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Gill Garden Center + Landscape Co.

Corpus Christi, TX Garden Center

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Temperatures don’t feel like it yet, but it’s time to start making the transition into an exciting new fall planting season! There’s a lot to do in August to set yourself up for big garden success this fall and beyond. Here are our top must-do’s!

Check out our August Garden Guide for more tips and remember that trees, shrubs, and perennials can be planted 12 months out of the year! 

1. Pick Out Your Fall Veggie and Flower Seeds!

August is the time to start your fall veggie seeds! Next week, we’ll receive the new 2025-2026 seeds from our favorite seed suppliers, including heirloom vegetables, brand new releases, and wildflower seeds. Try our new Cow Pots or seed starting trays to start seeds indoors this month, move to a covered patio once they sprout, then into your garden beds once they’re robust enough to live outside. This will protect the seedlings and slowly acclimate them to outdoor temps. Our Fall Vegetable Planting Guide provides the specific seed-planting dates to help plan your fall garden. Remember – if you want bountiful fall veggies, you need to get an early start! 

2. Start Planting Now for Fall Pollinators!

Don’t wait until fall arrives to start planting for fall pollinators – start cooking now so their meal will be ready when they arrive! Important fact: birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food worldwide. Plants attract and provide food for them to keep the cycle going. For example – plant Zinnia and sunflower seeds now, and they’ll be ready to feed migrating birds this fall. Plant salvias now, get roots established, and they’ll be gorgeous this fall and covered in hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. If you want to provide the best benefits for the most pollinators, plant Texas natives! 

3. Prep Your Garden Beds

August is the time to start prepping fall veggie beds! Finish your Summer harvesting, clean out your beds, and pull weeds. To get your soil ready, we recommend mixing Nature’s Blend Compost or Cotton Burr Compost into your soil to replenish nutrients and loosen the soil before planting. About 1 bag per 12 sq. ft. is good. Once prepped, add a thick layer of pine straw or hardwood mulch, which will help retain moisture, keep weeds from sprouting, and keep the soil cooler until you’re ready to plant. As you plan your space, think crop rotation – don’t plant the same veggies in the exact same place you planted them last season, or you encourage pests and diseases. 

4. Water to Maintain Depth Moisture!

We’ve been lucky to have some well-timed rain showers this summer, which has created some depth moisture in the soil. Our goal with watering this month should be to maintain it. For lawns and established plants and trees, this means watering less frequently, but watering deeply when you water. New plantings will require water every day for the first couple weeks to get the roots established, but again, think deep drinks so the roots dive deeper. Use a water wand with a cut-off valve to make it easy on you and conserve water. Pro tip: Conserve water by watering at ground level, not spraying from above. This way, water soaks down to the roots rather than evaporating off the leaves. 

5. Mulch = Cool Roots, Dude!

Proper mulching using natural Hardwood or Pine Straw mulch has big benefits, especially during hot weather. A good 3” deep layer of mulch will keep your plants and the soil moist and cool for longer after you water or after it rains. Not just a little cooler – we’re talking more than 25 degrees cooler!! Cooler soil temps allow plant roots and beneficial microorganisms in the soil to flourish. When mulching, give the main trunks or stems of your plants a little space – mulch 3” deep throughout the bed, but no more than 1” deep right up against the main trunks/stems of plants.

6. Set Your Late Summer Lawn Expectations

In late summer in South Texas, even if you were watering quite a lot, it would be difficult to keep your lawn perfectly green. If we don’t get much rain this month, and with current watering restrictions in place, our goal shouldn’t be perfect green – our goal should be alive! If you can haul or find someone to haul recycled effluent water to apply to your lawn, you’re in good shape. Applying water once every 2 weeks at a half inch depth is sufficient. Again, don’t expect lush and green, but it will keep your lawn alive. Our lawn watering schedule is currently full, but we may be able to help connect you with others who are providing the service. Also, keep in mind that current watering rules allow you to hand-water your trees. Since trees should be watered at the drip line, watering trees properly can be a way to get some water on the lawn too. 

This is also a great time to think about whether you need or want all of your lawn space. Consider reducing lawn space by increasing your planting bed space, adding new planting areas, using native groundcover like frog fruit to replace lawn areas (pictured), or creating space for wildflower seeding – lots of other options that are more beautiful and more beneficial than a traditional lawn. 

