Horticulture News You Can Use
Spring Planting
Flowerbed preparation is key before you put anything new in your garden. Your landscape most likely consists of clay soil, which makes root growth and nutrient absorption difficult. Tilling several inches of compost into your beds will help to break up the heavy clay and provide a better environment for new plants.
Before selecting any new planting materials, be sure to pay attention to how much sun or shade the area receives. Keep in mind that even though some plants can take full sun, they may still wither under direct afternoon sun in late summer.
Once your planting is finished, top off your flowerbed with a layer of organic mulch. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, and can prevent the growth of weeds.
Spring Lawn Maintenance
Growth is at a critical stage in early spring, so it's better to wait until temperatures warm up in April to fertilize. While you're waiting, take your lawn mower in for service and to get the blades sharpened. Inspect your lawn for any bare or thin spots and make plans to resod or seed as necessary.
If watering is required (in the absence of our usual March rains), keep in mind these watering guidelines that should be followed throughout the year: water deeply, and less frequently. Early morning watering is best - never during the day or early evening.
When it's finally time to mow, do not remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at a time. Leave clippings on the lawn to serve as fertilizer, which will also reduce yard waste.
Tree Care
Monitor trees for signs of disease, severe insect infestations, and injured or broken limbs. Consult a certified arborist if you have concerns about disease or insects, or if you have large limbs that need to be removed.
You can still plant in early spring, but young trees will be more susceptible to high summer temperatures. It is essential to keep any new trees watered the first year they are in the ground. If you planted new trees in the fall, continue to water regularly and fertilize to stimulate root growth. Healthy roots equal a healthy tree.
Prune any spring-flowering trees after they finish flowering. Avoid pruning while in the budding or early-growth stage.
Water Conservation
Even though North Texas received an abnormally high amount of rain in 2007, cities, businesses and residents still have to be concerned about water conservation.
Water Conservation Information - information on landscape irrigation use and general conservation practices.
Helpful links:
Tarrant County Master Gardeners – for advice on gardening in Tarrant County
Texas A&M University's Earth Kind – Horticulturists at A&M have developed the Earth Kind program combining the best of organic and traditional gardening and landscaping principals. This site includes the Earth Kind plant selector, which allows you to search a database to find plants suited to your region with the best drought, heat and pest tolerance.
North Texas can call the Texas Agricultural Extension Service for Horticulture information sheets, soil test kits and landscape advice – 817-884-1578.
For questions or information call the City of Euless Parks "Horticulture Hotline" at 817-685-1652.
