Hey, do you have questions about your garden or house plants? Then why not let me answer those questions for you? All you have to do is go to my video and place your question in the comments and allow me 24 hours and I will help you as best I can. I am a Texas Master Gardener and helping the gardening community is what we pride ourselves upon. So if you are a grower in the North Texas area or abroad and you have questions about soil, plants, watering or pests, I am your guy. Just let me know what you need in the comments, and I will help to the best of my ability.
Hello, fellow green thumbs! Brace yourselves for an exciting adventure as we embark on creating a lush, fragrant oasis in the heart of North Texas. Today, my five-year-old son, Gray, and I are thrilled to share our journey of planting and nurturing a vibrant herb garden that will not only survive but thrive in the scorching Lone Star State summers.
Thanks to the generosity of a dear friend, we’ve been gifted a delightful assortment of heat-loving seedlings, each one carefully selected to withstand the harsh Texas climate. With our trusty trowels in hand and a childlike sense of wonder, we’re about to give these tiny plants a new home in larger pots, providing them with the space and care they need to flourish.
Our botanical lineup for today includes five delightful herb varieties that promise to elevate our culinary creations and tantalize our senses:
Orange Mint
Orange Mint: This zesty mint variety is a true Texas trooper, thriving in the heat when given partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil. Its vibrant citrusy aroma will add a refreshing twist to our summer beverages and dishes.
Banana Mint
Banana Mint: Like its citrus cousin, this unique mint requires partial shade and well-draining soil to prevent root rot. However, its sweet, fruity fragrance reminiscent of ripe bananas will make a delightful addition to desserts and refreshing teas, transporting us to tropical paradises.
Golden Sage
Golden Sage: A true drought warrior, this golden-hued sage is native to the Mediterranean and will revel in our summer sun and heat. Its earthy and slightly peppery notes will undoubtedly elevate our savory dishes, bringing a touch of Mediterranean magic to our kitchen.
Oregano
Oregano: A hardy perennial that can withstand the intense Texas summers with proper watering and full sun exposure. This aromatic herb will provide us with a steady supply, perfect for adding depth and flavor to sauces, marinades, and our beloved Texas-style pizza toppings.
Deep Opal Basil
Dark Opal Basil: While basil can be finicky in North Texas, this deep purple variety is more heat-tolerant than its green counterparts. With afternoon shade and consistent moisture, this basil is sure to be a showstopper, promising to elevate our pesto, caprese salads, and countless Italian-inspired dishes.
Bonus: Chinese Amaranth
If you’re looking to add a touch of vibrant color and versatility to your garden, look no further than the captivating Chinese amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor). This stunning plant, also known as Joseph’s coat, is a true showstopper with its eye-catching foliage that ranges from shades of red, purple, green, and even orange.
Native to Asia, this amaranth variety is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious and nutritious addition to your kitchen. Its tender leaves and shoots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritional powerhouse in salads, stir-fries, and even as a substitute for spinach or kale.
Growing Chinese amaranth is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners alike. This annual thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, reaching heights of up to 3 feet tall. Its upright growth habit and striking foliage make it a perfect candidate for ornamental borders, edible landscapes, or even as a stunning centerpiece in containers.
One of the best things about this amaranth variety is its tolerance for heat and drought conditions. Once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in warmer climates or those looking to conserve water.
But the benefits of Chinese amaranth don’t stop there. Its gorgeous plume-like flowers are not only visually appealing but also edible, adding a burst of color and crunch to your culinary creations. And if that’s not enough, the seeds can be harvested and used in baking or even as a nutritious addition to granola or trail mixes.
So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener seeking a unique and flavorful addition to your edible garden or a newcomer looking to add a pop of color and nutrition to your outdoor space, Chinese amaranth is a must-try. With its stunning good looks, versatility in the kitchen, and easy-going nature, this plant is sure to become a beloved staple in your garden for years to come.