August in South Texas is when some plants get summer-tired, which is normal and understandable! It’s likely nothing you’re doing wrong as a gardener, and the majority of tired plants will bounce back just fine as we move into fall. On the other hand, August also makes you notice which plants are thriving and don’t seem fazed at all. Here’s our list of 10 late summer low water warriors – some of these may surprise you!

Snow White Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica)

This evergreen beauty offers tidy mounds of glossy foliage and crisp white blooms in spring. It’s like the little black dress of the shrub world—classic, stylish, and never fussy. Once established, it needs very little supplemental water. It’s often used for foundation planting in the landscape for a reason—it’s tough, tidy, reliable, and handles heat and full sun like a champ.

Squid Agave (Agave bracteosa)

With twisty, tentacle-like leaves, this agave adds a splash of whimsy to rock gardens or containers. No spines, no drama—just architectural flair. Water sparingly! This agave thrives on neglect. It’s also one of the few agaves that works very well in the shade – a great option to plant in mass under oak trees. 

Pomegranate Tree (Punica granatum)

This small tree or large shrub offers stunning orange-red blooms and juicy fruits that are as nutritious as they are beautiful. Deep, infrequent watering encourages better fruit production and root development. Fun fact:  you’ll often see lone pomegranate trees out in the middle of an open field in South Texas, which typically indicates where a homestead once stood, and is a testament to the pomegranate’s resilience and longevity! 

Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Despite the name, it’s not a true yucca—but it sure acts like one! Spiky blue-green leaves and tall spikes of coral-red flowers make this Texas native a showstopper. As DeAnna says, “everyone should have red yucca in their landscape!” Plant it in full sun and ignore it—really! It thrives with almost no care. Plus, its tubular flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds. 

Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

When rain is on the way, this shrub puts on a bloom explosion of purple-pink flowers. Hence one of it’s common names:  Barometer Bush. Texas Sage needs almost zero watering once established. Overwatering = leggy growth and fewer blooms. Texas Sage is often seen as a wild desert scape plant, but it also has a home in a refined and manicured setting, like the photo above from a Gill’s landscape project.  

Wild Olive Tree (Cordia boissieri)

This South Texas and northern Mexico native is also known as Mexican Olive, and offers ruffled white flowers year-round and a gentle tropical vibe without the water demand. It tolerates extreme drought and our heavy clay alkaline soils. Prune lightly to maintain shape. Its flowers are a favorite of native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—and it’s the official flower of Nuevo León, Mexico.

Zexmenia (Wedelia acapulcensis var. hispida)

This tough Texas native is a pollinator favorite with its golden daisy-like flowers and mounding growth habit. Zexmenia is excellent for erosion control on slopes or in dry beds. It loves sun, tolerates a variety of soil conditions, and requires very little water once established. Zexmenia blooms from spring through fall and is a nectar powerhouse for bees and butterflies.

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

This Corpus Christi classic with vibrant flowers in white, pink, or red and leathery evergreen leaves, adds a lush Mediterranean or tropical feel to local landscapes while being very drought tolerant. Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal issues. Yes, Oleander is poisonous if ingested! 

Samba Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)

Bright, bold, and born for the heat, Samba Portulaca twirls out colorful blooms even in scorching temps. Perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or hot border edges. Loves it dry and sunny. Flowers close at night and open again with the sun. It’s like your garden is waking up with you!

Henry Duelberg Salvia (Salvia farinacea ‘Henry Duelberg’)

A Texas superstar, this salvia produces deep blue spikes all season long and shrugs off heat and drought. Thrives in full sun with minimal watering. Deadhead to keep the blooms coming. Henry Duelberg salvia is one of the absolute best natives for attracting a variety of pollinators. Fun fact:  Henry Duelberg salvia was discovered growing wild in a Texas cemetery and named after the man buried there along with a white blooming variety named after his wife Augusta Duelberg. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start your engines…fall planting season is here!! September is the best time to plant almost everything – veggies, trees, shrubs, natives, hummingbird plants, and more. Here are our top 7 must-do’s in September as we head into fall, our favorite South Texas gardening season!

