Gardening/Yard questions

[jwb123]

Not only will you have to mow, but you will have to water... enjoy a low water bill for awhile!

[southdown]

Earthkind roses are great for Texan gardens....the growers planted various types without, water, compost etc, then left them to their own devices.

A year later, those which survived (and indeed blossomed!) were developed and are now on sale. I think they are lovely, especially the 'wilder' rambling kind

Earthkind roses link: Untitled Document (http://earthkindroses.tamu.edu/EKroses.html - broken link)

and more here

KLRU : Central Texas Gardener

[chickenfry]

we have had such a dry fall and winter we all need to be watering our grass once every ten days until we get a significan rainfall........even native buffalo needs some watering in this dry spell.........

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by jhwest

So if I overseed will I have to keep mowing all winter long too, or does it just kind of stay green but dormant?

You don't have to mow much. I overseed, and have to mow maybe 2-3 times while the rye grass is alive (Nov-March)... It doesn't grow real tall, it just gets a little shaggy. Plus, it chokes out most weeds, so you don't get unsightly wisps of taller stuff. I overseed because it's really nice to have a green backyard during the winter months when it can be perfect outdoor weather with no bugs or humidity.

Now, you do have to water significantly right after you overseed (unless you are lucky with Nov rains)... it will typically do well after that with minimal watering, but this season has been very dry. I haven't watered since overseeding, and there are some patchy areas starting to show up. That wouldn't normally happen. I should be watering a bit now to make up for the lack of winter rain thus far.

[neddy]

With bulbs you have to winter them in your fridge for a while then plant them to get them to bloom. We don't have a long enough cold spell to get them to bloom on their own most years.

[aaauger]

I've grown vegetables for years here in a raised bed. HappyTexan has the exact right list of resources. Also, you'll stand a better chance if you use varieties selected for Austin. Pick up a copy of Garden Guide for Austin by Travis County Master Gardener Association at Natural Gardener or Great Outdoors. (You'll be more likely to find local varieties at these nurseries too.) The guide includes local planting and growing seasons. It's an invaluable reference. Also learn about likely local pests and how to combat them (organically) before you have a problem. Ex. I always battle vine borers on my squash-type plants and hornworm on my tomato plants.