I've always been amazed by the incredible response that plants show when it rains. Spectacular blooms, neon green new growth...things that aren't accomplished through tap water alone. So why do plants LOVE the rain? I heard something interesting about this and did a little more research online.
Our atmosphere is mostly composed of Nitrogen (N) and Oxygen (O), approximately 78% and 21% by volume, respectively. During a thunderstorm, lightning strikes release enough energy in the atmosphere to allow Nitrogen and Oxygen to combine to form nitrates (NO3). Raindrops pick up the nitrates and deliver them to the ground. Nitrates are commercially produced as an important ingredient in fertilizer.
So, when it rains, your plants are essentially getting a nice application of natural fertilizer.
Enjoy the rain!
[On a side note, nitrates are also the component in fertilizer that creates algal blooms in water bodies...think of the green gunk floating in Barton Springs...when it is over applied and runs off into the storm drains during a rain. A very good reason to have someone knowledgeable working on your lawn.]
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Heat? What heat? Let's get back outside!
Amazing how easily we forget. All it took was one week of sub-95 degree days for me to forget this summer's torturous heat. In fact, according to LCRA's meteorologist, Bob Rose, we are averaging 0.7 degrees below normal temperatures for this time of year. OK, I admit that doesn't sound like a big deal, but coming off of a record-breaking summer for above average heat I'll take what I can get!
But keep in mind that although we have gotten some respectable precipitation in the last couple weeks, we are still far away from breaking this drought. So, continue to be vigilant about water conservation and keep your fingers crossed that the predictions for El Nino will become a reality this fall. According to the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center, October is the first month to show predictions for above average rainfall. But for the time being, mandatory Stage II water restrictions are still in effect.
That being said, it's time to break away from the confines of the A/C and remember what we love about our gardens and lawns. Emerge, Austinites! Fall is on it's way! It's time to tackle that garden project you've been dreaming about.
And, guess what? We sure are lucky here in Texas because fall is ideal time to plant. While our northern brethren are packing up their trowels, we're just sweeping the cobwebs from the old tool shed to get to work. Plants roots grow anytime soil temperature is above 40-degrees Fahrenheit. So, think of how many Christmas days you've spent in a t-shirt and you'll realize that the plants you put in the ground now have a long time to establish strong roots. And, when spring hits your plants will be ready with a strong root system to explode in blooms and new growth. The same goes for container grown trees and shrubs. The mild temperatures and fall rain (hopefully!) will help the root ball break away from the confined pattern created by the container, making strong roots that are ready for spring. Fall is also the time to seed for wildflowers, so pay tribute to Lady Bird and grab a bag of fresh wildflower seed. Along with wildflowers, it is time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. In short, start looking at your garden and try to imagine what you want to see in spring. It's time now to start putting that vision to work.
Fall is also the time to start planning for cold protection. Some plants (not all) can be damaged by freezing temperatures, so it's good to have a plan in place so you aren't scrambling for mulch, cardboard boxes, and old sheets when you hear on the 6 o'clock news that the first freeze is happening tonight. "What was that plant we planted this spring? Which one is cold-tolerant? Honey, start Googling!" Let's prevent the panic and make some assessments now.
Even though we are still under water restrictions, your lawn should be doing more with less thanks to the change in weather. The cooler temperatures mean less evapotranspiration (cut by 1/2 to 1/3), so your soil is not being sucked dry, thus preventing the transport of nutrients to your lawn and plants. Save yourself some time and money and adjust your irrigation to compensate for this. Fall fertilization is coming up. St. Augustine should not be fertilized until it stops growing (in other words, when you stop cranking up the lawnmower every weekend). Judging by my lawn, it's getting close to this time. Buffalograss and Zoysia do not need fall fertilization, but will benefit from fertilization in late spring/early summer.
Everything in this post is deserving of its own post, so I'll be working on putting some more information up soon. But, in the meantime, let your imaginations go. Let's get started on a new project -- a vegetable garden, a new landscape bed, a new tree (we just planted a beautiful Burr Oak!), some fall colors, preparation for spring....the possibilities are endless. It's time to LOVE your yard again. Call me and we can get started!
But keep in mind that although we have gotten some respectable precipitation in the last couple weeks, we are still far away from breaking this drought. So, continue to be vigilant about water conservation and keep your fingers crossed that the predictions for El Nino will become a reality this fall. According to the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center, October is the first month to show predictions for above average rainfall. But for the time being, mandatory Stage II water restrictions are still in effect.
That being said, it's time to break away from the confines of the A/C and remember what we love about our gardens and lawns. Emerge, Austinites! Fall is on it's way! It's time to tackle that garden project you've been dreaming about.
And, guess what? We sure are lucky here in Texas because fall is ideal time to plant. While our northern brethren are packing up their trowels, we're just sweeping the cobwebs from the old tool shed to get to work. Plants roots grow anytime soil temperature is above 40-degrees Fahrenheit. So, think of how many Christmas days you've spent in a t-shirt and you'll realize that the plants you put in the ground now have a long time to establish strong roots. And, when spring hits your plants will be ready with a strong root system to explode in blooms and new growth. The same goes for container grown trees and shrubs. The mild temperatures and fall rain (hopefully!) will help the root ball break away from the confined pattern created by the container, making strong roots that are ready for spring. Fall is also the time to seed for wildflowers, so pay tribute to Lady Bird and grab a bag of fresh wildflower seed. Along with wildflowers, it is time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. In short, start looking at your garden and try to imagine what you want to see in spring. It's time now to start putting that vision to work.
Fall is also the time to start planning for cold protection. Some plants (not all) can be damaged by freezing temperatures, so it's good to have a plan in place so you aren't scrambling for mulch, cardboard boxes, and old sheets when you hear on the 6 o'clock news that the first freeze is happening tonight. "What was that plant we planted this spring? Which one is cold-tolerant? Honey, start Googling!" Let's prevent the panic and make some assessments now.
Even though we are still under water restrictions, your lawn should be doing more with less thanks to the change in weather. The cooler temperatures mean less evapotranspiration (cut by 1/2 to 1/3), so your soil is not being sucked dry, thus preventing the transport of nutrients to your lawn and plants. Save yourself some time and money and adjust your irrigation to compensate for this. Fall fertilization is coming up. St. Augustine should not be fertilized until it stops growing (in other words, when you stop cranking up the lawnmower every weekend). Judging by my lawn, it's getting close to this time. Buffalograss and Zoysia do not need fall fertilization, but will benefit from fertilization in late spring/early summer.
Everything in this post is deserving of its own post, so I'll be working on putting some more information up soon. But, in the meantime, let your imaginations go. Let's get started on a new project -- a vegetable garden, a new landscape bed, a new tree (we just planted a beautiful Burr Oak!), some fall colors, preparation for spring....the possibilities are endless. It's time to LOVE your yard again. Call me and we can get started!
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