Winters in Texas run cool, hot and everywhere in-between. Though it is  impossible to predict what’s in store for the next month, it’s an ideal time to contemplate the year ahead. For 2008, a little planning can deliver beautiful results.

 

January

Till beds and add the best compost you can afford. If you establish and maintain healthy soil, you’ll create a welcoming environment for all plants, flowers and vegetables. Be prepared to cover outdoor plants to protect them from frost and freezes.

 

February

Prune trees and summer-blooming shrubs. Under story trees such as vitex and crepe myrtles should be pruned to maintain basic structure. Extreme butchering of crepe myrtles is not necessary and can result in fewer blooms.

 

March

Plant a culinary herb garden. Include low maintenance plants that you can clip and use throughout the season: chives, fennel, Mexican mint marigold, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, sorrel, thyme and bay. After our last frost, plant summer tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, peppers and squash.

 

April

Start maintenance program for lawn. Mow every 1 to 2 weeks. Water deeply once a week. Consider aeration to loosen the soil and give roots space to grow, or top-dress to return nutrients to the soil and provide a thicker, deeper soil structure, which will reduce the need for frequent watering. Leave clippings on lawn.   

 

May

It’s all about flowers, or at least until the heat sets in. Plant blue daze, cigar plant, coleus, columbine, copper plant, coreopsis, Shasta daisy, geranium, hibiscus, hollyhock, impatiens, pentas, Persian shield, plumbago, phlox, purple coneflower, rudebeckia, salvias, sedum, sunflower, yarrow and zinnia.

 

June

Practice non-chemical pest control. Traditional pesticides kill both harmful and beneficial pests and work their way into our soil and water. Instead, pick off pests by hand, use high-pressure water sprays and learn about less damaging products such as insecticidal soap and BT.

 

July

Protect your plants and trees from summer heat with a layer of good quality mulch. It will keep the soil cool, conserve moisture and significantly reduce weeds.

 

August

Take the time to prepare soil for your fall garden, which is the best time to grow plants of all kinds in Central Texas. During these hot, dry days, water deeply but not too often. Consider installing a drip irrigation system.

 

September

Enjoy and share the fruits of your labor. Cut flowers to display in a window. Take the time to divide perennials and share with a friend. Put together a basket of vegetables for a neighbor. Pick up tips at one of Austin’s 30-plus gardening clubs. See www.zilkergarden.org

 

October

Plant trees and shrubs as we head into cooler months. Over the fall and winter, trees have the time to lay down strong root systems to survive our intense summers. Make sure to mulch 3 to 4 inches deep around the base of trees and water regularly.        

 

November

This is an ideal time to plant bulbs such as alliums, crocus, daffodil, freesia, spider lily, Dutch iris, liriope, monkey grass and society garlic, among others. For the holidays, consider planting amaryllis, which blooms bright and showy in a pretty pot.

 

December

Our mild winters provide welcoming conditions for lettuces, spinach, parsley and cabbage. Get these in the ground early and enjoy fresh salads all winder long. Instead of offering more unwanted sweets for your holiday guests, you’ll always have greens to spare for those watching pounds.

 

Diana Hyland is a freelance writer, marketing professional and plant lover. She serves on the executive board of the Austin Herb Society and chairs the annual Herb Fest at the Sunset Valley Farmers Market. You can reach Diana at hylandink@austin.rr.com.