March Gardening Checklist

Annuals and Perennials Now is the time to plant warm season annuals and perennials. Their root systems will have a chance to become established before the summer heat sets in, and hand watering will be easier when temperatures are cooler.  Be ready to protect your newly planted/tender plants with frost cloth just in case we get a late freeze. The average last frost in Burnet County is March 15.   Some of my favorite plants to add instant color to the winter-worn landscape or to your containers are marigolds, geraniums, [...]

By |2025-12-16T12:40:27-06:00February 28th, 2018|Vegetable Gardening, Fruit & Nuts, Lawn Care, Plants, Trees, Monthly Gardening Checklist|
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Pruning Guidelines

While winter is generally the best time to prune plants, timing is important. Pruning too early may open up the crown of the plant to cold temperature extremes. We try to leave branches and foliage on most plants to serve as an insulator for the cold. Pay attention to recommended timing and you will be giving your plants the best opportunity to thrive in the spring. Herbaceous perennials: Herbaceous perennials are plants which die back to the ground in the winter, their foliage going to "mush" after a hard freeze. [...]

By |2025-12-27T15:44:24-06:00February 21st, 2018|Fruit & Nuts, Plants, Trees|
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Plant Fruit Trees NOW

I am sure you all have heard the old adage “the best time to plant a tree was ten years ago!” Well, I am here to tell you that it is TRUE! Because some varieties of fruit trees can take a few years to produce a good harvest, it is even more important to plant them AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Planting them now gives them a jump-start for spring-their root system will be well on the way to becoming established, and better able to survive the Central Texas summers! Some [...]

By |2024-01-06T13:02:16-06:00January 8th, 2018|Fruit & Nuts|
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Citrus Varieties in Central Texas

Improved Meyer Lemon:  The original Meyer lemon was introduced from China by plantsman Frank Meyer. It is believed to be a cross between and orange and a lemon, which gives the plant more cold-hardiness. The Meyer lemon was a popular backyard fruit tree for many years, until in the 1940’s it was identified as a carrier of a deadly citrus tristeza virus. Most of the Meyer lemons were destroyed to protect the citrus industry, and it wasn’t until the 1970’s that a virus-free strain, the “improved Meyer” lemon was introduced. [...]

By |2024-03-17T11:12:16-05:00July 27th, 2017|Fruit & Nuts|
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Avocado Growing in Central Texas

If you love Avocados you probably want to learn how to grow your own. If you live south of San Antonio you may be able get away with growing them in the ground for a few years. They may freeze back, but as long as they come back from above the graft, you still have a chance of having fruit. If  they freeze back below the graft then the plant will not be productive. Central Texas gets cold enough that I would not attempt to grow Avocados in the ground [...]

By |2025-02-01T14:20:23-06:00July 18th, 2017|Fruit & Nuts|
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Chilling Hours for Fruit in Central Texas

What are "chilling hours"? Some fruit trees, including peaches, plums, apricots, and apples, require a certain number of chilling hours to bloom and set fruit. Chilling hours are usually calculated between October 1 and February 28 or 29. They are measured as hours between 32 and 45°F, or sometimes as hours below 45°F. When selecting a variety, remember chilling requirements are general guidelines, not strict rules. A 600-hour variety may grow in 400- or 800-hour areas. However, differences greater than 200 hours can cause serious problems. Flower and leaf buds [...]

By |2026-02-02T14:27:42-06:00May 2nd, 2017|Disease, Fruit & Nuts, Insects, Plants|
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