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.

If gardening is not your hobby then your house's garden/landscaping maintenance can be a time consuming, expensive and potentially problematic ongoing house maintenance item. The following suggestions are provided to help you successfully,  simply and cost effectively manage your monthly house’s garden/landscaping maintenance activities. A key consideration is being successful in this activity is engaging your lawn/garden maintenance crew in helping you maintain (vs. tolerating a “mow and blow” effort) and manage your garden/landscaping.

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.

First Quarter (January, February, March): In the Houston area this period often transitions from the coldest part of the year to the beginning of warming. During this period most plants are often dormant. Increased daylight and temperature signals to plants the approach of spring. It is a time of variable weather with a potential for late frosts, rain, or even a day or so of snow in some areas. During this period there are minimal garden pests and diseases. January and February are ideal time for new garden bed building.

January 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 minimal care. Remove debris and fallen leaves. If a warm spell occurs and winter weeds are present, spot treat them.
• Bulbs: Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths,… (if you didn't in the fall).
• Annuals: Plant cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, snapdragons,... Some annuals will have low frost tolerance and may require protection from frost.
• Perennials: Divide and transplant dormant perennials.
• Roses/Shrubs/Trees/Fruit Trees: Leave dormant.
• Tropical Plants: When a frost is anticipated cover the plants with mulch at the base and a place a row cover over the foliage to protect from frost damage.
• Palms: Monitor for frost damage. Some palms may require protection from freezing temperatures. Limit watering.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize anything as you do not want to encourage new growth due to the potential of a late frost.
• Weed Control: Winter weeds are in full growth mode. Pull weeds when they are small reducing the amount of work and the need for herbicides later on. Spot treat with a herbicide and apply pre-emergent herbicides for the anticipated warm weather weeds before the spring growth begins.
• Pests: You may see scale insects on some ornamental plants but typically there are minimal pest issues at this time of the year.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases (due to damp and warm conditions). Do nothing.
• Watering: Water only during extended dry periods.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases and a breeding ground for pests. Add a good 3+” layer of hardwood mulch to suppresses weeds to retain moister. 
• Garden Cost Management: If the grass is not growing - do not mow. Be conscious of the importance of water conservation even in winter. Consider amending the garden beds with compost as this will reduce the need for expensive (chemical) fertilizers later in the growing season.  Healthy soil retains water better and reduces irrigation needs.  

February in Houston is a transitional month moving from winter preparation to spring readiness. Recently we have had freeze late in February.

• Lawns: If the grass comes out of dormancy. Mow St. Augustine to a height of ~3” but you may need to cut lower to remove dead material. Cut to Bermuda to a height of ~1-2”.
• Bulbs: Monitor for emerging shoots. Protect from late frosts.
• Annuals: Monitor for frost damage.
• Perennials: Continue dividing and transplanting.
• Tropical Plants: When a frost is anticipated cover the plants with mulch at the base and a place a row cover over the foliage to protect from frost damage.
• Shrubs/Roses/Trees/Fruit Trees: Leave dormant. Plant new plants. For selecting, planting and caring for roses see https://youtu.be/yFPYyNdntxI  This information is applicable to all plants.
• Palms: Monitor for frost damage. Some palms may require protection from freezing temperatures. Limit watering. Check for any signs of disease or pests.
• Fertilizer: Wait till March to use chemical products. Now is a good time to add compost to your garden beds.
• Weed Control: Winter weeds are still growing. Pull weeds when they are small reducing the amount of work and the need for herbicides later on. Spot treat with a herbicide and apply pre-emergent herbicides for the anticipated warm weather weeds before the spring growth begins.
• Pests: Minimal at this time of the year.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases (due to damp and warm conditions). Do nothing. 
• Watering: Water only when soil is dry. Increase watering as temperatures rise.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases and a breeding ground for pests. Continue to replenish mulch. 
• Garden Cost Management: If the grass is not growing - do not mow. If you need new plants - consider planting native, well-adapted or low/no maintenance proven plants (Earthkind™) that reduce the need for excessive watering and pest control. When planting, consider spacing plants appropriately to avoid overcrowding which can lead to disease and the need for more frequent pruning. Group plants with similar watering needs. Monitor plants for early signs of pests or diseases. Early detection can prevent plant losses. Consider amending the garden beds with compost as it is a valuable soil amendment, retains moisture and it will reduce the need for expensive (chemical) fertilizers later in the growing season.  Healthy soil retains water better and reduces irrigation needs. Check the irrigation systems for leaks and to ensure it is functioning correctly. This prevents water waste and inevitably reduces your water bills. 

March in Houston marks the full swing of spring resulting in an increase in garden/landscaping work. Houston's warm and humid climate can lead to rapid weed growth and pest infestations, so during this period proactive measures are crucial.

