May Edition
Translated from Gnim by CMG Kay P
Dear Comalito,
I planted blackberries in my garden last year, and I am happy to say that the plants are blooming. Do you have any special advice for feeding them?
Berry Berry Excited
Dear Berry Berry,
Work in some organic fertilizer along the row about 3 inches out from the vines, and water in well. I like Espoma Berry Tone, but there are many fine organic fertilizers available. Call me when it’s picking time and I’ll be right over!
Dear Comalito,
I’ve had a slow start to seeding this year due to other commitments. Is it too late to start seeds now? Tortoise Gardener
Dear Tortoise,
Not too late at all. Many vining vegetables grow very fast when heat, light, day length are ramping up to summer, so go ahead and plant or replant, beans, squash, cucumbers, okra, eggplant, melons, loofah. All of them love heat and they will grow fast. You’ll have produce all summer.
April Edition
Translated from Gnim by CMG Kay P
Dear Comalito,
Freezing temperatures have left my garden perennials drier and browner this year, it seems. Ornamental grasses too seem to have fully browned more than in years past. How should I revive them?
Understudy for Spring
Dear Understudy,
I’m so glad you asked. This was something I learned when I was an elflet taking the Comal Master Gardeners’ certification course. First, look for green at the bottom of these plants or on budding limbs, then cut back about half the plant’s size, (drastic haircut but it will regrow.) Then water well and after the new growth seems to be coming on strongly, feed lightly.
Dear Comalito,
I set out some tomatoes in my garden, and while my back was turned a couple of sneaky cutworms nipped two off at the ground! The gall!!! What should I do?
So Very MAD
Dear So Very,
Make little collars for your tomatoes. Use strips of aluminum foil four inches square and crimp around the stems. Or, if you save paper rolls, cut them to height, split down the side and slip around the tomato plants. Let the shield touch the ground and embed it a little. The wormy friends will be put off and go elsewhere. I know this sounds fiddly, and it is, but you will be So Very Happy in July when all your tomatoes ripen.