OCTOBER 2013
SUNRAYS | 27
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
For gardeners, the delight of fall is not
only the cooling temperatures but also
the time for planting! This may sound
strange to you if you came from the
North, but roots continue to grow here
during our mild winters, so fall really
is the best time to plant. Fall planting
makes your plants ready to withstand
the stress of high temperatures next
summer. The exception to recommended
fall planting is tropical plants, such as
lantana, which are best planted in spring
to develop a strong root structure to
withstand cold temperatures.
Plant seeds now for spring bloomers
like columbines (in shade), larkspur (in
part sun/shade), and poppies (in full
sun). Spring bloomers take advantage
of spring moisture. Then, when summer
stress comes, they have done their show
and are ready to rest―very Water Wise!
Wait until late spring to sow seeds for
summer bloomers like cosmos.
Whether from a local nursery or
mail order, purchase seeds of native
wildflowers from a reliable Central
Texas source. Seeds planted now will
give you months of color next spring,
as well as the fun of seeing little green
seedlings coming up through the winter.
Follow these steps for planting seeds:
1. Rake the soil surface smooth,
removing rocks and sticks. If there
is mulch, poke holes for planting.
2. Sow seeds evenly over soil; use rake
to barely cover them; press seeds to
make contact with soil.
3. Water gently; keep evenly moist
first couple of weeks to ensure
germination. After that, Mother
Nature should take care of them
unless it is an unusually dry fall/
winter.
FIREWISE & WATER WISE
While we are enjoying refreshing, cooler
air and continue our Water Wise efforts
in fall gardening, Fire Prevention Week,
October 6-12, reminds us that we should
October Tips for a Beautiful
Water Wise Landscape
NEXT MONTH
:
Join me for
ways to improve your soil to
hold moisture while supporting
healthy plants and resisting dis-
eases, pests and other stresses.
Winola is a Williamson County
Master Gardener, a member of
the Sun City Garden Club and
a member of the Sun City Water
Wise Task Force.
FIREWISE TOWN HALL
Learn more fire safety tips
at the Firewise Town Hall on
Wednesday, October 9 at 9:30 a.m.
in the Ballroom. If you can’t make
it, check it out on Channel 79!
By Winola VanArtsdalen
also consider ways to be Firewise.
Location is the most important factor
for being both Water Wise and Firewise.
To be Water Wise, plants that need the
most water should be placed close to
the house―a prime position for hand-
watering. To be Firewise, it is advised
to place small, low-to-the-ground plants
near the house to avoid a fire being
carried to the roof. Keep tall, bushy
plants and plants containing oils (aka
fuel carriers) away from the house. It is
also helpful to utilize plants that retain
water, like succulents, for both specimen
plants and groundcovers to deter a fire.
Adequate spacing between plants
also reduces irrigation needs and can
provide fuel breaks for fire. Trimming
and removing dead vegetation and other
clutter is important to a neat landscape,
while also reducing fire fuels. Pathways
lead the eye to aesthetic points of interest
in the landscape and can act as fuel
breaks. Most important, the irrigation
systemmust be carefully maintained to
be both Water Wise and Firewise.
We need to keep these points in mind
while planning and maintaining our
landscape for saving water and reducing
fire danger. Like many of you, I have
made a few changes, but need to do
much more for my own safety and
that of our community. For Firewise
plant suggestions and other Firewise
information, visit
>
Site Index > Firewise > Publications &
Information.
GARDENING TIPS FOR OCTOBER:
• Remove leaves from turf so grass can
get sunlight.
• Add an inch of organics for nutrients,
then add two inches (2”) of mulch; or
use only mulch that will later break
down. Mulch not only keeps out weeds,
but insulates plants from extreme
temperature changes, helps soil retain
moisture, and organic mulch improves
soil fertility and texture.
• Prune diseased or dead wood any
time, but wait until late winter/early
spring for heavy pruning.
• Make plans and buy bulbs to plant
this fall. Prepare soil with any needed
amendments, but do not plant yet. Follow
instructions that come with bulbs.
TURF:
• Install new sod and grass plugs; water
frequently until established.
• Apply last application of fertilizer
October 1-15 for turf and beds.
• Spread top dressing that is from a
quarter-inch (1/4”) to a half-inch (1/2”)
thick for increased nutrients and soil
depth. This will increase soil retention
next summer.
Source: Texas Agrilife Extension Service
