JANUARY IN THE TEXAS GARDEN

Time to start thinking of Spring and getting your garden ready for the new growing season. You should now begin cleaning, repairing and replacing garden tools. You might also want to create a garden plan to help organize chores and planting schedules. It's is a good time to start tomato, pepper and eggplant seedlings indoor under fluorescent lights.

Here is a list of things to do in your garden for January:

Fertilize: Fertilize asparagus, strawberries, daylilies, iris, pansies and roses. Use compost, manure or a complete fertilizer.

Water:

Water everything well before a freeze, but avoid overwatering.

Transplant:

Plant bare root and container grown roses, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vines. Move hardy seedlings outdoors. Divide and transplant perennial herbs and summer and fall blooming perennial flowers. Donate extras to a plant sale.

Prepare Soil:

Add compost and/or fertilizer. Till deeply. Test soil (forms available at the Extension Office). Check winter mulch and replenish, if needed. Stockpile leaves for mulch and composting throughout spring and summer.

Lawn Care:

If lawn has a history of brown patch problems, treat with a labeled fungicide late in the month. Repeat treatment in 3 to 4 weeks, if needed.

Diseases/Pests to look for:

Check for mealy bugs and for scale on houseplants. Need a plant problem identified? Bring a sample in a ziplock bag to the Extension Office, 1600-B Smith Road.

Call: Extension Office (512) 473-9600 for fruit and nut tree spray schedules.

Things To Plant In January

Flower Plants:

• Alyssum
• Butterfly Weed
• Calendula
• Candytuft
• Cornflower
• Dianthus
• Daisy (African, Michaelmas and Painted)
• Gaillardia
• Liatris
• Edging Lobelia
• Nasturtium
• Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
• Pansy
• Phlox paniculata
• Snapdragon
• Stock

Flower seeds:

• Ageratum
• Alyssum
• Balsam
• Bluebell
• Calendula
• Candytuft
• Cleome
• Coreopsis
• Cornflower
• Delphinium
• Echinacea
• Feverfew
• Gaillardia
• Gayfeather
• Gerbera
• Hollyhock
• Hyacinth
• Larkspur
• Lobelia
• Lupine
• Nasturtium
• Phlox drummondii
• Poppy
• Queen Anne’s Lace
• Petunia
• Snapdragon
• Sweet Pea
• Sweet William

Bulbs:

• Allium
• Alstroemeria
• Amarcrinum
• Canna
• Crinum
• Dahlia
• Daylily
• Gladiolus
• Hosta
• Hyacinth
• Spider Lily (Hymerocallis)
• Liriope
• Monkey Grass
• Rain lily
• Society Garlic
• Tigridia
• Tulip

Vegetables:

• Early—Mid Month: asparagus crowns
• Mid—Late Month: Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onion sets, Peas (English & edible pod), Spinach

Herbs:

• Garlic chives
• Horseradish
• Parsley
• Chervil

Fruit:

• Bare root or container grown pecans
• fruit trees
• grapes
• berry bushes

 
 

Courtesy of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity, published by the Travis County Master Gardener Association, copyright 2000-2002.

GROW A FIG TREE

If you’d like to try growing an unusual fruit crop that’s delicious and nearly trouble free, consider figs. These trees will grow well unprotected in Zones 8–10, and also in colder areas if you choose hardier cultivars or give plants proper winter protection. Selecting trees: More than 200 fig cultivars are grown in North America, with a broad range of fruit shapes and colors. It’s important to select a cultivar adapted to your climate, such as ‘Brown Turkey’, ‘Chicago’, or ‘Celeste’ for colder areas. Also look for self-pollinating cultivars, as some figs are pollinated by tiny, specialized flies native to the Mediterranean and won’t set fruit without them. (Reputable U.S. nurseries sell only self-pollinating figs.) Planting and care: Plant trees as you would any young tree. Figs need a sunny spot that’s protected from winter winds. Mulch trees well with compost, and apply foliar sprays of seaweed extract at least once a month during the growing season.  Go to this link for more information: http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/fig-trees-growing-guide

BENEFIT OF FIGS

Benefits of Figs | Fig Fruit: Figs are an ancient fruit; they originated in the Middle East, are mentioned in the Bible, and were hailed by Plato as an important food for athletes. Now available worldwide, figs are finally being recognized as the important female fruit they are, and not just for their sensuous curves, sweet taste, and delectable nature. BENEFITS OF FIGS FOR FEMALE HEALTH You may only think of figs in “Newton” form, but figs are a super food that is a powerful tool for female health. Fresh figs and indeed all fruit should be an integral part of every human’s diet, but figs are especially potent in nutrients and minerals that help balance the woman’s body and mind. Figs possess many characteristics that make them an important addition to the female diet. Click on the link for the health benefits of figs: http://www.divavillage.com/article.php?id=47960

