January

Lawn Care:

If your lawn has a history of brown patch, treat with our Hi-Yield fungicide late in the month. Repeat treatment in 3 to 4 weeks, if needed. Brown Patch is a soil-born fungus that attacks St. Augustine, Bermuda and most turf grasses. Rain, high humidity, shade and lower night time temperatures all contribute to Brown Patch development. Usually it starts in small circular patches and will look like a "brown patch" in the sod where the original infected area begins to recover. Granular fungicides are readily available and easy to apply.

Shrub Care:

This is a perfect time for winter bed clean-up and re-mulching beds. Please call the Grass Patch service department @ 512-616-0222 and let us help you with all your landscape needs.

Fertilization:

Time to fertilize daylilies, Iris, pansies and roses. Use compost, manure or a slow releasing 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer. We recommend our Private Label "The Grass Patch 21-7-14".

Watering:

This is a great time to have your irrigation system checked out by our Grass Patch service department. Please call 512-616-0222 to set up your semi-annual irrigation review. Water everything well before a freeze, but avoid over watering. Be sure your irrigation system does not run during freezing temperatures to avoid an "Ice Event". Turn your irrigation controller to the "Off" position during temporary freezing weather.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Check for mealy bugs and for scale on houseplants.

Transplant:

Plant bare root and container grown roses, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vines. Divide and transplant perennial herbs and summer and fall blooming perennial flowers.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Allium, Alstroemeria, Amarcrinum, Canna, Crinum, Dahlia, Daylily, Gladiolus, Hosta, Hyacinth, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Tigridia, Tulip.

Flowers Plants:

Alyssum, Butterfly Weed, Calendula, Candytuft, Cornflower, Dianthus, Daisy (African, Michaelmas and Painted), Gaillardia, Liatris, Edging Lobelia, Nasturtium, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Pansy, Phlox paniculata, Snapdragon, Stock.

February

Lawn Care:

If lawn has a history of brown patch, problems, treat with a labeled fungicide late this month. Repeat treatment in 3 to 4 weeks if necessary. If lawn has a history of weed problems, apply pre-emergent herbicide mid month to prevent warm season annual weeds. Control cool season broadleaf weeds late month, before they go to seed with a post-emergent herbicide.

Shrub Care:

This is a perfect time for winter bed clean-up and re-mulching beds. Please call the Grass Patch service department @ 512-616-0222 and let us help you with all your landscape needs

Fertilization:

Feed winter bloomers such as allyssum, dianthus and especially pansies. Fertilize maidenhair fern with bone meal.

Watering:

Get ready for Spring with a complete irrigation evaluation. Make sure your irrigation system is operating as efficiently as possible. Call our service department @ 512-616-0222 to find out how you can save money and conserve water. Water everything well before a freeze, but avoid over watering.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Apply pre-emergent weed killer to lawn. (Read label carefully) Spray fruit trees with dormant oil just prior to bud break.

Transplant:

Plant bare root and container grown roses, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vines. Divide and transplant perennial herbs and summer and fall blooming perennial flowers.

Prune:

Prune evergreen shrubs, shade trees summer and fall flowering shrubs. (Best time is just before bud break). Do not prune spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas, spirea and philadelphus (mock orange); they already have set blooms. Prune roses around Valentines Day, except climbers and other once bloomers. Prune after flowering. Mow straggly groundcovers on high setting to renew the planting.

Reasons to Prune

• Improve the chance of survival at transplanting time.
• Direct or correct growth in shade trees.
• Maintain the natural shape of the tree.
• Maintain or limit the size of a plant so that it doesn't grow out of bounds.
• Remove undesirable growth or suckers that detracts from the plant.
• Remove broken, unsightly or branches that are rubbing.
• Remove diseased or insect damaged growth.
• Remove existing stubs that allow diseases and insects to enter the plant.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Agapanthus, Amaryllis (in containers), Allium, Alstroemeria, Amarcrinum, Calla, Canna, Crinum, Dahlia, Daylily, Gladiolus, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Tigridia, Tulip.

