First thing First!

In my previous post I failed to mention a MAJOR aspect of planning the garden, a question for which I must find the answer!

How do I keep the blasted white-tail deer
and jackrabbits out of the garden?

It’s heartbreaking to spend money on plants, then put in the time/effort (both precious the older I get) of planting and watering, and saying the blessing prayer over the new plants only to discover the
very.
next.
morning.
they’ve been TOTALLY eaten!

I know, God does answer prayers! It must have been the deer’s prayers He answered, not mine!

Anyway, between Youtube, blogs, and websites, I am searching for different methods and techniques to use this year. I will be applying several layers of deterrents.

I’ve also found several lists of plants - since I’m basically open to anything - that the deer don’t particular like (unless they are very hungry) and will leave alone. Those plants will be my parameter. I’m thinking, if they don’t immediately smell something “good” maybe they will simply move along!

I know they don’t mess with many of the herbs, so I don’t have to fret over the upcoming spiral garden. And, they haven’t ever messed with the numerous iris beds I already have growing.

I know transplanting irises should be done in the spring after blooming season, but I’ve been told by an awarding winning grower/expert - anytime - “You can’t hurt an iris” !!! So, I plan on moving (thinning out they so desperately need) and also using them as a parameter around the new plants.

Maybe hang the Irish Spring Soap again? It does seem like it worked on the jackrabbits - not as much poop evidence.

I so want apple trees this year....

Maybe raise the yard’s fence by attaching staves to the posts already set in the ground, then stretch a couple more strands of barb wire? I read deer can jump 6' so I need the fence to be at least 7'.

Maybe the egg recipe? I certainly have eggs!

I can’t use the water spray thingy, or anything electric. I must keep Anna - our 10 year old (TODAY!) Dobie - in mind so nothing hurts her (or us) during the midnight or wee early morning yard checks! Not to mention the 20+ cats... it’s their job to keep snakes away!

What do you do to keep the deer and jackrabbits from eating your garden?

When to Plant What

I remember hearing/reading how folks will look through gardening magazines and seed/plant catalogs in the winter. It’s the time to make garden plans. Well, winter officially started yesterday! It’s time to get busy planning and designing our upcoming garden. This year I’m getting organized and will actually mark my day planner when to plant what!

I’ve always been late to the party. That’s the way I have always rolled.

This coming year will be different!

This year ~ 2019 ~ will mark the first opportunity since we have owned “The Sprott Country Gardens” that I will not be leaving for long periods of time! Nope! (Not unless I'm dead!)

We are here.
Momma is nearby.

It’s a go!

Rather than going through magazines and catalogs, I did an internet search: “When to Plant Herbs and Vegetables” and found a lot of information!

I like the Better Homes & Garden (BH&G) resource, their planting schedule for a variety of veggies!

Soon I will pop in our County Extension office and pick up some literature more specific to this area. An interesting tidbit I just read on their site (emphasis mine):

Lampasas County lies in the Texas Hill Country at the geographical center of Texas.

Anyhoo...

I LOVE To-Do LISTS!!! And BH&G site already prepared “Zones 7-8 Garden Calendar and Monthly Garden Tips” for me!!! Yes!

But, something else I need when planning and designing the garden is what to plant with what...
Companion Planting Chart for Vegetables is listed nicely on the BH&G site as well!

Of course, the Almanac is a great go-to and it even gave me the”30% probability of frost free after April 1" information needed! I do plan to also plant by the moon dates. I wish these charts had a print icon. Oh. Well.

Oh. My. Lots of studying to do over the next few weeks!

I have started pulling out the dormant grass and weeds from the Keyhole Garden. I mowed it all and gave to the chickens! They loved it! (oh, I need to put 2nd coat of paint on the Chicken Coop as well)

My dream is for our entire west yard to be void of grass and full of vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, fruit trees, and yard art (food for the soul).

Winter is here.