Plants are re-emerging and blooming and grass is starting to awaken from its winter dormancy. But that doesn’t mean it’s time for full-scale watering. We’re seeing all the familiar indicators of spring in Central Texas: cool mornings, warm afternoons, an occasional shower. Your yard may be looking like spring is here too. Plants are reemerging …

Regardless of the variety you choose, all beans require warm weather to grow and produce. Plant your bean garden once the soil temperature in your garden reaches 65 °F and frost danger passes.  Remove all weeds and debris from a full-sun garden bed. Add compost and turn it into the soil. Rake the surface to …

Are you ready to make a fast start with tomatoes in the vegetable garden in 2023 despite our less than successful plantings over the last few years? If so, check with your favorite retail nursery or the Master Gardeners to get access to the new Rodeo Tomato that has been selected for 2023, Thunderbird. The …

Oak wilt season is upon us. Only make cuts that are absolutely necessary. Save any cosmetic pruning for later in the year. While San Antonio largely dodged the severity of ice storms many of our neighboring communities suffered recently, some of us, particularly those along the northern fringes of the city, still saw some damage …

Even the hardiest citrus trees struggle to survive days of ice, snow and frigid temperatures. Those that do can benefit from a little TLC from you. There are many plants that can survive cold conditions, but there are times when weather is worse than anticipated and extreme freezing temperatures wreak havoc on our plants. That’s …

While a poorly placed mulberry can be messy, its edible berries and healthy growth habit make it a wonderful choice for any Texas landscape. Native mulberry often flies under the radar until mid-summer when the small tree begins dropping its succulent berries, staining sidewalks with red splats. While a poorly placed mulberry could be considered …

If you’ve been watering in winter, you may need to wage a war on weeds. Here are the five usual suspects to watch for. Cooler temperatures and winter precipitation make picture-perfect growing conditions not just for wildflowers, but for winter weeds too. Even though grass is still dormant and the mower isn’t visiting regularly, weeds …

Whether you choose a row of terra cotta pots or a modern planter, a freshly potted herb garden adds natural style to your kitchen. The vessel you choose should be at at least four inches deep and have proper drainage in the bottom for the plants to thrive. Herbs that you start inside can be …

A few easy changes to your landscape maintenance are all it takes to create little spaces for wildlife — and help protect other residents that call Texas home. As temperatures fall and plants begin to go dormant, the natural inclination is to trim up bare stems and old flower heads. But consider leaving a little …

Timing is everything when it comes to gardening. Winter for our area usually means that most days are cool and ideal for getting some prep work done for a great spring garden. While you may find it tempting to stay inside on a cold day, waiting will put you behind nature’s calendar for the frenzied …