Flowers Plants:

African Daisy (Arctotis), Alyssum, Anchusa (Summer Forget-Me-Not), Butterfly Weed, Calendula, Candytuft, Coneflower, Chrysanthemum, Cornflower, Delphinium, Dianthus, Daisy (African, Michaelmas and Painted), English Daisy (Bellis), Feverfew, Gaillardia, Larksbur, Liatris, Edging Lobelia, Cardinal Flower (Lobelia), Monkey Flower (Mimulus) Nasturtium, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Pansy, Phlox (paniculata and Drummondii), Penstemon, Snapdragon, Stock, Johnny-Jump-Up and Pansy (Viola).

March

Lawn Care:

What you do in early spring will lay the foundation for this years lawn. Early to mid march is a great time to scalp and aerate your lawn. The Grass Patch carries a full line of fertilizers as well as pest and disease control. We will be happy to assist you in choosing what is right for your yard.

Fertilization:

Apply Grass Patch 21-7-14 fertilizer after scalping or aerating your lawn. Remove thatch after scalping and watch for sprinkler system damage after aerating. Begin monthly feeding of hibiscus after pruning. Start a rose feeding schedule; spray and feed camellias. Begin fertilizing azaleas after they bloom. Fertilize established fruit and nut trees with 1 lb. 15-5-10 per inch of trunk diameter.

Watering:

Water early in the day to prevent fungus.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Watch for aphids on new growth, spider mites on older leaves and cut worms on young transplants.

Prune:

Prune hibiscus, also spring flowering shrubs and trees, after they bloom. Prune and train vines. Shape spring-blooming shrubs with light pruning after bloom. Allow bulb foliage to yellow and die before removing.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Achimenes, Acidanthera, Amaryllis, Allium, Alstroemeria, Amarcrinum, Cletilla (Ground Orchid), Caladium, Calla, Canna, Crinum, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Daylily, Dietes (Butterfly Iris), Ginger Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lily, Hosta, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Tigridia, Tuberose.

Flowers Plants:

Achillea (Yarrow), Ageratum, African Daisy (Arctotis), Alyssum, Alpine Aster, Amaranthus (Josephs Coat), Anchusa (Summer Forget-Me-Not), Butterfly Weed, Ballon Flower, Balsam (Blue Daze), Blue Cardinal Flower, Boltonia, Scarlet Bouvardia, Browallia, Calliopsis, Choclate Plant, Coreopsis, Cockscomb, Cleome, Cigar Plant, Coleus, Columbine, Copper Plant, Chrysanthemum, Dahila, Dianthus, Daisy (Michaelmas, Shasta and Painted), Feverfew, Gaillardia, Geranium, Gomphrena, Hisbiscus, Hollyhock, Indian Blanket, Lambs Ear, Lantana, Liatris, Edging Lobelia, Mexican Heather, Nasturtium, Penta, Petunia, Pansy, Phlox (Drummondii), Penstemon, Plumbago, Oriental Poppy, Salvia (farinacea, greggii, leucantha, splendens), Sedum, Spiderwort, Stokes Aster, Sunflower, Torenia (Wishbone Flower).

April

Lawn Care:

Begin regular lawn care. Mow every 5 to 7 days as needed at recommended height see "Caring For Your Landscape" for more details on mowing heights.

Fertilization:

Feed crape myrtle beneath the branch spread with 1/3 cup complete fertilizer per square yard.

Watering:

Water as needed early in the day to prevent fungus. Remember that deep watering encourages deep roots! Daily lawn sprinkling encourages shallow rooting and promotes diseases. Apply water one to two times per week depending on how much rainfall we are having. A slow deep watering is best. Call our irrigation service department @ 512-616-0222 for a complete irrigation evaluation. Get a quote on how you can increase your irrigation system's efficiency and apply water slowly and evenly. Save money and water! Be sure to avoid water runoff during hand watering or irrigating. See "Caring For Your Irrigation" for additional information.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Spray roses with fungicide to prevent blackspot.

Prune:

Prune spring flowering shrubs and trees, after they bloom. Prune and train vines. Shape spring-blooming shrubs with light pruning after bloom. Divide chrysanthemums and pinch tips for bushier growth.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Achimenes, Acidanthera, Amaryllis, Allium, Alstroemeria, Amarcrinum, Cletilla (Ground Orchid), Caladium, Calla, Canna, Crinum, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Daylily, Dietes (Butterfly Iris), Ginger Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lily, Hosta, Hypoxis, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Tigridia, Tuberose.

