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Candlemas & Climate
Weather Prediction Folklore vs. Texas Reality Candlemas sits quietly on the calendar, early February, balanced between winter’s grip and the promise of spring. For centuries it has carried the weight of prediction. Folk sayings claim that a bright Candlemas day means winter will linger, while clouds foretell an early thaw. These sayings are old, practical,…
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Dormancy is Not Death: What the Soil Does While We Wait
The calendar has turned to December, and for those of us practicing stewardship in South Central Texas, the garden has settled into its annual stillness. The basil is gone, the vines are cut back, and the live oaks, though ever-present, cast shadows over beds that appear, at first glance, empty. In this deep quiet, it…
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Searing September Gardening
As the scorching summer heat begins to wane, September ushers in a new season of opportunity for gardeners in South Central Texas. The slightly milder temperatures and shorter days make this month the perfect time to transition your garden from a summer scorched-earth policy to a lush, productive fall oasis. Whether you’re a seasoned green…
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Get Some Fowl When Grasshoppers Go Afoul
Imagine your garden as a verdant kingdom, and the grasshopper as a relentless, leaf-devouring invader. But fear not, for a feathery brigade stands ready to defend your precious crops! Turkeys: The Ground Guardians These majestic birds are not just for Thanksgiving feasts; they are formidable hunters of the ground. Like silent sentinels patrolling the soil, turkeys…
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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…
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Embracing the Heat in Your Garden
June in South Central Texas As the mercury rises in South Central Texas, June ushers in a new phase for gardeners. While the intense heat might make you want to retreat indoors, there are still plenty of rewarding tasks and opportunities to keep your garden thriving and beautiful. This month is all about adapting to…
