JULY 201 4 SUNRAYS | 81
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
July and August are the real test for
how well you have been following Water
Wise techniques. What best helps your
landscape survive the summer heat and
drought?
Organics
Organics give your plants, including turf,
necessary nutrients while also helping soil
retain more moisture. If you added com-
post earlier, you will now be glad you did.
If not, wait until fall. The high nitrogen
in top dressing would burn your turf and
bedding plants in the Central Texas heat.
Irrigation
Check your irrigation system to be sure
the heads are working properly, are
turned correctly to reach the landscaped
area and not the street, and that water is
applied in droplets, not a fine mist. (Most
of mist is lost and never reaches the soil.)
If you have been watering deeply and
infrequently, your plants, including turf,
should have developed a deep root struc-
ture to be better prepared for survival
through the Texas summer.
Mowing & Mulching
When mowing, “Don’t bag it!” Leave that
green on the lawn for added nutrients
and shade. Bermuda grass needs more
frequent mowing at a lower height ex-
cept during drought. During drought, a
mowing height of 3 inches to 3.5 inches
height is recommended. When mow-
ing any type grass, never take off more
than one third leaf area. Maintenance
of mowing equipment is also extremely
important. Blades must be sharpened
often to avoid damaging blades of grass.
Be sure planting beds are mulched to
regulate soil temperature, keep out
weeds, and help moisture retention.
July Tips for a Beautiful
Water Wise Landscape
Next month
:
Next month, join
me for design considerations for
your landscape.
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
Fertilizing
Hopefully, you use slow-release fertil-
izer and read the label. Follow recom-
mendations for your area for when to
fertilize. The
Sun Rays
, by way of the
CA Landscaping Staff and this article,
gives Texas A&M recommendations for
you throughout the year.
In “normal”
years, it is recommended that Bermuda
grass be fertilized August 1-15, but not
in drought.
If you have special problems with your
lawn, get a soil test and/or consult the
Help Desk at the Williamson County
Texas A&MAgriLIFE Extension Office
at 512-943-3300.
JUly GARDENING TIPS
• Check your sprinkler system. Re-
member, trees and bushes need slow
watering: hose drip, drip from bucket,
or soaker hose.
• Water only as needed. If a plant ap-
pears wilted in the evening, wait to
see if it has recovered the next morn-
ing. Wilting may be just the plant’s
“drought strategy” for survival. Some
perennials even go dormant in July
and August. Be a patient, water wise
gardener!
• Avoid planting now, as too much wa-
tering will be required.
• Remove spent blossoms and prune
plant tips for prettier growth and
more blooms.
• Remove damaged wood from shrubs
and bushes as necessary, but always
paint any wound on oak trees, any
size, any season.
• Eliminate sources of standing water,
such as trays below flower pots and
old containers. Be sure your gutters
are clean and functioning properly to
avoid future problems not only with
mosquitoes, but also with termites
and water damage.
• Use the least toxic solution for insect
problems. Often, a hard water spray
will get rid of spider mites and other
pests.
For lawn care in drought, see the Texas
A&Mpublication: publications.tamu.edu/
TURF_LANDSCAPE/PUB_turf_Keep
Your Lawn Alive During Drought.pdf.
Source: Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
Service
Horticulture Questions:
Contact Williamson County
AgriLIFE Extension Office at
512-943-3300.
