Author Archives: katherine.whitney
Don’t Bag It!
I am the daughter of a county extension agent, further proof that the apple does not fall far from the tree. In the late 1980’s, my dad worked on a project called “Don’t Bag It!” that encouraged homeowners to leave their grass clippings in the lawn, rather than bagging them. The goal was to help reduce landfill waste and use grass clippings to return nutrients back into the soil. When it came time for my first public speaking contest as a young 4-H member, my parents dressed me… Read More →
Fall Vegetables
This year I have talked to a lot of folks who started vegetable gardens for the very first time. The extra time at home has given families more time to enjoy outdoors, and gardening is a great activity to get some sunshine, exercise, and grow some fresh food. If you started a garden this year, do not think that the coming of cold weather means the end of your garden. Fall and winter is a great time for gardening in Texas! The shorter days and cooler temperatures make… Read More →
Ornamental Grasses
In the gardening world, there is always something interesting to see, no matter what season it is. During fall time in Texas, we get to see the beautiful colors of ornamental grasses. Fall is generally the time that grasses bloom. The inflorescence, or flowering part of the plant, opens and often has a soft, delicate color. Ornamental grasses in the landscape can be a beautiful way to add some color, texture, and movement. Just outside my office window is a field of King Ranch Bluestem. Normally I would… Read More →
Tree Diseases and Problems
Watch the Williamson County Master Gardener Monthly Meeting here. Master Gardener Wayne Rhoden gave a great talk on Tree Problems and Diseases. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kouH9u1dRkY&t=112s
Large Patch Fungus in Lawns
Does your lawn look like something from the movie “Signs” with Mel Gibson? Big circles of grass that is dying back? You are not alone, but fortunately this is just a fungus and not aliens! Large patch is a common disease of warm season turfgrass, especially St. Augustine and Zoysia grass in Texas. It is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. This fungus is present in the soil and thatch layer all year long, but it thrives in cooler temperatures when the soil is wet. We got a… Read More →
When Should You Plant a Tree – Now!
Summer has gone by so quickly this year, and it is hard to believe that we are almost into fall. This is great news for a gardener in Texas because we can do a lot of lawn and garden work in the fall, and we do not sweat quite as much while we do it! It might seem counter-intuitive but fall and winter are a great time to plant trees. Planting in the cooler months allows trees to develop a healthy root system before putting on new growth… Read More →
Soil Preparation
Today, I had a fun opportunity to teach a group of kids about the things plants need to thrive and grow. The list is pretty short: soil, light, water, air, and nutrients. One essential thing for a gardener to understand is the importance of soil because soil is the storehouse for water, air and nutrients and it provides a place for the plant to grow. If you are just getting started in gardening, start with some good soil preparation!
Late Summer Lawn and Garden Tasks
The year has gone by so fast, and it is hard to believe August is already almost over! Our lawns, trees, and gardens are certainly showing the signs of a hot, dry summer. This time of year, we are trying to keep things alive during the heat and starting to prepare for fall. Here are a few tips to help.
Cicada Killer
What’s Black and Yellow and Flies All Over? There is an insect in town that has everyone buzzing! This insect is black and yellow and can be up to 1 ½ inches long, and it flies. Can you guess what it is? You might be thinking about the Murder Hornet, or Asian Giant Hornet, that has been making the news for the last few months. Fortunately for us, the Asian Giant Hornet has not been found in Texas! But we do have a black and yellow wasp that… Read More →
Mystery Seeds Arrive in Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to mail those seeds to the location listed below for your state. If more than one location is listed for your state, please select the location closest to your residence. Instructions for Mailing Seed Packets: Place the unopened seed packet and any packaging, including the mailing label, in a mailing envelope. If the seed packets are open, first place the seeds and their packaging into a zip-lock bag, seal it, and then place… Read More →