1. Ready, Set, PLANT Veggies, Herbs, Citrus, and Fruits!

It’s time! Tomatoes, peppers, & warm weather edibles should be planted early in September at the latest. Plant cool weather veggies & herbs anytime in September and remember to shelter them from still-intense sun and keep watered. When planting, you can’t go wrong with organic BioTone starter fertilizer + a good handful of Earthworm Castings. Neither of these require precise measurement, and they make an incredible combo for building stronger, deeper roots, preventing pests, and creating an active soil environment for plants to thrive.

Here’s our Fall veggie planting schedule. And save space for citrus trees, figs, and other fruit trees to round off your garden grocery store! They’ll all be arriving before or right around mid-September. 

2. Make Way for New Growth with Light Pruning and Clean-up

Chances are you have established plants that could benefit from a clean-up after working so hard all summer. Wait until about September 15th and give them a light pruning to make way for new growth this fall. A good rule of thumb for most plants is to prune up to 1/3 (not more) in the fall, then wait until January to do a heavy pruning/cutback. If you have questions about how to prune specific plants, you know who to call! 

3. Plant Trees and Shrubs for the BEST Start

Plants that are cold hardy (trees and woody shrubs) will benefit greatly by planting during our fall season. They’re under less heat stress, and they grow more roots through the fall and winter, making them stronger and ready to take off next spring. More roots, stronger plants, and less watering! Oak trees, Crape Myrtles, Hawthorns, Yaupon Holly, Plumbago, Boxwoods and a host of other trees and shrubs should be planted starting this month for the best possible start.

4. Plant to Support Pollinators!

We’re bringing in lots of new plants this month with our pollinator friends in mind! While you’re choosing what to plant, consider adding Texas Natives like Turk’s Cap and Lantana that birds and bees love. If you want to attract and support butterflies, try native butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Gregg’s mist flower, and lots of different blooming salvias. So many gorgeous options! Bring in some pictures of your outdoor space and we can help you plan the perfect pollinator garden – big or small. You can DIY or we can plant it for you!

5. YES You Can Hand-Water and Use Drip Irrigation Systems!

Keep in mind that you can hand water all landscape plants, gardens, and trees on any day under current city watering rules. The good news is, hand watering is the best way to water as long as you’re doing it effectively. That means making sure you water at ground level, not over the top of your plants. This gets more water down to the roots, prevents water loss due to evaporation, and prevents fungal issues that can arise from too much moisture on leaves and stems. When hand watering, be sure you’re giving your plant roots a deep soaking. Water once, give it some time to soak in, then water again. Keep in mind, under current rules, you can also use drip irrigation systems for landscaped beds every other week on your watering day. The same principal applies – deep soaking!

6. Set the Table for the Fall Hummingbird Migration!

Ruby-throated hummingbirds will soon make their way through for the fall migration! These tiny birds are BIG eaters. They stop here in the Coastal Bend to fuel up before their non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Host them in your yard by planting some of their favorite foods! Hummingbirds find plants using their excellent vision and are attracted to bright colored blooms, which indicate a high-sugar food source. Some of our favs for South Texas are Flame Acanthus (aka hummingbird bush), Salvias (like native Salvia greggii and Salvia leucantha), Cape Honeysuckle, Firebush, Firecracker plant, Coral bean – the list goes on! Plant a few of these and hummingbirds will find them. And don’t forget to visit the Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration September 18-21!

7. You’re Invited! Fall Garden Talks and Events at Gill’s!

Gill Garden Talks and Events are back this Fall! We’re kicking it off with DeAnna and Wyatt’s Fall Veggie Gardening Talk on Saturday, September 13th!  Based on your suggestions, we decided to do 2 veggie talks this year. Part 1 will focus on early fall veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and squash, and part 2 will focus on cooler season crops like broccoli, greens, and cabbage. Stay tuned on our events page and on Instagram and Facebook for details of each event. We can’t wait!

Fall is OUR ABSOLUTE BEST TIME for planting veggies, trees, flowers, and just about everything else! We’ve got lots of fun events planned at Gill’s this month, plus everything you need to bring the fall magic to your outdoors. Here are our top must-do’s this October to set your garden and landscape up for success for seasons to come.

