How does your garden grow?

Neighbors in Falls County are loving the green after the rain! In this splendid setting, gardeners in Falls County, Texas, can now focus on transitioning to warm-season crops, managing intense heat and pests, and maintaining soil health.

Note: If plants were not put in early, they can still be planted in early May. Protect them from the sun, and give them extra water to help them establish their roots before the intense heat of late Spring and Summer.

Tomatoes that were planted in early April are now in a critical, high-production phase of their Spring life cycle. They are growing rapidly, blooming, and the first “green tomatoes” (around 1 inch in diameter) typically appear before the intense summer heat arrives.

Key vegetables to plant in late April and early May include okra, bush beans, lima beans, and black-eyed peas. sweet potatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Use starters for peppers and eggplant for better results, as they have longer maturity times.

Vining crops such as cucumbers, summer/winter squash, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and watermelon are “a go” now, too.

For succession planting, gardeners can plant new rounds of summer favorites to replace early spring plants that have finished producing.

Herbs such as basil, dill, fennel, and rosemary are ideal to plant at this time.

For flowers, consider adding pollinator-friendly, heat-tolerant flowers, such as annuals zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, and Mexican sunflower, and marigolds. Perennials such as Esperanza (Tecoma stans), Salvia Coccinea (Scarlet Sage), and Lantana will also add much needed nutrition for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Tender bulbs:like gladiola, lilies, and dahlias can be planted now.

Consistent watering during rising temperatures is critical for plant survival. Apply mulch to retain soil moisture, keep roots cool, and suppress weeds. An an extra 2–3 inches of mulch around tomatoes, peppers, and young trees will conserve moisture.

Sharpen mower blades and adjust to a higher setting to protect grass roots from heat It is time to fertilize again, especially as the first fruit appears.

Insects as pests are on the rise. Check for pests like aphids and worms; treat with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) in the evening to protect pollinators. Also, consider trellising cucumbers to reduce pests and disease.

As temperatures rise and rain becomes less frequent, take advantage of dry conditions to remove tough weeds before they set seed.

Today’s feature plant comes from Ms. Bettye Tarver. Her San Antone Oregano or Cherry Sage is a resilient, woody-stemmed perennial native to Texas and Mexico. It typically grows 2–3 feet tall and wide, requires low-maintenance, and should be pruned by 1/3 to 1/2 in late winter to prevent leggy growth and encourage bushiness. It thrives in dry, rocky, or sandy soil - not in wet or heavily compacted clay.

San Antone Oregano is excellent for border planting and xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. It uses drought-tolerant native plants, efficient irrigation, and soil improvements to create sustainable, low-maintenance, and colorful landscapes, while using over 50% less water.

San Antone Oregano is a magnet for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Its aromatic leaves are sometimes used in teas or as seasoning. Salvia greggii is distinct from culinary sage but belongs to the same genus.

Happy Gardening!