After years of answering the same questions about gardening in Southern Texas usually beginning with, “Why did this plant die?” or “How do I spend less time and money in the garden?” I decided to put the answers in one place. These articles focus on improving and simplifying the landscape by choosing the right low- or no-maintenance plants, putting them in the right place, and giving them the care they actually need not the care garden centers wish they needed. The goal is simple: create a beautiful garden that doesn’t require a second mortgage or a full-time staff to maintain. For more gardening information go to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@jjons

December in Houston we have relatively mild winters but occasional freezes can occur. So, it is essential to be prepared and to protect cold sensitive plants from frost damage.

• Lawns: Dormant lawns require minimum care. Mowing St. Augustine to a height of ~3” and Bermuda grass back to ~1-2”. Cleanup debris and remove any remaining dead leaves and fallen branches from the lawn areas. This helps prevent diseases and pests from overwintering. If you planted rye grass it will require mowing.
• Bulbs: Mulch bulb beds for winter protection. Ensure proper drainage.
• Annuals: Protect cool-season annuals from frost. Minimize watering.
• Perennials: Continue cleaning up dead foliage.
• Tropical Plants: Provide frost protection in anticipation of a freeze.
• Roses/Shrubs/Trees/Fruit Trees: Leave dormant. 
• Palms: Reduce watering significantly. Prepare for potential frost (for some palms). Monitor for cold damage.
• Fertilizer: Avoid fertilizing.
• Weed Control: Hand-pull weeds during warm spells. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds. Apply pre-emergent herbicides, as needed.
• Pests: Minor issues.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases (due to damp conditions),…
• Watering: Water only during extended dry periods.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Ensure that irrigation systems are properly drained and protected from freezing. Continue adding compost to garden beds to improve soil structure and fertility. This reduces the need for fertilizers in the spring. Ensure a thick layer of mulch around plants as this reduce weeds and helps to retain moisture and insulates the plant’s roots and reduces the risk of frost damage. Monitor weather forecasts for potential frost. Be prepared to cover tender plants with frost cloths or other protective measures.
• Garden Cost Management: Closely monitor weather forecasts for freezing temperatures. Plan for winter protection of vulnerable plants. Ensure frost cloths and other protective coverings are readily available to cover tender (tropical) plants. Use this time to plan for spring planting and landscaping projects. This can help to avoid impulse purchases and ensure that the garden is prepared for the next growing season.

Note: These gardening suggestions are provided for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary due to specific garden conditions, garden plants species and plant varieties, soil types, climate, and other factors. Consider using organic options vs. chemicals if possible. If needed, use only plant specific fertilizers, insect and disease specific ‘cides. Always consult and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for any garden chemicals or products used.

November in Houston is a time for transitioning the garden focusing on preparations for the cooler months and ensuring long-term health of your existing plants.

• Lawns: Continue mowing as needed. Consider aerating the lawn to promote healthy growth. Reduce mowing frequency as grass growth slows. Maintain a slightly higher mowing height - St. Augustine to a height of 3” and Bermuda grass back to 1-2” - these grass will start to go dormant. Minimize foot traffic on dormant lawns. If you planted rye grass it will require mowing.
• Bulbs: Continue planting spring-blooming bulbs.
• Annuals: Continue planting cool-season annuals.
• Perennials: Continue cleaning up dead foliage.
• Tropical Plants: Determine which plants will need frost protection. Minimize watering.
• Roses/Shrubs/Trees/Fruit Trees: Plant new potted and bare rot plants. Begin minor fall pruning (shaping). Allow existing plants to go dormant. Clean up fallen leaves and debris.
• Palms: Reduce watering significantly. Begin to prepare for potential frost (for some palms). 
• Fertilizer: No more fertilizing.
• Weed Control: Continue hand-pulling weeds. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds. Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent winter weeds, as needed.
• Pests: Scale insects, aphids,… Continue monitoring for pests and diseases although activity should be reduced.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases (due to damp conditions),…
• Watering: Significantly reduce irrigation watering frequency. Water only during extended dry periods. Monitor soil moisture levels closely to avoid overwatering. Ensure that irrigation systems are prepared for potential freezing temperatures.
• Landscaper Suggestions: Continue amending the garden beds with compost to improve soil health. This reduces the need for costly chemical fertilizers. Clear out any remaining spent plants and leaf debris to prevent pests and diseases. Ensure proper drainage in garden beds to prevent water-logging during potential winter rains. Make sure that mulch levels are kept at proper depths. This will help to protect roots from colder temperatures and also help to hold in any needed moisture.
• Garden Cost Management: Plan for winter protection of vulnerable plants, such as using frost cloths. This prevents costly plant replacements. Use this time to plan for spring planting and landscaping projects. This can help to avoid impulse purchases and ensure that the garden is prepared for the next growing season.

