Compost is nature’s gift to gardeners. It is nutrient-dense humus from decomposed biological organisms that enriches the soil and gives nutrients to plants, which in turn, reduces your need to buy chemical fertilizer. Compost can amend sandy soil to help retain water and help plants take root, and it can amend clay soil to break…
Picture this. You’re ill, in the hospital, and the nurse’s face shows concern. She reviews your lab report, which shows an abnormal pH. She informs your physician, who then determines a treatment plan, and then he calls upon the pharmacist to formulate the response. Huh? Your normal pH is 7.4 (7.35-7.45) on a scale of 1 to…
A large tree and a beautiful rose were gone in my landscape over the years. The tree was an October Glory Maple (Acer Rubrum). The rose bush was the Knockout Rose (Rosa Cultivar). Let me first describe for you the symptoms of the maple tree that I never noticed. In the early summer, the Maple…
I believe 2026 will be full of flowers because I am planting them. The work we put in today will show in spring and summertime, so here are some things you can do to get your garden ready while we are still dreaming of warmer weather. February is a great time to get your seeds…
Valentine’s Day has a funny way of sneaking into the garden. It arrives when most flower beds are still bare, the soil is cold, and gardeners are pacing the yard like impatient parents waiting for spring to wake up. But for those who love plants as much as people, February 14 is less about roses…
My name is Iris, and I have lived many lives. I first bloomed decades ago beside a farmhouse fence, where my roots learned the rhythm of East Texas rain and heat. I survived long summers, sudden freezes, and years when no one remembered to water me at all. One spring morning, a gardener knelt beside…
Keeping potted plants properly hydrated requires more than just sporadic watering. With the right method, you can ensure consistent moisture, encourage healthy growth, and even conserve water. Self-Watering Pots: Hassle-Free Hydration For those who struggle with daily watering, self-watering pots offer a solution. These containers have built-in reservoirs that store water and gradually supply moisture…
As we close out another year in East Texas gardens, sometimes soggy and sometimes sun‑scorched, it’s worth looking ahead to a concept that’s gaining real traction across the country: regenerative horticulture. It’s a mouthful, but the idea is simple. Instead of gardening in ways that merely sustain the soil, regenerative gardening actively improves it. Think…