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Rockwall County Master Gardener Summer 2023 Newsletter
June - July - August
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Summer Classes: Stay tuned for a Fall Vegetable Gardening class in July. Also, Timely Topics on Turf, a free, virtual mini session - June 6th at 6:30 p.m. Check our website to register and receive the Zoom link. More mini (20 minute) sessions coming this summer. | |
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Farmers Market is here!
Come visit us at the Rockwall Farmers Market the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 8am-12pm. May-September.
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Interested in becoming a Rockwall County Extension Master Gardener? Deadline to submit an application is June 24th. Click here for details. | |
Todd's Timely Tidbits
By Rockwall County Extension Agent Todd Williams
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Drought tolerant plants does not mean they can live without water.
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When plant labels say plant in full sun – check to see if they can take full sun in Texas. Because in Texas, with sun comes excessive heat.
- If you are growing okra, remember it must get hot enough for the plants to set pods. You may not like it hot, so choose your garden chores wisely.
- If the label says harvest fruit @ 120 days, don’t expect the plant to have fruit ready in 10, 30, or even 60 days.
- Gardening is an exercise in patience. Why do I have to wait for that?
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Yes, the plants you buy come in different sizes but before you buy or plant them check the mature size – it may not fit your space.
- Yes, you do need to transplant your plants from the nursery pots to a decorative pot or in the ground if you expect them to live.
- It is more than acceptable that your flowers are not in constant bloom. Most people don’t wear a smile constantly, but we still appreciate them.
- If pumpkins are celebrated in the fall why do I have to plant them in the summer? See #4.
- Summer is a wonderful season. It’s just more wonderful in other areas not so hot.
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Composting: getting started | |
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The benefits of composting were discussed in the last edition of this newsletter. As a reminder composting is decomposing or converting organic waste to a stable, usable form. Aerobic conditions during the composting process yields fewer odors and unwanted pests and generally takes less time for the compost to mature.
“Where to put the compost heap?” and “Is a structure or container necessary for composting?” are some of the first questions asked when considering composting. This second article, in our four part series, will help answer some of those questions.
What is the best site for composting?
The preferred site for composting should allow the pile to interact with the atmosphere. That being said, the compost pile should not have direct exposure to sun, wind, or rain or be in a location subject to continual dampness or poor drainage. Too much sun dries out and may overheat the pile which results in the inability for needed micro-organisms to survive. The wind can also dry out the composting material and/or reduce the temperature. Too much moisture will lead to packing of the materials in the pile resulting in anaerobic activity.
The ease and convenience of moving materials into and out of the pile and turning the pile regularly are important considerations when siting your compost pile.
How much space is needed to compost?
A critical mass of organic material is necessary for efficient composting. Texas A&M researchers recommend a compost pile at least 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and 3 to 5 feet high. This size supports optimum temperatures and frequent turning for aeration of the materials.
What types of structures are recommended for the compost pile?
Composting can occur without any structure or special equipment by simply placing organic material in a pile outdoors and leaving it to passively decompose. However, the compost from a well-built and managed pile will be ready for use sooner and will be more pleasant to work with than the untended pile of debris left to compost. Various types of compost structures have proven useful. These include pits dug in the ground, 30-40 gallon black, outdoor garbage bags, trash cans with holes drilled on the side for air flow and in the bottom for drainage, barrels on frames allowing frequent turning, and holding pins structured from chicken wire, wooden pallets, or concrete blocks. The pit and garbage bag options, the most simple and least costly structures, will compost in anaerobic conditions and take longer to mature. The other options allow frequent aeration or turning and ability to add organic material throughout the process.
What other equipment is recommended for composting?
Equipment needed for management of your compost includes a turning tool such as shovel, pitch fork or auger, a compost thermometer with a long, sturdy stem, and access to a water source. A tarp to cover an unprotected compost heap may also be necessary during heavy or prolonged rain. A shredder/chipper may be needed if composting woody material or large amount of brown leaves.
Additional resources:
Earth-Kind® Composting Structures and Guide to Composting
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If you see something like this...
