VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5 • February 2, 2017

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

As first weekends in February go, this one looks like it might be a really good one. Temperatures will be warm enough to work outside, and we all have plenty of tasks to fill up our time. (And still get us back inside for the ballgame.)

In this issue:
• Gardening This Weekend (our checklist);
• Question of the Week #1 (pruning roses);
• Question of the Week #2 (pre-emergents);
• Special guest on my radio program;
• A pruning tip for the Sperry gardens.

In our virtual store:
My newest book, Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening. A quarter-century more up-to-date than my "boot" book and a totally different format. Only $31.95 (plus tax, postage). Every book goes out signed - inscribed if you wish. Not in stores. Not on Amazon. Available only from my office (800) 752-4769 (during business hours) or from my website.

Photo: Bright Lights Swiss chard is colorful and even edible. In fact, we saw it in the produce section of the grocery this week.

Gardening This Weekend

Worrying that you're out of the habit of tending to chores over the winter, I've assembled the most critical gardening tasks of the time. Click through to see what you need to accomplish in the next several days.

Photo: Bright Lights Swiss chard is both edible and beautiful.

Fruit and Pecans this Sunday!

For the 34th year in a row, my special guest on my radio program this Sunday will be Dr. George Ray McEachern, fruit and pecan specialist with Texas A&M. It's one of the most popular programs of the year. I have the details.

Photo: Ripe peaches can be as near as your own backyard. Learn how this Sunday morning on my radio program.

Prune As I Say, Not As I Do

I've written it a thousand times: "Buy a plant that grows to the size and form you want and then basically leave it alone." I've told you I'm not a big fan of formal shearing into globes, cubes and poodles. So what have I done here in our gardens this week?

Photo: This photo tells several stories. Full caption on next page.

Question of the Week #1: February 2, 2017

"Neil, I know I need to prune my rose bushes. How and when do I do it?

That question has come up time and again over the past seven days, and the good news is that your time is right now. I'll give you tips.

Photo: It's rose-pruning time across Texas! It's all about timing and technique.

Question of the Week #2: February 2, 2017

"Neil, I'm seeing weeds and grasses popping up all over my lawn with the warm weather earlier this week. Is this the time to apply pre-emergent?"

No! I'm getting covered up with this question. Confused by it? PLEASE read my reply.

Photo: Fun photo I took at Antique Rose Emporium, Brenham.

And, in closing…

• Remember to tune in my program all Sunday morning for special guest Dr. George Ray McEachern of Texas A&M (details this issue).
• Patronize your local independent retail garden center.
• Get outside and enjoy the world's greatest hobby!

See you on Facebook, via podcasts, at my website, on the radio, in the newspapers or in church this weekend.

Until next Thursday, happy gardening!

Neil