Ground rules and
tools
Retaining
soil moisture during drought conditions is imperative to plant health
July
7, 2005
Today's
article marks the beginning of the third year publication of The Gardeners' Dirt.
As editor-in-chief since its inception, I, perhaps as much as anyone, know the
time, effort and dedication expended by Victoria County Master Gardener
Association authors.
To date, there have been 104 articles - each
one permanently archived on the master gardener Web site: http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/groups/VictoriaCountyMasterGardenerAssociation
(VCMGA). (Now you can also find all the articles at our other web site.) http://www.vcmga.org/GardenersDirt.html
More than 50 authors have either written on
topics familiar to them or they have spent numerous hours researching material
to compile an article, including photographs, for publication. All published
materials are backed by sustainable, reliable research of the Texas Cooperative
Extension,
The column is published for the gardening and
reading enjoyment of you - our readers. Your interest is appreciated, as well
as your input and feedback, your questions and comments. And as it enters into
the third year, I thank you for the opportunity today to share a few things
about the association's achievements involving the column.
VCMGA is part of the larger network of Texas
Master Gardeners. Since its inception in 1998 and at varying membership levels,
VCMGA has been awarded 18 statewide awards for educational projects, programs,
individual achievements and overall association successes. As with most any
project, there have been "ground rules" that include the 1's, 2's,
and 3's of what to do and how to do it. Those 1's, 2's and 3's have evolved
into statewide awards, the most recent of which are of significant magnitude
for
Moving into this third year, there are some
editorial 1's, 2's and 3's of note regarding the column.
With this publication, you will notice a new header that includes the Texas
Master Gardener logo. As the recipient of the first-place multimedia component
in state competition, the column publishes material in conjunction with the
mission of the Texas Master Gardener Association and now reflects that.
For those who read this column regularly, you
know that the first article of each month is a "Ground Rules and
Tools" publication that provides gardening tips for the succeeding four to
five weeks. This monthly article will continue in the column, as it appears
from feedback that it is useful and anticipated.
The community will also continue to be kept
abreast of the latest in gardening techniques and research, as well as programs
and projects offered to the public by the master gardeners. And speaking of
opportunities for the public ... the master gardener fall training class will
begin Aug. 11 with registration materials due July 29. Look for next week's article
for more details or call the Victoria County Extension office at 361-575-4581.
Space is limited in this increasingly more popular training program.
Enough on internal 1's, 2's
and 3's. Let's look at the 1's,
2's and 3's in the outdoors during the hot month of July. Water issues are as
vast as
Watering efficiently will be discussed in an
upcoming article, but it is worthwhile to make some notes on retaining soil
moisture while conserving water. Recently set out plants, in particular, need a
close eye because inadequate root systems and drought can be damaging. Mulch
added to the bedding area will help retain moisture.
Plants that were injured by this past
winter's cold and snow should not be allowed to suffer drought stress. Don't
forget to water large-leafed plants like caladiums, hydrangeas, coleus and
chrysanthemums. Hot, dry wind can soon deplete their soil moisture even in the
shade.
Drought conditions can also reduce the
quantity and quality of flower buds formed in late July and August for spring flowering
foliage. Prevent drought stress on azaleas, camellias, peaches, pears,
forsythias and similar plants. To keep hanging baskets looking attractive,
water them daily in extreme heat and soak them in a tub of water every few
days. Add water-soluble fertilizer to the water every three to four weeks.
Water lawns as needed,
providing about an inch of water per week to a 5-6 inch depth in longer versus
shorter watering sequences.
Several 15-minute soaking sessions in one day are far more efficient than numerous
sprinklings in one week. It is best to water in the wee hours of the morning
than during the day or evening to reduce loss of moisture to evaporation, to
prevent scorching of blades and leaves, and to reduce the incidents of
diseases.
Further 1's, 2's and 3's to curb the loss of
moisture are suggested in a recent mailer I received from Lowe's
It is often said the master gardeners know
the best dirt. And it is hoped that the 1's, 2's and 3's shared with you will
continue to be of benefit so that good gardening practices are put to use.
Who knows? It may also evolve
into more first, second and third place state recognition for VCMGA.
July 7, 2005
The Victoria County
Master Gardeners Association won two statewide awards in May at the
VCMGA was honored as
the third most outstanding association from all over
The association also was
recognized for its web sites. The pages, which include the complete compilation
of "The Gardeners' Dirt" column since July 2003, were selected first
in the state in all multimedia categories and for all sizes of associations.
VCMGA
first entered statewide master gardener competition in 1998 and has since
received 18 awards for educational projects, programs, individual achievements
and overall association successes.
Awards since 1998
· 1st place - 3
· 2nd place - 5
· 3rd place - 7
· Honorable mention - 3