February Gardening Tip
Roses and Valentine’s Day
In the Texas Coastal Bend, around Valentine’s Day, is the recommended time to prune existing roses and plant new rose bushes.
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![]() Look for “Earth-Kind” Roses
Earth-Kind, a registered trademark, is an important designation given by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service to select rose varieties. Earth-Kind Roses have been through rigorous state-wide testing and evaluation by a team of horticultural experts and found to possess the high level of landscape performance and outstanding disease and insect resistance required for this special designation. Only a few rose varieties have received the Earth-Kind designation and made the Earth-Kind Rose Varieties List from Aggie Horticulture. The list currently has 21 varieties and continues to grow as new, tough and beautiful selections meet the rigorous criteria. |
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![]() Earth-Kind roses are not immune to pest problems but their tolerance to pests is so great that they rarely require the use of chemical pesticides. Once established, Earth-Kind rose varieties use up to 70 percent less water and have a greatly reduced need for chemical fertilizers, which further conserves air and water quality. Other rose varieties can require over 20 chemical sprayings a year to cope with damaging molds, mildews and pests.
Growing Tips For sandy and loam soils, incorporate 3-6 inches of organic matter such as compost or clay soils, incorporate 3 inches of organic matter (e.g. compost) and 3 inches of expanded shale. Plant on raised beds that are at least 4-6 inches above the surrounding soil. Fertilize the roses in March, June and lightly in late August with high levels of fertility, especially nitrogen. Protect the roses year-round with a layer of organic mulch. More About Earth-Kind Roses from Aggie Horticulture: |
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February Events
Tuesday, Feb 16, BROWN BAG—“The Wonderful World of Bees”, Terry Carter, Beekeeper, Noon–1:00 P.M., Aransas County Library, 701 E. Mimosa, Rockport, TX
Saturday, Feb 20, SEMINAR—“Citrus, Palms and Fruit Trees for the Coastal Bend”, Paul Johnson, Staff Forester, Texas Forest Service, 10:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M., Aransas County Library, 701 E. Mimosa, Rockport, TX |
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Coming in March
Tuesday, Mar 16, BROWN BAG—“Plants and Pets, What’s Toxic and What’s Not”, Jeanna C. Godfrey, DVM, Master Gardener, Noon–1:00 P.M., Aransas County Library, 701 E. Mimosa, Rockport, TX
Saturday, Mar 27, SPRING PLANT SALE— 9:00 A.M–1:00 P.M. Green Acres, 611 E. Mimosa, Rockport, TX. Rain Date: Apr 3. |
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Fall/Winter banner photo credits
Queen butterfly on Gregg’s mistflower (Conoclinium greggii), Gail Bergan; American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), Gail Bergan; Ruby-throated hummingbird, Linda Collins; Coral bean (Erythrina herbacea), Richard Snyder; Giant swallowtail butterfly on Rosa sp.; Linda Collins.
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The Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are volunteers who work with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service to improve gardening skills throughout the community. We share our gardening knowledge through community service and outreach, gardener training and educational programs.
Our Mission: Improving the lives of people, businesses, and communities across Texas and beyond through high-quality, relevant education. |
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