Page 30 - 561141_Sun City_November 2015

November tips for a beautiful
Water Wise landscape
By Winola VanArtsdalen
IWÀQDOO\IHHOVOLNHIDOODQGZLQWHULV not wet. After removing existing grass
just around the corner. Now is the
time to think soil preparation and
improvement for optimum plant growth.
Next year’s success depends upon your
efforts now!
Our clay soil is called “heavy soil” as par- to retain moisture and improve drain-
ticles are tightly packed. Added organic
matter will give this soil more pore space
with ability to hold water and nutrients
and enable the roots to grow faster and
spread further. Such ensures healthier
plants that will survive through our
changeable weather patterns. Unfortu-
QDWHO\FRQVWUXFWLRQDQGIRRWWUDIÀFFDQ care to avoid the stems and tree trunks.
greatly reduce air and water space in ideal
soil, so we have work to do!
When starting a new bed it is recommend-
ed that you have soil tested to determine
special needs of your soil. Go to http://
VRLOWHVWLQJWDPXHGXÀOHVXUEDQVRLOSGI and organic matter from blowing away,
For best results, prepare soil at least a
month ahead of time. Dig when it is moist,
Proper soil preparation in the fall leads
to healthier plants in the spring.
28 | SUNRAYS NOVEMBER 2015
Winola is a Williamson County
and weeds, loosen soil over the entire area.
Mix in 3-6” decomposed organic matter,
also known as compost. For additional
drainage, you can add decomposed gran-
ite or expanded shale. Expanded shale is
expensive, but is long-lasting and helps
age. This is because after shale is mined,
ground and heated, cavities develop, mak-
ing the shale capable of absorbing water
and releasing it slowly as needed.
To improve existing landscape beds,
add an inch of composted organic mat-
ter around plants each season, taking
• If transplanting perennials, do so now,
Cover with 2-3” of mulch. Organic mulch
is preferred, as inorganic mulch usually
contains rock, which generates heat and
does not offer additional nutrients. Or-
ganic mulch is a life saver for plants as it
prevents weeds, keeps roots moist, pre-
vents valuable top soil from drying out
plant nutrients. Rake into a pile and
extends periods between watering and
insulates to moderate temperature, all
while inviting earthworms to stay to do
their valuable work of enriching and aer-
ating the soil.
Your turf needs friable soil with good
drainage and nutrients, too. Spread ½-1”of
ÀQHRUJDQLFPDWWHUFRPSRVWRUWRSGUHVV- You may need to cover if there is a hard
ing and water on. You can do this any
time of year except hot weather, when
the added nitrogen in the compost could
burn the turf. Your turf will not only have
added nutrients, but the drainage and
moisture holding capacity of the soil will
increase.
For further information on improv-
ing landscape soils, go to http://aggie-
KRUWLFXOWXUHWDPXHGXHDUWKNLQGÀOHV
2010/10/soilimprovement.pdf.
NOVEMBER GARDENING TIPS
• After frost, clean up debris. Plant
groundcovers, woody ornamentals,
shrubs, roses, trees and woody vines.
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
experienced gardeners are available
to answer questions a half hour
before Sun City Garden Club
meetings each month. The Garden
Club meets the second Wednesday
of each month beginning with
the question/answer period at
12:30 p.m.
but for most shrubs and trees, I prefer
transplanting after a hard freeze, not
just a light fall frost. Do be prepared
to protect if there is a freeze soon after
transplanting.
• Leaves are a free, natural source of
mow through several times.
• Shop for bulbs while in supply at
nurseries to have them ready to plant.
• November is best time to plant
groundcovers, as their shallow roots
are hard to establish in hot weather.
IUHH]HWKHÀUVW\HDUDIWHUSODQWLQJ
Source: Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension
Service.
Horticulture Questions:
Contact Williamson County AgriLIFE
Extension Office at
512-943-3300
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG