VOLUME 17, ISSUE 42 • October 21, 2021

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Where I live this has been the prettiest week of 2021! Rain came early and temperatures have been devine. It's why we love Texas in autumn!

In this issue…
• Best marigold ever (my opinion);
• What to do with caladiums now;
• This weekend's goals;
• Happiest aster in Texas (Oh, my!); and
• Steven Chamblee ambles in from a recent visit to Maine!

NEIL SPERRY'S TEXAS GARDENING
Christmas sale price goes away soon

First book $36.95*
2nd and 3rd books just $31 each!
*Plus tax and postage;
books shipped to same address.
Offer expires November 15, 2021.

• Perhaps the only gardening reference book you'll need for Texas.
• 344 pages. 840 photos. Hardback. Printed in San Antonio on high-quality paper.
• 11 chapters cover all aspects of outdoor gardening from lawns and landscapes to flower, fruit and vegetable gardening.

Order from my website
Or call my office M-F, 9-5
(800) 752-4769

• I sign every copy as it sells. I guarantee satisfaction with every book or full refund.
• Not in stores and not on Amazon.

Photo: Planted now, tulips will cheer up the spring.

Gardening This Weekend

Mid-fall is prime gardening time in the minds of many of us here in Texas. Weather has cooled. We've finally gotten some rain. It's a great time to be a gardener. I've made a list of the critical tasks.

Photo: Buy tulip bulbs now, but refrigerate them at 45F for 45 days before planting.

Native Son: The Maine Thang

Steven has been to Maine, and this is a beautiful report of his journey!

Photo: Our buddy Steven enjoying his visit to coastal Maine.

Plant of the Week - Mexican Mint Marigold: October 21, 2021

Just looking at it, you might not think of it as a marigold, but it is! And it's a really great one at that. Great aroma. Butterflies love it. And spider mites don't! Let me tell you about it.

Photo: Mexican mint marigold will soon be in bloom again in the Sperry home gardens.

Question of the Week - Number 1: October 21, 2021

"What is this weed, and what can I do to control it?"

Roadside aster. My answer as to control may surprise you.

Photo: It may look like a pretty little wildflower, but believe me, it's not one you want to encourage.

Question of the Week - Number 2: October 21, 2021

"How should I keep my caladiums over the winter? Can I leave them in the ground, or do I need to dig them and bring them indoors?"

I'll give you two answers. You can take your choice.

Photo: Caladiums' productive season runs out as temperatures drop.

And, in closing…

I hope you've enjoyed this week's edition. If you did, please let others (including our advertisers) know.

This Saturday , October 23, is National Make a Difference Day. Check with your city hall, your community's volunteer center or your school district or church to see how you can get involved.

Until next e-gardens, listen for me on radio. Look for me in the newspaper. Visit my website or download a podcast. And I'm on Facebook.

Until next week, thanks for reading…

And happy gardening!

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