PLOW & HOSE Gardening in Central Texas

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 them and enjoy some tasty spring veg! SPONSOR OFFER 1: Save 20% with code PLOWHOSE20 at www.magicmind.com now through the January 31, 2024. Regain energy and focus with premium ingredients in Magic Mind! SPONSOR OFFER 2: Try the new Seed Selection Quiz at www.trueleafmarket.com to find seeds and varieties based on...

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 PLOWHOSE20 at www.magicmind.com now through the January 31, 2024. Regain energy and focus with premium ingredients in Magic Mind! SPONSOR OFFER 2: Try the new Seed Selection Quiz at www.trueleafmarket.com to find seeds and varieties based on your preferences and growing conditions. Save $10 on purchases over $50 with code...

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 garden. If you want to plant your summer garden as soon as possible--you need to sow seeds indoors NOW. As seed catalogs roll in and the temperatures rise and fall--January is an exciting time for gardeners in Central Texas! SPONSOR OFFER: Save 20% with code PLOWHOSE20 at www.magicmind.com now through the January 31, 20...

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 garden with a modest tomato harvest. The star of the summer is the Retama tree that popped up in her yard this spring. With absolute no care or attention, the retama is blooming and proves to be a winner for a xeric landscape. SPONSOR PROMO! Order Online at TrueLeafMarket.com. Be sure to use promo code PLOWANDHOSE10...

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 new plants while out of town and they are so freaking cute--Fame Flowers.  SPONSOR OFFER! Use promo code PLOW15 to save 15% off your next order at www.mcevoyranch.com 

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 your garden as best you can--plus ideas for improving watering habits + xeric landscaping garden design (a reminder of what it is and isn't) Enjoy! SPONSOR OFFER! Use promo code PLOW15 to save 15% off your next order at www.mcevoyranch.com 

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 plants (and soil) happy and healthy! Advice for dealing with blossom-end rot. SPONSOR OFFER! Use promo code PLOWHOSE10 to save 10% off your next order at TrueLeafMarket.com

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 big bloom), azaleas (every.where.), pine trees & gingkos--so beautiful, she didn't want to come back. :|  SPONSOR OFFER! Use promo code PLOWHOSE10 to save 10% off your next order at TrueLeafMarket.com

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! <3  SPONSOR OFFER! Use promo code PLOWHOSE10 to save 10% off your next order at TrueLeafMarket.com

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 stage. Plus, keystone plants for eco-regions and a teeny tiny rant anti-lawn rant.   SPONSOR OFFER! Use promo code PLOWHOSE10 to save 10% off your next order at TrueLeafMarket.com

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 some aloe vera and shares the growing info about this handy and hardy medicinal plant! Spring planting info included too. Yay Springtime!!

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 explains the different bulb type plants and goes into detail about lilies and other plants called lilies (ones that grow well in Central Texas). Asiatic & Oriental lilies. daylilies, cannas, lycoris, agapanthus  SPONSOR OFFER! Use promo code PLOWHOSE10 to save 10% off your next order at TrueLeafMarket.com

03-12-23 TEXAS SPRING IS HERE! Wildflowers and PARASITES

Julie is super happy--Nearly spring equinox and bluebonnets have arrived! Everything is blooming, even the parasites! But even freeloading plants can't dampen her spirit--YAY for SPRING!  SPONSOR OFFER! Use promo code PLOWHOSE10 to save 10% off your next order at TrueLeafMarket.com

03-05-23 Crazy Days pt. 2 Warm Weather Brings Weeds + New Landscaping

February ends with crazy weather. March starts with crazy weather. Recent rain caused weeds to go crazy, but Julie doesn't mind. Focus on spring weed henbit, plus couple of recommendations on foundation landscaping--hightlights on Indian Hawthorn and Pineapple Guava. SPONSOR OFFER! Use promo code PLOWHOSE10 to save 10% off your next order at TrueLeafMarket.com

02-20-23 Crazy Days. Last Call for Cool Crops! Plus GARDEN PEAS

It's not February. It's CRAZY DAYS. Fickle temperatures make Julie distrusting. Go ahead and plant a last round of cool season favorites and try garden peas. It's a great time to plant!

