I. Culture
1. Bed Preparation
2. Compost
3. Fertilizer
4. Plant Tonic
5. Soil Amendments
II. Problems
1. Fungi
A. Fungal Problem
1. fungla leaf spot
2. powdery mildew
3. take-all patch
4. brown patch
B. Organic Remedies for Fungal Diseases/Infestation
1. Potassium Bicarbonate
2. Molasses
3. Safer Garden Fungicide (Sulfur based)
4. Neem oil
5. Actinovate
6. Horticultural Corn Meal
7. Live (compost) Tea
2. Insecticide/ Miticide
3. Pests
4. Stress
5. Weeds
6. Fire Ants
III. Plants
1. Cacti / Succulents
2. Crepe Myrtle
3. Houseplants
4. Lawns
5. Roses
6. Trees
Resources
!. Culture
1. Bed Preparation
Depth - Be sure that the depth of soil before installing plants or lawn is at least 6 inches. The plant crown should remain above ground level to prevent water from settling in a "low spot" and rotting the stem of the plant.
Landscaping -
mix First, have your soil tested by a lab that gives organic recommendations to learn the total available levels of organic matter, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphate, potassium, sodium, chloride, boron, iron, manganese, copper and zinc. Bring in good quality soil if your soil is not deep enough. A good landscaping mix has about 20% compost, 70% loam, 10% sand ratio.
Soil Testing - The Texas Plant and Soil Lab in Edinburg.
Tele # 956-383-0739
Aeration - Aeration is critical to proper root development and root development is critical to plant health. Well-tilled or hand worked beds are best for planting.
Weed Prevention Stirring, tilling, mixing etc. the soil turns up weed seedlings. Weed seedlings are tender and will dehydrate quickly when exposed to the sun. After 4-5 shallow cultivations most of the annual weed seeds in the soil have germinated.
The application of corn gluten meal (CGM) at 20 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft. is a natural fertilizer and weed preemergent. CGM will restrict the germenation of seeds; use only when transplants are planted of on seeded plants after they are well rooted and growing.
Amendments- The following amendments should be added to the bed and tilled into the native soil prior to planting a seed or a transplant.
High-calcium soil (black and white soils):
- compost at the rate of 4-6 inches
- organic fertilizer at 20 lbs/1,000 sq. ft.
- Lava sand or other volcanic rock at 40-80 lbs / 1000 sq. ft.
- Texas greensand at 40-80 lbs / 1,000 sq. ft.
- sugar such as dry molasses at 5-10 lbs / sq. ft.
- soft rock phosphate at 20-40 lbs / sq. ft.
- sulfur at 5 lbs / 1,000 sq. ft.
Amendments (cont.)
Sandy, acid soils
- compost at the rate of 4-6 inches
- organic fertilizer at 20 lbs / 1,000 sq. ft.
- lava sand at 40-80 lbs / 1000 sq. ft.
- High calcium lime (calcium carbonate) at 50-100 lbs. / 1,000 sq. ft.
- Sugar/ dry molasses at 5 lbs. / 1000 sq. ft.
- Soft rock phosphate at 20-40 lbs / 1000
2. Compost
Most central Texas soils can be improved by mixing in 2-3 inches of organic compost. A good landscaping mix has about a 20% compost, 70% loam, 10% sand ratio.
Types of
compost - Vermicompost- worm castings, cotton burr, leaf mold, peanut hull, rabbit, humate, alfalfa meal. Good for vegetable and flower beds.
Ladybug revitalizer - humus, cow, horse, and turkey manure composts; a trace of granite sand and ground rice hulls; and humates.
Rich Earth - sheep manure compost
Cotton Burr compost (acidified) - contains 100% composted cotton burrs. Good for acid loving plants (roses, azaleas, gardenia, blueberries)
Compost uses
Potted plants/hanging baskets: 1 part compost : 1 part peat
Flower beds: spread 2-3" compost
Vegetable garden: spread 2-3" compost
Roses/Shrubs: spread 1-2" compost
New lawn/bed: mix 2-3" compost into 6" of prepared soil
Lawn fertilizer: topdress lawn with 1/2-1" of compost and water in.
Tree planting: Mix 1 part compost : 2 parts soil
3. Fertilizers
Gardenville's
Soil Food - (6-2-2) A multi-purpose fertilizer. Soil food 6-2-2 is ideal for all flowers, vegetables, container plants and more. 6-2-2 rebuilds your soil as it stimulates your plants. Promotes blooming.
