Fig Leaf Rust is a common fungal disease affecting Fig trees in the South. When fig leaves start looking sad in late summer we get a lot of questions about what can be done. Most fig varieties are susceptible to a fungal disease called Fig Rust, and it is not uncommon to see symptoms of this fungus on stressed trees. What are the symptoms of Fig Leaf Rust? Fig Rust symptoms begin as angular yellow-green flecks on the leaf. The spots become more yellow and eventually turn a [...]
PECANS: Mix early and late pollinators for best nut set. All varieties do better with a pollinator. Mature height and canopy width of 30 x 30 ft. Remember, Pecan trees do best in deep soil. If planted in the home lawn always check labels on insecticides, fungicides and herbicides before applying them to the lawn. If the label says "do not apply under the canopy of fruit or nut trees" use another option Choctaw (Cho)– Late pollinating variety with very large nuts and soft-shell. Early bearing variety with good [...]
It has always been easier for me to learn from watching someone prune something than reading a description or looking at photos. We have found an excellent video from the folks at Texas A&M University for you to watch HERE.
Prepare for a Hard Freeze in Central Texas: A Gardener’s Guide As a horticulturist in Central Texas, I know one thing for sure—our weather keeps us on our toes. Sudden temperature swings are common, and winter forecasts can change quickly. When a hard freeze is predicted, the best approach is simple: prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Current forecasts show lows between 15°F and 25°F, with below-freezing temperatures lasting up to 60 hours or more in some areas. Low-lying valleys often drop colder than higher elevations. Because [...]
Growing Strawberries in Central Texas Strawberries may be successfully grown in the home garden in Central Texas if care is taken to give them the right growing conditions. Strawberries require at least 6 hours of direct sun and must have a well-drained soil. They will do best in a slightly acidic sandy loam, so if you have any other type of soil you should consider growing them in raised beds or containers. Raised Beds are a good option for us in Central Texas, as most of us do not [...]
Fruit Trees in Central Texas It’s fruit tree planting time again. Such a rewarding experience! There is one caveat, however. Fruit trees may be grown in Central Texas as long as their basic conditions are met. Sun is required for fruit trees to grow and produce fruit. Be sure to locate your trees where they will receive at least 8 hours of direct sun each day. Water is required for fruit trees to thrive and produce fruit. Once a tree is established, soaker hoses supply water to the tree roots [...]
Before you decide which species of tree to plant, it is very important to know how well your soil drains internally. Dig a hole that is one foot square and one foot deep. Fill it with water and leave it overnight to drain. Fill the hole with water again the next morning, and measure the level drop per hour. Setting a ruler into the hole and checking the drop hourly is one method. A 1"-3" drop per hour is acceptable, while a 2" drop per hour is ideal. If less [...]
Root Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are parasitic microscopic worm-like animals that infest plant roots and interfere with the uptake of water and nutrients. Infected plants will appear stunted, they may wilt on hot days even though soil is moist, they may have chlorotic or light green leaves and usually have reduced yields. The roots will have "knots" on them where the nematode has entered the plant, and the "knots" do not come off easily, as can be seen on this nematode infested potato. [...]
Gummosis is a term that refers to the presence of amber-colored sap oozing from the trunk or branches of a tree. It is important to understand that the term “gummosis” is a symptom, not a cause of a tree ailment. Anything that stresses the tree can be a causal factor. It is necessary to determine the cause of the stress in order to mitigate future damage to the tree. Gummosis has a variety of causes: Environmental stress: Compacted soils, poorly drained soils, light sandy soils, use of weed and feed [...]
One of the most common questions we get at the nursery is about plants dying. Each situation is unique, as the conditions each plant is grown in is unique. But what happens when you plant several plants and only one or two dies? To be more specific, “Why did one plant die and all the others that I planted at the same time and treated the same way are fine?” I hope to be able to guide you through the diagnostic process and give you some things to think about [...]