Flowers Plants:

Ageratum, Ajuga, Balsam (Blue Daze), Wax Begonia, Blue Cardinal Flower, Boltonia, Scarlet Bouvardia, Chocolate Plant, Coreopsis, Cockscomb, Cigar Plant, Coleus, Columbine, Copper Plant, Dahila, Daisy (Shasta), Feverfew, Geranium, Gomphrena, Hisbiscus, Hollyhock, Impatients, Jacobinia, Lantana, Marigold, Penta, Periwinkle, Petunia, (Drummondii), Penstemon, Persian Shield, Plumbago, Phlox drummondii, Portulaca, Purslane, Oriental Poppy, Rudbeckia hirta, Salvia (farinacea, greggii, leucantha, splendens), Sedum, Spiderwort, Stokes Aster, Sunflower, Yarrow, Zinnia.

May

Fertilization:

Feed all spring-blooming shrubs after they have bloomed. Feed amaryllis after they bloom. Feed and mulch iris. Feed crape myrtle with a 1/2 cup per square yard of 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer beneath the branch spread.

Watering:

As the weather heats up and rainfall diminishes you must adjust your irrigation system. Call our irrigation service department @ 512-616-0222 to schedule your seasonal adjustment. Remember to adjust your irrigation system seasonally. Mulch all bare soil to retain moisture.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Check for aphids and spider mites. Look for tobacco hornworms and stink bugs, especially in vegetable gardens. Spray blackspot susceptible roses with fungicide every 7-10 days.

Prune:

Prune spring flowering shrubs and trees, after they bloom. Prune climbing roses and other once bloomers as soon as they finish flowering. Divide chrysanthemums and pinch tips for bushier growth. Pinch back leggy annuals to encourage branching. Deadhead plants to encourage blooming. Prune frost-damage trees and shrubs.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Acidanthera, Amarcrinum, Amaryllis, Aspidistra, Caladium, Canna, Daylily, Ginger, Gladiolus, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Neomarica.

Flowers Plants:

Ageratum, Ajuga, Balsam (Blue Daze), Wax Begonia, Blue Cardinal Flower, Boltonia, Scarlet Bouvardia, Chocolate Plant, Coreopsis, Cockscomb, Cigar Plant, Coleus, Columbine, Copper Plant, Cosmos, Dahila, Daisy (Shasta), Feverfew, Geranium, Gomphrena, Hisbiscus, Hollyhock, Impatients, Jacobinia, Lantana, Marigold, Penta, Periwinkle, Petunia, (Drummondii), Penstemon, Persian Shield, Plumbago, Phlox drummondii, Portulaca, Purslane, Oriental Poppy, Rudbeckia hirta, Salvia (farinacea, greggii, leucantha, splendens), Sedum, Spiderwort, Stokes Aster, Sunflower, Yarrow, Zinnia.

June

Lawn Care:

Watch for chinch bugs in the sunny part of your lawn, especially near the streets and driveways. Chinch bugs feed in the dry areas of your lawn, sucking out the sap and leaving a toxin behind which eventually kills the lawn. Avoid weed killers now that temperatures are above 85 degrees.

Fertilization:

Feed annuals with 1 cup of balanced fertilizer per 100 square feet. Rich compost, manure tea and fish emulsion are some organic options. Yellowing leaves near the tip of the plant shoots indicate a lack of iron. Feed established annuals and perennials with a high nitrogen/low phosphorus balanced fertilizer or a 2-1-2 ratio.

Watering:

Watch for hot spots developing in your lawn. Hot spots are dry areas in the lawn which are usually caused by rock formations under the soil which heat up and cause the grass to dry out. Heat and reduced rainfall will cause hot spots. Be sure to adjust your irrigation and watering schedule for the increasing temperatures. Call our irrigation service department to have your irrigation system checked for proper coverage and efficiency. Water your lawn & plants at least two times per week (check with your water provider for watering restrictions). Be sure to water slowly and deeply.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Watch for chinch bugs in the sunny areas of your lawn, especially near streets and driveways. The Grass Patch offers a full line of pest and disease control. Watch for webworms and other caterpillars. We recommend you treat with Bacillus thuriongiensis BT.

Prune:

Remove spent flowers from daisies, daylilies, cannas and other summer flowers. Prune dead and damaged wood from trees and shrubs as needed. Cut geraniums back and place in light shade. Do not prune oak trees at this time since the beetle that carries oak wilt is active now and may be attracted to any cuts you make.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Amaryllis, Canna, Crinum, Daylily, Ginger, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Rain Lily.

