I once heard someone say, “Just stick it in the ground in Houston, Texas, and it will grow.” To a large degree, that is true. Houston’s generally warm humid climate, along with rich soil, is ideal for a great many plant life. Summer gardens here are proof of that.
With the first official day of Spring still over a month away, your attention may be focused mostly indoors. Even in the cold winter months, however, our lawns and gardens have specific needs. What may look dead and brown is actually teeming with life just underneath the surface.
In order to reduce pests and ensure that your plants and grasses will thrive as the weather warms up, your Houston winter gardening regimen should include these essential steps.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL HOUSTON WINTER GARDENING
#1 Apply
Now is the time to apply your pre-emergent on lawns and grasses. Pre-emergents prevent the germination of weed seeds before it happens, so the window of opportunity is open right now. Corn gluten meal is a great organic approach, but other herbicides can be purchased at your local nursery or home improvement store. Pre-emergent is a small step that yields BIG dividends in spring and summer.
#2 Feed
If you haven’t done so already, fertilize all established trees and shrubs (except azaleas and camellias), and feed perennial bulbs. This can be done simultaneously with the pre-emergent. Your compost pile is perfect for this use, or check with your local garden center for recommendations.
#3 Watch
Historically, the coldest days of the year fall in the month of February. This does not come as great news to those of us yearning for the warmer weather, but gardeners should be on watch for a potential freeze all the way into the month of March. Make sure to water the roots well, and cover plants if temperatures fall below 32 degrees.
#4 Prune
This is the best time to prune shrubs, trees, and roses, but wait to prune spring flowering trees until after they bloom. Crepe Myrtles are the exception to this rule. Experts advise that crepe myrtles should never be pruned, or be pruned very gently.
#5 Mow
Mow your lawn once this month. This will allow the sun to reach the roots.
#6 Rake
Rake any fallen leaves, for the same reason. Grass roots need sunlight to germinate and begin the new growth cycle. Be sure to remove all debris and other encumbrances to growth. These leaves and other lawn debris can be put into the compost bin for later use as fertilizer.
#7 Dig
Dig weeds out by hand. There may only be a few, but soon they will become legion. Tackle the small job now, to avoid a larger one later.
#8 Plant
Now is the time to plant later blooming bulbs and tubers such as dahlias, elephant ears, caladiums, and calla lilies. This is also the perfect time to plant strawberries.
Yes, it is cold outside. But if you want to have a beautiful lawn when spring comes, the time to begin is now. Get out there and start gardening, Houston!
Send us pictures of your lovely results in a few short months.