1. Join Us for October Events – Including Fall Plant Fest This Saturday!

We are so excited about our fall event lineup! Join us this Saturday, October 4th from 10am-2pm for our first ever Fall Plant Fest. We’ll have our friends Mimi’s Mini Farm with their farm animal petting zoo, pumpkin painting for kids, balloon animals, fall photo ops, tons of fall plant specials, lovely fall-themed drinks from The Brewery Coffee Cart, and the Smokeville Turkey Legs food truck will be here too! Check out our full event schedule for the rest of October and beyond. 

2. Plant & Feed Your Fall Veggies

Some of the best… Broccoli, Cauliflower, Lettuces, Cabbage, Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Cilantro, Arugula, Thyme, Chives, Sage, and the list goes on! October is our window for planting! Remember – veggies are heavy feeders, so it’s important to keep fertilizing throughout the season. We recommend using BioTone Starter when you plant, followed by a good organic granular like Medina Growin Green or Plant Tone on the 1st of each month, then supplement with liquid Hasta Gro on the 15th of each month. Set these reminders on your phone/calendar and you’ll have BIG harvests with plenty to cook and share. 

Watch:  Coastal Bend Veggie Gardening Guide

3. Plant Trees Now for the Best Start – Citrus Too!

Successful tree planting is all about growing roots. Trees planted in fall grow more next spring & summer because they spend time all fall and winter working on their root system. Having a well-established root system also helps prepare them for hot temps next summer. Live Oak, Burr Oak, Magnolia, Anacua, Cedar Elm, & Wild Olive are some of our South Texas fav’s and we’ve been getting some gorgeous specimens, big and small. And don’t forget about citrus trees! We have a nice fall crop of lemons, different lime varieties, mandarins, and more. 

Read: The Advantages of Fall Planting

4. Plant Fall Flowers Galore

Take advantage of the weather while the days are still long. It’s the perfect time to start cool weather Marigolds, Alyssum, Snapdragons, Violas, Petunias, Supertunias, Calendula, Begonias, Stocks – the flowers and colors that say, “FALL!”. Warm days help flowers develop roots so they can look their best during the cooler months ahead. Since we don’t experience dramatic changing of the seasons here in South Texas, we create that fall feeling with gorgeous fall colors!

5. Prevent Weeds + Fertilize Your Lawn 

Fertilizing lawns this month is essential for developing strong roots and healthy growth next spring and summer. We emphatically recommend organic Medina Growin Green! Amazing stuff! A 40lb bag covers 3000 sq ft of lawn, and for a small fee, we can rent you a spreader which makes it very easy to apply. Not only does Medina Growin Green work wonders on lawns, you can use it in all areas of your landscape, including your veggie garden. If you want to prevent lawn weeds, now’s the time to apply preemergent Weed Beater Complete or Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper. Remember this:  treat for weeds, wait 2-3 weeks, then fertilize. Do not use “weed & feed” products! 

Read: Fall Lawn Care

6. Plant for Hummingbirds and Migratory Birds

Right now is a great time to plant all kinds of blooming plants that hummingbirds and other migratory birds need. Some of our favs for South Texas are native Flame Acanthus (aka hummingbird bush), Salvias (like native Salvia greggii and Salvia leucantha), Cape Honeysuckle, native Turk’s Cap, native Beautyberry, Loquat, Firecracker plant, Coral bean – the list goes on and on. We have been covered in hummingbirds here at Gill’s!

7. Mulch Beds for Moisture Retention & Other Key Benefits

Proper mulching using natural Hardwood, Pine Straw, or our new natural GardenStraw mulch has big benefits throughout the landscape, including in veggie gardens. A good 3” deep layer of mulch will keep your plants and the soil moist for longer after you water or after it rains. When mulching, give the main trunks or stems of your plants a little space – mulch 3” deep throughout the bed, but no more than 1” deep right up against the main trunks/stems of plants. Using mulch in veggie beds also helps keep wet soil from splashing up onto your plants when you water, which prevents common fungal diseases. Not to mention…a good mulch layer will help keep weed seeds from sprouting. 

Now it’s finally starting to feel like Fall! November in South Texas…one of our most beautiful months! Now’s the time for fall flowers and planting trees. And there’s still time for veggies, too. Good timing this month will keep us looking good through the fall and winter and set us up for showtime next spring. Here are our top must-do’s this November.

1. Fill Pots and Beds with Fall Flowers

Here’s our list of Fall/Winter flowers – tons of choices for outdoor color to redo pots & inground plantings. Flowers take a little time to grow and bloom. Plant early this month so they can be WOW for the holidays! Many of these fall flowers, like Snapdragons, Lobelia, Violas (our longer-lasting alternative to Pansies), and Geraniums will look great through the winter and look their very best next spring. Good reason to plant now! Once they’re all planted, give them a good meal of granular organic Plant Tone, Rose Glo, or Medina Growin Green. To keep them growing and blooming through the fall and winter, they’ll need regular feedings about once a month. For an extra boost, follow up with liquid Hasta Gro every 2 weeks in between your monthly feedings.

2. Plant Trees and Shrubs Now for Better Growth Next Spring

Now is the very best time to plant cold-hardy shrubs and trees! They focus energy this fall and winter on building a good root system, which allows them to explode with growth next spring, and prepares them to withstand hot weather next summer. Other benefits to planting now – easier digging and not as much watering as during warmer seasons! Always fertilize when you plant shrubs and trees and follow our watering instructions.

3. Still Time to Plant Veggies and Holiday Herbs!

We’re still bringing in lots of fresh cool-season crops like broccoli, kale, lettuce mixes, Swiss chard, spinach, cauliflower, beets, onions, and more! Plus all the herbs like rosemary, thyme, cilantro, sage, and dill that you need for holiday cooking. Three big tips for fall/winter veggies and herbs: 1) Mulch well to help protect tender young plants 2) Water well, but not too much 3) Keep feeding! Organic Plant Tone or Medina Growin Green once a month, followed by liquid Hasta Gro every 2 weeks for a bountiful harvest!

4. Last Chance to Fertilize Lawns & Prevent Weeds

Early this month is our last chance to fertilize aka “winterize” lawns for strong roots and healthy growth next spring and summer. Our tried and true favorite lawn food is organic Medina Growin Green. Since lawn watering is restricted, you can try to time your fertilizing with a rain. Don’t worry if it doesn’t all get watered in. Medina Growin Green is all organic and won’t burn your grass. It’s designed to slowly work it’s way down to the roots over the course of a few waterings. November is also the time to prevent spring weeds in your lawn by applying Weed Beater Complete or Hi-Yield Weed & Grass Stopper with Dimension.

5. Feed Your Landscape Too!

Landscape plants, including trees, perennials, and hardy shrubs need food early this month while they are still actively growing. Just like lawns, the idea is to give them a boost before they head into dormancy this winter. We love organic granular fertilizer Medina Growin’ Green for trees and shrubs, and Rose Glo or Plant Tone for blooming perennials. Once again, follow up between granular feedings with liquid Hasta Gro. Hasta Gro is designed as a foliar feed, meaning it can be sprayed directly on the leaves. Not only does it help with blooming and overall health, it makes your leaves thicker and tougher!

6. HO HO HO! Fresh Christmas Trees Coming Very Soon!

We are beyond excited for fresh-cut Christmas trees and holiday plants to begin arriving this month! Look for our Noble, Nordmann, and Fraser fir trees around November 15th, then poinsettias the following week. Paperwhite bulbs are already here, Amaryllis bulbs very soon, and Christmas cactus will arrive the week of Thanksgiving!

Think cacti and succulents only thrive in blazing deserts? Think again! Many of these low-water superstars can handle surprisingly chilly weather — some even laugh in the face of frost. If you’re dreaming of a garden that looks lush and sculptural year-round without fussing over freezes, these cold-hardy species will keep your landscape looking sharp.

Agave Royal Flush (Agave ‘Royal Flush’)

Cold tolerance: down to 10°F
With its striking red-edged leaves, ‘Royal Flush’ is a showstopper that keeps its good looks even when temperatures dip. Plant it in well-drained gravelly soil and give it plenty of sunlight. Avoid winter wetness—it’s cold-hardy, not soggy-hardy!

