Tree Planting Tips from TAMU
Arbor Day in Texas is the first Friday in November. This means it’s tree planting time in North Central Texas. If new trees are in your future, follow these tips from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Choosing the right tree for the right spot can be intimidating. There are lots of factors to consider – variety, soil, sun, shade requirements, and more. For guidance, by Texas County, visit TAMU’s “Texas Tree Planting Guide” at:
When shopping for trees, you will probably be faced with this question; “Potted or bare-root – Which is best?”. There are pros and cons to both. Bare root is usually more economical but should be planted in early Spring while the tree is dormant. A potted tree will be more expensive but can usually be planted anytime.
TREE PLANTING ADVICE FROM TAMU
Here are top planting recommendations from TAMU biologist Robert Edmondson.
- Between Halloween and Thanksgiving is generally the best time to plant trees in North Texas.
- Dig the planting hole twice as big as the tree’s root ball.
- Fill the planting hole with water and check the drainage. If it takes longer than 24 hours to drain, choose another location.
- Remove all foreign materials from the tree. This includes wires, tapes, burlap, and supports.
- Trim sparingly. Only remove dead and diseased branches
- Set the tree in the hole with the root collar flush or slightly above the natural grade. Planting too deep is a leading cause of newly planted tree mortality.
- Once the tree is placed, gently backfill the planting hole with the same soil that came out of the hole.
- When planting, never lift the tree by the trunk.
- Stake a newly planted tree, only if necessary. Stakes should not be left in place longer than one year.
- Mulch the tree out to the drip line. Mulch should be 2-3 inches deep, but not touch the trunk.
- Protect the tree from animals and humans. Deer, livestock, weed whackers, and mowers are all bad news from young trees. A staked, wire mesh cage at least 3 feet in diameter and 4 feet tall works well.
WATERING YOUR NEW TREE
Watering your new tree is critical – but not too much. Here are watering tips and recommendations from TAMU:
When watering, pour water over the root ball. Do not squirt water at the trunk. Do not overwater. Use 2-4 gallons of water for each inch of trunk diameter (use higher number is summer and lower number in winter.
How much water? Here are TAMU’s “Rules of Thumb” for watering newly planted trees.
Month 1 – Water 3X per week
Month 2 – Water 2X per week
Month 3 – Water 1X per week
Months 4-12 – Water 1X-2X per month
Beyond Year 1 – Water in absence of rain
For these and more tips for new trees see.
https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/arborday/plantingsteps/
Seed Starting Tips and Tricks
Community Horticulture Education Series presents
Seed Starting Tips and Tricks with Dorothy Buchanan
Monday, October 14, 2024 6:30-7:30pm,
Somervell Citizens Center, 209 SW Barnard, Glen Rose
MG Dorothy Buchanan will provide us with step by step on selection process and sources, seed starting mix, and system for keeping your seeds on track.
It will be another interesting and fun evening with the Somervell County Maste Gardeners, so come and join us!
Dorothy is recently retired from 35 years in the accounting profession. She has been growing both annual and perennial flowers and most of her vegetables from seed for her raised bed gardens for the last five years. Her husband built her a greenhouse as a retirement present and she is continually learning about various types of gardening. She is a Texas Master Gardener graduate from the 2023 class here in Somervell County.
Also, don’t forget our next 2 important events.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 we will be hosting an Open House. 10am at Glenview Church of Christ, 405 NE Big Bend Trail, Glen Rose. Come and visit with our Master Gardeners and learn about our program. We will be having a new Intern class in March of 2025 so come and see what we are all about! And enjoy some yummy snacks!
Saturday, November 2, 2024 is our first Annual Arbor Day Celebration! From 10am-1pm at the Heritage Park Pavilion, we will be giving away free trees, having activities for children and several information booths to give you a heads up on your tree planting needs!
Arbor Day is Coming
Arbor Day – a day dedicated to planting trees – is celebrated across the United States and around the world. Your Somervell County Master Gardeners Chapter has an exciting Arbor Day celebration planned for November 2 at Heritage Park in Glen Rose. See https://txmg.org/somervell/ for more information. Since November is still a ways away, here’s a little Arbor Day background. It all started in Nebraska.
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J.S. MORTON AND CAROLINE Morton eventually threw his hat in the political ring, and was soon was appointed Nebraska’s territorial Secretary of State from 1858-1861 and was also the acting territorial governor from 1858-1859.
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NEBRASKA AND THE GREAT AMERICAN DESERT
During the 19th century Nebraska was part of what U.S. Army engineers and surveyors called “The Great American Desert” – a term used to describe lands East of the Rocky Mountains. In those days “Desert” was commonly used to describe uninhabited, treeless lands. One geographer of the day described the area as “… almost wholly unfit for cultivation, and of course, uninhabitable by a people…” Others compared it to the “the sandy deserts of Africa.”
HE BELIEVED IN NEBRASKA
Nebraska – A Desert!!!! Julius Morton wasn’t having any of it. Morton – a strong believer in Nebraska and it’s people – dropped out of politics so he could better support agriculture in his state. He promoted scientific farming methods as well as water conservation initiatives.
