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El Nino is on Target

Remember back in early September when we discussed the El Nino effect? Well we have been feeling his effects for several months now. All he has to do now is fill the Highland Lakes chain and we will be very happy campers. All the creeks, rivers and ponds are really full to overflowing. With the present round of El Nino in action there will be more water in the lakes.

Further on target is the colder weather we discussed back in September. We have already had a really good year for our fruit trees

and even more cold weather is on the way. We should have a bumper crop of peaches this year being as wet and cold as is has and will be by harvest time.

As they say "If you don’t like our weather just sit tight for a few minutes, it will change". I always wanted to know who "They" were.

The Martins are Coming

The Martins are coming the Martins are coming. I know it seems too cold and too early, however, my friend Jim Cox always reminds me that they are coming right around February 15th. So it is certainly time to clean up and clean out their houses, as the scouts will be here shortly.

Purple Martins are to the Texas Hill Country that the swallows are to Capistrano they always arrive at the same time each year.

Some February Reminders

* Potato planting time is around mid month, between president’s days.

* Do you have your onion sets planted yet?

*Valentines Day means it is time to prune your roses.

*This is our last time to apply Corn Gluten to our lawns to naturally Feed and Weed them. This is the way to get rid of those pesky grass burrs and other weeds in our lawns. Apply Corn Gluten at the rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet with a fertilizer spreader.

* It is still time to plant fruit trees or any other trees for that matter.

*Warning: Don’t prune your fruit trees till mid to late this month or early March.

*Have you started your tomatoes in the greenhouse yet? Yes it is time and past time if you want to get a jump on Spring.

Please Don’t Murder the Myrtles

The best way to prune Crepe Myrtles is to not prune! The only time they should be pruned is when they are planted under the eaves of the house or power line. Crepe Myrtles were never meant to be pruned. Instead we are supposed to purchase the correct size. They come in dwarf, medium to tall, always ask the nursery how tall they are going to grow.

12th Annual Hill Country Lawn and Garden Show

Well it is almost time again for the annual lawn and garden show. I can hardly wait to see all the new plants, equipment and gardening supplies. This exciting and wonderful show will be on Saturday March 27, 2010 from 9am to 3pm.

Of course the folks who can get there early always get the best of the best. I for one will be their when they open their doors, however, I will be working the Master Naturalist Booth again and my book "Gardening in the Texas Hill Country" will be on sale. I am almost out of books so this may be the last chance to get one.

If you want more information or want to be a vendor please go to http://yantislakesidegardens.giv ing.officelive.com/show.aspx and there is a form for you to fill out and email in. If you have plants, a new product, anything to do with gardening this is the place to sell it and build your base.

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.