Timi DeBusk
Master Gardener, Master Naturalist
June 2008
Wow! Have you recovered from our recent "showers"? First came the hail and then came the winds. We had a 1-2 punch here in the Tow area. We did get some much needed rain, but at what price?
The hail took its toll. Our most significant damage from the hail was in the veggie garden. It really beat down my pepper plants. Mother Nature has a way of keeping us humble. We thought we were getting the jump this year because of the mild weather with no late frosts. Surprise! Hail!
Just as we were comparing stories of how large the hail was, along came the winds (many are sure there was a tornado involved). I am not sure about that, but I am sure that in the six years that we have been here, nothing has had me more sure I was heading to Oz. I had to go around and straighten the pictures on my walls-our house shook that bad. We are so glad that we pruned our trees so thoroughly last fall. If your trees are still standing (I know many who lost theirs) may I recommend that you pencil in for fall a major tree pruning. If you have questions about whether you can do this yourself, come by and let’s talk about it. There are a few rules for successful and correct tree pruning and it is hard to give full instructions in this limited space. Also, I know that fall is a ways off and you may forget by then. Just make a mental note for your "to do" list. Those branches that came down in the storm are nature’s way of "pruning". There is a safer and healthier way.
Let’s talk about wasps for a second. The very sight of a wasp sends some into a tail spin. They are so beneficial, especially the red wasp. Pecans trees are native Texans, such a wonderful tree. Web worms think so too. Did you know that wasps feed on web worms? Webworms were never a problem until the 1950’s or so when we became so 'smart' and started spraying so many things with insecticides. We were killing the good with the bad. So many of the beneficial insects are affected when we indiscriminately spray poisons. My advice is to be judicious with chemical controls. I often mention that fire ants and really noxious weeds (i.e.: Johnson grass) are the only 2 things that I bring out the big guns for. I have to keep the fire ants to a minimum because they are not a good thing in an RV park, ditto for weeds under and around RVs.
I mentioned last year the solarizing method of ridding your area of weeds. Let’s review. I found this to be a very effective method of clearing an area of weeds. It does require 5-6 weeks when you can not use this area however. Cut back existing weeds with a weed eater or mower. Water thoroughly. Cover with 'clear' plastic. Secure the plastic with long nails or place bricks to hold it down. Forget it for about 6 weeks. Very effective.
One other thing that you may think I talk about too often, is composting. If you are not yet composting, just try a small, small area. Once you see the end product, you will be so converted. Composting requires some green (grass clippings, kitchen waste, even weeds), some brown (dead leaves, manures, dirt), moisture (a good sprinkling every few days when it doesn’t rain) and air (requires turning or stirring once a week or so). If you even start with a flower pot and make a small batch, it will amaze you what rich, sweet mixture you will have within a short amount of time. This is a great lesson for adults, but think what it can teach children about the wonders of nature. One common mistake composters make is in mounding their pile. If you make a little valley in the top it is more efficient in collecting the moisture and speeding up the process.
May I take a little space here for a commercial announcement of sorts? Many of you know that if you come by and I am not at the front, I have the phone on the counter inside with the number to call me at the house (3 seconds away). Please step inside and dial the phone. If I have to be away from the property and you can’t reach me, you are welcome to shop and make a list of what you have and we can settle up at your convenience. This is Tow – we are neighbors.
Take care to not sunburn or over heat. Drink plenty of water when you are outside. You have all heard that Aloe Vera is good for sunburn. The most effective, is straight from the plant. When you buy aloe vera in the bottles you will notice there are other ingredients, most often, alcohol. Ouch. We should all have a pot of aloe growing somewhere around our homes. Just cut a stem, slice it lengthwise and scrap out the gel and apply. It is one of nature’s miracles.
Enjoy the outdoors this June; remember July, August & September are coming along with the hot weather.
Happy gardening - Timi
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