Stay calm and stay away. It’s swarm season, so if you find a colony of bees, leave them alone and keep others away. Do not shoot, throw rocks at, try to burn or otherwise disturb the bees. Do not attempt to control them with aerosol sprays. Don’t disturb or tease bees, and do not try to remove bees yourself. Instead, contact a professional who can safely rescue, remove, and relocate the bees:
Texas Apiary Inspection Service
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Flowers in your food? Grow flowers and eat them too! | |
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In the past ten years, edible flowers have gone from simply a colorful garnish to an ingredient in smoothies and restaurant and bakery cuisine to becoming Instagram stars (check out #edibleflowers). Flowers bring lively flavors, hues and textures to butters, salads, soups, casseroles and desserts. But can you actually eat them?
The term “edible” indicates that the flower was grown in a food-safe way, meaning it wasn't treated with unsafe pesticides or preservatives. This is very important. You can’t just grab a flower from a florist, garden center or even the forest without knowing what it has been treated with. It also means that the flower doesn’t naturally contain any compounds generally identified as dangerous or toxic. By growing your own edible flowers, you are assured of their freshness and that they are grown organically. Perhaps some of the plants you already grow from seed to beautify your home have edible flowers.
Eating flowers is not a weird or unusual gastronomic endeavor. The use of edible flowers dates back centuries. There is not one identifiable point in history that this practice began. Ancient Roman, Greek, and Chinese herbalists had plenty to say on the benefits of eating flowers. Incas, Aztecs, and Hindus also chose to include edible flowers in some of their religious rituals. Edible flowers were particularly popular during Queen Victoria’s reign. Currently there are many health claims about the benefits of eating plants - nutritional value, dietary minerals, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the amount needed to be ingested and the health effects are not yet officially established. Importantly, if you have any health issues you should verify with your health professional that they are safe for you.
Borage, calendulas (pot-marigolds), carnations (pinks), chamomile, chrysanthemums, dandelions, daylilies, dianthus, gardenias, geraniums, gladiolus, hibiscus, honeysuckle, lavenders, lilies, marigolds (lemon gem and tangerine gem only), nasturtiums, pansies, peonies, primroses, purslane, roses, squash blossoms, sweet violets and yucca blossoms have different edible portions that can be used in culinary creations. When portions of edible flowers are desired, pull petals or edible portions from fresh flowers and snip off the petals from the base of the flower. Remember always to wash flowers thoroughly and make certain all chemical or organic pesticides have been removed. Give them a gentle bath in salt water and then dip the petals in ice water to perk them up. Drain on paper towels.
Some common ideas for edible flowers:
- Use petals to garnish cupcakes or cocktails.
- Mince flowers and add to butter or spreads.
- Dried flowers can be used to flavor teas.
- Squash blossoms can be stuffed with cheese.
Are all edible flowers actually worth eating? Appreciation for their taste will vary from person to person. In the end, what is best about edible flowers is that they are as beautiful in the garden as they are tasty in the kitchen.
Additional resources: Growing Edible Flowers and Edible Flowers
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Featured Texas Superstar®
Tagetes erecta
It isn't easy for a plant to be named a Texas Superstar®. Only the toughest, most reliable plants make the cut after rigorous field testing at demonstration trials across the state of Texas. Mari-mum, an annual, earned the Texas Superstar® designation in 2013. Consider planting Mari-mums, also referred to as African Marigolds, as a replacement for fall mums.
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Vegetable gardening with Laura! | |
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A common refrain among gardeners and farmers is “Well I hope this year is better than the last!” After the brutal summer we experienced last year, this is especially true now. Texas summers are often known for being hot, where okra thrives, and tomatoes stop producing – but last summer had us looking for creative ideas to deal with the heat and lack of rain. A few things to consider –
- Mulch, Mulch, MULCH! Properly mulching helps retain moisture for your plants and saves you on your water bill!
- Consider installing shade cloth. If your garden gets full sun, especially in the afternoons and evenings, shade cloth can be beneficial in giving plants a little bit of a break.
- Put out water for birds and pollinators. The small harvests achieved last summer were often ruined by birds. Sometimes birds aren’t hungry, they are just desperate for the moisture inside your produce. Put out a source of water and birds may leave your harvests alone. Our pollinators need water too! I put out shallow dishes (pot saucers work great) with just a little water in the bottom. Put pebbles or gravel for bees and butterflies to perch on and drink. Change out the water when you water the garden to keep mosquitoes from taking over.
June
Seed – Cantaloupe, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Watermelon
Transplant – Cucumber, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes
July
Seed – Beans (pole, bush), Black-eyed Peas, Cantaloupe, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Watermelon, Winter Squash, Zucchini
Transplant – Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Peppers, Pumpkins, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Indoors* – Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Greens (Collard, Mustard), Peppers, Spinach, Tomatoes
*Start vegetables by seed indoors and you’ll be ready with transplants in the fall!