Fourth Quarter (October, November, December): In Houston this is the autumn (fall) and early winter period. Temperatures begin to drop and late in the year frost may become a risk. Days shorten and plant growth slows. Deciduous trees shed their leaves. By the first week of December I have prepared my garden plants for an anticipated frost.
​October in Houston the cooler temperatures making it ideal for planting and garden maintenance. 

• Lawns: Continue mowing as needed, gradually lowering the height. Mowing St. Augustine to a height of ~3” and Bermuda grass back to ~1-2”. Fertilize warm-season lawns with a winterizing fertilizer (high potassium) to strengthen roots. Begin fall leaf cleanup.
• Bulbs: Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths,… Prepare beds with well-draining soil, compost and bone meal.
• Annuals: Plant cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, and snapdragons,..
• Perennials: Divide and transplant spring-blooming perennials. Plant fall-blooming perennials like chrysanthemums,… Begin cleaning up dead foliage.
• Tropical Plants: Identify garden plants that may need frost protection. Reduce watering and fertilization.
• Roses/Shrubs/Trees: Plant new potted and bare root plants.
• Fruit Trees: Harvest late-season fruits. Begin minor fall pruning. Clean up fallen fruit to prevent disease. Plant bare-root trees.
• Palms: Reduce watering as temperatures begin to cool. Fertilize as needed. Check for any signs of pests or disease.
• Fertilizer: As needed.
• Weed Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides for winter weeds,  as needed. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds. Hand-pull weeds.
• Pests: Caterpillars, aphids,… Cool-season pests will still be active
• Diseases: Leaf spot, rust,…
• Watering: Adjust watering schedules as temperatures continue to cool. Avoid overwatering which can lead to fungal diseases (root rot).
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Clear out spent summer plants and leaf debris to prevent disease and pests. Rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases (consider composting them). Ask them to continue to monitor soil moisture levels and to monitor plants for pests and diseases. 
• Garden Cost Management: Plan for winter protection of vulnerable plants, such as using frost cloths. This prevents costly plant replacements. Plan for spring planting.

Note: These gardening suggestions are provided for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary due to specific garden conditions, garden plants species and plant varieties, soil types, climate, and other factors. Consider using organic options vs. chemicals if possible. If needed, use only plant specific fertilizers, insect and disease specific ‘cides. Always consult and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for any garden chemicals or products used.

​September in Houston signals a shift from the intense summer heat to a more favorable growing season. This means your garden maintenance crew should transition their focus accordingly.

