QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Can I grow blueberries here?
Answer: Yes you can, but you have to make them think they’re growing some place else. They They’re used to being in acidic soils and in areas where it rains a lot. Of course, this year, Central Texas is an area where it rains a lot!
The best way to grow a blueberry is to put it in a large container like a half whiskey barrel. For soil, use about half sand and half compost or sphagnum peat. They like a soil that holds moisture, but that also drains well. Never let the roots dry out. It’s best if you can water them with rainwater or distilled water, since our tap water is so alkaline.
You can put them in a planting bed if you do create the same kind of soil. Don’t try to mess with the black clays that are so typical around here. Just bring in some sand, compost, and peat and mix them together in equal numbers to create a large raised bed.
You can grow the Southern High Bush and the Rabbit Eye types; just keep in mind that blueberries have to cross-pollinate. So you want two different varieties to make sure you get a good set of fruit. Make sure to fertilize them regularly with a fertilizer for acid-loving plants.
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PLANT OF THE WEEK
Hardy hibiscus Luna series
 Luna is a new dwarf series of perennial hibiscus, which will come back year after year. It has large flowers like other perennial hibiscus, but on a plant that only gets to about 2-1/2 feet high, so it’s perfect in compact spaces and containers.
It comes in a beautiful red color, Luna Red, and one with a swirl of pink and red, called Luna Swirl. There’s also a white one with just a bit of pink.
past Plants of the Week →
PLANTING TIPS OF THE WEEK
- Avoid lawn weed killers in this heat.
- Remove suckers and water sprouts from fruit trees.
- Plant vegetable amaranth, one of the greens we can grow in summer.
- Plant okra, winter squash, Malabar spinach, peppers, eggplant, cantaloupe and watermelon.
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THIS WEEK’S FEATURES
Designer Jenny Peterson illustrates how to renovate a patio or other small garden space.
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