In 1872, Morton made a bold proposal to the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture. Create a day devoted to planting trees. His idea was adopted, and Arbor Day was born.
The first Arbor Day celebration in Nebraska took place on April 10, 1872. It was a huge success. Counties and individuals were awarded prizes for planting trees. Communities dedicated newly planted trees to prominent citizens. All in all, it is estimated one million trees were planted. Julius Sterling Morton lived to see his dream fulfilled.
ARBOR DAY TODAY
Every state in America recognizes Arbor Day. Arbor Day celebration dates vary from state-to-state and usually are scheduled to coincide with the best dates for planting trees. For example, Arbor Day in Texas is the first Friday in November while Arbor Day in Michigan happens on the last Friday in April. The Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting climate change through reforestation, estimates they have helped plant over 500 million trees.
November will be here before you know it. If you love trees (and who doesn’t?), be part of this historic celebration in Glen Rose. Plan to bring the family to the Somervell County Master Gardeners’ Arbor Day Event on November 2.
Tri County Master Gardener Registration
Pruning
Betcha Didn’t Know Basil Could do That
When I hear the word “Basil”, I’m overwhelmed by visions of classic Italian food – pesto, marinara, Caprese Salad. But there’s more to Basil than meets my love of Italian cuisine. Basil has been around a while and can be found in almost every corner of the globe. More than 5,000 years ago on the Indian subcontinent Tulsi Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) played an important role in food, medicine, and religious and rituals. Medical texts from the same era showed basil was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat warts, coughs, and more.
Ancient Egyptians treated scorpion stings with basil, while the Chinese used basil to treat stomach spasms and kidney ailments. In West Africa Basil teas were used to break fevers. English in the 16th century treated toothaches with basil.
THE SCIENCE OF BASIL
Ancient cultures may have used Basil, but only recently have investigators been unlocking the secrets of this amazing plant. Here are some amazing things scientists are learning about Basil – Queen of Herbs.
Basil and Fungus
While restoring an ancient Portuguese mural, artists hit a snag – black, furry fungus spots. Removing fungus from priceless art can be tricky business. If concentrations of chemical biocides are too weak, the fungus won’t die. On the other hand, the art is damaged if the chemical concentrations are too strong. The restorers tried a few anti-fungal solvents, then had an idea – try oil of Basil. It worked!! Essential oil of basil. Basil oil beat out two leading commercial biocides without marring the art.
Basil and Your Okra
Many vegetable gardeners faithfully plant Basil as a companion plant with their tomatoes as a natural pesticide. Researchers in Africa tested interplanting Basil with Okra as a pest control. The results yielded a 23% reduction in harmful pests when compared to Okra not planted with Basil.
Basil for Your Breath
Using extract of Basil leaves, researchers in Indonesia have created an edible film and are testing several formulations. Test groups are reporting a pleasant taste as well as and effective mouth freshener. Basil Breath Mints – Coming Soon.
Basil Seeds – Tiny Miracles
For many years, Basil greenery has been widely studied for health and medicinal benefits. Scientists have just recently begun to investigate Basil seeds and their health and healthcare potential. Results are nothing short of remarkable. A few of the beneficial properties of Basil Seeds include antioxidant; anti-asthmatic; anti-inflammatory; anti-arthritic; and anti-microbial. Many scientists believe we will soon see important medicines and treatments derived from the tiny Basil seed.
TYPES OF BASIL
Browse your favorite seed catalogue and the varieties of basil might surprise you. Plant experts can’t seem to agree on how many varieties of basil exists; some say 60-65 types exists; others say up to 150. Here are a few types of Basil that will do well in your garden.
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Also known as Tulsi, Holy Basil has been revered by Hindu cultures for centuries, and is used in cooking, Ayurvedic medicine, and religious ceremonies. Holy Basil is much loved for its spicy taste.
Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’)
Genovese Basil is probably the most common Basil used in Western cooking (especially Pesto). This Basil is easy to grow, and does well in pots.
Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Sweet Basil and Genovese Basil are often confused, but they are two distinct Basil varieties. The taste of Sweet Basil is said to have a hint of licorice.
Osmin Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Osmin purple’)
There are many varieties of purple Basil. Osmin Purple is the most common. It’s raw leaves are commonly used to add color and a hint of clove to your favorite tossed salad
Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum citriodorum)
Lemon Basil is common in Thai cooking. It has a slight lemony flavor.
Plant some basil today and you’ll have the Taste of Italy at your fingertips. Plant some Basil tomorrow, and you may have a cornucopia of medicines just outside your back door.
Flower Growing Tips from Glyn Farm
Dividing Native Perennials
Many Thanks to SCMG Cyd Brown for sending along this information from the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia Website.
Native perennials may benefit from periodic division to improve their vigor and appearance. Indications that a plant requires division are dead sections at the center of the clump, reduced size or abundance of flowers, or sparse foliage. Division can rejuvenate the plant and stimulate new growth. Perennials can also be divided for propagation purposes.
Click on the button below for a table of common perennials indicates the root type of each plant, the best season for division (if appropriate), and specific advice on frequency and manner of division.