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March tips for a beautiful
Water-wise landscape
By Winola VanArtsdalen
It’s time to firm up your spring but also educated garden club staff and Winola is a Williamson County
gardening plans. Remember soil Master Gardeners will be available Master Gardener, a member of
preparation is key! Amended soil will to help you with choices. Mark your the Sun City Garden Club and a
not only give plants needed nutrients calendar for these two plant sales: member of the Sun City Water Wise
to be healthier and save later problems Task Force.
but the soil will have better moisture Sun City Horticulture Club Sale:
retention and save water as well. If at Saturday, March 19, 141 Sun City Master Gardeners and other
all possible, put in stepping stones where Boulevard in Sun City. experienced gardeners are available
needed to reach plants for maintenance to answer questions a half hour
to avoid walking on soil, as this can Williamson County Master Gardeners before Sun City Garden Club
cause soil compaction. plant sale: Saturday, April 2, Texas meetings each month. The Garden
AgriLIFE Extension, 3151 Inner Loop, Club meets the second Wednesday
An important part of planning for water Georgetown, TX, 78626. of each month beginning with the
conservation in your garden is the proper question and answer period at
use of irrigation. Drip irrigation puts Be sure to make plans to attend the Sun 12:30 p.m.
water right at the roots of the plants, City Garden Tour for an exceptional
where it is needed, thus making them opportunity to learn about beautiful, opens up the soil for the roots to receive
healthier. Avoid getting water on the water-wise Sun City gardens. The tour air and helps it retain moisture.
leaves of the plants; this helps prevent is scheduled Saturday, May 14, and • Do not fertilize until after second
fungus, which could later cause problems Sunday, May 15. Advance ticket sales mowing of GRASS, not just weeds!
for you. begin Friday, April 1 online or at the • Fertilize Bermuda Hybrid turf in late
Member Services Office. March to early April and Buffalo and
For a water- and labor-saving landscape, Zoysia in late April to early May. If you
choose the right plant for the right MARCH GARDENING TIPS use top dressing, skip this fertilization,
place. Consider in your planning as it would be too much nitrogen.
sun and shade, air circulation, slope • Our average last frost date is March
and contrasting foliage and color for 15. Source: Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension
different seasons. Consider choosing Service.
plants that welcome wildlife as well. • Avoid wounds on oak trees February
Central Texas has so many beautiful through June because beetles that Horticulture Questions:
native and adapted plants available that carry fungus are most active in Contact Williamson County AgriLIFE
it just does not make sense to waste periods of mild temperature.
time and effort on fragile, out-of-place Extension Office at
plants. To help you with plant choice, • Avoid digging or walking on wet soil, 512-943-3300
the Sun City Garden Club has prepared as this will cause compaction.
a notebook with photos and descriptions M A R C H 2 0 1 6 SUNRAYS | 77
of plants suitable for our area. You can • Divide summer and fall-blooming
also purchase the Grow Green book by perennials when new shoots are about
Texas AgriLIFE extension and City of 3 inches tall.
Austin, “Native and Adapted Landscape
Plants of Central Texas,” at the Member • For bushier, fuller plants, pinch back
Services Office. the leading growth tips, stopping a
month before flowering.
Garden shows, gardening classes and
plant sales are locally held in March • Leave foliage on bulbs until it dies
and early April. Not only are the plants back, as this allows bulbs to store
at these sales fresh and healthy, having energy for next year’s blooms.
come directly from wholesale growers,
TURF
• Aerate soil when it is moist, not wet.
Some neighbors might get together to
rent an aerator, but be sure it is one
that removes plugs. Follow with a top
dressing of compost, if possible. This
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
