picture by Bransford
This month's bloomer is a funny looking plant with an interesting name. Listen to learn more on what exactly Texas Feathershank is.
We talk about plants deer do not like to eat all the time in Gillespie County. But what if you intentionally planted plants for deer to eat? What would you plant? Listen to learn more.
Picture by Beth M. Taken with a flip phone camera. Yes, that deer got that close to me.
Ever wonder why you don't have pecans even though that pecan tree was loaded in the spring? Pecan Casebearers might be a reason. Listen to learn what you should do about them.
Picture by Will Chaney with the Noble Foundation.
Are jackalopes tearing up your flowerbeds? Eating all your peppers in your garden? Listen to learn more.
Jackalopes are notoriously picture shy, so a photo is not available.
You want to grow vegetables but you don't have the space. Grow them in containers instead. Listen to learn more.
I took that picture and yes, that was my broccoli in that container, fyi.
Think of your favorite fruit. You thought of an apple, didn't you? Pears are similar to apples though. Never had one? Never grown one? You should listen to this podcast to learn how to grow them!
Bluebonnets get all the love during the Texas WildFlower Season but what about their showy companions, paintbrushes? Listen to learn more, including their "dark" secret.
Picture by Bruce Leander.
It's getting to be time to plant your potatoes (we aren't in Austin folks, we do not plant on Presidents day). Listen to learn more about growing potatoes, even if you have planted already.
Do you have problems with warm season weeds? Now is the time to control weeds for warmer weather. Picture by Dr. Paul Baumann.
You can't plant the same vegetable in the spot every year! Oh yeah, going to do it anyways? Well fine, expect to see lower yields, more disease pressure, more insect pressure....is that enough reasons to change location for you? Listen to learn more.
Do you know what the number one way of human caused oak wilt it? You don't? Do you have oak trees? You do? Maybe you should listen to this podcast.
You ever try to buy asparagus in the grocery store? It's expensive, and it's fibrous. If you're willing to wait, grow some of your own. Listen to learn more.
Planting dates are for the Texas Hill Country Area.
Don't kill that poinsettia that your off and on best freind just gave you. Keep it alive by listening to these tips.
Picture by ME.
Anybody selling anything is just out to take your money. But be smart. Compare some prices. Buy from different places. Make sure you are getting the most for that money you are spending on plants. Listen to learn more tips.
Pretty big red flower. You should grow it. Listen for more detail.
picture by :Alina Kuptsova
Are you nutty for nuts? Try growing pecans. But being particular about the variety you try can help you get more pecans. Listen to learn more.
When is my garden going to die so I can take a break? Well if you're in the Texas Hill Country, you may not get a break! Suck it up and keep gardening. Listen to learn more about extending your gardening season and when to cover your plants.
Berries(not edible) and fruit! What more could you want in a groundcover? Listen to learn more.
If you're from an pacific island yes I know that this plant is incredibly invasive over there. Don't plant it on an island.
You want to save some money in your garden next year. Save some of the plant seeds. But it's not as easy as you think. Some seed isn't worth saving, and others take some preemptive steps so the seed is what you want. Listen to learn more.
Have you had this problem yet? Your lawn yellowing, you don't know why, and then you look at the leaf blades, (insert chosen curseword). There are spots on the leaves. If this is a problem plaguing your lawn, listen to learn more. If not, go listen to Hey Hey What's Blooming.
Picture by ME!
Flash of purple on the side of the road, what's that plant? Liatris Liatris Liatris, Blazing star of purple beauty.
Listen to learn more.
Picture by Norman Flaigg.
If you are in central Texas, armyworms are invading your pastures, lawns and gardens. They will eat your grass and strip your plants naked. Listen to learn how you can protect your plants and to learn a little bit more about armyworms.
If you are not in Central Texas, you probably don't need to worry about these, FYI.
Picture by Drees
Save the monarchs save the monarchs!!!! Grow milkweed to save the monarchs!! But which milkweed should you grow? Tropical milkweed will grow in a variety of climates. Seed is abundant and easy to start. But wait. Is there a dark side to growing this species??? Listen to learn more.
Picture by Kimberly Frantz.
Lawn is dying
Look carefully
Lice insects of lawn, chinchbugs
Listen!