Made from natural ingedients; Compost, bat guano, Molasses, blood meal, cottonseed meal, bone meal and other natural ingredients.
One bag covers approximately 4,000 square feet.
Liquified
Seaweed - Use during weekly watering of houseplants, annuals, ferns, herbs. A weak fertilizer that will not burn most plants. Made from ascophyllum nodosum seaweed. Research has identified over 80 different microorganisms in liquid seaweed. A mainstay in foliar feeding programs. Known to repel red spider mites and aphids. Also effective in protecting plants from heat stress.
Ladybug
Fertilizer - (8-2-4) This product is allowed by the Texas Department of Agriculture for use on organic gardens, lawns, and certified organic farms. Contains no artificial ingredients or fillers, and no urea or bio-solids (sewage sludge). Contains aerobically composted turkey litter, hydrolyzed feather meal, sulfate of potash, and molasses. Plants generally use the NPK nutrients in the 3-1-2 ratio. So, 8-2-4 is a balanced fertilizer with a little extra slow-release nitrogen. An excellent product for lawns, trees and shrubs, vegetable and flower gardens, and most any other gardening situation.
Covers 3,500 sq. ft. at 10 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft.
Milorganite
-
(6-2-0)
Milorganite fertilizer contains 4% iron. Grass leaves take up this iron,
giving them a deep green color. However, unlike high amounts of nitrogen
fertilizer, iron does not make plants grow fast. The result is a green lawn
without excessive growth. A good fertilizer for trees and shrubs.
4. Plant Tonic
Garret Juice - (0.2-2.5-1.25) Garrett juice is a high quality, subtly powerful foliar spray ideal for plants and turf grasses. Contains a unique blend of compost tea, molasses and apple cider vinegar.
Molasses - A tonic for all plants. Works by energizing soil microorganisms, the most important ingredient for healthy soil. This quick source of food is even more effective when applied in conjunction with organic fertilizers. It also helps with brown patch and fungal problems. Molasses is also effective when sprayed directly on plant foliage.
Compost
Tea - An aerobically brewed mixture of live bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes and other microorganisms that promote healthy soil. Also contains a blend of liquified seaweed, vermicompost, wormcastings, horticultural molasses, humic acid and Medina soil activator.
John’s Liquid
Fertilizer - Emulsified and hydrolized fish, seawead extract, cane molasses, humic acid, magnesium chloride, ferrous sulfate, zinc chloride. Ideal for vegetables and fruits, herbs, flowers, houseplants, roses, trees & shrubs.
John’s recipe
Terra-tonic - Healthy, living soil is the first step for a vigorous lawn and garden. Terra Tonic helps restore and maintain the natural synergy between microorganisms, humus, and soil minerals that creates an ideal growing medium. Also beneficial as a foliar spray.
5. Soil Amendments
Rock
Phosphate - (0-3-0) For bigger and improved root systems. Apply rock phosphate
to roses, flowering bedding plants, perennials and vegetables. Slow continuous plant nutrition. Use when transplanting to avoid root shock. Apply 1 lb. Per 100 square feet or ½ cup per shrub.
Lava Sand - Lava sand makes soil nutrients more available to plant roots. Lava sand also increases the water holding capacity of the soil. Its paramagnetic properties help to stimulate plant growth and repel insects. Use 40-150 lbs. Per 1000 square feet.
Humate - Compost in its most refined form (50%+ humic acid). Humate has all the great soil building properties of compost only in a concentrated form. A concentrated compost. Humate may be made into liquid form or used in the dry form.
Hill Country
Garden Soil - humus, manure compost, rice hulls, and steamed cedar flakes. Texas granite, hadite and humates. Biozome™ has been added to further increase microbial activity.
John’s recipe
Terra-tonic - Healthy, living soil is the first step for a vigorous lawn and garden. Terra Tonic helps restore and maintain the natural synergy between microorganisms, humus, and soil minerals that creates an ideal growing medium. Also beneficial as a foliar spray.
II. Problems
1. Fungi Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms that form symbiotic/parasitic relationship with plants
A. Fungal Problems
Fungal Leaf Spot
Description Circiluar to irregular lesion with a dry, brown or black raised center; randomly scattered. If the damage is exclusively at leaf margins or veins it is not likely to be fungal leaf spot. Attacks many species of garden and landscape plants.
