Herself’s Houston Garden

Before and after photos of the garden are posted. The front took the worst hit we lost a pine, yaupon, sweet gum, and crape myrtle. When they came down they each took several smaller plants with them.

The back garden is also not a pretty site, but I think most of those plants will recover.

Now that the weather is cooling slightly and cleanup is moving along this is a good time to take cuttings from plants still alive and start rooting them to replace some of what you’ve lost. I think I have propagation instructions for most of the plants I’ve covered. If you don’t see them find a similar plant or drop a note and I’ll get you instructions.

Most of your damaged plants will grow back from the roots. It’ll take them a little while to fill back out but the fall weather will help.

Don’t forget to fertilize. The rain washed away what little nutrients the Houston soil contains and your plants will need that food to regrow.

You may need to move some plants that are now in the sun and do not want to be in the sun. Don’t wait too long.

Pre Ike, after Ike and first pass on the cleanup photos

Here in Houston we have two tomato growing times. One starts in mid Feb. and ends when the lows for the day are higher than 70′F, one starts mid Aug. and goes until the nights regularly get into the 50’s.

So I went looking for tomato plants last week but none were to be found. Local mom and pop nurseries have tomato plants the big box stores don’t get it and had none. I settled for some ‘Better Boy’ seeds. They have sprouted and I’m proud to say I’ve remembered to water them daily.

I was talking to Nancy at ‘My Garden Spot’ and she told me she had been saving the seeds from the heirloom tomatoes that you find in the supermarket. I don’t know why that thought never crossed my mind, but it hadn’t. I picked up some heirloom tomatoes and will set aside some seeds this week.

To use the seeds from the heirloom tomatoes, save a few on a paper towel and let them dry out for about a week. Then plant as usual.

You’ll want to put your fall tomato plants in pots or some sheltered section of the garden. There are always a few unexpected cool days early on.

I also only filled the pots half to three quarters full with dirt. Tomatoes are a vine and benefit from having the bottom covered with dirt as they grow.

This’ll be my first fall crop down here. I’m pleased with the summer crop progress over earlier crops so I have great hopes for these guys.

Nancy also tells me there tend to be less bugs and other problems with her fall crops.

So start your fall tomatoes!