Learn more
Lying not to you
Rerun
Care about growing carrots? Listen to this podcast to learn how to grow carrots in Texas!
Picture by: svklimkin
What's that, in your garden? With leaves like an eggplant and fruit like a miniature tomato, you might be tempted to eat this one. BUT DON'T. It's poisonous. Listen to learn more about this common weed.
If you live in a completely fireproof house, no threat from a wildfire at all, great! Go listen to the mulch podcast. But if your house can burn, you might want to listen to this podcast.
Picture credits go to County of San Diego. I did not take this pic.
Why water grass when you can have plants that you only have to water once every two weeks? Switch to succulents to save water.
Picture by J. Marcus.
It's hot. Your carrots, beets, kohlrabi, and other cooler season vegetables have fried up in the heat. So grow some okra instead. Listen to learn more.
Picture by the Williamson County Master Gardeners.
Earlier this month you may have seen flashes of red as you drive down the Texas Hill Country Roadways. What could be producing such a color despite the heat and lack of rain? Hint, the name is in the title.
Your pecans are growing strange warts on the foliage. What is it? Can you fix it? Listen to learn the answers to these redundant questions.
Pretty pink and prolific gauras bloom on the roadsides.
Pick one in your hand.
Admire.
Is it scented?
Listen to learn more.
Picture by Steven Schwartzman.
If you've ever had a junebug fly in your face, or stepped on a scorpion, you might want to do some insect proofing on your home. Listen to learn more.
Sometimes you need to get rid of your weed very quickly. But if you're an organic gardener, what are you to do? For organic gardening the best weed control methods are through prevention; never having weeds in the first place. Though if you need to get rid of your weeds quickly, there is always handpulling or tilling. Listen to learn more.
AAH YOUR TOMATO PLANTS ARE GONE!! What could have done such a thing? A crazy tomato hating spouse? The local wildlife? NO! Check the leaves and if you see a large caterpillar with a horn on it's rear, that's the culprit! Listen to learn more.
A creature of the evening, the stemless evening primroses emerges to celebrate the night. What makes this plant special from all those other primroses? Listen to learn more!
The tomato. If there is any vegetable that you would want to plant in your garden, this would be the one. But maybe your tomatoes haven't done so great in the past. Listen to this podcast for a few tips on how to grow tomatoes.
Ever looked at the flower prices in the store? Not something one could afford on a daily basis. But if you want flowers on a daily basis, the best way to get them is to grow them yourself! Listen to learn more about a few types of home garden cutflowers that you can grow.
What's blooming right now? One of the ubiquitous symbols of Texas. And if you don't know what this, or what the flower is in the picture, you need to listen to learn more.
Looking for a new fruit tree and live in the Texas Hill Country? Check out our list of the top fruit trees you should be growing.
FYI we recommend peach trees in the 600-850 chill hour range.
While the weather may be warm and pleasant in Gillespie County, we still are at risk for a late frost. Wait to plant your garden until the dates listed in this podcast, unless you are willing to cover your precious tomatoes.
People seem to be divided about everything today. So why shouldn't your plants be as well? As division seems to tear things apart so that smaller groups form, dividing your plants will you more plants without cost. Listen to learn some tips on how to divide your plants.
Picture author unknown. Taken from http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/propagation.html.
Yeah, they look cute, but if you've ever had issues with armadillos, they are a menace. Listen to learn more. Photo by Skeeze.
Stop giving your loved ones roses that will sicken from black spot after they plant them! Choose these roses instead. Listen to learn more.
Please note. Black spot resistance can vary. The roses selected for this radio short were selected because they seemed better for Texas. They may totally die of blackspot in other regions, but if they were worthy varieties, they shouldn't.
Picture taken from Heirloom roses. This is not an endorsement of this company, though if you like the rose, you can purchase it from them.
There are better things out there than "wonderful". Texas has a unique climate, which makes pomegranate production a little different than it would be in other states. Listen to learn more about growing pomegranates in Texas.
Picture by me.
No-till has been increasing in popularity. But is there anything that would soil this method? Listen to learn more!
You probably know how to test your soil by now. But are you aware of the "fancier" options so soil testing labs offer? Do you need them or not? Listen to learn more. Picture by "walkersalmanac".