Infestation Leaves turn yellow, then brown and drop from plant; sometimes leaves drop before turning brown. Spreads easily on wet foliage.
Least Toxic
Solutions Avoid wetting foliage. Don't water at night! Water in the early morning so the leaves dry quickly.
Space plants to allow adequate air flow.
Never prune wet plants.
Prune out small areas of diseased material and discard after pruning.
Fungicide Apply fungicide at the first sign of disease to prevent spreading. Test on a small area before treating whole plant. Never use systemic fungicieds on plants tht you intend to eat. Avoid over-application.
Products Safer Garden Fungicide Sulfur, Potassium bicarbonate, Neem Concentrate, horticultural cornmeal?
Powdery Mildew
Description White powdery fungal growth on the leaf surface; does not require moist leaves to spread, but is particularly active in the spring and fall during cool, humid conditions. Spreads rapidly and can producespores within 72 hours of infection.
Infestation Can cause leaves, buds, and twigs to be distorted and dwarfed. New growth particularly susceptible. Powdery mildew seldom causes permanent damage to plants.
Attacks Crape Myrtle, squash, Phlox, Roses, many species of plants under appropriate conditions.
Least toxic
solutions Avoid excess fertilizer. Allow space for good air circulation when planting. Removce a plant that repeatedly contracts powdery mildew. Avoid sever pruning- it stimulates new growth which is more susceptible to infection.
Fungicides Potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, neem oil. Apply fungicide at the first sign of disease to prevent spreading. Test on a small area before treating whole plant. Never use systemic fungicieds on plants tht you intend to eat. Avoid over-application.
Take-All
Patch
Description Yellowing of grass and darkening of grass roots is the first symptom of take all patch, followed by the turf thinning in irregular shapes. The roots can become so rotted that the grass can be easily pulled up. Take-all patch spreads mainly from fall through spring when there is abundant moisture and cool, mild temperatures, but dieback symptoms appear in the hot, stressful days of summer.
Infestation Grass roots rot, and eventually kills lawn
Attacks St. Augustine, zoysia, and bermuda grass
Solutions Maintain good drainage in lawn area. Avoid heavyu fertilization; excessive Nitrogen seems to promote take-all patch. Raise trhe mowing height of mower to reduce stress on the grass. Avoid the use of broadleaf herbicides which may weaken turf. Avoid Urea based fertilizers. Corn gluten meal
Characteristics Irregular shape, appears mostly during the warm season.
Brown Patch
Description Circular patterns of dead grass blades; in 2-3 weeks, new leaves may emerge in the center of the circular patch giving diseased areas a donut-shgaped appearance. The fungal disease occurs in late fall through early spring when daytime temperatures range between 75-85F degrees. Promoted by wet weather or frequent irrigation.
Infestation Turf turns brown and grass blades rot off of the runners; can spread in an area from 1 - 50 ft.
Attacks St. Augustine grass
Solution Water early in the morning to allow the grass blades to dry out during the day. Avoid overfertilization. Aerate your lawn once a year. Fungicides are most effective when used at the first sign of disease. Corn gluten meal.
B. Organic Remedies for Fungal Disease Infection
1. Potassium
Bicarbonate - Baking soda makes an excellent fungicide for black spot, powdery mildew, brown patch and other fungal problems. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. In potassium bicarbonate, potassium replaces sodium, which is more beneficial for soils.
2. Molasses - Molasses is a good food source for sugar and carbon. Feeding soil microorganisms supercharges microbial activity. The increased microbial activity creates an environment where beneficial soil microorganisms can outcompete harmful soil microorganisms. Having a healthy balance of soil microorganisms is necessary for optimal plant health. This (healthy soil) also helps prevent and treat brown patch and fungal problems.
3. Safer
Garden
Fungicide - Controls powdery mildew, black spot, and rust. For roses, flowers, foliage plants, ornamentals, beans, peas, and strawberries. Formulated with sulfur. Sulfur inhibits the attack of fungal diseases by creating an environment which is not optimal for disease growth. Spray at first sign of infection. Spray plants thoroughly to wet upper and lower surfaces of foliage.
4. Neem
Concentrate - Kills eggs, larvae, and adult insects. Best when applied in early to mid-morning. Care should be exercised in timing application to early morning/ late evening to minimize the potential for leaf burn. Do not apply to known sensitive plant species; impatiens flowers, hibiscus flowers, some rose flowers.
