NOVEMBER 2013
SUNRAYS | 27
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
Make plans now to improve your soil for
a better year-round landscape. To learn
about your soil’s needs, you can have a
soil test for specific recommendations.
Go to
/
soilwebform.pdf for submittal form with
instructions.
TOP DRESSINg: NOW’S THE TIME
TO APPLY!
To improve moisture retention in turf
or flowerbeds, you need as much soil
with organics as possible below the
turf. You can slowly build up your soil
while increasing moisture retention by
spreading top dressing, a fine compost
that you can purchase at a reputable
nursery. In the heat of summer, top
dressing would burn your grass, but
fall is the perfect time to apply! Spread
one-fourth to one-half inch thick― it will
pay dividends in next summer’s heat and
drought.
SOIL AMENDMENTS
Youmay have heard the commonmedical
phrase, “First, do no harm.” This phrase
also applies to amending soil in your
flowerbeds. Never work soil that is
wet, for you can damage soil structure
to an extent from which it may never
recover. Soil should be moist enough to
hold together in your hand, then easily
break apart. If it sticks to your spade,
wait for it to dry a little. On the other
hand, if it is powdery dry, add moisture
and wait several hours or until the next
day to work with it. A garden fork is
recommended rather than a spade for
tilling, as it disturbs soil structure less.
How do you recognize correctly amended
soil? First off, your spade goes in the
soil easily. As described above, hold the
November Tips for a Beautiful
Water Wise Landscape
NEXT MONTH
:
Join me for ideas
to limit turf to reduce water usage.
Winola is a Williamson County
Master Gardener, a member of
the Sun City Garden Club and a
member of the Sun City Water Wise
Task Force.
Master Gardeners and other expe-
rienced gardeners are available to
answer questions a half hour be-
fore Sun City Garden Club meet-
ings eachmonth. The Garden Club
meets the secondWednesday of each
month beginning with the question/
answer period at 12:30 p.m.
By Winola VanArtsdalen
soil in your hand to test its moisture. If
it is too hard, add one-third to one-half
of an inch of compost. If more nutrients
are needed, again, add compost. A good
supply of nutrients in the soil will keep
plants healthy, which will protect them
from future insect/disease problems.
If your plants are unhealthy, and you
think you have a brown thumb, use more
compost!
If more drainage is needed, add some
granite sand and/or expanded shale.
Expanded shale is expensive, but it is
a long-term investment, as it does not
break down and, therefore, does not need
to be replaced like other amendments.
Expanded shale gives excellent drainage
and soil retention. How can this be? The
shale has been heated to such a high
temperature that it explodes, leaving
little holes in its structure that retains
moisture and then slowly releases it as
needed.
If the soil needs more acidity, you can use
cotton burr compost, which is available
right here in Sun City Texas at the
Horticulture Club’s Gardens.
NOVEMBER gARDENINg TIPS:
• Only water as needed. Continue
monthly irrigation check and watch
temperatures. If you have been
watering twice a week, you should
be able to cut that to once a week
now or not at all during periods of
adequate rain.
• Add compost for nutrients and mulch
for protection from temperature
extremes, or you can just add mulch
knowing that, as it breaks down, it
will add nutrients.
• If you plant now, be sure to mulch
well. This is a good time to plant
shrubs and trees to develop roots to
be well established for next summer.
• Check your landscape for bulbs that
need to be divided. Overcrowded bulb
plants will not bloom well.
• Remove dead and overgrown branches
from shrubs and trees not susceptible
to oak wilt.
• If you did not spread top dressing last
month, do so now to add nutrients
to the soil and help it retain more
moisture next summer.
Source: Texas Agrilife Extension Service
