🧺 YEAR-ROUND GARDEN CARE

Here are some straightforward tips to maintian your garden organically and ensure the maximum amount of blooms/fruits!

Soil Care in Central Texas

• Add compost every season—Austin’s clay-heavy, alkaline soil benefits from constant organic matter.

• Avoid over-tilling; this destroys soil structure.

• Use mulch year-round: wood chips, straw, leaves.

Watering

• Use drip irrigation + mulch.

• Try to water deeply, not daily, unless establishing seedlings.

• Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal issues.

Pest Management (Organic Approaches)

• Row cover for squash, brassicas, and young seedlings.

• BT for caterpillars (loopers, hornworms).

• Neem oil / insecticidal soap for aphids and whiteflies.

• Hand-picking squash vine borer eggs (check undersides of stems early April–June).

Fertilizing

• Austin soils usually need added nitrogen.

• Use a slow-release organic fertilizer (e.g., 4-2-3 formulas) at planting and mid-season.