Agave Blue Artichoke (Agave parryi truncata)

Cold tolerance: to -10°F
A garden designer’s dream, this compact, symmetrical agave looks like a modern sculpture dusted in silver-blue. It thrives in full sun and dry conditions. Give it excellent drainage—raised planters or rock gardens work perfectly.

Agave Celsii (Agave mitis var. celsii)

Cold tolerance: around 15°F
This soft, smooth-leaved agave is friendlier to handle than most. It appreciates some protection from heavy frost, so tuck it near a wall or an area with some wind protection. It’s great in containers you can move to shelter during a hard freeze.

Agave Whale’s Tongue (Agave ovatifolia)

Cold tolerance: to -10°F
Majestic and bold, this big beauty earns its name from its broad, curving leaves. Whale’s Tongue thrives in full sun and poor soil—just don’t let it sit in moisture. It’s one of the toughest cold-hardy agaves around!

Texas Sotol (Dasylirion texanum)

Cold tolerance: to 0°F
Native to the Lone Star State, Sotol forms a spiky fountain of narrow, serrated leaves. It’s drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and perfectly adapted to Texas winters. Great for xeriscapes and mixed desert plantings. Also stunning as a stand-alone specimen in a container.

Soft Leaf Yucca (Yucca recurvifolia)

Cold tolerance: to -10°F
True to its name, this yucca has flexible, arching leaves that won’t bite your ankles. It produces tall flower spikes in summer and stays evergreen through winter. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun, and it’ll handle frosty nights with grace.

Squid Agave (Agave bracteosa)

Cold tolerance: to 10°F
This wavy, tentacle-like agave adds whimsy to any landscape. Unlike most agaves, it lacks spines—so it’s child- and pet-friendly. It’s also one of the few agaves that prefer shade. We’ve even used it under dense oak trees with great success. 

Espostoa lanata (Peruvian Old Man Cactus)

Cold tolerance: to 20°F (light frost)
This fuzzy fellow looks like it’s already wearing a winter coat! The white “hair” protects it from both sun and chill, but it prefers a dry, sheltered winter—so if frost threatens, cover or bring it under a porch.

Yucca rostrata (Beaked Yucca)

Cold tolerance: to -20°F
The ultimate statement plant for a cold desert garden! This tall, trunked yucca with a pom-pom crown of fine blue leaves is as tough as it is elegant. It thrives on neglect—meaning don’t over-water.

Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.)

Cold tolerance: varies by species, many down to -30°F
The classic Texas cactus! Hardy, heat-loving, and bird-friendly, Prickly Pear adds color with its yellow blooms and red fruit. Plant in full sun, sandy soil, and avoid watering in winter. Bonus: the pads and fruit are edible!

Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia spp.)

Cold tolerance: to -10°F
Armed with spiny joints that shimmer in the sun, chollas add bold structure to dry gardens. Give them space, drainage, and gloves! They’re striking when backlit by sunrise or sunset.

Easter Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni)

Cold tolerance: to 20°F
This round, ribbed cactus can reach basketball size and produces fiery orange blooms. It prefers rocky, well-drained soil and a dry winter rest. If temps dip below 20°F, protect it with frost cloth or a temporary cover.

Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)

Cold tolerance: to 15°F
The golden globe of the desert! Golden Barrels glow year-round and look amazing grouped in gravel beds. In colder zones, grow in containers so you can move them inside during freezes.

Yellow & Red Hesperaloe (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Cold tolerance: to -20°F
Did you know that what we commonly call Red Yucca is not actually a true yucca? Red yucca belongs to the asphodel family (Asphodelaceae), which is also home to agaves, while true yuccas are in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). In any case, it’s a hummingbird magnet with tall spikes of coral-red or sunshine-yellow blooms! Hesperaloe thrives in neglect and poor soil. Once established, it’s virtually indestructible—just plant in full sun and enjoy the show. No need to worry about a freeze!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays, gardeners! We hope you’re having fun with family and friends and enjoying nice weather outdoors. We’re back open regular hours December 26th through December 30th. We’ll be open 9-2 New Year’s Eve and closed New Year’s Day. Cheers to 2026! p.s. – check out these amazing cookies from our Gill holiday party! 

