Hatton columnist writes about key gardening activities despite the weather
I know – I can hear the grumbling. It is no less hot and dry in my gardens, nor do I have any magic that keeps my gardens weed-free and all the flowers blooming with spent blooms falling neatly off and wandering away to the compost pile. I suffer the same maladies as everyone else.
But, if you have lived in Amarillo for more than a year, you know that the best weather of the year is nearly upon us. That doesn’t just mean bird hunting, great golfing, and hiking. It also means that prime gardening season is coming soon.
This is especially true for those of you with the attitude that there is no reason to grow anything if it can’t be eaten. Since I am not a veggie gardener, I am not qualified to give advice in this area. But I do know that July and August are the times to begin planting fall crops. For more information Texas Gardener magazine July/August 2023 has detailed guidelines regarding planting crops for fall.
Deadheading or shearing of annuals and perennials that have ceased or vastly diminished bloom is in order. Annual and perennial salvias that are past prime are an example. With taller plants, don’t just shear off at the same height. Cut some taller and some lower or delay cutting some to extend bloom time for more visual interest. There are many plants that will benefit from such treatment now.
Some robust shrubs also may need to be trimmed or cut back. Lantana (Lantana spp.), Turk’s cap (Malvaviscus drummondii), and autumn sage (Salvia greggii) are examples. Butterfly bushes (Buddleia spp.) will also put out new growth and more flowers if cut back or deadheaded.
Adding compost or other amendments to the soil can be done anytime, but now is a great time. Simply top dressing with organic material will both provide mulch and improve the health of the soil. Replenish mulch if needed and watch for fall sprouting weeds for elimination while small.
The continuing drought and high temperatures have likely revealed any turf and bed areas that are not getting adequate water. If you rely on automatic sprinkler systems to do your watering, spend time running it and looking at every zone and each spray head and nozzle to assure they are aimed and operating correctly. Small pebbles in nozzles can alter spray patterns, shrubs and other plants can grow and block water distribution, tree and shrub roots can use more water as plants grow, and other problems can arise that can affect proper irrigation. As a result of some of these changes, I have had to add a few more minutes to several zones to get the proper amount of water needed to water to the proper depth during my normal watering routines. Of course, for those of you who water manually, checking your routines is equally important.
All these activities will set up your gardens for a colorful and productive fall and will help prepare for any changes or planting that you plan to do.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Garden Guy column: Activities, plants to tend to despite the weather
