June 20 , 2013
Catching rain, aquaponics, squash pollination & nematode control
First , here ’s something to cool down the dog twenty-four hour period !
It’sSalvia argentea , my first endeavour at this low - develop fuzzy ash gray in the grinding blistering cat cove , now well - amend with decomposed granite .
In the front layer , I ’m go for tall play with every bit newBeschorneriayuccoides‘Flamingo Glow . ’
An agave congeneric , it can beat the warmth and drought . Again , I meliorate drain with decomposed granite . It gets just the shaft of sunshine it involve in psychotic person light , which in sunrise Lord’s Day leave its background companion in tad .
So , on to CTG!This week , Daphne answers a questionfrom our Facebook page : “ Why are my squash flowers and fruits falling off ? ”
Well , it ’s lack of pollenation from that male flower to a female . Thanks toMaster Gardener Patty Leander(and married man Bruce ) for Daphne ’s programme characterization .
And thanks toJay Whitewho sent characterization of how to pollinate by hand for Daphne ’s account ! Get more of his fabulous step - by - step instructions atThe Masters for Horticulture . And certainly , do n’t missPatty and JayinTexas Gardener magazinefor their on - target expertness !
Troubled by mash vine borers?Check outTrisha ’s preceding CTG section on tackling those mothsthat lie eggs inside your flora .
This calendar week , she go underground after root - knot nematode . The works in the midsection is sizeable : the others show the price that stunt the plant .
Here ’s her list of organic control choice to fend them off in your garden .
A trouble - free shrub for summertime glamor is Duranta , Daphne ’s Pick of the Week .
In rough wintertime , it can freeze , but a clip in springtime will work it right back . At Travis Extension , it ’s usually evergreen in its microclimate against a wall .
ThisTexas Superstarattracts butterflies to the flowers , and birds for the yellow yield , often at the same time !
When pelting DOES come , like our little surprisal Tuesday , we desire to keep it ( and our irrigation ) right where our flora need it . This week , bionomical designerAdams Kirkpatrick from Sunflower DesignjoinsTom for a few easy musical theme .
As a designer dedicate to sustainable gardens , Adams explains how to make simple berms and swales , along with rainwater garden , to verbatim irrigation and rainfall to plant roots , rather than losing it to the street or swamp your house . Get his hugger-mugger news report of the swales that irrigate his precious raised bed pattern .
At the Texas Gas Service office , they ’re using berms and swales , along with ironical creek bottom , to curb urine .
It ’s easy to adapt at home : I make small versions to keep water system justly around my plants and off my path .
Here ’s something special ! To support CTG , Adams is donate 10 % of his design feesto Central Texas Gardener until August 1 . give thanks you , Adams !
Now , how about conserving water to grow food?On tour , find out what aquaponics is all about atAustin Aquaponics , where Rob Nash uses less water for his crops than most citizenry use on their gardens . Director Ed Fuentes documents one of the raft beds .
Like all farmers , Rob ’s family is decently there with him , including another daughter who miss this picture !
Meet Rob at theLone Star Growers Farmers Marketand atAustin Aquaponicsfor his workshops to learn to do it at house or to get an on - internet site figure .
Here ’s a sneak preview !
Thanks for stopping by ! See you next week when we visit with Sharon Lovejoy on some dirty birdie fun .
Linda
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