Most Recent Scion

Scion – April 2024

The first day of Spring was on March 19th and with a bit of rain our lawns are green and many of our spring flowers are in bloom. While our rain totals this year so far have exceeded last year, it is a good time to make sure our sprinklers are working properly and consider moving to a drip system in our garden beds, if you don’t currently have a system in place. In addition, you may research the benefits of adding a rainwater harvesting system to preserve this precious resource. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Earth-Kind® website can help you get started. Earth-Kind® focuses on using environmentally friendly management practices to produce landscapes that are beautiful, low-maintenance, and sustainable. There are some ideas you may want to review and possibly implement in the article “10 Ways to Make your Landscape EARTH-KIND.” Happy Gardening!

In the Garden…with Bexar County Master Gardeners

Marsha Krassner, Principal Editor “In the Garden”

Lamb’s ear ‘Stachys byzantina‘ –
frequently used as a ground cover & does well in our dry hot climate (*Photo by Michelle Hobbs*)

April Monthly Garden Checklist

Plant Spotlight: Culinary (or Common) Sage

By Mary Cennamo, Bexar County Master Gardener

Soil blockers and soil blocks of each size (*Photo by author*)

Soil Blocking: A Sustainable Way to Start your Seeds

By Jason Fransella, Bexar County Master Gardener Intern

Mountain Laurel (Photo via Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)

Plants, Pets and People

Toxins you Might Encounter in your Spring and Summer Travels and Gardening

by Mary Young-Davis, Bexar County Master Gardener Intern

Enjoying the Zoysia turfgrass on a warm April day (*Photo by Michelle Hobbs*)

Turfgrass – April

By William “Bill” Swantner, Bexar County Master Gardener

The BCMG Calendar has many new and interesting programs open to the public. Click Here for this month’s offerings.

LUNCH & LEARN with Bexar County Master Gardener
Nancy Mills

Friday, April 5 12-1pm

3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio TX 78230

Bring your favorite lunch and learn from one of our Bexar County Master Gardeners at this free seminar. Seating is limited and walk-ins will not be accepted, so please make your reservation in advance. Others will be waitlisted and notified in the event of a cancellation. You can also view the presentation via Zoom.

Master Gardener Nancy Mills standing outside in nature

Patio Citrus Gardening opens a whole new world for those who have longed to grow lemons, limes and Mandarin tangerines. You can do it, right on your patio or deck. Learn about the different varieties available and how to get started as a citrus grower. Soon you will enjoy the fruits of your labor! And so will everyone else!

Registration Information

Registration Information

More Information

Helpful Resources

Ask a Master Gardener

Question: How can I control the ants that are depositing eggs on my Hibiscus plant?

Answer: The presence of ants, and their eggs, on Hibiscus plants is not uncommon as the ants feed on aphids that are attracted to the nectar that the hibiscus flowers produce. Therefore, to reduce the ants you must rid the plant of the aphids. This can be done by the use of pest controls such as Neem oil or Diatomaceous Earth. Just remember to follow the product application instructions.

Answer by Art Vazquez, BCMG

Master Gardeners are available to help you with your gardening questions. We provide unbiased, research-based, locally relevant gardening information. Free service. You can reach us:

By phone: 210-631-0400 (Ask to speak to a Master Gardener)

Mon-Fri 9 am – Noon, 1-4 pm (Closed on county holidays)

Or Submit A Question Online

The phones and the Hotline are being operated from Master Gardener home telephones; hotline calls are being directed by the AgriLife Extension receptionist.

WOAI Lawn and Garden Show

Call in to Live Radio on Saturday mornings, with your gardening questions for David.
Call in: 210-737-1200 or 1-800-383-9624 on Saturdays from 7 am to 10pm

Or just listen to the show, and learn from everyone else’s questions!

WOAI 1200 AM – Lawn and Garden Show
Host: David Rodriguez, Bexar County AgriLife Extension Horticulturist.

Past shows are archived here, for easy listening on your computer, tablet or phone, anytime! Listen on your phone while you drive!