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| SUNRAYS NOVEMBER 2014
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
In this article and those that follow,
we will refer to the Texas A&M Earth-
Kind™ Landscape program as we dis-
cuss soil preparation, plant selection and
maintenance. You can depend on the
Earth-Kind publications for research-
proven information that works. Earth-
Kind information guides homeowners in
establishing a garden with healthy plants
they can enjoy while also preserving and
protecting the environment.
The success of your landscape begins
with the soil. Soil amended with organic
matter – peat moss, compost, green ma-
nures, grass clippings, barnyard manure,
leaves or even shredded newspapers – will
better retain moisture while allowing
needed drainage to ensure the health
of your plants. This organic matter also
improves soil and serves as food source
for soil fungi and bacteria.
You need enough organic matter to physi-
cally change the soil structure – ideally,
at least one-third of the final soil mix.
Spread a two-to-four inch layer of organic
material over the garden surface and till
to a depth of at least six inches, or as deep
as possible. Tilling the soil opens it up to
moisture and air for better root develop-
ment. With heavy clay, a two-inch layer of
expanded shale will help with tilth, aid-
ing water and air holding capacity. It is
better to add more compost than to bring
in soil from another place. If you do not
feel it possible to adequately amend the
soil, you may have to build raised beds.
In Sun City, thin soils are a problem for
turf areas. You can improve soil depth
over time and add much-needed humus
to your existing soil by top-dressing with
compost and watering it in. Apply the
compost thinly, so you can see the blades
poking up through the compost. You can
do this any time of the year except hot
weather. If you top-dress near the time of
November Tips for a Beautiful
Water Wise Landscape
Next month
:
Joinme for plan-
ning an Earth-Kind landscape.
Winola is a Williamson County
Master Gardener, a member of
the Sun City Garden Club and a
member of the Sun CityWater Wise
Task Force.
Master Gardeners and other expe-
rienced gardeners are available to
answer questions a half hour be-
fore Sun City Garden Club meet-
ings eachmonth. The Garden Club
meets the secondWednesday of each
month beginningwith the question/
answer period at 12:30 p.m.
By Winola VanArtsdalen
year you would usually add fertilizer, skip
that application, or else it will provide too
much nitrogen. If you plant new grass,
add compost to the soil before planting.
The publication referenced here gives
information about improving the physi-
cal properties of soil, as well as how to
conduct your own “Hole-Test.”
-
kind/files/2010/10/design.pdf
NOVEMBER GARDENING TIPS
•The average first frost date for William-
son County is November 15.
•Top-dress lawn with compost.
•Replenish mulch for winter, but be sure
it is not against the stems of plants.
•Crowded perennials should be divided
and replanted before cold weather.
•Plant shrubs and trees. With the ex-
ception of semi-tropical plants such as
Pride of Barbados and lantana, you can
still plant perennials, but be prepared
to protect if we have an early freeze.
Plant cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley and
all perennial herbs such as chives and
oregano now, but not basil. Spring-flow-
ering bulbs such as daffodils can go
into the ground now. Best make a
map of your yard, so you know where
everything is planted.
•Water as needed. You should be able
to water only once a week or less.
Continue monthly irrigation check
and watch temperatures.
Source: Texas A&M AgriLIFE Exten-
sion Service
Horticulture Questions:
Contact Williamson County
AgriLIFE Extension Office at
512-943-3300.
Now is the time to replenish mulch and
plant shrubs.
