Autumn best time for planting perennials

Thank you firefighters, first responders and volunteers for all you do!

First day of Autumn is Tuesday, Sept. 22 this year. Fall is a wonderful time for planting perennials. By planting in the fall perennials have the opportunity to establish deep healthy roots over the cooler months providing for robust spring growth and a better resistance to drought aka Texas summers.

Native Grasses When you are walking out the

When you are walking out the door to go for a morning walk, or an evening jog, swing by your kitchen and grab a paper lunch bag or two. Along county/country roads you will see many native grasses such as: Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, Sideoats Grama (The State grass of Texas), Switchgrass, Canadian Rye, and others; that are ripe for seed gathering.

If possible, carry a marker with you to label the bags. It’s easier to know what plant the seed came from when you are looking at the plant. Also, if you carry a smartphone, take a picture of the grass you are collecting from for future reference or to double check your identification. Come January through April, you can plant your Native grass seeds.

Pumpkins

How are your pumpkin plants looking for Halloween Jack-olanterns and pumpkin desserts?

Fun facts about Pumpkin Production from Texas AgriLife Crop Briefs. Did you know that Texas is the fourth leading state in commercial pumpkin production? And that 5,000 to 8,000 acres are planted annually in Texas.

Scorpions

Have you noticed scorpions inside your home where they aren’t welcome? Maybe even in your kitchen sink. It’s really hard to spray them down the drain. You spray the water and they keep trying to climb up the sides, no matter how good your water pressure is. No one likes to get stung. And if you’ve never been stung, don’t add it to your bucket list. Here are some tips on how to keep them outside:

1) Move debris and wood away from your home.

2) Walk around your home. If you see space around a pipe, fill the space. If there are cracks, crevices fill them with copper mesh or steel wool. The scorpions are sneaky and want a cooler, moister place to hang out til the hot summer is over. They are searching for all possible points of entry.

3) Keep the grass touching your home closely mowed.

Unfortunately, a sign saying “No Solicitors or Scorpions welcome” doesn’t keep the nocturnal, striped bark scorpion away.

Gentle Reminder: Do NOT throw corn-gluten (or any type or broad leaf pre-emptive, preventive) where you plan to plant your wildflowers.

Till next time, Keep your souls and soles in your garden! Remember the True Master Gardener: Jesus said, “I am the vine; my Father is the Gardener.” John 15:1

Have questions or comments? Contact Bill at The Luedecke Group Realtors (512) 577-1463 or email bill@texasland.net. Or contact Martelle Luedecke (512) 769-3179 at luedeckephotography@gmail.com.