Grow Local South Texas and Gill’s share a passion for organic vegetable gardening and helping local gardeners be successful growing their own food. Here in South Texas we have 2 great seasons for growing food each year – Spring and Fall. Join Gill’s Wyatt Page as he demonstrates how to grow veggies using only organics.
Veggies
Beautiful Fall weather is ahead and it’s time to get started planting veggies! I’ve decided to expand my veggie garden at home and invite you all to follow me this season for some of my best tips, successes, and failures to overcome. I’ll be posting video updates here in the Garden News and on Gill social media pages.
Part 2 – Starting Veggies from Seed
This Fall, I’m starting all my veggies from seed. Check out my video below to see how I start my seeds, and read tips below for additional info and a recap:
Video recap:
- Timing is everything. Make sure you are planting your seeds at the right time! Check the Gill’s seed planting guide for the best times to plant veggie seeds this Fall.
- Germinate overnight before planting. Put your seeds in a damp paper towel and leave them in a plastic bag overnight to help the seed germinate. (Don’t leave the seeds in the bags for too long or they may root to the paper).
- Small containers + Potting or Seed-Starting Soil. I like to start my seeds in peat pots but using things like egg cartons or paper cups works just as well. Fill your containers with a good potting soil or seed-starting soil and plant seeds at proper depth according to the directions on the seed packet.
- Pro tip: Water the soil thoroughly, then plant the seeds. That way you don’t need to blast your new seeds with water and risk displacing them.
- Tender young plants need love. Keep the soil damp, but not too wet. Gradually introduce the plants to more sun as the sprouts grow.
- Transplant. Once the seedlings reach approximately 3 inches tall (this is a general rule of thumb and depends on the plant), transplant into the ground or a raised bed. Be gentle to keep the soil intact around the root.
Happy gardening,
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/wyatt-for-web-e1567546565758-1024x997.jpg)
-Wyatt
Beautiful Fall weather is ahead and it’s time to get started planting veggies! I’ve decided to expand my veggie garden at home and invite you all to follow me this season for some of my best tips, successes, and failures to overcome. I’ll be posting video updates here in the Garden News and on Gill social media pages.
Part 1 – Prepping a Veggie Garden Bed
A bountiful veggie garden starts with the soil! Check out my time-lapse video of creating a new veggie bed, and read my tips below for additional info and a recap:
A couple of things I didn’t mention in the video that are very helpful:
- If the ground is dry and hard, you can water the area thoroughly for 2-3 days before turning the soil. This will loosen it up and make it a lot easier.
- Get rid of all grass and weeds before prepping the bed. Pull them out making sure you get the roots.
- The fork tool I’m using in the video is actually called a spading fork, not a pitchfork. Great tool to use!
Video recap:
- Amend your soil with compost. Whether you are using an existing garden or starting a new bed it is important to use compost every season. Compost should be tilled (by hand and/or with a tiller) into the top 6-8 inches of soil. Compost helps build the soil structure and has great benefits for your plants including stronger root growth.
- Create a barrier. I like to edge the garden with bricks or timbers, but you can use bendaboard, stone, steel edging, logs, etc. This stops weeds from creeping into the garden and helps keep things organized.
- Top dress with mulch. Mulching is greatly beneficial to a healthy veggie garden. Mulch helps keep the weeds down, helps retain moisture in the soil, and when you use natural mulches like Hardwood or Pine Straw, they break down in the top layer of dirt building your soil structure even more.
Happy gardening!
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/wyatt-for-web-e1567546565758-1024x997.jpg)
–Wyatt
August is almost here! It’s time to start making the transition into an exciting new Fall planting season. Here are our top must-do’s for this coming month.
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! The only difference is the amount of water they need depending on temperatures and wind!
1. Choose Plants that Provide for Wildlife
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/pollinator-garden.jpg)
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. 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. Take it a step further and plant Texas natives! They provide for pollinators and require less water once established.
2. Pick Out Your Seeds
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/seeds-for-blog-1024x683.jpg)
Watching your plants grow from a tiny seed is exciting and rewarding! Our Fall Vegetable Planting Guide provides the specific seed-planting dates to help plan your Fall garden. Most new seeds are already here! Look out for some of the rare and heirloom seeds we’re bringing in over the next couple weeks! We’ve been researching how to use liquid seaweed to improve seed germination. Worth a try! Another tip: use peat pots or seed starting trays to start seeds indoors, then move to a covered patio once they sprout. This will protect the seedlings and slowly acclimate them to the outdoor heat.
