Michael Womack
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Saturday, August 21, 1999

Plan for fall landscaping projects now

Also: Hot, dry weather is perfect for weed killing

 

Although the blazing summer sun and soaring temperatures are in full force, all gardening activity doesn't have to come to a screeching halt. This may be the perfect time to do preparatory work for a more beautiful and functional yard this fall and for years to come.
   You might think that there is nothing you can do outside except water and pray for rain and a cold front; however, the hot, dry weather can be used to your advantage.
   Getting rid of weeds may seem like the logical first step. It is very possible that you might feel like much of your yard is being invaded by unwanted grasses and broadleaf menaces. If you can't muster the motivation to pull this barrage of unwanted weeds, you might consider chemical means of weed control.
   If you need to apply a systemic weed killer like glyphosate (Roundup), now is the perfect time. Glyphosate is absorbed by actively growing weeds through the leaves and is then translocated throughout the plant, killing not only the leaves, but also the stems and roots. Translocated products must be used when the temperature is at least 70 degrees and when there is no precipitation that may wash the chemical off the grass blades before it is absorbed and distributed throughout the plant. Grasses grow fastest during the summer months, thus allowing faster movement of the chemical through the plant. But beware. Don't expect to knock off those weeds overnight. It takes time to kill weeds completely. It usually takes at least 2-3 weeks for them to completely die. Cutting them off too soon may reduce the effectiveness of your weed control efforts. Here's one more tip. If you've used premixed herbicides in the past without much success, consider purchasing a concentrate. Many gardeners have reported greater control by mixing their own. However, always remember to read and follow the directions on the label. Misuse may not only be a hazard to you and the environment, it is also illegal.
   Fall landscaping plans
   Hot weather may also be the perfect time for you to think about fall landscaping plans. This is one activity that can be done, at least in part in the comfort of your air-conditioned home. We often forget that the fall is our second opportunity to establish plants in our landscapes. Take advantage of our long autumn growing season and mild winter to plant trees and hardy shrubs. Also, take the time now to plan out your landscaping project so that it will be a success to enjoy for years to come. First, make a site map of any areas you wish to landscape. Consider light intensity, wind, existing structures and how to make the area functional as well as beautiful. When starting to choose plants for future installation, think about the mature size of plant material. It may be small when you plant it, but it will get larger. Also consider any special requirements such as if you want the plants to be evergreen, provide flowers, or survive in shade or low water.
   Do your homework now. Read books and brochures. Visit your local garden center and ask for advice. Also, don't forget to make a budget. Most of these necessary steps often go overlooked, but are great ways to make progress in your yard while beating the heat.
   As you can see, there are numerous tasks that can be done even in the heat of summer. Planning your gardening endeavors will not only make them more enjoyable for you, but will keep you cooler and ensure success as you develop the landscape that meets your needs.
   BONSAI CLUB meets Thursday, August 26 at 7:00 P.M. at Lindale Center (3135 Swantner Drive). Chuck Ware will present a program on Soils and Mysteries Inside Pots. The public is invited, For more information call: 992-0009.
   CORPUS CHRISTI BOTANICAL GARDENS is currently taking applications for Fall Children's Garden. The series begins Saturday, August 28 continuing through mid December with weekly instruction and guidance from the Nueces County Master Gardeners. The fee is $19 per child, $16 for Botanical Society members For more information call: 852-2100.
   BASIC BOTANY seminar, part of the Nueces County Master Gardener Training will be taught by Nueces County Extension Horticulturist Michael Womack on Wednesday, August 25, 8:30a.m. to 12:00 noon in the west wing of the Nueces County Showbarn in Robstown. The seminar is open to anyone wanting to learn more about the basics of how plants grow. The fee is $5. For more information call (361) 767-5217.
   FALL VEGETABLE GARDENING FOR SOUTH TEXAS, Gill Landscape Nursery (2810 Airline) will host a seminar Saturday, August 28 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Darlene Locke, Texas A&M Extension Agent for Aransas County, will teach you when and how to prepare and plant the best varieties for our area. The seminar is free to the public. For more information call 992-9674.
  
  

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