ON SALE!
This Week at Milberger's

Calvin R. Finch, Ph.D., Conservation Director, San Antonio Water System,
and Horticulturist
Week of November 19, 2001

Q. Buffalo grass is native and survives on less water than the other grasses. Why doesn't everyone use it instead of St. Augustine grass?

A. Buffalo grass evolved in areas of low rainfall. It is native to Central and South Texas but is not a dominant grass here. Buffalo grass requires a site with full sun and heavy soil. If mowed low, over-watered, or over-fertilized it is prone to weeds. Pick the right site and treat it like a xeriscape groundcover and it does fine, but it does not perform well as a manicured lawn grass.

Q. I applied Bayleton to the brown patch in my lawn twice over the last four weeks but it has not healed? How long does it take?

A. The fungicide will stop the spread of the disease, but healing may not occur until the active growth period next spring. Our hot weather grasses (St. Augustine, Bermuda, zoysia and buffalo grass) are in a stage now where they are reorganizing the chemistry in the plant to deal with cold weather and storage of nutrients for a fast start next spring.

Q. Can we plant English peas now with any chance of success? How about the flowered sweet peas?

A. The peas you mention can be grown in this area, but the performance is not always predictable. They do not like hot or cold weather. Peas planted now often freeze before they bear blooms or fruit. If you wait too long into the spring, the hot weather wipes them out. Try a planting every month through February.

Q. Are shade tree leaves good mulch? We have Texas red oak and pecans now. How about live oaks when they fall in February?

A. Leaves are wonderful mulch. Apply them four inches deep over the roots of newly planted trees and shrubs to conserve water, control weeds, and keep the soil cool. Use leaves in the vegetable garden between the vegetable rows for the same beneficial impact. When they are incorporated into the soil, they improve its texture.
We used to think pecans and oaks were not desirable because of tannins and other acids, but they work great in our alkaline soils.