 

 

 

Welcome to 2026! It’s time to set our gardening resolutions! What do you hope to learn more about in the garden this year? What new plants are you going to try? What areas are you planning to revamp? January is time to get moving and set yourself up for big success this spring and beyond. Beds need prepping, veggie seeds need starting, citrus trees need feeding, and YES you can get a head start on planting too! Here are our top must-do’s (and don’t do’s!) this month.

Check out our January Garden Guide for more tips and remember that trees, shrubs, and perennials can be planted 12 months out of the year! The only difference is the amount of water they need depending on temperatures and wind!

1. Mulch for Many Reasons!

Let’s start off with the simplest and most effective garden must-do…JUST MULCH! A good 2-3″ deep layer of mulch is our best protection against dry drought conditions and against cold snaps/freezes. Think of mulch as insulation for your plant roots – it helps retain moisture in the soil and it provides a barrier to keep cold air out. Natural mulches also break down over time and add nutrients to your soil. Maintain a good layer of mulch, but don’t pile mulch up around the base of trees and plants. Give your trunks and root flares (where the roots meet the main trunks/stems) a few inches of breathing room for better oxygen exchange and to prevent potential fungal problems. Mulch is also an excellent place holder this month for areas that you plan to plant this spring. Mulch will help keep underlying soil active and alive, while suppressing weed growth. Clean up and mulch now, then easy planting when you’re ready!

2. Prep Soil Now for Spring Planting

January is our month to plan and prep for spring. Clean up, remove weeds, and most importantly, prep your garden beds by adding some compost! We love Nature’s Blend Compost for veggie and landscape beds, including raised beds. A good ratio is 1 bag per 12 sq. ft. of bed space. If you make your own compost, that approximate ratio works well. It doesn’t have to be exact. If working out is part of your new year’s resolution, get outside, grab your garden forks or a shovel, and turn some compost into the first few inches of soil – the best kind of exercise! Again, you can prep beds with compost and add a layer of mulch as a placeholder until you’re ready to plant. 

3. Wait to Prune!

Remember – wait to do any major pruning of most plants until February! We can be tempted to do too much pruning in January because we want plants to look pretty, but you don’t want plants to think its time to start putting on new growth while we still have potential for cold snaps. Even if we do get a cold snap that damages some foliage, wait to prune because that damaged foliage will help insulate against more possible cold weather. We need to tolerate some wintery-looking plants this month. 

Ornamental grasses, like Pink Muhly or Purple Fountain grass, are a January exception. They should be cut back this month. Trim them straight across (no cupcakes) 3”-4“ from the ground. Use a bungee cord or piece of rope to gather them up, then cut straight across with your shears – just like the photo above. 

4. Feed Your Citrus Trees

Fertilize your citrus trees in January for more blooms, again in May/June for better fruit set, and again in September/October for nutrients. We recommend fertilizing with Espoma Citrus-Tone – all organic and highly effective. Remember to fertilize trees, including citrus, at the drip line. That means spread fertilizer in a circle where the rain naturally drips down from the leaves, not right up against the trunk.

5. Start Veggie Seeds!

January is time to start tomatoes, kale, chard, onions, carrots, beets, parsley and more from seed. We carry easy seed-starting trays, peat pots, and Espoma Organic Seed Starter soil for starting seeds indoors or on a protected/covered patio. A good rule of thumb is that once the seedlings have made their first true set of leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into a larger container outside or directly into the garden bed. 

Check out our full Spring planting guide here. 

6. Grow Potatoes and Onions!

January is prime time to plant potatoes and onions! We carry Red La Soda and Yukon Gold potatoes because they are better suited for South Texas growing conditions than larger varieties. Watch Matt’s video guide to planting potatoes here! Potatoes will be arriving any day now!

Plant onions in a row every 3-4″ then thin them by plucking every other green top as they grow. This will allow the onions to grow to full size. Keep in mind that both potatoes and onions need well-drained soil. Great for raised beds and containers!

7. Adjust Lighting and Water for Houseplants

Generally, most houseplants will need more light and less water this month. A moisture meter will come in handy to be sure you’re not overwatering. Experiment with moving houseplants to sunnier windows, and take them outside for a sunny day or 2. Keep their leaves clean to help them take up sunlight and prevent bad bugs. We like using a very light solution of Neem oil + water to wipe down leaves here at Gill’s.

 

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