Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Moth Visit



Last night the dog was barking at the window to the back yard. I thought it was a little freaky but when I checked it out I saw this giant moth on the wall. This thing is as big as my hand - wide open. It was beautiful and fuzzy looking. Not sure what kind of moth it is. I chased it around with an open grocery bag until it rested long enough for me to catch it and release it outside. I hope it survived. One wing looks a little damaged - I promise I didn't do it.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

What to Plant in March





March 1-15 is a great time to plant: Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Chard ,Collards, Endive, Leaf Lettuce, Mustard, Parsley, Garden Peas, and Radishes


March 15-31 plant: Lima Beans Snap Beans, Beets, Cantaloupe, Chard, Collards Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Peas (for greens), Leaf Lettuce, Black-eye Peas, Pepper Plants, Pumpkin, Radishes, New Zealand Spinach (heat tolerant), Summer Squash, Tomato Plants, and Watermelon




plant tomato and pepper plants - not seeds. Seeds can be started indoors in December and put out in March. The best way to get the most from your seeds is to plant them in warm soil, keep them semi-dry and transplant them every now and then. When the second set of leaves (originally they sprout with only 2 leaves) come on then transplant into pots 2" bigger than the started pots. After they grow an inch or so - depending on the plant - transplant into pots another 2" bigger. This trains the roots. Now they are ready for the garden, or you can transplant up to two more times.



Remember - when planting tomato plants, 80-85% of the plant goes underground. Tomatoes develop roots all along the stock. Planting deep gives them a bigger, stronger root base. This is especially good for plants that produce heavier fruit. Also, tomatoes that are staked or caged vertically produce more, and bigger fruit than those that grow along the ground.


for more info on growing in Austin, visit here

Monday, March 1, 2010

Snow and Axis Deer in the Neighborhood




This great picture comes to us from Deanie Dart. I've seen these deer around and never got a good picture. Thanks Deanie!