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Author Archives: sheryl.williams
Austin’s November Vegetable Garden By Paula Wolfel
Although the daytime temperatures may not indicate it, Fall has arrived for Austin’s November Vegetable Garden. It’s that goofy time of year where you are finally enjoying your summer garden and yet preparing for the first frost. According to National Weather Service, the average first frost in Austin is November 29th. Thinking Ahead: Preparation for the First Frost We know it’s coming, so make preparations now so that you aren’t scrambling at the last minute. Two things you can do right now is to mulch around all your… Read More →
Last Chance for Fall Plant Cuttings
Take Herbaceous Plant Cuttings Now October is a great time to take plant cuttings of your favorite perennials to propagate in your greenhouse or home over the winter. Propagating your own plants now helps to preserve plants that might be lost in the upcoming freezes and is a source of free plants for spring planting. Eight Steps for Successful Plant Propagation Propagation Medium The first thing you need is the right medium to root your cuttings in. Aeration, drainage and ability to hold moisture are all important characteristics… Read More →
Where are the Birds?
Are Migratory Bird Populations Down? Dr. Maureen Frank, an Assistant Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist, recently issued a wildlife update based on the several questions she’s received this fall about bird populations. Maureen reports that she’s hearing from backyard birders who have noticed their feeders are awfully quiet, and they are wondering if something is wrong. It’s Normal for Fall to be Quiet Fall is a pretty quiet time for birds, especially before the cold fronts arrive. The species that breed in the Austin area in the summer… Read More →
Gossamer Winged Butterflies by Wizzie Brown
Gossamer winged butterflies, family Lycaenidae, are the second largest family of butterflies after Nymphalidae. There are over 6,000 species in the world with over 100 species in North America. Characteristics of Gossamer Winged Butterflies Adults are small, usually under 5 cm, brightly colored, and often metallic. Many species will have tails on the hindwing. The larvae are flattened and slug-like and have a gland that releases a sugary substance similar to honeydew that is used to “bribe” ants for protection. Lycaenindae is split into 7 subfamiles, 3 of… Read More →
Vegetable Gardening in October
Enjoy Cool October Vegetable Gardening For a while there I was afraid the summer heat was never going to end. Thankfully we have dipped below 100 and (be still my beating heart) are having morning temps in the 60’s. That means I’m back out in the garden in earnest and trying to salvage my heat-stressed plantings. You too can take advantage of our cooler weather and plant brassicas, root crops, greens, and garlic. Try Garlic This Year Garlic makes a great addition to any garden as long as… Read More →
Floodwater Mosquitoes by Wizzie Brown
All Abuzz About Mosquitoes If you’ve been outside lately, you have most likely noticed the giant mosquitoes that seem to want to pick people up and carry them off. With recent weather conditions, floodwater mosquitoes have emerged in large numbers. Floodwater mosquitoes lay their eggs above the water line in ponds, ditches, pastures, or other places where water collects. The eggs can remain in dry areas and when these areas are flooded the eggs hatch, leading to swarms of hungry mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are larger than mosquitoes we… Read More →
7 Summertime Hacks for Backyard Chickens by Susan Wozniak
Heat Stress in Chickens Can Be Serious This summer we have experienced record-high temperatures which causes heat stress in chickens. Although chickens are adaptable to weather changes, they usually perform at their best around 75° Fahrenheit and below, according to research at North Carolina State University Poultry Science Extension. Consistently high summer temperatures causing heat stress in chickens can halt their egg-laying or even lead to death. Although chickens will pant like dogs to dissipate heat, it’s important for the flock owner to provide cooling options for backyard… Read More →
Chiggers by Wizzie Brown
What Exactly Are Chiggers? Chiggers are the first stage out of the egg of a particular type of mite. They climb onto people and other animals walking through infested areas, crawl upwards, and wander around the body seeking a good site to settle down and feed. Feeding preference for these mites on humans is in areas where skin is thinnest (behind knees, armpits) or where clothing fits tightly, such as the ankles, waist, and the groin area. What Causes All That Itching? Chiggers do not burrow into skin… Read More →
Horticultural Principles and Practices for Central Texas Registration Opens
Step One for Acceptance into the 2022 Travis County Master Gardener Program Have you been thinking about becoming a master gardener or just want to learn more about gardening? On August 24th at 12:00 pm, the Horticultural Principles and Practices for Central Texas training program with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service begins with a series of virtual, self-paced webinars presented by AgriLife Extension specialists, staff, and Texas Master Gardeners. This virtual course starts on August 24th at 12 pm with an information session explaining how program training… Read More →
Cicada Killer Wasps by Wizzie Brown
What are these giant wasps?!?!?!?! Cicada killer wasps, common this time of year, are native to Texas. They are some of the largest wasps that you can find in Texas, reaching up to 1 ½ inches long and can be somewhat frightening if you see them flying about your lawn. Cicada killers have a reddish-brown head and thorax, a black and yellow abdomen, and wings with a rusty tinge. Only females are capable of stinging because the stinger is a modified egg laying structure. Fortunately, female cicada killer… Read More →