Waiting for Rain
For most Texas gardeners, the heat of summer has felt neverending, and the rain has been far too sparse, creating a need to prioritize which plants to water, and which ones can wait.
“Unfortunately, water remains the name of the game as we move into September,” said Larry Stein, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticultural specialist, September is usually the transition month from summer to fall, but there often can be many 100-degree days in September as well.”
September also traditionally brings much needed showers heading into fall, so Stein said don’t give up hope.
“It has been a tremendously hot and dry summer, and many plants are hurting, and some appear to be dying,” Stein said. “Water the best you can right now, pray for rain and hang in there until it comes.”
“Sustaining adequate moisture in the garden and landscape is the No.1 priority for late summer and fall,” Stein said.
Those Texans with water restrictions will have to continue to choose where they put their water and how best to conserve it.
“Ideally, one should water trees and shrubs by giving them at least 1 inch of water per week, delivered slowly, around the plants as far out as the dripline extends,” he said.
Critical time for pecans, plants with green fruit and berries For Texans forced to prioritize where to use their water, keep in mind that now is the critical time for pecans.
“Pecans need to receive adequate water in order to fill out the kernels and promote healthy shuck opening,” Stein said. “A lack of water will reduce nut fill and delay shuck opening.”
Plants that already have fruits or berries in the green stage also need to be afforded special consideration during drought. A lack of moisture can cause fruit to drop as well as reduce size and affect color.
Thinking ahead to decorating for the holiday season, Stein said keep an eye on your holly plants. Water is needed for the berries to reach their festive shade and to remain on the plant until it is time for use. He also reminds those with these plants that raw holly berries are toxic to people and pets.
Garden tips for September
■ Prune out dead or diseased wood from trees and shrubs, but hold off on major pruning until midwinter. Pruning now may stimulate tender growth prior to frost.
■ Divide flowering perennials
■ Divide spr ingflowering perennials such as irises, Shasta daisies, gaillardias, cannas, day lilies, violets, liriope and ajuga. Reset these divisions into wellprepared soil with generous amounts of organic material worked into the top 8 to 10 inches. Water in thoroughly.
■ Prepare the soil for bulbs
■ Prepare garden beds for spring-flowering bulbs as soon as possible. It is important to cultivate the soil and add generous amounts of organic matter to improve the water
■ Don’t plant annuals until the weather cools
■ Annuals that should soon be available in nurseries and garden shops include petunias, calendulas and pansies. Resist the urge to plant until the weather cools.
■ Plant biennial flowers like bluebonnets
■ Now is also the time to plant biennial flowers such as poppies, larkspur, sweet peas, bluebonnets, etc.