When to plant pumpkins in Central Texas

When to Plant Pumpkins in Central Texas Dreaming of homegrown pumpkins this fall? July is the perfect time to plant pumpkin seeds in Central Texas. Most pumpkin varieties need 90 to 120 days to mature, so planting in early to mid-July gives vines plenty of time to produce pumpkins before Halloween and Thanksgiving. Give Pumpkins Plenty of Space Pumpkins are vigorous growers. Most varieties need 50 to 100 square feet per plant, depending on the type. Space hills 4 to 8 feet apart, or plant rows 6 to 10 feet [...]

By |2026-07-06T15:19:19-05:00July 6th, 2026|Vegetable Gardening, Plants|
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Why Isn’t My Fig Tree Producing Fruit in Central Texas?

Why Isn't My Fig Tree Producing Fruit? If your fig tree is covered in lush green leaves but refuses to produce fruit, you're not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear from Central Texas gardeners. The good news is that fig trees are usually reliable producers once they become established. When they don't fruit, the cause is often something you can correct. I've heard it mentioned that some people have not seen a lot of bees around their tree. Rest assured, the figs grown in our [...]

By |2026-07-06T14:40:22-05:00July 6th, 2026|Fruit & Nuts, Plants, Trees|
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What “Overwatering” Really Means

What “Overwatering” Really Means Gardening customers across Central Texas often tell us the same thing: “I’m afraid of overwatering my plants.” That fear causes many container plants to decline long before summer heat arrives. Ironically, most struggling potted plants suffer from incomplete watering, not too much water at one time. "I don't want to overwater so I just give it a little bit" is something I hear almost every day. True overwatering does not happen because you applied a generous amount of water during one watering session. Overwatering occurs when [...]

By |2026-05-20T13:25:41-05:00May 20th, 2026|Plants|
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How to Attract Butterflies to Your Central Texas Garden

How to Attract Butterflies to Your Central Texas Garden (Year-Round Guide) If you want a garden that feels alive, colorful, and constantly in motion, butterflies are the answer. In Central Texas, you can attract a wide variety of butterflies by planting the right mix of native and well-adapted nectar plants that bloom across the seasons. With a little planning, your garden can support butterflies from early spring through late fall. Let’s walk through how to build a butterfly-friendly garden that works with our climate—not against it. Why Butterflies Love Native [...]

By |2026-05-11T10:17:43-05:00May 10th, 2026|Insects, Plants, Native Plants|
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Thrips in Central Texas Gardens

Thrips in Central Texas Gardens: Easy Identification & Control Guide If your flowers look streaked, your buds won’t open, or your vegetables have silvery scars, thrips may be the culprit. These tiny pests love our hot, dry Texas weather and can damage both flowers and food crops quickly. 🔍 What Are Thrips?   Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking out juices. They’re hard to see—but their damage is easy to spot. Tip: You’ll almost always notice damage before you ever see the insect. 👉 [...]

By |2026-04-28T13:39:37-05:00April 28th, 2026|Vegetable Gardening, Insects, Plants, Trees, Houseplants, Native Plants|
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How to Grow Antelope Horn Milkweed from Seed

How to Grow Antelope Horn Milkweed from seed (Asclepias asperula) Antelope horn milkweed (Asclepias asperula) is a tough, drought-adapted native that supports monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Because Central Texas soils and climate can be challenging, proper seed preparation and early care are essential. Follow these steps to improve germination and establish healthy plants. Why Grow Antelope Horn Milkweed? First, this native species thrives in rocky, well-drained soils common across the Hill Country. Additionally, it serves as a host plant for monarch caterpillars and provides nectar for beneficial insects. For [...]

By |2026-04-22T14:54:59-05:00April 22nd, 2026|Plants, Native Plants|
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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 [...]

By |2026-04-15T15:09:25-05:00April 15th, 2026|Vegetable Gardening, Lawn Care, Plants, Trees, Palms, Native Plants, Ornamental Trees|
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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 [...]

By |2026-04-09T09:46:15-05:00April 9th, 2026|Vegetable Gardening, Plants|
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Oak Pollen Benefits

Every spring in Central Texas, oak trees put on their dusty yellow show—and most folks see oak pollen as nothing but a nuisance. Cars turn chartreuse, allergies flare, and patio furniture looks like it’s been rolled in cornmeal. But in a garden, oak pollen is far from useless. In fact, it plays several quiet but meaningful roles in a healthy landscape. A Natural Nutrient Booster Oak pollen is essentially plant protein and micronutrients in powder form. When it settles onto soil, mulch, or lawn, it begins to break down quickly [...]

By |2026-04-01T15:58:45-05:00April 1st, 2026|Plants, Trees|
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Do you need advice on what to plant in Central Texas?

If you need advice on what to plant in a specific location of your landscape in Central Texas, there are several key pieces of information that you need to bring to the experts at Backbone in order to receive a recommendation that will thrive in your landscape. Let's go over the information to consider before choosing a tree, shrub or perennial plant for you landscape. What type of soil are you planting in? Central Texas has a variety of soil types, and each one has its own specific properties. Does [...]

By |2026-03-15T08:50:32-05:00March 15th, 2026|Disease, Fruit & Nuts, Plants, Trees, Yucca and Agave, Native Plants, Ornamental Trees|
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Caring for Venus Flytraps in Central Texas

As a horticulturist here in Central Texas, I get a lot of questions about the fascinating Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). While they look exotic, they can absolutely be grown successfully here — with the right care. The key is understanding that they are not typical houseplants. Here’s how to keep your Venus flytrap thriving in our hot, dry climate. ☀️ Light: Full Sun Is Essential Venus flytraps are not low-light terrarium plants. Provide 6+ hours of direct sun daily Morning sun and bright afternoon light are ideal In Central Texas [...]

By |2026-03-09T15:17:46-05:00March 9th, 2026|Plants, Houseplants|
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Compost Isn’t the Whole Story

🌱 Compost Isn’t the Whole Story: Building Healthy Soils in Central Texas If you’ve spent any time gardening in Central Texas, you already know our soils can be…challenging. From alkaline clays to rocky Hill Country ground, growing healthy plants often starts with improving what’s under your feet. One of the best tools we have is compost—but it’s not a complete solution on its own. Let’s break down what compost really does in your soil—and why fertilizers still play an important supporting role. 🌿 What Compost Does for Your Soil Compost [...]

By |2026-02-26T08:01:21-06:00February 26th, 2026|Native Plants, Plants, Disease, Vegetable Gardening|
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