02-12-23 ICE DAMAGE & OTHER BS--But Let's Plant Strawberries & Roses Like Nothing Happened

Ahaha! Another destructive ice storm! WHY?!! With her seasonal optimism, Julie is just going to move on and pretend nothing happened. Refrigerator clean out yields happy discovery, plus let's plant some things--so much to plant! Plus companion planting with strawberries and rose care. 

01-29-23 Get Your Seeds! Plant some, start some & save some

It's dreary and cool--hardly inspiring to garden--but Late January/Early February is prime seed season. Lots can be sown outside, plus we can start warm season indoors. Heritage, heirloom and open-pollenated plants & seeds are so important--Julie spends some time talking about biodiversity and the cultural significance of seed saving.

01-21-23 NEW YEAR/NEW GOALS: Weird Weather! Ominous Events & Inflation Goals! Eww Bird Flu

Julie's back. Suspicious of the pleasant weather. California flooding & avian influenza--geez. Set some gardening goals, plant some seeds and don't get chickens if you think eggs are expensive.

12-25-22 Merry Christmas! Cuetlaxochitls & Caffeine

Last episode for 2022! It's a cold Christmas but Julie brings it indoors--talking about poinsettias their care and unfortunate backstory. PLUS hollies--America's Only Caffeinated Native.

12-11-22 RADISHES ARE GREAT Grow Some (+gift ideas for gardeners)

Julie is a bit enthusiastic about radishes on this show, but with good reason. From salad to tillage, learn all about radishes and using them as a cover crop this winter. Also, some fun ideas for gift giving season. SPONSOR OFFER Save 15% on COVER CROP SEEDS at TrueLeafMarket.com using promo code PH15. Offer expires 12.31.22 Some restrictions apply.

11-20-22 FINALLY--Feel like Fall! Planting onions and Keep Your Leaves

The weather finally matches the season! The cold and damp and dark days have Julie rethinking things, but she's excited about harvesting sweet potatoes, planting onions and she really, REALLY, wants you to keep leaves out of the landfill. SPONSOR OFFER Save 15% on COVER CROP SEEDS at TrueLeafMarket.com using promo code PH15. Offer expires 12.31.22 Some restrictions apply.

10-16-22 IT'S REVERSE SPRING but It's Time to Plant TREES--Select for Optimal Fall Foliage

Feels like spring, sort of. But backwards. Crispy lawn. Struggling garden beds. But optimism returns with thought of fall foliage and planting during Central Texas' best planting season--FALL. Link below for website mentioned. (Oh god, that parakeet...so loud today...) http://texastreeid.tamu.edu SPONSOR OFFER Save 15% on COVER CROP SEEDS at TrueLeafMarket.com using promo code PH15. Offer expires 12.31.22 Some restrictions apply.

10-02-22 ***TIME TO PLANT SPRING WILDFLOWERS*** LAWNS VS FLOWERS

A return of sane weather. So nice. Just in time to plant wildflower seeds for spring blossoms. I'm talking bluebonnets, etc. Grow flowers instead of stupid lawns. Guess which team I'm on...LOLOLOLOLOL SPONSOR OFFER Save 15% on COVER CROP SEEDS at TrueLeafMarket.com using promo code PH15. Offer expires 12.31.22 Some restrictions apply.

09-14-22 FALSE FALL Brings More Flowers Just in Time for Migration

HAPPY FALL!!! PSYCHE! We don't get a real fall in Central Texas! But the recent drop in temperatures and a bit of rain stimulated a nice late summer flush of crape myrtle & lantana blossoms. Perfect timing for migrating butterflies and hummingbirds. SPONSOR OFFER Save 15% on COVER CROP SEEDS at TrueLeafMarket.com using promo code PH15. Offer expires 12.31.22 Some restrictions apply.

