PLOW & HOSE Gardening in Central Texas

March 8, 2026: What's New? More Poultry & the Texas Right to Farm Amendment

Julie got some new birds which segued into the new Texas Right to Farm constitutional amendment, which ensures residential property agricultural pursuits.  

March 8, 2026: YO SPRING! Seed Starting & MICRO TOMATOES

Spring planting season is here! If you didn't start tomatoes in January, but still want to--try micro tomatoes and micro-dwarf tomatoes!  

March 8, 2026: WILD THUMB Native Plant and Gardening App, an Interview

Julie visits with Mary Sigro from the Native Plant Society of Texas and Julie Shaddox from Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation to learn about a new gardening app dedicated

9-30-24 Goldenrod, Figs & Burr Oaks**from the archives

Fall in Texas brings allergens, weeds and an optimal planting window for pretty much everything! SPONSOR OFFER: Try Magic Mind if you want to improve your focus and ener

09-23-24 Wildflowers! Time to Order Seeds and Plant 'em!

Although it's officially fall according to the calender, it's still pretty toasty. Julie has heat-fatigue which leaves her feeling unenthusastic about chores. Despite the

07-24-24 The Summer Lull--Keeping Plants Alive and Planning for Shade

July and August are tough months for plants in Central Texas, but it's the best time for preparing to plant a fall garden. Consider another round of summer faves. Don't f

07-12-24 Under the Feeder: Blossoms from Birdseed

Newsflash! Summer is here! Julie enjoys endless blossoms from wild sunflowers! Learn about sunflowers and safflowers--cousins that keep our birds and squirrels fat and ha

06-17-24 Spring Rains and Swampy Summer: Dealing with Moisture, Mosquitos & Monarda

Julie's veggie garden may be smaller than previous years, but still attract pests like spider mites. The spring rains continue even with the start of summer making it mug

1-30-2024 Little Green Peas

Green peas have a really small planting window in Central Texas. Like potatoes, they need to be planted by Valentine's Day. English, shelling, sugar snap and snow--plant

01-29-24 POTATO PLANTING PREPARATION

So many things we can plant this time of year--but don't forget to get your seed potatoes ready for planting in mid-February! SPONSOR OFFER 1: Save 20% with code PLOWHOS

01-23-24 New! New! New! Year, Plants, Temperatures--Changes in 2024

Julie is getting back in the swing of things...It's a new year, new season with new weather! It's the perfect time for garden planning and thinking about the summer garde

8-20-23 Rude Depressing Heat, But Hope for Fall Tomatoes and Love for Retamas

This summer has been brutal. Pretty much no rainfall since May, July was irrationally hot and August continues to be RUDE with its heat. But Julie is hopeful for a fall g

07-29-23 Brutal Heat, Bitter Cucumbers and Fame Flowers

No surprise, it's hot & gross. What's not dead is struggling, including the cucumbers which are growing weird and some times bitter. Yuck. In better news, Julie bought ne

06-28-23 Dealing with Irrational Heat and more Xeriscape Ideas

It's so hot, Julie invented a new weather term. "It's an irrational heat." It's hot and people are talking about xeriscaping...including grey water. How to heat-proof you

05-15-23 Healthy Soil Is Living + Prepping for Summer + Debunking Blossom-end Rot

Lots of rain this week--which is wonderful, but present some challenges with heavy clay soil. Dirt is dead. Soil is very much alive. Learn some tips for keeping your plan

05-01-23 TRIP TO SOUTH KOREA! Azaleas, Pine Wilt, Cherry & Gingko Trees

When Julie travels she looks at all the plants. She went to South Korea and took in ALL the landscaping. Springtime in South Korea is amazing--cherry trees (missed the bi

04-15-23 Gross Pollen, Purple Hyacinth Beans and LADYBUGS

Spring pollen allergy season is here. What's trying to kill us now? Pretty, but inedible hyacinth beans and lots of info about ladybugs!

04-09-23 Fading Bluebonnets Make Way for Gaillardia & Coneflowers + Keystone Plants

Cooler temperatures and rain pass through making for a pleasant Easter weekend. The bluebonnets have been beautiful and now going to seed, but other flowers take the stag

03-26-23 Plant Swap! Spiderwort, Aloe Veras & Spring Planting

Julie went to a plant swap and acquired some new and coveted plants. Along with finally getting some spiderwort, she also got a bit of sunburn. Thankful she also obtained

03-19-23 Summer and Fall Blooming "Bulbs"--Lilies and "Lilies"

Creeping up on Spring Equinox! Doesn't feel like it. Lots of wonderful things to plant in your gardens--plus it's time to plant summer and fall blooming bulbs. Julie expl