As Gray and I carefully transplant each seedling into its new home, we’re mindful of their specific needs, ensuring they receive the right amount of sunlight, water, and soil amendments to thrive in our region. We’ll be incorporating techniques like mulching, proper spacing, and strategic shading to create the perfect growing environment for our heat-loving herbs.
But this adventure isn’t just about gardening – it’s a heartwarming tale of a father and son bonding over their shared love for nature and the joy of nurturing life. As we work side by side, Gray’s infectious enthusiasm and curiosity remind me of the simple pleasures in life, and the importance of cultivating patience, perseverance, and appreciation for the natural world around us.
Stay tuned, dear readers, as we document our journey through stunning photos and captivating videos, taking you along for every step – from the first sprouting seedlings to the lush, thriving plants filling our garden with their vibrant colors and intoxicating scents. Until next time, happy gardening in the Lone Star State!
At 5:00 am this morning I had a visit from some masked marauders. Seems like it may be time to implement an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to keeping these guys at bay!
Here are 7 Proven Ways to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Vegetable Garden
Raccoons can be a real nuisance for gardeners, digging up your freshly planted seeds and munching on your prized vegetables. If you’ve had issues with these masked marauders, don’t worry – there are plenty of effective deterrents to keep them out of your veggie patch. Try one or more of these methods for a raccoon-free garden this season.
1. Fencing Fortress One of the most reliable ways to raccon-proof your garden is by installing a sturdy fence. Make sure it’s at least 4 feet tall and bury the bottom few inches into the ground so they can’t squeeze underneath. An electric fence can add an extra deterrent if you have a persistent problem.
2. Sprinkler Surprise Motion-activated sprinklers are a great option for scaring raccoons away without you having to be present. Position a few around the perimeter of your garden and let the sudden burst of water do the trick when those bandits come prowling.
3. Shiny Scare Tactics Raccoons are wary of new and unfamiliar objects, so hang up some shiny items that will move and reflect light to startle them. Old CDs, metallic windchimes, or strips of aluminum foil blowing in the breeze can make an inexpensive and effective deterrent.
4. Keep It Clean Raccoons have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to any potential food sources, so be diligent about cleaning up fallen fruit, vegetables, and seeds from your garden beds. Also secure compost piles and trash cans properly.
5. Ammonious Aroma The pungent smell of ammonia is extremely off-putting to raccoons. Try soaking rags in ammonia and placing them around the borders of your vegetable beds.
6. Spice It Up Raccoons don’t appreciate strong flavors either. Sprinkling some cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or other offensive spices around your plants can make them seriously unappetizing.
7. Last Resort: Live Trapping If you’ve tried multiple deterrents without success, live trapping and relocating persistent raccoons may be an option, but be sure to check your local regulations first. With some creativity and diligence using these methods, you should be able to outsmart any raccoons trying to plunder your precious harvest.
Do you love the irresistible taste of fresh basil in your dishes? Imagine having a never-ending supply of this flavorful herb right on your windowsill or patio! Well, you can make this herb-lovers dream a reality by propagating basil from cuttings. It’s easy, fun, and guarantees you basil galore all season long.
Basil, is typically supposed to be an annual herb. Although, I have successfully kept my parent basil plant alive for multiple seasons by following the steps below:
Taking Basil Cuttings
Start by taking a 3-6 inch stem cutting from a healthy basil plant, just below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves so just the top ones remain.
Place the cutting in a glass of water in a sunny window. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria growth.
In 1-3 weeks, roots will sprout from the stem in the water. Once the roots are about an inch long, it’s time to plant the cutting.
Transplanting to Soil
Prepare a small pot with well-draining potting mix. Moisten it before planting.
Make a hole in the mix and gently place the rooted cutting with roots down. Pat soil around the stem.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked. Basil loves moisture!
Consider covering with a cloche or plastic bottle to reduce transplant shock.