• Lawns: Continue mowing St. Augustine and Bermuda grass at a higher setting (~3.5-4 inches) to shade the soil and retain moisture. Begin fertilizing with a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 20-5-10). You may want to consider preparing for over-seeding with rye grass but this will result in ongoing (increased) mowing (costs) throughout the cold season when the St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses are dormant.
• Bulbs: Prepare beds for fall-planted bulbs. Continue watering caladiums and lilies.
• Annuals: Plant fall-blooming annuals like mums and pansies,… Water regularly.
• Perennials: Divide spring-blooming perennials. Plant fall-blooming perennials.
• Roses: Begin minor fall pruning of dead or diseased wood. Fertilize with a balanced rose fertilizer.
• Shrubs/TreesTropical Plants: Reduce watering as temperatures cool.
• Fruit Trees: Begin minor fall pruning. 
• Palms: Reduce watering as temperatures begin to cool. Check for any signs of pests or disease.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize as needed.
• Weed Control: Cool season weeds may start to appear. Apply pre-emergent herbicides for winter weeds, as needed. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds. Use post emergent weed control.
• Pests: Caterpillars, grasshoppers,… Although the heat is subsiding pests and fungal diseases can still be a problem. 
• Diseases: Leaf spot, rust,..
• Watering: With temperatures gradually decreasing, adjust watering schedules. Reduce the frequency of watering but continue to water deeply when needed. Even though temperatures are decreasing, Houston can still experience periods of warm weather. So, it's important to remain vigilant about watering. 
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to replenish the mulch as it retains moisture. Ask the crew to monitor soil moisture levels - is a part of the garden getting “too much or too little” water? Suggest to the crew that they regularly check and adjust irrigation systems for optimal performance. Ensure sprinkler heads are directed correctly to avoid water waste. Overwatering is a common and costly mistake and it can kill some plants and make some plant susceptible to diseases.  Ask the crew to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation or disease. Early detection of plant problems saves time and money on treatments.
• Garden Cost Managment: Irrigation management is crucial due to variable temperatures and potential drought conditions. Begin planning for fall and winter landscaping. This can help to avoid impulse purchases and ensure that the garden is prepared for the cooler months

August in Houston presents some of the most challenging gardening conditions due to the intense heat.  Hot and dry conditions are common. Appropriate plant irrigation and water conservation becomes crucial.

• Lawns: Maintain high mowing height. Continue mowing St. Augustine and Bermuda grass at a higher setting (~3.5-4 inches) to shade the soil and retain moisture.
• Bulbs: Continue watering caladiums, lilies,…
• Annuals/Perennials/Roses /Tropical Plants/Shrubs: Monitor for pests/diseases. Ensure adequate watering.
• Fruit Trees: Continue monitoring for pests and diseases. Ensure adequate watering.
• Palms: Water deeply and regularly during dry spells. Check for any signs of heat stress.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize.
• Weed Control: Hand-pull weeds. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds. 
• Pests: Whiteflies, mealybugs,…
• Diseases: Fungal diseases, root rot,
• Watering: Water deeply and infrequently preferably in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to replenish the mulch as it retains moisture. Ask the crew to monitor soil moisture levels - is a part of the garden getting “too much or too little” water? Suggest to the crew that they regularly check and adjust irrigation systems for optimal performance. Ensure sprinkler heads are directed correctly to avoid water waste. Overwatering is a common and costly mistake and it can kill some plants and make some plant susceptible to diseases.  Ask the crew to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation or disease. Early detection of plant problems saves time and money on treatments.
• Garden Cost Managment: Irrigation management is crucial due to increasing temperatures and potential drought conditions. Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation. These systems deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation. Use this time to plan for fall planting. This can help prevent impulse purchases later.

Third Quarter (July, August, September): In Houston this is the peak of summer and the transition into autumn. Hot and dry conditions are common. Appropriate plant irrigation and water conservation becomes crucial.
July in Houston means extreme heat, so cost-saving measures heavily revolve around correct irrigation. Houston’s intense heat and humidity put significant stress on plants.

• Lawns: Raise the mowing height of lawnmowers - St. Augustine and Bermuda grass at a higher setting (~3.5-4 inches). Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and weed growth.
• Water deeply and infrequently. 
• Bulbs: Continue watering caladiums, lilies,… Remove spent flower stalks.
• Annuals/Perennials/Roses/Tropical Plants/Shrubs: Monitor for pests/diseases. Ensure adequate watering.
• Trees: Monitor for heat stress. Water deeply.
• Fruit Trees: Continue monitoring for pests and diseases. Ensure adequate watering.
• Palms: Water deeply and regularly during dry spells. Check for any signs of heat stress.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize.
• Weed Control: Hand-pull weeds. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds and retains moisture. Apply herbicides, as needed.
• Pests: Spider mites, scale insects,…
• Diseases: Fungal diseases due to high humidity,…
• Watering: May need to increase. Water deeply and infrequently preferably in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to replenish the mulch as it retains moisture. Ask the crew to monitor soil moisture levels - is a part of the garden getting “too much or too little” water? Suggest to the crew that they regularly check and adjust irrigation systems for optimal performance. Ensure sprinkler heads are directed correctly to avoid water waste. Overwatering is a common and costly mistake and it can kill some plants and make some plant susceptible to diseases.  Ask the crew to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation or disease. Early detection of plant problems saves time and money on treatments.
• Garden Cost Managment: Irrigation management is crucial due to increasing temperatures and potential drought conditions. Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation. These systems deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation.