Use on: fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs, spices, roses, houseplants, flowers, trees, shrubs.
Fungicide use: powdery mildew, black spot, downy mildew, anthracnose, rust, leaf spot, botrytis, needle rust, scab, blight, alternaria.
Warning: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing
5. Actinovate - Actinovate contains a high concentration of a beneficial microorganism (streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC). Once introduced into the soil the microorganism grows and colonizes around the root systems. The microorganism colonies create a shield protecting the plant from environmental hazards. Brown patch remedy.
While living on the roots the microorganisms also produce byproducts that are beneficial to the host plant.
6. Horticultural
Cornmeal - Apply the cornmeal to the soil for fungal diseases control at 10-20 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. or 400-800 lbs. per acre.
7. Live (Compost)
Tea - Live tea contains the bacteria streptomyces lydicus; which when introduced into the soil creates a protective shield around the plant. THe tea also contains fungi capable of outcompeting harmful fungi for space on the plant surface.
2. Insecticide/Miticide
Liquified
seaweed - Known to repel red spider mites and aphids. An old favorite in organic gardening. Research has identified over 80 different microorganisms in liquid seaweed. A mainstay in foliar feeding programs.
Neem
Concentrate - Low hazards for human, aquatic, birds, bees, soil mobility, and environment. Chronic effects of this product are unknown. Kills eggs, larvae, and adult insects. Best when applied in early to mid-morning when adult pest are sedentary. Care should be exercised in timing to early morning/ late evening to minimize the potential for leaf burn. Do not apply to known sensitive plant species; impatiens flowers, hibiscus flowers, some rose flowers.
Use on: fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs, spices, roses, houseplants, flowers, trees, shrubs.
Insecticide/Miticide use: Aphids, spider mites, scale, whiteflies, beetles, leafrollers, and other insect pests.
Warning: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
Diatomaceous
Earth - Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, safe substance made from crushed fossils of freshwater organimsms and marine life. The particles resemble bits of glass. The “glass-like” particles puncture the insects protcective shell, this causes the insects to evaporate and die. Deadly to insects and completely harmless to animals, fish, fowl, or food. Diatomaceous controls insects by physical means not chemical.
Beneficial
Nematodes - Beneficial nematodes are predatory microorganisms. They feed on soil-dwelling immature insects. Grubs, beetles, flies. They are effective against white grubs and the larval or grub stage of Japanese Beetles, Northern Masked Chafer, European Chafer, Rose Chafer, Fly larvae, Oriental Beetles, June Beetles, Flea beetles, Bill-bugs, Cut-worms, Army worms, Black Vine Weevils, Strawberry Root Weevils, Fungus Gnats, Sciarid larvae, Sod Web-worms, Girdler, Citrus Weevils, Maggots and other Dip-tera, Mole Crickets, Iris Borer, Root Maggot, Cabbage Root Maggot, Flea, Ants, and Carrot Weevils.
Beneficial nematodes are also effective against: termites, German cockroaches, flies, ant, and fleas.
Pesticidal oil - (insect spray) low hazards to humans, aquatic, birds, bees, pets.
B.t. powder - low hazards for human, aquatic, birds, bees, soil mobility, and environment. Chronic effects of this product are unknown.
3. Pests
Chinch
bugs - Prevent drought stress in your lawn. Irrigate efficiently. Make your yard a haven for beneficial predator insects, such as big-eyed bugs, and birds by avoiding the wide use of lawn chemicals. Check for chinch bug infestation on the grass blades at the edges of affected areas. Use insecticidal
soap or other least toxic treatments. Spot treat only infested areas if there are no signs of damage.
Treatments:
Safer insecticidal soap (potassium salts of fatty acids)
Neem oil extract
Bioorganic Lawn and Graden spray ( thymol, eugenol)
Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide - chronic human toxicity
Diatomaceous earth- chronic human toxicity
Cyfluthrin, diazinon - hazardous to aquatic life, birds, bees, pets.
Grubs Promote healthy roots in your lawn by mowing high and watering effectively.Only treat when more than 5-10 grubs per square foot are found. The most effective time for treatment is mid-June to late-July. Apply beneficial nematodes, (tiny worms that kill grubs) to affected areas..be sure to water them in.
4. Stress
Rock
Phosphate - Use when transplanting to avoid root shock. Apply 1 lb. Per 100 square feet or ½ cup per shrub. (See soil amendements).
