ADVICE AND IDEAS

How do you plant palms in Texas?

Select the Perfect Spot: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, mimicking the natural habitat of native palms.

Prepare the Soil: Enrich the planting area with organic compost to boost soil quality and enhance drainage.

Plant with Care: Dig a hole twice the width of the palm’s root ball and just as deep. Place the palm in the hole, ensuring the base is level with the ground and backfill with soil.

Water Wisely: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture. Newly planted palms need steady watering to establish strong roots.

Mulch Thoughtfully: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Ongoing Care: Regularly check for pests and diseases. Prune dead fronds to promote healthy growth.

What flowers are heat tolerant in Texas?

Columbine: Both red and yellow varieties thrive in moist, well-drained soil, tolerating shade and sun. Prune in late May to keep them healthy.

Coreopsis: The Lance-leaf variety, with its yellow blooms, attracts butterflies and thrives in sun and part shade. Prune spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Fall Aster: This plant peaks in fall with delicate purple flowers and tolerates sun and part shade. It is lightly pruned in spring and summer.

Firebush: Known for its distinctive orange-red flowers that attract hummingbirds, this plant turns burgundy in autumn. Prune after the first freeze to encourage new growth.

Plumbago: With sky blue or white blooms, this plant prefers morning sun and afternoon shade, attracting butterflies. Cut back after a hard freeze.

Rock Rose: This small shrub attracts butterflies with its hibiscus-like blooms. Prune by a third in late winter to maintain its shape.

Sage: Various hardy varieties, such as Cedar, Cherry, and Mexican Bush, thrive in full sun and are deer—and rabbit-resistant. Prune after the first freeze.

Shrimp Plant: Its unique shrimp-like flowers thrive in the morning sun and afternoon shade, attracting hummingbirds. Prune to six inches in winter to promote new growth.

When is the best time to plant Trees and Shrubs?

Fall (Late October to November)

• Ideal for planting due to cooler temperatures and reduced stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
• Allows roots to establish before winter dormancy.
• Takes advantage of natural rainfall, reducing the need for supplemental watering.

Early Winter (December to February)

• Continues to be suitable for planting as temperatures remain mild.
• Roots can continue to grow during the dormant season.
• Plants are well-prepared to flourish when spring arrives.

Benefits of Fall and Early Winter Planting

• Plants establish robust root systems that support healthy growth in spring and summer.
• Reduced risk of transplant shock compared to planting in hot summer months.
• Less maintenance is required due to cooler weather and higher moisture levels.

Considerations for Texas Planting Seasons

• Choose native or drought-tolerant species adapted to Texas climate conditions.
• Prepare planting holes with organic matter to improve soil quality and drainage.
• Apply mulch around trees and shrubs to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Spring and Summer Planting

• Possible but requires diligent watering and monitoring, especially during hot periods.
• Select heat-tolerant varieties and provide shade or shelter for newly planted trees and shrubs.
• Water deeply and regularly to promote root establishment and survival.
  

How do you take care of Succulents and Cacti?

Light:

• Gradually introduce direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.
• Nurse plants provide shade until they are mature enough for full sun.

Watering:

• Water generously but infrequently; allow soil to dry out between waterings.
• Avoid overwatering in colder temperatures to prevent rot.

Soil Mix:

• Use well-draining soil with equal parts soil, sand, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite.
• Ensure soil is loose to allow proper root aeration and drainage.

Fertilization:

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during growing seasons; avoid high nitrogen to promote flowering.

Potting:

• Choose pots that allow soil to dry quickly, such as clay pots.
• Avoid over-potting to prevent moisture-related issues and bacterial infections.

Protection from Insects:

• Use homemade suffocant spray or pyrethrins to treat pests; ensure thorough coverage.

Temperature:

• Maintain temperatures suitable for each species; protect from frost for most succulents.

Propagating:

• Use stem cuttings for leaf succulents; allow callusing for succulent stems before planting.
• Provide intermittent mist for optimal rooting of certain species.

General Tips:

• Monitor plant responses and adjust care accordingly.
• Explore and enjoy the unique beauty of succulents and cacti in your garden or home.

Companion Planting: A Smart Way to Garden