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Tag Archives: AgriLife Extension
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
In the Central Texas June Vegetable Garden
Harvest the June Vegetable Garden Before the Squirrels Wake Up! June is normally the peak harvest season for many spring-planted vegetables. However, we’ve had such a dry year, that many of you may be experiencing delays or have watched plants wither under the heat. Others have seen early harvests of tomatoes and cucumbers due to warm temperatures. If you haven’t learned it by now, there is no “normal” for Austin vegetable gardeners! Cracking Tomatoes? Speaking of tomatoes, the warm days of May have contributed to some vigorous plant… Read More →
In Austin’s May Vegetable Garden
Summer Season Has Arrived in the May Vegetable Garden It’s right about now that gardeners really settle in to bragging about what they are harvesting from their garden. It can be really annoying if yours isn’t as far along or if the deer and squirrels have picked everything clean. But if you are one of the lucky ones and are enjoying squash, cucumbers, and maybe even a tomato, pat yourself on the back. You deserve it for surviving the rough spring that we’ve had. May is the beginning… Read More →
Please Participate in TexasSpeaks Survey
TexasSpeaks is being conducted in Travis County and across the State of Texas to allow the citizens of Texas to provide their input on the assets and issues in their communities. The local branch of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has a rich history of providing educational programs that address the most critical issues in the county, and invites your participation in the TexasSpeaks process. The AgriLife Extension Service highly values the opinions shared through the TexasSpeaks community assessment. The expectation is that the assessment will take… Read More →
One and Done Bulbs by Yvonne Schneider
Floral Treasures for Spring Looking for a pop of color or a unique bloom to boost your spring show? Bulbs may just be your answer! In the Austin area we have many bulb varieties that naturalize and bloom each year. However, our warmer winters are not kind to those bulbs requiring ‘chill hours’. ‘Chill hours’ are the minimum amount of time bulbs must stay below temperatures of 40F. But if you don’t mind a ‘one and done’ annual show, then your options are endless. Most bulbs, such as… Read More →
Gifts for the Vegetable Gardener by Patty Leander
Vegetable Gardener Gift Ideas Do you need gifts for the vegetable gardener in your life? Often when I reach for a particular tool or garden aid, I think about how useful it is or what a good gift it would make for a fellow gardener. Below are some of these favorite items that might spark some ideas for holiday gift giving. (Note: These are Patty’s personal selections, not paid endorsements.) Gardening Books There are so many books out there about vegetable gardening. I am partial to those written… Read More →
In the December Vegetable Garden by Patty Leander
Time for Greens and Pomegranates Your December garden checklist is here and ‘tis the season for fresh broccoli, cauliflower, hearty greens, delicious citrus…and pomegranates! It’s hard to resist the beautiful pomegranates available this time of year. The ruby red arils add a pop of color and a little tangy sweetness to salads, pilafs, or even sprinkled atop a dish of Christmas guacamole. If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you’ve undoubtedly noticed pomegranates prominently displayed in the produce section. Or perhaps you are lucky enough to have… Read More →