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September tips for a beautiful
Water-wise landscape
By Winola VanArtsdalen
Finally, we are just a couple of weeks enough to withstand cold weather in the Winola is a Williamson County
away from fall planting time! Gar- early part of the year. Seeing those little Master Gardener, a member of
deners are eager to plant from early green plants coming up encourages the the Sun City Garden Club and a
spring on, but fall is the best time. In gardener, knowing that spring is coming. member of the Sun City Water Wise
the north, spring planting lets the plants Just do not mistake them for weeds and Task Force.
develop roots to be strong to survive the pull them!
cold winter. Here, they need to grow roots Master Gardeners and other
through our mild winter; better to pre- Wildflowers do not need rich soil, but experienced gardeners are available
pare for survival during the hot sum- they must have drainage and competing to answer questions a half hour
mer. In mid-September we usually have weeds should be removed before planting. before Sun City Garden Club
a distinct change in weather, presenting You can plant them in beds between and meetings each month. The Garden
the ideal time for planting! around shrubs or give them one concen- Club meets the second Wednesday
trated area for greater impact. Most seeds of each month beginning with the
Early this month, take advantage of cool are tiny, so it helps to mix them with sand question and answer period at
temps early in the morning and evenings for even spreading. Loosen and rake back 12:30 p.m.
to prepare beds. Soil preparation is es- the soil or poke holes through the mulch
sential. For new beds, add at least a third so seeds make contact with the soil. Many – September 15-30: If you have large
compost and any additional materials seeds need light to germinate so barely brown, circular areas appearing when
like granite sand or expanded shale to cover, if at all. Some seeds, such as blue the weather cools, you may have brown
give additional drainage. For existing bonnets, must be scarified before plant- patch. You can use a preventive spray
beds, add compost in spring and/or fall, ing, so follow packet instructions or ask in late September and again two or
as well as when adding new plants. Na- the person who shared seeds with you. three weeks later. Avoid extra water
tive plants such as santolina, Blackfoot and fertilizer.
daisy and pink skullcap do not need as Press the seed into the soil by pressing
much compost as they are accustomed with your hands or a board. Usually, – You can spread one-fourth to one-half
to survival in poor soils. They just need Mother Nature will take care of the inch top dressing, compost or mix of
good drainage. watering, but seeds do need to be kept soil and compost, after weather cools.
moist, not soaked, during the germina- Organics will not only add nutrients
It is always best to prepare the soil in a tion period. If wildflower planting fails, to soil, but increase moisture holding
planting area - either for a whole bed or it is usually because seeds were too deep capacity. Do not spread top dressing
one plant - in advance. Cover with mulch or plants were mistaken for weeds and in hot weather, as high nitrogen will
and give microorganisms time to work. pulled up in early spring! burn turf.
Now that the long, hot summer has left its SEPTEMBER GARDENING TIPS
marks on your lawn, consider changing Source: Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension
to groundcover or other plants in some – September is a good time to plant or Service.
areas. Where will you most save water divide and replant groundcovers so
from your sprinkler system? Is there a they can develop a root system over Horticulture Questions:
place where you could enjoy a small con- the winter, be established and fill in Contact Williamson County AgriLIFE
versation area or point of interest instead space by spring.
of just turf? Extension Office at
– When weather cools, watch for rainy 512-943-3300
When can you plant wildflowers? I al- weather and be sure to turn off
ways keep in mind October 1 as the target sprinkler systems, not only to save S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 SUNRAYS | 97
date, but, of course, that can vary by a few water, but to prevent soggy conditions
weeks, depending on the weather. Do not detrimental to plants.
plant early in September, as it is still too
hot for new seedlings coming up. After – Protect your young trees from deer
mid-September, if weather cools, you can rubbing antlers on bark. One strategy
plant. In the Midwest, my mother always is to use wire mesh fencing in a
threw out seeds on the first snow, but that cylinder around shrubs and trees.
would not work for us! We plant early in
fall for the plant to come up and be strong TURF
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG – September 1: Apply pre-emergent for
annual winter weeds.