Actinovate - Actinovate contains a high concentration of a beneficial microorganism (streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC). Once introduced into the soil the microorganism grows and colonizes around the root systems. The microorganism colonies create a shield protecting the plant from environmental hazards. Brown patch remedy.
While living on the roots the microorganisms also produce byproducts that are beneficial to the host plant. Enhances plant vitality, Encourages more robust roots, produces hardy lawns.
5. Weeds
20% Vinegar - A 20% vinegar solution will kill weeds. A non-selective organic herbicide. It works best when sprayed full strength and in full sunlight. While full strength vinegar works most efficiently, diluting with water seems to work well for minor weed problems.
Corn Gluten
Meal - Corn gluten meal is a natural product that can inhibit the germination of grass and weed seeds. It contains naturally occurring substances, which inhibit the growth of seed's tiny feeder roots by causing a break down in the cell wall. The seedlings struggle to get enough moisture, which causes them to die before they ever have a change to take hold.
When used as directed, corn gluten acts as a preemergent natural herbicide that will not harm beneficial insects, soil organisms, pond or stream life. It is also safe around pets and children. Since corn gluten kills only the roots of sprouting seeds, it can be used around transplants and established vegetables, flowers, fruit, shrubs and lawns. It can be used even up to the day of harvest. Once vegetable or flower seedlings have true leaves, it is then safe to apply corn gluten.
It is 10% nitrogen by weight in a slow release form. A 10-0-0 fertilizer.
6. Fire Ants
Orange Oil/
Compost Tea/
Molasses - A solution of equal parts orange oil, compost tea and molasses. Pour the mixture directly into the hole of a fire ant mound. Orange oil is effective at destroying the protective shell of fire ants. Compost tea contains microorganisms that feed on fire ants. Molasses is a food source for the microorganisms in compost tea. Molasses helps to increase the number of predatory microorganisms in a fire ant mound.
Diatomaceous
Earth (D.E) - D.E. has characteristically sharp glass-like edges. The D.E wounds fire ants by cutting their bodies. The wounded fire ants dehydrate and die. Apply D.E by creating a barrier around the plant needing protection.
Safer Fire
Ant Bait - Contains Spinosad. Spinosad demonstrates rapid contact and ingestion activity in insects which is unusual for a biological product. The mode of action of spinosad is characterized by excitation of the insect nervous system, leading to involuntary muscle contractions, prostration with tremors, and paralysis.In general, spinosad provides effective control of pests in the insect orders Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Thysanoptera. It is also effective for some species Coleoptera and Orthoptera that consume large amounts of foliage. Spinosad is generally not effective for control of most sucking insects, and mites but some use patterns are being investigated. Spinosad is currently labeled in the U.S. on the brassica vegetable group (broccoli, Chinese broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage - bok choy and napa, cauliflower, cavalo, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mizuna, mustard greens, ground cherry, pepino, pepper, tomatillo, and tomato), leafy vegetable group (including head and leaf lettuce, celery, arugula, chervil, edible chrysanthemum, corn salad, cress, dandelion, dock, endive, fennel, parsley, garden purslane, radicchio, rhubarb, spinach, and Swiss chard), apples, almonds and citrus. Crops for which additional U. S. labeling is being pursued include cucurbits, legumes, sweet corn, potatoes, and strawberries.
Beneficial
Nematodes - Beneficial nematodes may be released by spraying with water, mixing with mulch and applying directly to the soil or potting mix, or injecting into burrows. They may be used any time of year, as long as the ground is not frozen. Do not release in direct sunlight, as this will kill them. For fire ants pour directly into the mound.
III. Plants
1. Cactus and Succulents
Soil Mix - For Cacti and Succulents mix one part Vortex with one part Decomposed Granite, greensand, or other coarse sand.
Pre-prepared cactus and succulent mix.
2. Crepe Myrtle
Disease Resistant
Varieties Apalachee, Biloxi, Basham's Party Pink, Caddo, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Fantasy, Lipan, Miami, Natchez, Osage, Pecos, Red Rocket, Tightwad Red, Townhouse, Tuscarora, Tuskegee, Wichita
3. Houseplants
Fertilizers - liquified seaweed, compost tea, John’s recipe liquid fertilizer
Watering - Routine watering with organic fertilizers
4. Lawns
Brown patch - When you irrigate, water early in the morning to allow the grass blades to dry out during the day. Irrigate efficiently. Avoid over-fertilization of you lawn. Aerate your lawn once a year. Fungicides may be used most effectively at the first sign of disease. (See fungicide). May use actinovate, molasses, potassium bicarbonate.
