VOLUME 12, ISSUE 48 • December 29, 2016

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Hopefully you've had nice family time these past couple of weeks. With New Year's weekend ahead, I thought you might have a little extra time that you could spend in the garden. We've planned this week's e-gardens accordingly.

In this issue…
• African violets;
• Pruning vitex;
• Freeze damage;
• Soil testing; and
• Gardening tips for this weekend.

Additionally, I've extended our offer of savings on my book through next Tuesday, January 3. Buy the first one at regular price ($31.95) and get a second and third book at just $26.95 each (all plus taxes and postage). Here are all the details on the book. You can order here, too.

Photo: Colorful two-toned African violet is an indoor plant star.

Gardening This Weekend

Again, I've boiled gardening tasks down to the critical few to give you time to ring in the New Year. I have them listed.

Photo: You must plant your pre-chilled tulips and hyacinths now. No more reminders. No more snoozing!

Pruning Vitex

I grew up around this shrub in College Station. No one did much to it, and it bloomed gloriously each summer. But good management can make it a much better landscaping plant. I have details.

Photo: Vitex blooms in late spring, but pruning should be done in the winter.

African Violets Definitely Achievable!

They have a reputation of being hard to grow, but African violets need not scare you away. I'll give a quick trip through the steps.

Photo: African violets come in a wide range of colors - and yes, you can grow them!

Question of the Week: December 29

"Neil, how can I tell what needs to be pruned out of my frozen shrubs?"

This is similar to last week's prime question, but I have a couple of new details.

Photo: Oleander leaves are turning brown. Is the plant lost?

Testing Time for Texas Soils

It's a critical topic! This is the best time to have your soil tested. Better than a month ago, and a bunch better than a month from now. I'll explain why.

Photo: Native Texas soils come in all forms and flavors. Routine soil tests are critical.

And, in closing…

That's it for e-gardens for this week. We'll be back at the same time next week. In the meantime, tell friends about us. And join me on the radio, via my podcasts, on Facebook and in 15 Texas newspapers.

Until next week, Happy New Year…
and Happy Gardening!

Neil