• Lawns: After the grass comes out of dormancy you can mow St. Augustine to ~3” but you may need to cut the grass lower to remove dead material. Cut Bermuda to ~1-2”. Consider using a lawn “weed and feed” for southern lawns or fertilize with a slow-release high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 20-5-10). Address bare spots with either seeds or turf replacement.
• Bulbs: Enjoy spring blooms. Begin deadheading (removing the bloom) spent flowers.
• Annuals: Plant warm-season annuals like petunias, geraniums,… 
• Perennials: Plant warm-season perennials. Divide summer-blooming perennials.
• Roses: Prune only as appropriate. Begin fertilizing with a balanced rose fertilizer (e.g., 8-8-8 -  or similar with equal N-P-K numbers) as new growth appears. Monitor for pests and diseases.
• Tropical Plants: Plant new plants. Increase watering and fertilizing.
• Shrubs/Trees: Monitor for new growth. Fertilize.
• Fruit Trees: Monitor for blooms. Thin fruit as needed. Fertilize with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or similar) before bloom.
• Palms: Limit watering. Check for any signs of disease or pests. Prune any dead fronds.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize all plants as needed. Consider using organic fertilizers (compost or compost tea - An Introduction to Compost Tea. https://youtu.be/j7tOPJrtmTU ).
• Weed Control: Vigilant weed control is essential in March. By pulling weeds when they are small or before they produce seeds will prevent the winter time weed from spreading (in the fall) and to reduce the amount of work weeding and the need for herbicides later on.
• Pests: Aphids, caterpillars, slugs,…
• Diseases: Powdery mildew, black spot,…
• Watering: Water deeply and regularly. Increase watering as temperatures rise, unless rain occurs.
• 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? … and let you know if they see any plants that appear to be dead or have early signs of pest or disease issues. Early detection of plant pests/diseases can prevent plant losses.
• Garden Cost Management: With rising temperatures, water management (conservation) is paramount. Ensure irrigation systems are optimized to deliver water precisely where needed. Overwatering in Houston is a common and costly mistake and will result in plant fungus and diseases issues. Smart irrigation systems can be a great investment. If you need new plants - consider planting native, well-adapted or low/no maintenance proven plants (Earthkind™) that reduce the need for excessive watering and pest/disease control. When planting, consider spacing plants appropriately to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to disease and the need for more frequent pruning. Group plants with similar watering needs. ​Monitor plants for early signs of pests or diseases.

Question: With an impending freeze next week I’m now getting questions about how should I protect plants that I may have inadvertently pruned too early.
What is the potential impact of a freeze on these pruned plants?  
Short-term impacts:

• Increased susceptibility: Pruning stimulates new growth which is more tender and susceptible to cold damage.   
• Dieback: Exposed tissues and cuts from pruning are entry points for frost damage, potentially leading to dieback of branches or the entire plant.
• Reduced resilience: Plants weakened by the first freeze and pruning have less energy reserves to withstand another cold event.

Long-term impacts:

• Delayed recovery: Repeated freeze damage can hinder overall plant growth and delay recovery in the spring.
• Aesthetic damage: Plants may have an uneven shape or fewer blooms due to dieback.  
• Increased disease risk: Freeze damage can make plants more susceptible to diseases.   

What should I do to protect these plants from a second freeze?

• Cover up: Use blankets, sheets, or frost cloths to cover vulnerable plants before temperatures drop. Ensure the covering extends to the ground to trap heat.   
• Water deeply: Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil. Water plants thoroughly before a freeze, but avoid overwatering. Water only if the ground is not rain soaked.
• Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants to insulate the soil and protect roots.   
• Move indoors: If possible, move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location like a garage or porch.
• Avoid pruning: Refrain from further pruning until after the threat of freezing has passed.
• Provide support: For tall or sprawling plants, use stakes or trellises to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of coverings or ice.

Additional considerations:

• Plant type: Different plants have varying levels of cold tolerance. Research the specific needs of your plants to provide appropriate protection.   
• Microclimates: Areas closer to structures or under tree canopies may offer slightly warmer conditions. Consider relocating sensitive plants to these microclimates.
• Monitor weather: Stay informed about weather forecasts to anticipate freeze events and take timely action.

By taking these precautions, Clear Lake gardeners can help their prematurely pruned tropical and tender plants survive another freeze and thrive in the coming spring.

After a freeze, the most important thing to do for your garden plants is to be patient and monitor your plants closely as they may still recover even if they appear freeze damaged at first. Key points:

• Water carefully: Water the soil around the base of the plants to rehydrate the soil. Do not water the plant’s leaves as this will further stress the plant. This may help the plants recover once the temperatures have warmed up. 
• Mulch application: Add a layer of mulch around the base of plants to help insulate the roots and protect them from further cold damage.
• Wait to prune: Avoid pruning or removing dead foliage immediately as you may accidentally cut away live tissue. 
• Check for life: Wait until the temperatures have warmed up so that you can assess the full extent of the freeze damage. On woody plants, scratch the bark to see if there is still green tissue underneath indicating a potential for recovery. Gently touch and bend branches. If they snap easily, they're likely dead. Then only remove the dead parts. Some plants may prematurely drop their leaves as defense mechanism. The appearance of freeze damage can vary greatly depending on the type of plant, the severity of the freeze, and the duration of exposure to freezing temperatures.   
• Be patient: Some plants may appear dead but recover later. Some plants will appear to die to the ground surface and grow back (often better) from the root ball under the ground.
• Observe: Watch for signs of new growth in the coming weeks.
• Fertilize: Avoid fertilizing immediately after a freeze. Wait until the new growth appears.

Here's a breakdown of what happens when a plant is susceptible to freezing: 

• Ice Crystal Formation: As temperatures drop below freezing, water inside the plant's cells begins to freeze and expand.   
• Cell Rupture: The expanding ice crystals put immense pressure on the delicate cell walls. This pressure can cause the cells to burst leading to tissue damage. Damaged cells can no longer function properly, affecting the plant's ability to transport water, nutrients, and photosynthesize.   
• Wilting: Water loss and disrupted water transport can cause the plant to wilt or collapse. The damaged tissues may appear brown, black, or discolored.   
• Death: In severe cases, extensive cell damage can lead to the death of the plant.​