By Jason Fransella, Bexar County Master Gardener Intern April 2024 If you are looking for a way to start your seeds without using plastic pots or trays, you might want to try soil blocking. Soil blocking is a method of forming blocks of moist potting mix that hold their shape and serve as both the container and the growing medium …
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 April 2024 Growing up as a pathologist’s daughter near the bayous in Central Louisiana, I quickly learned that plants can be both beautiful and dangerous to us and potentially to our pets. With that early learning, I’ve noted some flowers and …
Turfgrass April
By William “Bill” Swantner, Bexar County Master Gardener April 2024 In the first week of March, the temperatures were in the high 80s and felt like it was in the 90s. If these temperatures are any indication, this could be another long hot summer. The turf grasses are starting to green up and the temptation is to add synthetic fertilizer, …
Plant Spotlight: Culinary (or common) Sage
By Mary Cennamo, Bexar County Master Gardener April 2024 This perennial garden herb (Salvia officinalis) is in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The mint family contains many other well-known plants such as American beauty berry, coleus and rosemary. Characteristics of plants in this family include square stems and aromatic leaves that are opposite one another on the stems. Salvia comes from …
Starting your Home Vegetable Garden
BCMG Lunch and Learn presented by Kathy Breniman, BCMG March 2024 Summary by Sara Sherwood, Bexar County Master Gardener Intern On February 9, 2024, I had the pleasure of attending a Lunch & Learn presentation by BCMG Kathy Breniman entitled “Starting Your Home Vegetable Garden.” A vegetable gardener throughout her life, Kathy Breniman has grown vegetables in Iowa, California, and Texas. …
The Celebrity Tomato: A Texas Superstar in the Garden
By Jason Fransella, Bexar County Master Gardener Intern March 2024 Are you looking for a tomato that has it all? A tomato that is easy to grow, produces large and tasty fruits, and has excellent disease resistance? A tomato that can thrive in the Texas climate and soil conditions? A tomato that has won awards and accolades for its outstanding …
Inspired by Orchids
By Kimberly Casillas, Bexar County Master Gardener March 2024 In July 2021, I received a Phalaenopsis (Moth orchid) arrangement which has remained in perpetual bloom or growth for more than two years. In 2023, I discovered two growths on each bloom spike which became keikis, or baby orchid plants. When their aerial roots were long enough, I cut the keiki …
Turfgrass March
By William “Bill” Swantner, Bexar County Master Gardener March 2024 It’s March! Winter is south Texas is unofficially over-although there’s always a chance for a late, light freeze. The average last freeze date is February 23. Those who enjoy a good, lush lawn can’t wait to “green the lawn up’- but it’s not quite time yet. If the lawn hasn’t …
August Garden Tasks
August is deep summer in San Antonio. Good xeriscape plants will make it through the month without supplemental watering; others will need conscientious watering to stay prosperous. Generally, no fertilizing or planting is done during this month. Birds and Wildlife Shade Trees and Shrubs Color Fruits and Nuts Ornamentals Turf Grass Vegetables Seasonal Gardening Checklist Prepared by Tom …
July Garden Tasks
Work outside early in the morning or late in the evening so you can avoid loss of water in your body. Drink cool or cold water before, during and after working outside and sweating. Use sunscreen and work in the shade as much as possible. Watering by hand is good therapy after coming home from work but is the WORST …