**This soil testing podcast is geared towards the TAMU form. So, your soil lab may not offer some of these soil tests. Your state may also require special soil testing for things other than gardening.
When it's too cold outside, you don't need to let your inner plant desires be neglected. Grow houseplants instead!
Picture by: Milada Vigerova
Maybe you've always wanted to grow purple bell peppers Or grow heirlooms when your local nurseries don't sell them. But you don't know how to grow your own transplants. Listen then, to learn more! Then go out and grow some vegetables!
Bug and disease infestations are lame, but there are some easy things you can do to reduce their impact on your vegetable garden next year. Best of all, they are organic! Listen to learn more.
Picture by "CrizzlDizzl".
Do your poinsettias always die before New Years? Learn how to take care of them, and increase the span of time that they last!
Picture by Angelina H.
Look! What's that plant with all the red berries! It's possumhaw holly! Listen to learn more. Picture by Sally and Andy Wasowski
Should you have to water in the winter? Maybe. Listen to learn more. Picture by Tom's Tree and Lawn Care.
Does it matter where you get your firewood? Is it safe to use oak wilt firewood? How should you store your firewood? If you don't know the answer to these questions, listen to learn more!
Picture by Jeon Sango
Want an evergreen shrub that will grow in caliche and attract pollinators? Evergreen Sumac is right here, waiting for you.
Picture by Joseph Marcus.
Here in the Texas Hill Country, mention something positive about a thistle, and people will give you a dirty look. Fortunately, mention an artichoke, and they will either be appreciative or confused. If you've ever wanted to grow your own artichokes, listen to learn more!
Picture by John Collins.
Twig girdler can cause your tree to lose many small branches. But is it something you really need to worry about? Spoiler alert-it's the least of your problems. Listen to learn more!
Picture by University of Minnesota extension.
In the spring, everything is blooming. Options for flowers in fall are more limiting, but that doesn't mean that you can't have some floral color in your landscape. Listen to learn about a few good recommendations for the Texas Hill Country. FYI If you kill these plants, then there is nothing else I can do for you (or you're not in plant zone 8a or zone 7b or you have some really REALLY hungry deer). Pictured flower is fall aster. Go ahead, plant a couple. They love you and the butterflies love them too.
This month's Hey Hey What's Blooming featured flower is Snow on the Mountain. While Snow on the Mountain can be pretty, it can also be annoyingly profuse. Listen to learn more!
The best way to treat weeds in your lawn is to never get them in the first place. But hurry! The window for applying fall pre-emergents is rapidly closing.
Grass dying? Something seeming to take it all from your yard? There is a disease that causes that. Bad news, you're going to have it forever. Good news-,there is an organic treatment for it that can help manage it and help the grass to grow for the rest of it's life. Listen to learn more about the scourge of lawns, Take All Root Rot.
This month on Hey Hey What's Blooming Prairie Verbena, that drought hardy, deer resistant semi perennial plant is featured. Listen to learn more!
Picture by Alan Cressler.
Does the foliage of your vegetables have a light green and yellow speckled look? Are there tiny webs on the foliage of your plants? You may have spider mites. Listen to learn more.
Picture by Jim Kalisch.
Nothing is more frustrating to lose half of your pecans. Pecan weevil infestations can be terrible enough to cause such losses. So if you've got a pecan tree, but you never get any pecans, this might be one of the reasons (and the squirrels are the other reason). Listen to learn more! Includes interview with special guest, Texas State Pecan Specialist Bill Ree.
** Recommendations and timing are geared towards Texas. If you live in a different state, these recommendations may not work for you, FYI.
If you've never been to the Texas Hill Country, there are vast clumps of dead trees that cause the locals to shake their heads sadly when you mention them. These trees died from oak wilt and Gillespie County could be considered the nation's hotspot. Listen to learn how to prevent it, as well as treatment options.
If you live near a grassy area or out in the country, chances are you've had problems with grasshoppers before. Learn about how they spread and a couple of control methods for them.
Picture by bogdanchr.
Wondering why your cedars (ashe juniper) or Leyland Cypress trees are turning brown? Listen more to find out!
Picture from Texas Native Plant Society
Do you want to help bees and other pollinators? Plant flowers! But which kinds should you plant, especially if you live in a dry and rocky area? Listen to find out more!
Picture by Pexels.