August
Seed – Beans (pole, bush), Black-eyed Peas, Corn, Cucumber, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Zucchini
Transplant – Cucumber, Okra, Pumpkins, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Indoors – Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Greens (Collard, Mustard), Peppers, Spinach, Tomatoes
Herbs
Remember to harvest your herbs in a timely fashion, to keep them from being leggy and stressed in the heat. For the best flavor, harvest in the early morning. Be cognizant that potted herbs will dry out faster than in ground and will require more frequent watering. Remember placing pots on a sunny patio, while aesthetically pretty, can put undue stress on the plant from the hot concrete or stone.
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PLANT
- Hot-weather annuals for color, especially into patio pots.
- Tropical plants to enhance pool and patio settings.
- Shop for Crape myrtles while they are in full bloom to ensure the color, some local nurseries will let you buy in the summer and plant in the fall.
PRUNE
- Spent flowers, seed heads and browned foliage off spring blooming perennials.
- Cut leggy annuals back to keep them compact.
- To prevent the spread of oak wilt, wait to prune oak trees until late summer or early fall.
- Prune spent Vitex & Crape Myrtle blooms to encourage reblooming.
FERTILIZE
- Patio pots and hanging baskets with diluted, water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer with each watering.
- Bermuda turf with all-nitrogen fertilizer if it has been more than 8-10 weeks. Repeat every 8-10 weeks. Avoid applications of high rates of soluble N fertilizer on St. Augustine or zoysia due to gray leaf spot.
TASKS
- Mow grass regularly and often to the recommended height (1½” for Bermuda; 2” for St. Augustine and Zoysia). Let mulched grass clippings stay on lawn.
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Check more frequently for needed supplemental watering.
- Maintain a two inch layer of mulch around all plants in beds and pots.
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Apply a second application of pre-emergent weed control during the first 2 weeks of June for summer weeds such as crabgrass. Pull emerged weeds or use a post emergent herbicide to spot treat weeds such as dandelion, henbit & clover. Not sure which weeds you have, check out Weeds of Texas Turf.
OBSERVE
- Damaging insects, web worms and diseases causing damage to plants and turf.
- Seek treatment early to prevent more damage.
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Save time, money, water and prevent weeds by increasing your mowing height
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Does this plant have the measles? Is it a lollipop plant? Did Dr. Seuss imagine it? No, it’s a wool sower gall. The small wool sower gall wasp lays her eggs in white oak trees. When the eggs hatch in the spring, the grubs induce this growth called a "gall." The gall contains seed-like structures where the wasps develop. These wasps are about 1/8 inch long, dark brown, and their abdomens are noticeably flattened from side to side. The grubs are translucent to white, plump, and legless. Learn more here. | |  |
Hairstreaks are spiffy little butterflies that are named for the hair-like markings found on their underwings. Most have thin, twin tails (sometimes two pairs of tails) on the trailing edge of their hindwings, with bright blue/blue and orange eyespots nearby. Pictured is a Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops). | | |
| What do you struggle with the most during summer gardening in Texas? | | | |
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Spring Poll Results:
33% of poll takers answered our spring pop quiz correctly. Which food crop (almonds, apples, raspberries or grapes) is NOT from the rose (Rosaceae) family? The answer is grapes! The rose family is considered one of the six most economically important food crop plant families. Grapes, however, come from the family Vitaceae.
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Rockwall County Master Gardener Association
915 Whitmore, Suite B
Rockwall, Texas 75087
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Wednesday Gardening Hot Line: “Ask a Master Gardener!” Volunteers will be answering calls and emails every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Call (972) 204-7660 or email us anytime at: rockwallmg@ag.tamu.edu | |
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EnviroSmart
Michele Campbell, Editor
Contributors: Judy Callicoatt, Virginia Davis, Sarah Lawson, Polly Mosley, Kim Townsend, Laura Wheelis, Todd K. Williams, Debora Zerneri
EnviroSmart is published by: Rockwall County Master Gardener Association part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas A&M University System. The information given herein is for education purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is implied.
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Todd Williams - County Extension Agent
Ag/ Natural Resources
972-204-7660
tk-williams@tamu.edu
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County of Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
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