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Breaking the Plastic Cycle: Shifting to Long-Term Timber Flats and Coco Coir Pots
For years, my spring and autumn sowing routines followed a predictable, frustrating rhythm. I would pull stacked thermoplastic plug trays and cell packs out of storage, only to watch them crack, warp, and crumble under the sun. This season, I drew a line in the sand. I am moving away from single-use petroleum design and…
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The Tools and the Craftsman
On Being Sharpened for Service I spent some time recently in the shop, going through the “TO-DO” list. At the top of that list was a simple but tedious task: find files and sharpen tools. When you’re in the middle of the season, it’s easy to ignore a dull edge. You just push harder. You…
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Washing The Slate
How Water Shapes the Landscape—And Our Inner Geography “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm51:7 January does not ask us to begin loudly. The land is quiet now. Creeks are low. Soil holds together more tightly than it did in spring. And yet, even in restraint, water continues its patient work—moving sediment,…
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Gardener’s Gifts: Where to Find the Best Tools and Supplies
If you’re gardening in South Texas, you know that our soil, heat, and seasons play by their own rules. You can’t just buy any shovel or any fertilizer and expect a miracle. You need the right gear and the right advice. Luckily, San Antonio is home to some legendary nurseries that are about more than…
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November: The Steward’s Time of Quiet Preparation in Central Texas
November often brings a deceptive calm to the South Central Texas garden. The scorching heat has finally relented, giving way to cooler, crisper mornings. While many gardeners associate this month with putting things “to bed,” trusted sources like Doug Welsh’s almanac and the wisdom shared by Central Texas Gardener remind us that November is not…
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August – Surviving (Maybe Not Thriving) in the South Central Texas Garden
August in South Central Texas. Just the words conjure up images of shimmering heat, relentless sunshine, and the distinct sound of cicadas buzzing their summer song. For gardeners, it can feel more like a test of endurance than a leisurely hobby. But don’t despair! While the intense heat definitely dictates what thrives, you can still…
