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The mild weather in North Central Texas means gardeners can stay busy most of the year. Here's some advice on what to do and when to do it.
- Evaluate the volume of water delivered from lawn sprinklers to ensure healthy, stress-free
grass during the heat of the summer. One thorough watering which will deliver one
inch of water at a time is better than several more shallow sessions. The amount
of water available through flower bed sprinklers may be checked by placing several
shallow pans among shrubs or flowers
- Caladiums require plenty of water at this time of year if they are to remain lush
and active until fall. Fertilize with 21-0-0 at the rate of one-third to one-half
pound per 100 square feet of bed area, and water thoroughly.
- Prune out dead or diseased wood from trees and shrubs. Hold off on major pruning
from now until midwinter. Severe pruning at this time will only stimulate tender
new growth prior to frost.
- Sow seeds of snapdragons, dianthus, pansies, calendulas, and other cool-season flowers
in flats, or in well-prepared areas of the garden, for planting outside during mid-to-late
fall.
- Picking flowers frequently encourages most annuals and perennials to flower even
more abundantly.
- It is time to divide spring-flowering perennials, such as iris, Shasta daisy, oxeye,
gaillardia, cannas, day lilies, violets, liriope, and ajuga.
- Make your selections and place orders for spring-flowering bulbs now so that they
will arrive in time for planting in October and November.
- Don't allow plants with green fruit or berries to suffer from lack of moisture.
- A late-summer pruning of rosebushes can be beneficial. Prune out dead canes and
any weak, brushy growth. Cut back tall, vigorous bushes to about 30 inches. After
pruning, apply fertilizer, and water thoroughly. If a preventive disease-control
program has been maintained, your rose bushes should be ready to provide an excellent
crop of flowers this fall.
- It is not too late to set out another planting of many warm-season annuals, such
as marigolds, zinnias, and periwinkles. They will require extra attention for the
first few weeks, but should provide you with color during late September, October,
and November.
- Plant bluebonnet and other spring wildflowers in late August. This gives them time
to germinate develop good root systems, and be ready to grow in spring when the
weather warms. Plant seed in well-prepared soil, one-half inch deep, and water thoroughly.
- Establish a new compost pile to accommodate the fall leaf accumulation.
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