3. Prepare Your Garden Beds
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/fall-garden-for-blog-1024x768.jpg)
August is the time to start preparing for Fall vegetables. Clean out 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 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 Sufficiently AND Efficiently
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/watering-for-blog-1-1024x683.jpg)
With our temps and lack of rain, it’s vital to water your plants and lawn sufficiently AND efficiently. The goal with summer watering (with or without watering restrictions) should be to create depth moisture. 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 to get the roots established. 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 for Moisture Retention
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/pine-straw-2.jpg)
We know fresh mulch is the quickest way to refresh the look of your landscape. Proper mulching has other big benefits, especially during dry and hot weather. A good 2-3” deep layer of mulch will keep your plants and the soil moist and cool for longer after you water. Give the main trunks or stems of your plants a little space – mulch 2-3” deep throughout the bed, but no more than 1” deep against the main trunks/stems of plants.
6. Beware of Bad Bugs
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/spidermites-1024x768.jpg)
White cottony clumps on tips, stems, and undersides of leaves in summer are most likely mealy bugs! People often think these are a fungus because of their appearance but one squish with your fingers will tell you they’re insects feeding on your plants. They especially love Hibiscus, Jatropha and some Salvias. We’ve been seeing a lot of spider mites too. You’ll notice a fine webbing and small sandy speckles (see photo). The mites themselves are usually on the underside of leaves. Both can be treated organically with Spinosad soap, Bee Safe 3-in-1 spray, or Neem Oil during cooler evening hours.
It’s transition time for South Texas backyard farmers. It’s good to remove your tired plants that have finished their growing cycles, yet bare ground in the Summer can turn into a weedy mess… and fast! Help your garden and your muscles by planting a cover crop. These are plants that grow quickly, provide weed control, and help reduce soil compaction, which will make prepping for planting veggies this Fall a lot easier.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/black-eyed-peas-for-blog-1.jpg)
One of the best for Summer are Cowpeas aka Black-eyed peas. They are considered one of the most heat-adapted legumes in the US. They have dense growth to suppress weeds, provide nitrogen to the soil, and will help improve the soil once they are turned under. Extra benefit – you just might get to harvest fresh black-eyed peas from your own garden! They’re easily grown from seed.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/zinnias-for-blog-1024x731.jpg)
If you love flowers, Zinnias are one of our favorites and you can enjoy their bouquets all Summer, while keeping weeds from taking over! Sunflowers are also fun to plant. Both of these also grow easily from seed.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/sunflowers-for-blog-1024x1024.jpg)
How to plant….
Once you’ve cleared your area, do a quick turn of the soil, sprinkle an organic plant food… we love Espoma Bio-Tone or Medina Growin Green, follow the seed planting guide on package, and water. Give them a daily watering and soon you’ll have a new garden that looks great & helps keep your soil ready for planting Fall veggies!
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/debbie.png)
Happy Summer Gardening,
-Debbie
These three insect groups are or will be the source of many gardeners’ angst this Spring. All three can do serious damage to food gardens from chowing on leaves to boring holes to piercing tomatoes… but don’t worry! One organic solution takes care of all.
Flea beetles are tiny – about ¼” or smaller. They leave their signature pin size chew holes in newly planted herbs & veggies. They’re also fond of flower buds just before they open.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/flea-beetle-and-damage-1024x1024.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/flea-beetle-and-damage-1024x1024.jpg)
Squash borers are the larvae of the squash borer moth. They lay their eggs at the base of the squash stem where the larvae bores into the plant. This causes the plant to die.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/squash-vine-borer-moth.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/squash-vine-borer-moth.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/squash-vine-borer-moth-larvae.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/squash-vine-borer-moth-larvae.jpg)
Stink Bugs and Leaf Footed Bugs are famous for the spots they leave on prized tomatoes. They pierce the fruit leaving holes that begin to rot. The immature-nymphs look like red spiders. But not to be confused with the nymphs of the boxelder bugs which are NOT detrimental to gardens. Boxelder bugs are a mild nuisance, but they don’t damage plants.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/leaf-footed-bug-adult-1.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/leaf-footed-bug-adult-1.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/leaf-footed-bug-damage-1-1024x685.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/leaf-footed-bug-damage-1-1024x685.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/leaf-footed-bug-nymphs-1.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/leaf-footed-bug-nymphs-1.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/boxelder-nymph.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/boxelder-nymph.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/spinosad-soap.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/spinosad-soap.jpg)
Your best solution for all three of these pests is Natural Guard Spinosad Soap. This organic spray controls all of these plus other garden pests very effectively. Plan to spray late in the day or early evening when bees are not foraging. It is safe for bees once the spray dries. Follow the instructions and these bad bugs will leave your food plants alone.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/debbie.png)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/debbie.png)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/debbie.png)
-Debbie
My two goals for my garden are to only use organics and to constantly be eating!
