It seems that many of the questions I receive are regarding lawns and tomatoes. I hope to help with some of the questions.

For best results, mow weekly and remove no more than one-third of the grass height. This will keep the roots covered and get rid of weeds. If you have water for your lawn, it is better to water deeply and less frequently. It’s okay for your grass to get dry between waterings, but letting it get too dry will cause the grass to get thin and weeds will become a problem. Changing the lawn area by planting more trees, shrubs, and enlarging the plant beds, will cut down the amount of lawn to care for. Consider building hardscape, patios, perla, arbors, walkways, and water gardens. Use large pots filled with flowers, herbs, or vegetable plants. Making these changes will use all of the rules of Xeriscaping; prepare the soil properly, choose native or adapted plants, plant at the right depth and add 3-4 inches of mulch. It is important to plant in the fall or early spring. The roots need the extra time to allow the roots to get a good start before the Texas heat begins in the summer. Water conservation is the most important thing to consider during this drought.

Normally, this is the month to start tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Use transplants to begin the fall planting. These transplants will have time to grow and set fruit before cool weather begins. Water plants and keep the roots moist. Use compost and cottonseed meal as a fertilizer or use water-soluble fertilizer. A shield around or over the new plants will help protect from the hot sun and wind.

Summer squash, southern peas, warm season greens, and Malabar spinach can still be seeded in the garden. Keep the garden mulched.

Tip: I heard about using pieces of carpet as mulch. It holds the moisture in much longer than regular mulch. I’m going to try it. I’ll let you know how it works.