Flowers Plants:

Ajuga, Balsam (Blue Daze), Wax Begonia, Boltonia, Scarlet Bouvardia, Chocolate Plant, Cockscomb, Cigar Plant, Cosmos, Gomphrena, Hisbiscus, Hibiscus, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Purslane, Sunflower, Yarrow, Zinnia.

July

Lawn Care:

Watch for take-all patch. You can get more information on pest and disease control at aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu. Set mower higher in shaded areas to promote denser turf. When mowing at a higher setting be sure to make check your irrigation heads to verify they spray above the new height of grass. You may need to raise your heads or trim you grass around the heads for adequate coverage.

Fertilization:

Feed annuals with a complete fertilizer. Water well before and after application. Dead head and fertilize roses.

Watering:

Adjust your watering schedule to compensate for the heat and lack of rainfall. Water all planted areas slowly and deeply. Check with your water provider for watering restrictions.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Watch for spider mites, leaf rollers, lacebugs and aphids; chinch bugs, fleas, ticks, chiggers and grubs in lawn; scale insects on euonymus, hollies; webworms in pecans and persimmons; powdery mildew on crape myrtles and roses; aphids on crape myrtle, roses and Mexican milkweed.

Prune:

Prune dead and damaged wood from trees and shrubs as needed.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Autumn Crocus, Liriope, Monkey Grass.

Flowers Plants:

Ageratum, Ajuga, Alpine Aster, Balsam (Blue Daze), Boltonia, Cockscomb, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Purslane, Rudbeckia Hirta (Gloriosa Daisy), Mexican Bush Sage, Sedum, Stokes Aster, Wax Begonia, Vinca, Zinnia.

August

Lawn Care:

Avoid weed killer when the temperature is 85 degrees or above.

Fertilization:

Feed chrysanthemums every 2-3 weeks until buds appear, then weekly until buds show color. Fertilize roses for fall bloom.

Watering:

It is HOT! Your yard will develop hot spots and may need to have additional water in these areas. When the temperatures are hot and there is a lack of rainfall it is important to look for stress in you lawn, plants and trees. Additional water may need to be given to your existing trees. Sometimes in extreme heat your irrigation system cannot provide enough water. You may need to hand water to provide the additional water needed for survival. Remember to water slowly and deeply. Keep azaleas and fruit trees watered well because spring blooms are forming.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Watch for grub worms, chinch bugs and fire ants in the lawn. Visit our link to (aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu) on the home page for more information on pest and disease control.

Prune:

Prune roses back 1/3. Deadhead spent blooms and seed pods from crape myrtles for continued blooms. Trim photenias for red fall color. Remove dead and damaged wood from trees and shrubs as needed. Pinch Chrysanthemums for the last time.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Autumn Crocus, Liriope, Monkey Grass.

Flowers Plants:

Ageratum, Ajuga, Alpine Aster, Balsam (Blue Daze), Boltonia, Cockscomb, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Purslane, Rudbeckia Hirta (Gloriosa Daisy), Mexican Bush Sage, Sedum, Stokes Aster, Wax Begonia, Vinca, Zinnia.

September

Lawn Care:

Temperatures will be cooling down toward the end of the month and you will need to watch for brown patch in St. Augustine, Bermuda and other grasses as temperatures cool down. Lawns with a history of the disease should be treated in late month and again in 3 weeks with Terraclor or Daconil. Brown Patch is a soil-born fungus that attacks St. Augustine, Bermuda and most turf grasses. Rain, high humidity, shade and lower night time temperatures all contribute to Brown Patch development. Usually it starts in small circular patches and will look like a "brown patch" in the sod where the original infected area begins to recover. Brown Patch can be transported from one are of infection to another by walking or mowing through the infected area. Granular fungicides are readily available and easy to apply.

Fertilization:

Feed chrysanthemums every 2-3 weeks until buds appear, then weekly until buds show color. Fertilize roses, gardenias and magnolias.

Watering:

Remember cooler temperatures mean you should adjust your irrigation system and watering schedule. You will begin to need less water as the temperatures cool and we begin to get additional rainfall. Always be sure to water trees, shrubs and sod deeply and slowly. Call our irrigation service department @ 512-616-0222 to schedule your irrigation system's seasonal adjustment.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Watch for grub worms, chinch bugs and fire ants in the lawn. Visit aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu for more information on pest and disease control.