09-04-22 Cut Out of Work Early, Went to the Nursery (A Fortuitous Tale: Brassicas V. Nematodes)

Uh, Julie left work early, went to the garden center, bought some plants. A lot of broccoli, actually--too much, considering things. Out in the garden, discovered root-knot nematodes--the remedy might be actually be in the flat of broc. SERENDIPITY??? Miracle from the Universe?! She don't know. Why would she know?! But there's some biology that justifies the purchase, even if that came after the fact. SPONSOR OFFER Save 15% on COVER CROP SEEDS at TrueLeafMarket.com using promo code...

08-28-22 Return to Regular Hot Late Summer, Complete with Bad Bugs & OX BLOOD LILIES

Recent rains cooled things off and things are mostly improving in Taylor, Texas. Temperatures are refreshingly back to regular late summer hot! The rain seemed to revitalize things in Julie's yard--new growth and a return of old pests--cactus bugs and fire ants. These and other grievances seemingly vaporized with the return of the oxblood lilies, leaving Julie elated and borderline delirious. It's been a little more than 2 years on the air at KBSR for Plow & Hose & this episode mar...

08-21-22 Soil, a Natural Antidepressant?! Plus Late Summer Wildflowers

After a long, hot summer Julie finally finds relief and some truth about garden therapy. The cooler temperatures and the rain have also help improve the mood, but mycobacterium vaccae might also play a part. Sunflowers are devious & Ruellia--also sketchy.  SPONSOR OFFER Save 15% on COVER CROP SEEDS at TrueLeafMarket.com using promo code PH15. Offer expires 12.31.22 Some restrictions apply. 

08-14-22 Late Summer Hellscape, Bring Fall + San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden

Ugh. Literally sick, and tired of all this stupid heat. What to do about it...well make some compost tea and hope for the best and plant a fall garden. Tatume squash is a good, dual purpose squash to try. Plus a short trip to San Antonio with a fun excursion to the quirky Japanese Tea Garden.

07-24-22 Dear Garden, Don't Please Die. + Highlight on Mallows Like Rock Roses + Watering More Better

Did you know it's hot? Yes, it's hot. It's freakin hot. So hot. Time for us to make better plant choices and adopt better watering habits. Julie talks about mallows & efficient watering, but kinda takes her time. Because it's hot and she's like that. Will it ever end? (The heat? The rambling? It's relentless!)

07-10-22 Cucumbers, Fall Tomatoes & HYDROPONICS PART 2

It's July. Hot. Dry. Meh. But Julie's cucumbers are looking good even if the tomatoes don't. That's fine--time to think about fall tomatoes anyway. PLUS she talks about hydroponics again.

06-26-22 A Trip Leads to Terrariums & Hydroponics

A trip out of town spurs a whole show about TERRARIUMS! And Julie dips her toe in to the fantastic pool of hydroponics

06-12-22 It's hot. I'm over it. Protect with shade/plant heat loving plants

Too hot to type. Reiterating: It's hot. I'm over it. Protect with shade/plant heat loving plants +Okinawa Spinach & Okinawa Pink Okra

06-05-2022 Summer Care: Focus on Fertilizer, plus leaf beetle management

It's hot. Take care of your garden--supplement with fertilizers! Also, beetles.

05-15-22 BIG Arches & Bean Towers: New Garden Projects

Julie's been busy planting--at home, at work--and constructing structures to support plants, attract bats and touch the sky! Kind of ridiculous, actually. But so what?!

05-01-22 Take you tomatoes to work day + Rain-Sensitive Plants (mostly rain-sensitive plants)

In an inspired move to rehome seedlings, Julie takes tomato plants to work. Segue to simulating insect pollination then big ol' discussion on mysterious rain sensitive plants like rain lilies & Texas sage. (Julie's really excited this week--It's MAY! YAY!)

04-24-22 Ducks & Gourds.