GROW AN ORANGE TREE INDOORS



Photo found at http://lemoncitrustree.com/calamondin.html

 How to Grow an Orange Tree Indoors | Home Guides | SF Gate: Most gardeners are familiar with the large, spreading orange trees (Citrus) that permeate the backyard with their dark green foliage. You can successfully grow an orange tree indoors as well. Specific dwarf varieties, such as calamondin (Citrus mitis) and trovita (Citrus sinensis "Trovita"), thrive well inside as long as their basic soil and light needs are met. Having these orange trees potted also allows you to move them outside during the summer so the fruits can sweeten properly.
For more information click on the link: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-orange-tree-indoors-35372.html

Fall Is Here!!!!

Fall is here and it’s time to get out and enjoy the beauty and color of the outdoors that comes with this season in Texas!  With the arrival of Fall and with cooler temperatures it is a great time to work out in your yard and garden. Now is the perfect time to add texture and bursts of color to your flower beds and container gardens.  Plant Petunias, Mums, Violas, Bulbs, Ornamental Cabbage, Kale, Cyclamen  and Pansies among others. You can also add color by adding pumkins and fall decorations!

Fall is also one of the best times in Texas to plant trees and shrubs.  The roots of newly planted trees and shrubs have an opportunity to spread and become establish throughout the Winter, thus providing for more vigorous Spring blooms when spring arrives.

GROW AN AVOCADO TREE!

With the recent onslaught of hot weather, we've been scarfing the guacamole and thought it a shame to just chuck the avocado pits. We grabbed a couple of our trusty Spega yogurt glasses and did our best to recall the glory days of elementary school science class. Jump below for a refresher on how to turn your seed in to a little tree.... Unfortunately, according to the website, it's pretty rare for a tree grown from a seed to bear edible fruit, but we happen to think avocado trees are mighty pretty. Either way, sure makes for a fun summer project. See the link for more information.
How To: Grow an Avocado Tree | Apartment Therapy:

How To Sprout a Mango | eHow.com

How To Sprout a Mango X Jenny Harrington Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. View my portfolio By Jenny Harrington, eHow Contributor Mango fruit encases a large seed. Mangoes grow on tropical evergreen trees that can grow up to 100 feet in their native climate. As potted plants, however, they grow much shorter. The mango fruit surrounds a large seed that is sealed inside a hard husk. Mangoes grow true from seed, making it possible to plant them from fruit purchased at the market. The seed grows into a small plant or tree that makes an attractive houseplant or outdoor potted plant. In time, the tree may even produce its own mango fruit.

How to Grow Mango Trees in Pots | eHow.com

Mangoes are tropical fruits that are native to Asia and grow on trees. Although most mango trees are grown outdoors, they also adapt well to growing in pots. Since the mango tree is not cold hardy, pot-grown mangoes are the primary growth method in colder climates. The fruit of the mango has a peach-colored interior and can grow to be eight to 24 ounces in weight, according to the California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc. The best time to plant a potted mango is in early summer

How to Grow Mango Trees in Pots | eHow.com

Mangoes are tropical fruits that are native to Asia and grow on trees. Although most mango trees are grown outdoors, they also adapt well to growing in pots. Since the mango tree is not cold hardy, pot-grown mangoes are the primary growth method in colder climates. The fruit of the mango has a peach-colored interior and can grow to be eight to 24 ounces in weight, according to the California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc. The best time to plant a potted mango is in early summer

Mango Tree Five Gallon Shipped in Soil by Clifton's Nursery

Mango Tree Five Gallon Shipped in Soil by Clifton's Nursery: Fresh mangos are all yours with a one of our mango trees shipped right to your door. Mangos are self fertile, so one tree is all you will need for fruit that has a rich, pleasant taste that is peach like and juicy. Fruit can be up to 9 inches long. Protect tree from frost, planting in a container on protected porch or patio if grown in an extreme winter area. Plant in at least average soil, and feed throughout the growing season. All of our trees are shipped potted in soil to ensure a healthier start when planted in yard or garden. Tree about 3 to 4 feet tall when shipped.

Water Conservation in the Garden

Today, more than ever, cities across the United States are implementing permanent water restrictions. Here are three ways I conserve water.

1. Collecting rain in barrels.

2. Diverting the rinse water (grey water) from the washing machine.

3. Planting drought resistant plants. Below are relevant videos.



Grey Water Recycling





Make a Inexpensive Rain Barrel





Drought Resistant Plants: Xeriscape