The KPRC Radio Gardenline Tip By Randy Lemmon For 10-14-04 Printer-Friendly Version



Lots of Stuff To Do And Think About In October

There's so much to do and think about in Houston Gardening at this time of the year, that I thought it was time for another one of those "compilation" emails that have served you so well in the past.

We'll start with something fun, in regards to a tree identification. Many people are already calling and emailing about this particular tree that is going through its bloom-stage, if you will. It's the Golden Rain Tree and here is the email tip we produced on the subject from a year ago. And so you will know exactly what that beautiful looking tree is around town these days.

< http://kprcradio.com/pages/listenernewsletter/GardenTalk_10-30-03.htm >

Speaking of trees, this is one of the best, if not "the best" time of the year to do major transplant jobs of containerized trees and shrubs. In fact, I'm personally spear-heading two landscape revamps over the next two weeks. With that in mind, here is the email tip from last year as well explaining the logic behind October and November being the best landscaping months for Houston.

< http://kprcradio.com/pages/listenernewsletter/GardenTalk_10-16-03.htm >

While on the subject of Landscape Revamps, one of the other major projects that is considered to be critical during October is the "Dividing of Bulbs & Perennials." So, for those of you who have crowded bulbs or perennials, you will find this email tips very timely and instructional.

< http://kprcradio.com/pages/listenernewsletter/GardenTalk_10-23-03.htm >

Last, but certainly not least, October through November (or at least until our first serious cold spell) is the time to winterize the lawns. For those who have been following our Fertilization Schedule religiously, you already know the basics of this routine. There are three major steps that need to be done very soon.
  • 1. Brownpatch and Fungal Disease Control
  • 2. Pre-Emergent Herbicide to control winter weeds
  • 3. The Winterization Fertilization.

    And personally, that is the order I would put them down. My best advice is to wait a few days in between each application. However, if time is of the essence, then, by all means, put them down one right after another this coming weekend.

    In the meantime, here is the entire Lawn Fertilization Schedule that has worked so well for the GardenLine Faithful for years.

    < http://www.950kprc.com/gardenline-lawn.html >

    Specifically, with regards to the winterizing fertilizers, below is another tip sheet produced a couple of years ago, that explains why the Winterization treatment is quite possibly "The Most Important Fertilization You'll Ever Do."

    < http://kprcradio.com/pages/listenernewsletter/GardenTalk_10-24-02.htm >



    Until next issue, here's to Great Gardening from the GardenLine, heard exclusively weekend mornings from 8 to noon on Talkradio 950 KPRC.