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EDUCATION
FROM THE BLOG
13-13-13 Fertilizer-Good or Bad?
Is 13-13-13 fertilizer good or bad for Central Texas soils? If you garden in Central Texas, you’ve probably seen bags of “all-purpose” fertilizer labeled 13-13-13 and wondered if it’s a safe default. It isn’t—and in our region, it can actually make things worse. Our Soils Aren’t a Blank Slate Most soils across the Hill Country and surrounding areas are naturally alkaline and already high in phosphorus (P). This comes from the underlying limestone geology and years of fertilizer use. A soil test from Texas A&M Soil Testing Lab will often show phosphorus levels well above what plants actually need. When you apply a 13-13-13 fertilizer, you’re adding equal parts nitrogen [...]
Tomato Mega Blooms
Title: What Are Tomato “Mega Blooms”? (And Should You Be Excited or Worried?) If you’ve been out in your Central Texas garden lately and noticed a giant, almost strange-looking tomato flower—maybe thick, fused, or just extra—you’ve likely encountered what we call a tomato mega bloom. These unusual blossoms can catch even seasoned gardeners off guard, so let’s dig into what they are, why they happen, and whether they’re something you should celebrate… or pinch off. 🌼 What Is a Tomato Mega Bloom? A tomato mega bloom (also called a “fused blossom” or “catfaced flower”) occurs when multiple flower parts merge into one oversized bloom. Instead of a neat, star-shaped [...]