Check out the harvest: wax beans, eggplant, cucumbers, banana peppers, tangerine peppers, purple string beans, jalapenos, San Marzano tomatoes (great for pasta and pizza sauce), and sun bright tomatoes.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-10-17-at-6.05.12-PM.png)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-10-17-at-6.05.12-PM.png)
If you want good veggies, prepping the garden beds is the most important thing. I amended my soil with organic compost and used Medina Growin’ Green to fertilize. I sprinkled both on the surface of the soil, then used a tiller to work both into the existing heavy clay soil.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/larry-garden.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/larry-garden.jpg)
Since I’ve re-done this bed a few times, the soil has gotten closer to a nice sandy loam. It gets a lot softer and easier to work with each year.
Other than making sure you prep your beds and amend your soil, keeping everything mulched might be the next most important thing to do. Mulch helps a lot with watering – it helps retain moisture. Since I don’t want to use any chemicals, mulch is also important for helping control weeds.
Pro tip: plant your entire veggie garden first, then go in and fill small spots with wax bean seeds since they produce a lot and don’t take up a lot of space.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/larry.png)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/larry.png)
-Larry
Fall is OUR ABSOLUTE BEST TIME for planting veggies, trees, and just about everything else! It just feels good! Here are our top to-do’s in the garden this month. PLUS – to kick off October, James Gill is giving a Garden Talk this Saturday, October 1!
Check out our October 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.
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2022-09-29-at-12.39.09-PM-1024x1014.png)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2022-09-29-at-12.39.09-PM-1024x1014.png)
1. Don’t Miss James Gill’s Garden Talk!
Join us this Saturday, 10/1/22 at 10am for James’ fall gardening Q&A. James is mostly retired these days, which means he has more time to surf and share gardening wisdom with all of us! Bring your plant questions, or just come listen and learn. One attendee will win a $100 Gill’s gift card 🙂
2. Plant Food
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/Photo-from-Jesse-Jenkins-V-20.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/Photo-from-Jesse-Jenkins-V-20.jpg)
Some of the best… Broccoli, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Cabbage, Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Cilantro, Nasturtiums, and the list goes on. Remember – veggies are heavy feeders. We recommend feeding with organic Plant Tone on the 1st of each month, and again with liquid Hasta Gro on the 15th.
Watch: Coastal Bend Veggie Gardening Guide
3. Plant Fall Flowers
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/new-guinea-imp.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/new-guinea-imp.jpg)
Take advantage of the weather while the days are still long. It’s the perfect time to start cool weather Impatiens, Marigolds, Snapdragons, Violas, Petunias, Calendula, Begonias – the flowers and colors that say, “FALL!”. Warm days help flowers develop roots so they can look their best during the cooler months ahead.
4. Feed Your Lawn + Prevent Weeds
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/ferts-1024x719.png)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/ferts-1024x719.png)
Fertilizing this month helps develop strong roots for healthy growth next Spring and Summer. We recommend organic Medina Growin’ Green or our Gill Lawn & Garden Fertilizer. Both can be used in all areas of your landscape. Prevent weeds in your lawn by applying Weed Beater Complete or Crabgrass & Weed Preventer.
Read: Fall Lawn Care
5. Plant for Hummingbirds and Migratory Birds
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/cardinal.jpg)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/cardinal.jpg)
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, native Loquat, Firecracker plant, Coral bean – the list goes on!
6. Plant Trees for The Best Head Start
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/gill-must-do-trees-1024x577.png)
![](https://gillnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/gill-must-do-trees-1024x577.png)
We’ll say it again… it’s all about growing roots. Trees planted in Fall grow more next Spring & Summer. Live Oak, Burr Oak, Magnolia, Anacua, Cedar Elms, & Wild Olive are some of our South Texas fav’s.