VOLUME 15, ISSUE 38 • September 19, 2019

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

 
 
 
 

Hi, gardener! Here's hoping this finds you and your garden well. It's a great time of year to be planting (weather permitting), so let's get down and dirty.

In this issue…
• A jewel of a berry from right here in Texas;
• What your soil wants you to know;
• What Steven Chamblee thinks you should know;
• Languishing lawngrasses; and
• This weekend's projects.

Need a book? I'll sign one for you…
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Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening
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• Covers the basics of gardening in Texas, then a 48-page chapter (4 pages/month) of when to do everything; then chapters devoted to trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, annuals, perennials, lawns, fruit and vegetables.
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Photo: American beautyberry.

 
 
 
   

Gardening This Weekend

I've collected a list of things you'll want to get done in the next few days as we plan with summer over our shoulders and fall staring us down.

Photo: Sow Coreopsis, other wildflower seeds soon.

 
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Native Son: Waves

If you think you’re a busy person, wait ’til you read what Steven Chamblee’s been up to since last we met. But he’s having fun. You’ll enjoy his account of his month.

Photo: Our buddy Steven hugging a column of plants.

 
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Up to My Eyeballs in Lawngrasses

It's been all about icky, sickly lawns lately. I think I know how it feels to work in a public health clinic in flu season. I'm going to try to condense masses of turf questions into a list of FAQs for you here. I hope it helps.

Photo: When you can pull turf up easily, grubs may be the reason.

 
 
 
   

American Beautyberry

It's bedecked in little jewels clustered about its stems like dazzling crowns. This is a fabulous native shrub that more people should grow in their shade gardens. Let me tell you about it.

Photo: It's the time that beautyberries shine across Texas.

 
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Lessons Learned in Soil Science

Believe it or not, soil science can be fascinating. Your gardens' soils are the foundation of your success. I'll cover the basics. You need to scan through them.

Photo: Proper soil preparation is critical.

 
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And, in closing…

That's it for this week's e-gardens. But there will be more, so tell all your friends! In the meantime I'll hope to see you in your favorite nursery.

Tune me in on the radio. KLIF 570AM Saturdays 1-3 p.m. or WBAP 820AM Sundays 8-10 a.m. I also do a statewide radio program Saturday mornings 11-noon. Podcasts of my programs are on my website. And join me on Facebook.

Until next week, thanks for reading!

And happy gardening!

 
 

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