Pinch off any flowers in the first weeks so the basil focuses energy on establishment.
Ongoing Care
Once planted, basil may eventually flower and bolt. Pinch or snip off flowers to encourage more leaf growth.
Harvest basil frequently by cutting stems above leaf nodes. More harvesting means more growth!
Take more cuttings from established plants to propagate even more.
With this easy process, you’ll have homegrown basil for salads, pasta, and more all season long. Get snipping and enjoy your continuous basil supply! Enjoy Life, Enjoy Family and Enjoy Your Garden!
North Texas Growers!! Spring is just around the corner, stirring dreams of tomato vines, pepper plants, and fresh lettuce greens. But worried you lack the yard space for a garden? Not a problem! With container gardening, you can cultivate a bountiful harvest on porches, patios, and balconies of any size. Don’t let limited room stop you from sowing garden happiness.
Container vegetable gardening lets anyone with sunlight and a few pots savor homegrown produce. Picture tumbling cherry tomatoes, buttery lettuce, and snap peas picked fresh from your own patio farm. The seed catalogs are calling, so grab some containers and potting mix – it’s go time!
Leave the sprawling traditional gardens to the acreage farmers. With the right container, soil, and veggies suited to your climate, parsley and peppers can thrive on apartment fire escapes just as well as expansive plots. Maximize your space by going vertical with trellised beans or tomatoes. Succession plant cool weather greens and hot weather cabbages.
Don’t be intimidated by the process – starting is as easy as grabbing seeds and getting your hands dirty. Starting plants from seeds in containers is easy for beginner gardeners in North Texas. The seed packets provide valuable guidance on planting specifics.
Look for the recommended planting times and temperatures for your region. Many vegetables prefer the cooler conditions of late winter/early spring or fall. Follow instructions on when to start seeds indoors vs direct sow outside.
Check the packet for optimal soil temperatures, sowing depth, and days to germination so you know what to expect. For instance, tomatoes need warm soil so wait until after the last spring frost. Radishes and lettuces germinate quickly in cooler soils.
The packet also notes mature plant size, which is useful for ensuring your container depth and width allows adequate room for root development. Trellising plants like beans helps maximize vertical space.
Finally, the watering needs and sun requirements are usually listed. Most veggies need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Consistent watering is key, especially in hot North Texas summers. An inch of water per week is typical.
While each seed has unique preferences, the seed packet instructions make it easy for container gardeners to provide the proper growing conditions. Paying close attention to the details ensures you successfully cultivate a thriving nutrient-rich edible oasis.
Looking to get a jump on seed germination? Check out this cost effective method to maximize your yields!
So get ready to flex your green thumbs this spring – no massive garden required! Container vegetable gardening lets anyone tap into the homegrown garden rewards. Give your seed catalog a browse and awaken your edible oasis. Delicious times ahead!
If you are looking for Texas heat tested veggies, check out Texastestedseed.com They only sell seeds that have proven to produce in hot climates. Heat/ Wind tested!
Here are 5 easy vegetables that are great options for beginning container gardening in North Texas Growing Zone 8b:
Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes and bush varieties thrive in pots. Ensure the container is at least 5 gallons. Provide sturdy support with a tomato cage or trellis.
Peppers – Grow bell peppers or chili peppers in containers at least 3-5 gallons in size. Place in full sun.
Green beans – Bush bean varieties like ‘Provider’ do well in containers. Use at least a 5 gallon pot. Provide a trellis for climbing.
Leafy greens – Lettuce, kale, spinach, and chard grow well in shallow containers. Succession plant for continual harvests.
Radishes – Perfect for growing in containers as small as 1 gallon. Fast-growing and great for kids. Plant seeds every 2 weeks for steady supply.
Other productive and relatively easy veggie options include cucumbers, zucchini, peas, beets, carrots, and onions. Make sure to use a quality potting mix, fertilize regularly, and water as needed for thriving container vegetables!
