THE PLANT GROOM

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I live in Houston and have a problem with our Gardenias. The plants have a large number of yellow leaves and had only a few blooms last year. I have pulled some snails from these bushes in the past few days. My wife poured some vinegar around the base of these plants about four weeks ago without apparent results to date.
Last weekend I applied an application of water soluble fertilizer to the plants and it seems that this morning there is some darker color to the leaves (I hope this is not just my imagination).
Please let me know what you feel should be done to revive the plants.
Many thanks, - P. B.

While gardenias are evergreen at certain times of the year leaves will turn yellow and abort, followed my new leaf growth. This process is natural and also occurs with evergreen magnolia trees as well as other landscape plants. This is not just a Houston issue, it is state wide.

The summers of 05 and 06 plus spring – early summer of 07 also had a negative impact on plants in Texas from perennials to trees. There is a potential that this too may be affecting your plants in question. No application of vinegar, fertilizer, sweet iced tea, Ray Price's music or home made biscuits will help this condition. Time is what's needed to allow these plants to process what's happen to them, produce new leaves and growth, set buds and bloom for you.
Do provide moisture when needed to maintain a moist but not wet condition in the root zone and maintain a 3 - 4" deep layer of mulch covering each plant's entire root system. Suggested mulches included shredded tree trimmings, pine bark, shredded hardwood bark or similar materials. Maintain this depth year round because it helps to develop an ideal root environment for the target plants. Remember, healthy roots grow ... healthy plants. DO NOT use pea gravel, shredded tires or other non organic material as mulch.

To accurately determine if soil where your gardenias are growing or any other plants including a lawn needs additional nutrients have a professional soil test conducted. You and all Texans may contact the local office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service in your county, go by and secure soil sample containers and soil test instruction sheets. If you prefer, my office will mail a Soil Text Kit to you free if you will send us a request and include a long self addressed envelope with two 1st class stamps on it to; Soil Text Kit, 10056 Marsh Ln., Suite B-101, Dallas, TX 75229.

I'm looking for some good information on Apple Trees. I live in Garland and I'm trying to find out what is the best apple tree to plant and also how to take good care of them. Can you point me in the right direction.
Thanks - L.C.

Mollie's Delicious and Gala are THE varieties for Dallas County and North TX and do well in a large portion of our state

What should I do now with the weeds in my lawn? Thank you. - D. J.

Sharpen your mower’s blade(s), have the process done or install new and cut the lawn a notch or two below where you quit mowing last season. Within the next few weeks as temperatures begin to rise the current cool season weeds will terminate.

To prevent weeds this fall and next spring apply a weed preventer this Sept. according to label directions.

Cool season weeds don’t bother me, I just mow as needed and wait for new summer grass growth.

Dale’s notes:

* Apply mulch as new growth emerges from perennials and around all existing landscape plants 3 - 4" deep.

* Check your irrigation system to determine if each station is working properly and distributing evenly. Correct any problems now before summer heat arrives.

* All evergreen shrubs may be pruned now. Use pruners to cut individual branches as needed and avoid the meat ball, boxed, square, rectangle or any other non natural appearance.

* Selective prune deciduous spring blooming shrubs after bloom drop

* Install summer WaterWise and EARTH-KIND annual color now.

* Try one or more EARTH-KIND Roses in a sunny well drained location with good air movement. Visit http://earthkindroses.tamu.edu/ for information on these beauties


Dale Groom, Extension Horticulturist, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Texas AgriLife Extension Servise, Texas A & M University System, Native Texan, Columnist, Author, Radio/TV Host is also known state wide as The Plant Groom(tm). You may send your horticultural related questions including lawn, garden and landscape to Dale at dalegroom@mycvc.net. Call 214-904-3053 any M - F, 8:30am - 4 pm for free help from the Dallas County Master Gardeners Help Desk.

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