Translated from Gnim by CMG Amanda C
November ’24 Edition
Dear Comalito,
When should I plant spring bulbs?
Two Lips
Dear Two,
Spring and summer bulbs can be planted around Thanksgiving or December 1. In this climate, planting sooner may result in fooling the bulbs into sprouting before they can get the winter chill period needed to bloom well in spring.
Dear Comalito,
Which bulbs have you had success growing and reblooming a second year here in south Texas?
Come Back Kid
Dear CBK, I have grown tulips, and they are a beautiful extravagance because they will not reliably “Come Back” for a second year. If you are wanting bulbs that will reliably bloom in subsequent years, I suggest instead corms like bearded iris and gladiolus! I have had good success with both reblooming. Daffodils will come back. The current droughty conditions mean that you will need to water all by hand.
August ’24 Edition
Dear Comalito,
I lost so many squash to the dreaded squash vine borer, I was able to get a few harvested but wish I could have gotten more. Do you have any tips for next year to help combat them?
Sincerely, Butternut
Dear Butternut,
There are many different tips and trick such as wrapping plants with foil, injecting plants with BT (bacillus Thuringiensis), and even physically extracting the squash borer worm. The last one has been the most effective for me, but it does take time and if your garden is bigger, you may not catch them all. While it may seem like a never-ending battle, there is some good news–the squash vine borer usually stops laying her eggs by the end of July and will typically not start up again until May/June. There’s still plenty of time left in the summer to get another round of crops out before winter is here.
Dear Comalito,
I’m ready to get my winter crops going but I’m not sure what I should start with as there are so many options. This is my first year starting winter crops this early, please help?
Eager Beaver
Dear Eager Beaver,
There are a few things that you can get started right now. My suggestions would be starting them from seeds in a pot so if we continue to have higher temps you can bring your plants in when it gets too hot. Starting broccoli, cauliflower and some cabbages from seed indoors can give you an early start for your winter harvest–just be careful not to put them out too early if temperatures remain high.
July ’24 Edition
Dear Comalito,
It’s been so hot this last month and it only looks like it’s going to get hotter. My plants are looking a little wimpy and are feeling the heat. Any idea how I can help them last the rest of the year?
Sincerely, Summer
Dear Summer,
Welcome to Texas! You’re correct, the forecast shows it is only going to get hotter as we move into July and August. Here are some tips to help you out; first to protect current plants you have consider if possible, moving them to shaded areas during the afternoon heat wave. If you have a raised bed or an area that is in ground where plants cannot be moved, consider using shade cloth that is rated for the garden. Using shade cloth can help reduce the amount of heat that the plants are being exposed to. However, if you use shade cloth that is rated for “patio/outdoor” you can limit the amount of sun your plant receives and stunt its growth.
Dear Comalito,
It’s been a great harvest year so far but now my garden production is slowing down. I’m fertilizing and providing water to my plants, but they just don’t seem to be producing much more fruit and veggies. A lot of them are suffering from powdery mildew or are being attacked by bugs. Is this the end of my harvest season?
Sincerely, Worry Wort
Dear Worry Wort,
It’s been another rough summer and some of the dramatic changes in temperatures we have had creates stress on our plants. Some varieties may just need some pruning and cleaning up, a little compost and should bounce back. But many of the plants that have been overtaken by disease and pests should be removed. We still have plenty of months left before winter to get a second harvest going. It may be difficult to find some vegetable starts so seeds may be your only option right now. Some seeds that germinate early and produce quick fruit are cucumbers, some smaller varieties of tomatoes such as cherry tomatoes, squash as they can also survive into some colder weather and even smaller melons and watermelons can produce in time before winter season.
June ’24 Edition
Dear Comalito,
It’s getting so hot outside and I’m having to hand water my plants every other day to keep them happy. Any tips on how I can conserve water or extend my watering days?
The Guzzler
Dear Guzzler,
Consider putting in some drip irrigation. This can help in conserving not just water but your time as well. Irrigation can be placed on a timer to make it easy for you to keep you plants happy and your wallet a tad fuller. Another tip is using an “olla”, it’s a terracotta pot that you fill with water, it’s placed in the ground and water slowly disperses into the ground. Many places sell them, or you can even make your own.
Dear Comalito,
Some of my beds are looking a little bare after harvesting and removing a few things that just didn’t make it. We’re in the middle of summer, is there anything I can plant to fill the spaces.
Looking Sparse
Dear Sparse,
Consider planting some herbs like rosemary, dill, oregano, or thyme. Most herbs do well in the heat and will bush out making those spaces look less empty. It’s always nice to add a little bit of flavor from your garden in your home cooked meals.