Winter in San Antonio is now transitioning into spring. We don’t need a reminder that spring is a short season, and the heat will soon set in. While eagerly awaiting spring’s arrival, getting back into the planting and growing seasons is on our minds. Many of us are visualizing green lawns, planting vegetables, and vibrant flowers.
There is no shortage of articles and resources that support the value of improving our minds, bodies, spirit and emotions by gardening to counter the daily effects of tension and stress. A great way to start is to take a leisurely walk to an outdoor space. This may include walking through your neighborhood to observe local gardens, or a visit to a botanical garden or your local garden center.
Gardening in our own home or volunteering at a community garden can also fill the need to relax. We can grow a variety of plants, herbs, vegetables and small trees even in a small space such as a patio or balcony and still reap abundant rewards. If you cannot find an outdoor space, you can create a small, dedicated space in your home for indoor plants.
With so many positive features, gardening is an antidote to today’s fast-paced world. A quick spontaneous dip into a garden atmosphere or a relaxing dunk into green space will provide wonderful long-term benefits. Why wait? Indulge!
By Janice Tapp, Bexar County Master Gardener
In the Garden…with Bexar County Master Gardeners
Marsha Krassner, Principal Editor “In the Garden”
March Monthly Garden Checklist
Phalaenopsis – Moth Orchid (Photo by Author)
Inspired by Orchids
By Kimberly Casillas, Bexar County Master Gardener
The Celebrity Tomato: A Texas Superstar in the Garden
By Jason Fransella, Bexar County Master Gardener Intern
Starting your Home Vegetable Garden
BCMG Lunch and Learn: Presented by Kathy Breniman, BCMG
Summary by Sara Sherwood, Bexar County Master Gardener Intern
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension News!
Turfgrass – March
By William “Bill” Swantner, Bexar County Master Gardener
Gardening Education Opportunities
The BCMG Calendar has many new and interesting programs open to the public. Click Here for this month’s offerings.
Helpful Resources
Ask a Master Gardener
Question: What ivy do I need to plant to cover a cyclone fence?
Answer: I suggest that you plant Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) vines. The vines are very easy to grow. They are ideal for fences. Star Jasmine grows and best flowers in full sun however it will tolerate some shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. You can plant the vines in the Spring or in the Fall.
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)
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!
Do you need help choosing plants for your landscaping needs?
Click here for options highly recommended by Texas A&M AgriLife