Fertilizer - (see fertilizer). Ladybug fertilizer, Milorganite, horticultural cornmeal, John’s recipe terra tonic.
A natural or certified organic fertilizer with low phosphorous (8-2-4, 6-2-4, 9-1-1, 6-1-1) instead of synthetic to improve soil pH, texture and fertility, and cause less leaching to groundwater.
Low spots - Hill country garden soil.
Weed
prevention - Corn gluten meal is an natural preemergence homicide. Corn gluten lasts 5-6 weeks. There is no carryover. After this time seeds can be planted in treated areas without being effected. The application rate is 20 lbs /1000 sq ft. Timing is critical. Apply in early spring, 3-5 weeks before weeds sprout (when crocus and early daffodils bloom). And in early fall when temp turns cooler. Apply in gardens any time. Spread around bedding plants, transplants, flowers or shrubs and rake in lightly. Spread evenly on lawns. Avoid any bare spots where reseeding grass. Sprinkle on cracks in driveways and sidewalks. Water in if there is no rain. Then allow area to dry for 2-3 days. Plants need dryness for corn gluten to effectively kill emerging weeds. If excessive rains occur, reapplication may be needed. Low amounts of hazards to humans, aquatic life, birds, bees, pets. Beans, peas and other legumes have reduced yields if given too much nitrogen. Also lean-loving flowers such as butterflyweed or coneflowers may not like the extra nitrogen.
Take-all
patch - Yellowing of grass and darkening of grass roots is the first symptom of take-all patch, followed by the turf thinning in irregular shapes. The roots can become so rotted that the grass can be easily pulled up. Take-all patch spreads mainly from fall through spring when there is abundant moisture and cool, mild temperatures, but dieback symptoms appear in the hot, stressful days of summer.
Solution: Maintain good drainage in lawn area. Irrigate efficiently. Avoid heavy fertilization of turf areas, as excessive nitrogen seems to promote take-all patch. Raise mowing height on you mower to reduce stress to your turf. Avoid the use of broadleaf herbicides which may weaken turf. Avoid urea based fertilizers.
Drought
stress - Grass looks blue-green or silverish. The individual leaf blades in the lawn curl. Footprints remain in the lawn when you step on it. The soil under the lawn is dry.
Solution: Choose drought tolerant turf grass. Irrigate effeciently by watering deeply and infrequently. Water to a depth of 4-6 inches every time you water, and allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Iron
chlorosis - Leaf blades on the grass are striped green and yellow or completly yellow. Iron chlorosis occurs in alkaline (high pH) soils with high phosphorous levels, and also under cool wet soil conditions.
Solutions: Do not use fertilizers that are high in phosphorous. Top dress turf with 1/4-1/3" compost. Aerate your lawn once a year. Iron supplements provide temporary relief.
Shade stress - Turf grass thins and disappears, leaving bare patches of soil or areas of weeks.
Solution: Choose shade tolerant groundcovers or shade tolerant turf grasses (such as zoysia and St. Augustine) to plant in shady areas. Thin out branches of trees to “brighten” shady areas. Set mower higher to allow more leaf blade to capture sunlight. Minimize foot traffic or pet activity in shady areas.
what to
plant - Sun: buffallo, bermuda, zoysia
Part-sun: zoysia
Shade: st. augustine
Drought
tolerance - very drought tolerant: buffalo
highly drought tolerant: bermuda, zoysia
low drought tolerance: St. Augustine (medium in shade)
5. Roses
Rose-Glo - (6-8-4) A blend of organic fertilizers. A blossom producing fertilizer.
Gardenville’s
Rose Soil - Developed by Gardenville and top rose growers, this soil blend was used to win the prestegious Nicholson Bowl Award, twice. Ideal for roses, berries and fruit trees. Contains compost, aged pine bark, red and orange sands, composted topsoil and cedar flakes.
Black spot - (See fungicide)
6. Trees
Information Resources
City of Austin Texas Grow Green guide
GardenVille product catalog
Product labels & websites
and uncountable conversations with local gardeners
Information compiled by A.R.
For Sledd Landscape Nursery
Austin, TX