Dig in now

If you want to maximize vegetable production and bloom production, don’t underestimate the winter plants’ need for water and nutrients. Prepare the planting area with 2 inches of compost and 10 cups of winterizer or slow-release lawn fertilizer and refertilize every three to four weeks. Irrigate if the soil dries to 1 inch. If your lawn is not a tight sod because of shade and shallow soil, and the weeds such as horse herb and rescue grass move in, consider mowing them every two weeks. The resultant “lawn” will be attractive and sustainable.

Consider planting bluebonnet transplants in containers or the raised bed as an attractive part of the landscape. They also stimulate admiration and discussion from your visitors.