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.