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Chill Hours are Upon Us

Getting the chill hours necessary for our fruit trees to produce will not be a problem this year. Different fruit trees require a different number of hours in the "Chill Zone". For instance some fruit trees require only 400 hours while others require 1,000 chill hours. A chill hour is an hour between 32 and 45 degrees, most of the Texas Hill Country falls in the 700-800 chill hours available. When choosing your peach trees always ask how many chill hours that particular tree requires and make sure it is right for your area. As we don’t always have much of a winter, I suggest that you have several trees that require only 400-600 chill hours as well as some that require more, that way you should always have an opportunity to have peaches.

The Brilliant Color of this Winter’s Plants

The Possum Haw everywhere is absolutely breath taking. The berries seem to have a much deeper red than other years. The reason for this is the breaking of the drought and the moisture in the ground providing the needed substance after such a harsh time for the last two years. Rain lilies and every plant that we look forward to each winter seems to be prettier. Maybe it is the absence of their beauty during drought times that make us more aware of their beauty in good times. I know my creek is prettier and I really know in my heart it is because it has been gone for two years.

Become a Master Gardener

It is time to get registered for the 2010 classes for The Highland Lakes Master Gardener program. Classes are filling up fast and space is limited (it really is). This is one of the best programs of its kind in Texas. Experts in their field of gardening teach classes. In addition to the classroom training, Master Gardener Interns are expected to give back to the community some 50 hours of volunteer service. Classes start February 23 at 1:00pm and continue each week at the same time at the First United Methodist Church in Marble Falls and other locations around the area till May 11th. Classes will cover composting, grass identification, native plants, landscape design, and organic horticulture to name just a few. There will be several field trips as well plus you will be given a loose-leaf notebook that is awesome, and the entire cost of the program is only $125.00, a real bargain at that price. There is also a scholarship program available if needed. You will learn so many gardening techniques and if you have recently moved here from almost anywhere on the planet you will really get a lot from this. The Texas Hill Country is a place that is both cherished and enchanting; however, it takes special care to garden here. But the rewards are well worth it.

You need to contact Barbara Wutz and Bonnie Friesenhahn, class coordinators email danandbarb@pgrb.com or bofriesmg@peoplepc.com or go online http:/hillcountrylgshow.com, click on Home, then HLMG Forms and Applications. You may also call Burnet County Extension 512-756-5463. Please make checks out to Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association.

January’s Garden Duties

This is the preferred time to plant trees as is February and March. Hope you have selected what you want to plant and where. Always keep in mind the size of the tree at its maturity. Plant Natives whenever you can, they are less susceptible to diseases and more likely to stay healthy and grow vigorously. Check with your local garden centers and nurseries for the exact species you need to plant for your chosen location.

Other things to do this month are:

1) It is time to spray our fruit trees with dormant oil. I like Orange oil for this.

2) Mulch vegetation for freeze protection and water retention in the soil

3) Start selecting onion sets

4) Keep watering regularly

5) Provide cover for those extra sensitive to cold plants

6) Plant strawberries, and vegetable seeds later this month

7) Start tomatoes in your greenhouses (if you have one)

8) Still can plant fruit trees, berries, grapes, and pecan trees

9) If you still have your Christmas tree then plant it if it is alive or recycle it if not

10) For more things go to my book "Gardening in the Texas Hill Country" pages 100-105

Purple Martins

According to my friend, neighbor and fellow Master Naturalist Jim Cox, the Purple Martins will be arriving in Oatmeal around February 15th. They are not as on spot as the Swallows of Capistrano but they are as close as we can get. Look for the classes on Purple Martins that will be at the Lakeshore Library in Llano County, Robert Yantis will be giving it and he is really really good and very informative. Whenever Robert and his wife Sheryl put on a program it is always first class and should not be missed.

Till Next Month!

Keep your souls and your soles in your garden!

Remember the True Master Gardener: Jesus said, "I am the vine; my Father is the Gardener." John 15:1

Have questions or comments? Contact Bill Luedecke at The Luedecke Group Realtors, P.O. Box 1632, Bertram, TX. 78605 (no Post Office in Oatmeal) or email bill@texasland.net. For additional gardening web sites, go to his web site; www.TexasLand.Net and click on links.