Julie is all over the place this week. What's happening in your yards? Gorgeous iris. Ducks. Too much time talking about gourds (Hey weirdo--nice gourds) AND ANNUAL RANT ON SQUASH VINE BORERS!

04-16-22 EASTER & THE PINK MOON: Moon Phase Gardening, Moonflowers & Easter Lilies

A show inspired by the full moon and easter. It's Easter. It's a full moon. It's the Pink Moon. It's not even pink, but whatever. Julie walks around in the dark under the Pink Moon, thinks about a lot of stuff like gardening by the moon and focuses on phlox, MOONFLOWERS & Easter lilies.

04-10-22 Time to Start Sweet Potatoes! Orange Paintbrush Wildflowers & Dealing with Pillbugs

Sweet potato planting window is April through the end of June--Julie explains how to start sweet potato slips. Also all about Orange Paintbrush wildflowers, plus dealing with insects in the strawberries. Near the end of the episode, she talks about activating your compost pile with horticultural molasses.

04-03-22 IT'S WILDFLOWER SEASON! Bluebonnets, Blue Eyed Grass & More + Safe Pest Control

Woohoo! The bluebonnets are blooming! Everything is getting green and colorful. This show includes chit chat about bluebonnets, blue eyed grass, primroses, spiderwort plus basic organic pest control!

03-27-22 Texas Mountain Laurel, Oak Leaf Drop & Summer Annuals

Ooo...Texas Mountain Laurel--gorgeous flowers & heady, sweetness. Plus what the cuss is going on with the oak trees dropping leaves?!

03-20-22 SPRING!!! Redbuds and Iris are Blooming + XERISCAPING!!!

Yay! Julie is super excited for Spring--she's so happy for the warmer, sunnier days and she's rather enthusiastic about ornamental redbuds, white cemetery iris and gets a little nerdy about xeric landscaping. Oops.

03-13-22 Start Fresh:New beds, raised bed mix & spotlight on culinary herbs--cilantro & oregano

Julie wonders if Spring will ever come to Central Texas, discusses advantages of in-ground & above ground gardening, gives the ratio for raised bed mix for Central Texas and then closes the show with a spotlight on cilantro and oregano!

03-06-2022 YAY! Spring Planting, PRUNING FRUIT TREES & Highlight on Jujubes

Central Texas has finally passed the Last Average Frost Date--with cautious optimism WE CAN PLANT OUR GARDENS!!! Also, it's time to prune fruit trees and the last segment of the show Julie highlights jujube trees. Heck yeah.

02-27-22 SICK OF WINTER--Houseplant basics! part 1

Julie is not patient. She's sick of this cold, damp, dumb weather. This week's episode focuses on the very, very basics of HOUSEPLANTS. Part 1.

02-20-22 YAY! It's Pre-Spring! So much to plant--outside/inside + focus on potatoes and basil

We are soooo close to warmer spring days--let's get ready. Let's plant one last round of cold season crops outside, but also start lots more inside. It's time to plant Irish Potatoes in Central Texas! + herbs, like basil & borage.

02-13-22 Mostly CITRUS TREES, spring "weeds" & pruning ROSES

Ugh...dead days of Texas "winter", value of weeds, planting citrus trees & Valentine's Day = pruning roses WOOHOO

02-07-22 Time to Plant Fruit Trees & CHILL HOURS (also spring peas)

Even fruit trees need a break. Winter temperatures mean dormancy for fruit trees. A primer on chill hour requirements plus alternatives to traditional fruiting landscape plants.

01-30-22 BACK TO BASICS pt. 2, SOIL, and gardening in an imperfect world--keep trying

It's winter. It's blah. You kill plants. It's ok. Get back in the garden. 

01-23-22 Backyard Basics! Soil, Light & Water + Plant Asparagus Now

01-16-22 Let's get those seeds STARTED--+ cedar fever & details on TOMATOES

Want to plant long-season, warm weather crops ASAP? Tomatoes, peppers, basil...??? That means y'all need to start indoors now! like this week! Also short dissertation on cedar & lots of details on types of tomatoes