VOLUME 19, ISSUE 13 • March 30, 2023

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

It's Thursday, so there must be a weather event migrating through Texas. But it sounds like we have a nice gardening weekend ahead.

In this issue…
• Timing your feedings;
• Sprinkler system tune-up;
• Tentless tent caterpillars;
• This weekend's homework; and
• I've tackled your questions.

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Photo: Lavender and purple angelonias are great in flowerbeds and containers.

Gardening This Weekend

Every Thursday in March has been a "front-coming-through" time in our part of Texas. That's allowed for some nice early weeks and nice weekends around the storms. Let's hope that that will hold up this week. Here's your list of things to get done.

Photo: Plant some spring color now.

Sprinkler Tune-Up

I've never really figured it out, but sprinkler systems that seemed to be functioning just fine going into the winter always have problems coming out of the winter. I'll give you a few things you'll want to check. I can probably save you money, plants and most importantly, water.

Photo: Be sure sprinkler heads are all functioning properly.

Don't let these caterpillars surprise you.

I get calls and notes most springs about these unusual caterpillars. I thought I'd help you stay ahead of the game this year. These are forest tent caterpillars. But where are their tents?

Photo: You'll see them clustering all over trees' trunks.

Planning for Feedings

I'm frequently asked for timings of fertilizing various plants. Since this is obviously the season they're going to be putting on their strongest growth, I thought it might be a great time to jot down a schedule.

Photo: Lawns and landscapes are awaiting you and their plant food.

Q&A
Ask Neil

It's pretty much "Tree Time" in the old mailbag this week. Oh, and a question on tomatoes and one on hollies. But trees, trees and more trees. You'll see.