Prune:

Lightly prune pyrancanthus so berries will show.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Allium, Amarcrinum, Calla, Crocus, Cooperia, Cyclamen, Daylily, Dietes, Louisiana Iris, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Oxalis, Rain Lily. Purchase Tulip, Crocus, Hyacinth and Daffodil bulbs to pre-chill.

Flowers Plants:

Ajuga, Alpine Aster, Wax Begonia, Butterfly Weed, Candytuft, Cockscomb, Coneflower, Cornflower, Dianthus, Daisy (Shasta, English and Painted), Euroyps, Larksbur, Liatris, Obedient Plant, Salvia (perennial types), Sedum, Stock, Stokes Aster.

October

Lawn Care:

Time to winterize your lawn. Please come see us at The Grass Patch we have a full line of fertilization products.

Fertilization:

Feed existing beds with Iris with well-rotted manure of balanced fertilizer.

Watering:

Water areas as needed.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Time for a second treatment of fungicide for lawns with a history of brown patch.

Prune:

Prune shrubs as needed, but save major pruning for the winter. Remove dead and damaged wood from shrubs and trees. Make cuttings of tender plants before the winter.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Allium, Amarcrinum, Calla, Crocus, Cooperia, Cooperia, Cyclamen, Daylily, Dietes, Louisiana Iris, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Oxalis, Rain Lily. Purchase Tulip, Crocus, Hyacinth and Daffodil bulbs to pre-chill.

Flowers Plants:

Ajuga, Alyssum, Bluebonnet, Butterfly Weed, Calendula,Candytuft, Carnation, Chinese Forget-Me-Not, Dianthus, Euroyps, Gazenia, Indian Blanket, Liatris, Nasturtium, Pansy, Penestmon, Petunia, Salvia farniacea, Sedum, Snap Dragon, Stock.

November

Watering:

This is a great time to have your irrigation system checked out for the winter. Please call for details @ 512-616-0222. It is necessary to continue watering during the winter to keep your grass, plants and trees growing, their root systems continue to grow throughout the year. Water everything well before a freeze, but avoid over watering. Make sure your irrigation system does not run during freezing temperatures. Although it is not necessary to drain irrigation systems in our area you want to avoid creating unnecessary ice on your plants and trees.

Pest and Disease to look for:

Watch roots of removed annuals for nematodes (knots on the roots).

Prune:

After blooming, chysanthemums should be cut back almost to the ground. Prune long, gangly shoots on shrubs. Remove dead and damaged wood from shrubs and trees.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Allium, Amarcrinum, Calla, Crocus, Cooperia, Cooperia, Cyclamen, Daylily, Dietes, Louisiana Iris, Spider Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Mondo Grass, Oxalis, Rain Lily. Purchase Tulip, Crocus, Hyacinth and Daffodil bulbs to pre-chill at least 6 weeks. The best bulbs for our area include wild lily-flower tulips, jonquils, veryearly daffodils, muscari, leucojum and squills (Neglectum species).

Flowers Plants:

Ajuga, Alyssum, Bluebonnet, Butterfly Weed, Calendula,Candytuft, Carnation, Chinese Forget-Me-Not, Dianthus, Euroyps, Gazenia, Indian Blanket, Liatris, Nasturtium, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Obedient Plant, Pansy, German Primrose, Penestmon, Petunia, Phlox paniculata, Stock

December

Lawn Care:

Run mower and trimmer engines dry of gasoline, drain and change oil. Take them to the repair shop to avoid the spring rush. Clean and oil all tools before storing for the winter.

Watering:

This is a great time to have your irrigation system checked out by our Grass Patch service department. Please call for details @ 512-616-0222. Water everything well before a freeze, but avoid over watering.

Prune:

Remove dead and damaged wood from shrubs and trees.

Things to Plant:

Bulbs:

Agapanthus, Allium, Crinum, Hyacinth, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Muscari, Star of Bethlehem (Orthinogalum), Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Spraxis, Aztec Lily (Sprekelia) Watsonia.

Flowers Plants:

Alyssum, Bluebonnet, Butterfly Weed, Calendula, Candytuft, Dianthus, Daisy (African, Michaelmas and Painted), Liatris, Nasturtium, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Phlox, Snapdragon, Stock