This month's Hey Hey What's Blooming is Engelmann's daisy, also known as Cutleaf daisy. Learn about where it grows, how to identify it and tips on collecting the seed. Picture by Melody Lytle.
Mulching conserves moisture, restores organic material to the soil and might repel some weeds. But there is a right way, and a wrong way to mulch. Listen to learn more!
Picture by Victoria Farr.
Ever wanted to garden in a straw bale? Didn't know you could? Listen to learn more.
Online only podcast.
Beefsteaks, romas, oxhearts and more! There are so many different types of tomatoes, how do you know which ones to select? Listen to learn about a few of the different types of tomatoes and how they are used.
Planting time information is geared towards Texas Hill Country. Photo by "Stux" from pixabay.
This month's flower is known as false garlic or by it's more interesting name, crow poison. Listen to find out more about this plant, learn what exactly a "tepal" is, and propagation information.
And if you were wondering, no, no one uses it to poison crows.
Picture by Brett Hondow
Texas weather is tricky. It lures you in with pleasant , warm weather, and then BAM! there is a frost. Listen to learn how to protect your plants from frost.
There is a correct way to fertilize your lawn, and there is a wrong way too. Learn how to fertilize your lawn! Includes recommendations for bermudagrass, st. augustine grass, buffalograss and zoysiagrass. Also included is information on iron application for high pH soils.
Picture by Joey Williamson, Clemson University.
This month on Hey Hey What's Blooming, hear about the Ten Petal Anemone. Dainty, vibrant, and one of the first wildflowers to pop up in spring, Ten Petal anemone is a common Texas Hill Country wildflower that isn't talked about much, but easy to identify once you see it. Picture courtesy of Joe Marcus.
Remember those low chill peaches? Well you don't want those here! Instead, learn about medium-high chill peaches that are more ideal for the Texas Hill Country.
Picture by "anadfontana".
Weeds in your lawn aren't fun. Especially if they are the kind that hurt your bare feet when you step on them. Listen to this podcast to learn more about a tool in your lawn weed fighting arsenal, lawn pre-emergents. Photo by "Hans".
Ever wondered what makes a fruit tree bloom or not? Planted two apple trees in your backyard, and they have never produced fruit. It might be because they aren't getting enough cold chill hours. Or, if they have too little a chill hour requirement, they may be getting too much, which means they flower too early. Listen to learn more.
Picture by "PIX1861"
If you have ever read any kind of gardening article, more than likely it's encouraged you to do a soil test. But do you really need that soil test? What exactly are these soil tests testing for? Is there a wrong or right way to do this? Listen to learn more.
Program shout-out for gardening programs that we are going to be holding here at the Gillespie County extension office this year.
Number one plant crime in America, and you've probably done it. Listen to learn what Crape Murder is and how not to murder your trees, and how to fix your crime if you do.
Now that you have selected your bulbs, it's time to get ready to plant them! Listen for instructions on where and how deep to plant your bulbs.
This week I cover Brown Patch, a lawn disease that leaves circular dead patches in your lawn. But never fear, unlike turf diseases such as Take All Root Rot, lawns usually survive Brown Patch and come back in the Spring.
Listen to learn how not to kill those expensive trees that you just bought. Tips that apply anywhere iand special tips just for the Texas Hill Country.
It's another episode of Hey Hey What's blooming. In this episode we cover one of the Texas Hill Country's harbinger's of fall, Fall Aster. As always, propagation information is included.
These tiny bugs can cause your plants to be miserable. Listen to learn more, including about local problems we have been facing with these insects. Image courtesy of"Efraimstochter".
What's blooming this month? Turns out it's the Rainlily, thanks to all that rain. Listen for propagation information, what it looks like and if it will kill you or not if you eat it.
Want to feed your butterflies and bees something that they will love in the fall? Try this plant. Listen for more information. Photograph courtesy of M. Knight, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Pumpkins! Who doesn't love pumpkins? Listen to this podcast to learn how to select a good pumpkin and how to take care of it so that it lasts longer. Instructions on cooking pumpkins included. Picture taken by "FraukeFeind".
Learn how to grow fall bulbs in the Texas Hill Country. But wait! This is only part 1. Part two will be put up November! Photo courtesy of "JamesDeMers."