For green grass yards to thrive (or even survive) in our region, we’re forced to over-fertilize and over-water. But there is a better way. There’s a common misconception that every American home should be accompanied by a perfectly manicured lush lawn. Unfortunately, the reality of this ideology is that our region — with its bouts …

Fertilizers and pesticides can be washed away by rainwater to nearby creeks and rivers. A few simple solutions can prevent this pollution — and save water! From heat to cold, rain to drought, moderation doesn’t apply to the weather in South Texas. Recent rains have been a welcome respite from the drought, but with significant …

Stop swatting and start enjoying your great outdoors. Use these methods to help prevent these biting bloodsuckers from hanging around. All the weeks of drought-busting rain showers this spring have been great for landscapes and wildflowers. But they’ve also ushered in an unwelcome pest: mosquitos by the millions. Many myths surround the management of mosquitos. …

Maintaining a large lawn doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow these four simple steps to keep it healthy and green — and save a lot of green on your water bill. As many faithful newsletter readers know, I’m not fond of landscapes that limit the growth and health of my beloved trees and perennials. …

With all the rain we’ve been getting — and the possibility of more on the way — it may be a good idea to invest in a rain garden. Rain gardens have many benefits and are good for the environment. Want to build a rain garden, but not sure where to start? Consider your landscape’s …

The clear benefit of using ground covers instead of grass is less of everything — less water, less fertilizer, less pesticides and less mowing. Tired of mowing, weeding, feeding and watering the lawn over, and over, and over again? It may be time to forget turf and move on to something that’s drought hardy, water …

Here is information on several annual plants to consider using for color this summer. The newest Texas Superstar is a plant that has been around awhile, but the Superstar team says we haven’t given it as much attention as it deserves. It is “New Look” Celosia. Dr. Brent Pemberton of the team says it is …

Our area hasn’t seen single-digit temps since the 1980s. So what garden tasks should take priority? First, check for leaks. Then assess your plants — or what’s left of them. This week’s valentine vortex will be long remembered, with Texas’ lowest temperatures in 40 years: a veritable gut punch to those who forget how far …

The coldest air to blow through South Texas since 1989 left us a tableau of ice-covered trees looking like there could be no recovery. Major limbs have been broken, ornamentals trees bent to the ground, shrubs crushed and bark stripped or gouged by the ice. But what at first glance may look like mortal wounds …

2021 Rodeo Tomato Now Available at Milberger’s NurseryRuby Crush Grape Tomato performs well in containers, shines in the field, with flavorful sugar-acid balanced fruits that resist cracking. Smooth, bright red fruits are solid, oval and weight about a half-ounce each. Unlike other determinate grape varieties, compact plants are strong, have good leaf cover preventing sun …