Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for the Gardener and 'Yardener'
From The Weekend Gardener
10 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will use a pesticide only when absolutely necessary, and will use the least toxic one.

9 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will continue to wage war on fireants by using baits, such as Amdro and Logic, in the spring and fall. I will check out the Texas Two-Step method for fireant management.

8 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will not water the lawn in the middle of the day, and will only water when it needs it.

7 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will prepare the soil by adding pine bark when planting shrubs and flowers, but not when planting a tree.

6 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will add one new “feature” to my garden this year (i.e., a new bed, a bench, a statue, an arbor).

5 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will put up a bird feeder or plant a butterfly-friendly plant.

4 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will mulch all flower and shrub beds to conserve water and prevent weeds.

3 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will plant at least one vegetable crop in my garden (i.e., green beans, a cherry tomato, bell peppers, a row of corn).

2 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will not overprune my crape myrtles.

1 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will plant a tree.


This article appeared in Horticulture Update, November/December 2000, published by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, The Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas.