Ask the Garden Geek
Have questions, insights or exciting news to share?
Our resident expert The Garden Geek is here to help!
BRAD WIER
Brad Wier is a SAWS conservation planner. Years in South Texas landscaping and public horticulture gave him a lasting enthusiasm for native plants that don’t die when sprinklers — and gardeners — break down. He’d rather save time and water for kayaking and tubing. He is a former kilt model, and hears hummingbirds.
Timely Tips
Mow falling leaves into the the lawn as natural fertilizer.
Add mulch to new plantings.
If you didn’t aerate or compost in spring, November is a great time to add 1/4 to 1/2 inch of compost to lawn areas.
Stage 2 watering rules continue. Turn off irrigation if you haven’t already – if you have thirsty annuals or new plantings, hand water. For recent plantings, follow the 3-2-1 rule: about three times per week for the first three weeks, twice per week for the next two weeks, and once per week if needed thereafter.
This is the best time of year to plant new landscapes — especially trees and shrubs! Cooler temperatures allow for healthy root growth.
It’s also a good time to divide and/or transplant summer perennials.
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