June in Houston brings intense heat, so minimizing water waste and maximizing plant resilience is key to maintaining your garden and reducing ongoing garden costs. Houston's high humidity and intense heat create ideal conditions for rapid plant growth, disease and pest activity.  

• Lawns: Continue mowing St. Augustine and Bermuda grass at a higher setting (~3.5-4 inches) to shade the soil and retain moisture. Water deeply and infrequently, preferably in the early morning. Fertilize with a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 20-5-10) if you have not fertilized in 2 months.
• Bulbs: Summer-blooming bulbs like caladiums and lilies need consistent moisture. Deadhead spent flowers.
• Annuals: Plant heat-tolerant annuals like zinnias, portulaca, vinca, periwinkle,… Deadhead regularly to encourage blooming. Water daily, or every other day, depending on the heat.
• Perennials: Deadhead spent flowers. Provide support for tall-growing perennials. Divide spring-blooming perennials that have finished flowering.
• Roses: Monitor for black spot and powdery mildew. Water deeply.
• Tropical Plants: Ensure adequate watering and humidity. Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) every four weeks.
• Shrubs/Trees: Monitor for signs of stress due to heat. Water deeply during dry spells.
• Fruit Trees: Thin fruit to prevent overloading branches. Monitor for pests and diseases.
• Palms: Water deeply and regularly during dry spells. Check for any signs of heat stress.
• Fertilizer: Apply chemical fertilizers as suggested but preferably use an organic fertilizer if possible.
• Weed Control: Hand-pull weeds or use a pre-emergent herbicide for summer weeds.
• Pests: Pests and disease start to become abundant. Aphids, spider mites,…
• Diseases: Fungal diseases, root rot,…
• Watering: Increase as needed to delivered needed irrigation in one or two deep waterings.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to replenish the mulch as it retains moisture.. Ask the crew to monitor soil moisture levels - is a part of the garden getting “too much or too little” water? Suggest to the crew that they regularly check and adjust irrigation systems for optimal performance. Ensure sprinkler heads are directed correctly to avoid water waste. Overwatering is a common and costly mistake and it can kill some plants and make some plant susceptible to diseases.  Ask the crew to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation or disease. Early detection of plant problems saves time and money on treatments.
• Garden Cost Managment: Irrigation management is crucial due to increasing temperatures and potential drought conditions. Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation. These system deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation.

May in Houston brings intense heat and rapid growth. Houston’s high temperatures and humidity create ideal conditions for rapid plant growth, disease/pest activity and irrigation issues.

• Lawns: Maintain regular mowing. Mow St. Augustine to a height around ~2.5-3” and Bermuda to ~2-3”. Monitor for chinch bugs,… Continue watering deeply.
• Bulbs: Summer-blooming bulbs will begin to emerge. Ensure adequate watering.
• Annuals: Continue regular fertilization. Monitor for pests and diseases. Plant heat tolerant annuals - Zinnias, Vincas, Purslane, Salvia, Marigolds,…
• Perennials: Provide support for tall-growing varieties.
• Roses: Monitor for pest/disease issues. Water deeply.
• Tropical Plants/Shrubs/Tree Care: Monitor for pests and diseases.
• Fruit Trees: Monitor fruit development and pests.Ensure adequate watering.
• Palms: Water deeply and regularly. Check for any signs of heat stress. Fertilize as needed.
• Fertilizer: Consider a bloom booster fertilizer for flowering plants.
• Weed Control: Vigilant weed removal is essential to prevent weeds from competing with desirable plants for water and nutrients. Encourage hand-weeding when possible and try to minimize herbicide use.
• Apply post-emergent herbicides, as needed.
• Pests: Chinch bugs, spider mites, caterpillars,…
• Diseases: Disease (fungal) start to increase, root rot,…
• Watering: Watering starts to become a priority - ~2 inches per week, or more during heat waves. Increase watering as needed. Watering deeply and less frequently.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to replenish the mulch as it retains moisture. Ask the crew to monitor soil moisture levels - is a part of the garden getting “too much or too little” water? Suggest to the crew that they regularly check and adjust irrigation systems for optimal performance. Ensure sprinkler heads are directed correctly to avoid water waste. Overwatering is a common and costly mistake and it can kill some plants and make some plant susceptible to diseases.  Ask the crew to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation or disease. Early detection of plant problems saves time and money on treatments.
• Garden Cost Managment: Irrigation management is crucial due to increasing temperatures and potential drought conditions. Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation. These system deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation.

This past month I released two new gardening videos: 1) The Camellia Forest in Descanso Gardens. The Descanso Gardens in California has the largest collection of camellias in North America and has been designated an “International Camellia Garden on Excellence” by the International Camellia Society. The camilla forest (garden) covers 16 acres and contains approximately 10,000 individual plants and over 600 different species, varieties and cultivar plants. https://youtu.be/-7vdmyyRDBE 2) Visiting the Descanso Gardens in February. The Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical garden located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in La Cañada Flintridge, California. Within the gardens are nine distinct gardens that showcase large and diverse plant collections, native plants. species plants and plants that were hybridized to grow successfully in the Los Angeles region. https://youtu.be/4iD3fd72tko

Second Quarter (April, May, June): In the Houston Area this is the heart of spring and the beginning of summer. Warming temperatures encourage rapid plant growth. Increased rainfall provides essential moisture. Flowers begin to bloom and gardens come to life.This is the time to start watching for garden pests and diseases. By address problems promptly prevents costly treatments later. I typically do not use chemical fertilizers but rely on compost, compost tea, and other organics. I rarely use chemicals for pest of disease issues. I use non-chemical options, or I get rid of the pest/disease prone plant.
April in Houston brings rapid growth and increased garden maintenance needs. Houston's temperatures rise significantly in April making efficient irrigation crucial.

• Lawns: Maintain regular mowing at the appropriate height. Mow St. Augustine to a height around ~2.5-3” and Bermuda to ~2-3”.
• Bulbs: Spring-blooming bulbs will finish blooming. Allow foliage to die back naturally. Begin to plant summer blooming bulbs.
• Annuals: Continue planting warm-season annuals. Provide support for vining or tall varieties. Begin regular fertilization.
• Perennials: Plant warm-season perennials. Divide and transplant perennials as needed. Provide support for tall-growing varieties.
• Roses: Continue regular fertilization. You can still plant roses - https://youtu.be/H4PASr4BMfw Monitor closely for pests and diseases. Rose Care -  https://youtu.be/9Sp2NN1Tvso
• Tropical Plants/Shrubs/Trees: Monitor for new growth and pests.
• Fruit Trees: Monitor fruit development. Thin fruit as needed. Monitor for pests and diseases.
• Palms: Increase watering. Check for any signs of disease or pests. Prune any dead fronds. Plant new palms.
• Fertilizer: Use balanced chemical or organic fertilizer (An Introduction to Compost Tea. https://youtu.be/j7tOPJrtmTU )  for annuals, perennials, shrubs, tropicals, and palms.
• Weed Control: Weeds thrive in April's warm moist conditions requiring the use of post-emergent herbicides and a pre emergent herbicides for the anticipated summer weeds, as needed.
• Pests: Insects start emerging. Aphids, caterpillars, spider mites,… Consider using natural pest control methods whenever possible.
• Diseases: Black spot, powdery mildew, fungal diseases,…
• Watering: Increasing with rising temperatures. Prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow watering.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to replenish the mulch. Ask the crew to monitor soil moisture levels - is a part of the garden getting “too much or too little” water? Suggest to the crew that they regularly check and adjust irrigation systems for optimal performance. Ensure sprinkler heads are directed correctly to avoid water waste. Overwatering is a common and costly mistake and can kill some plants and make other plants susceptible to diseases. Early detection of plant problems saves time and money on treatments. Ask the crew to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation or disease.