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TCIA PRESS RELEASE
As reported by The Smithville Times of Smithville, Texas, a local man died in late April after falling an estimated 35 feet from a tree he was working on. This sobering accident is a stark reminder of the dangers of tree care and highlights the need for tree care companies, along with homeowners/property managers who hire them to uphold the highest standards for worker safety.
“Unfortunately for the industry overall, serious accidents seem to be increasing,” says Peter Gerstenberger, arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). “We need to transform the industry and create a safety culture that will keep all tree workers safe in an inherently hazardous occupation.” Continue reading The dangers of tree work
 A bearded iris blooms in Pearland. I haven’t had a lot of like with Iris (the bulb) over the years, not that I’ve spent a lot of time trying to grow them. But my wife likes to grow bearded irises, as did her mother in Iowa, so we’ve kept a few specimens here and there for sentimental reasons and because we’re not afraid of a challenge.
This year, for the first time in a long while, one of the bulbs bloomed (photo above). From checking with other Master Gardeners who specialize in flowering bulbs, we likely hit most of the prerequisites for bearded iris during the past year. Continue reading Better late than never bearded iris bloom arrives
 Okra, like this Burgundy variety, can be planted this month.
By Donna Fay Hilliard
Organic Horticulturist
May Issue
Average temperature: High 86, Low 66.
Seeds to plant: Arugula rocket, Basil, Beans (Asparagus, Lima/Butterpeas, Yard long), Bitter Melon, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Egusi Melon, Fenugreek, Okra, Peanut & Goober pea, Perilla (Shiso), Pigon Pea, red radishes, Rice, Roselle/Jamaican sorrel, Squash, Southern Pea, Summer Savory, Sweet Sorghum, Tapioca, Winter melons. Continue reading Muddy Advice: What to do in the garden in May
 The Highland Village Farmers Market in Houston. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today (Wednesday, May 9, 2012) announced awards to help States expand availability of wireless technology in farmers’ markets not currently participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The $4 million in funding provides SNAP participants greater access to fresh and healthy food, while supporting American farmers and local economies. Continue reading USDA grants to increase Farmers Market participation in SNAP
 Corn gluten meal spread around a young fig tree. I don’t know anyone who loves to weed their garden or lawn. We do it because it is necessary and part of the overall process. But if your knees and back are begging you to find another way besides hands on to get those pesky dandelions and crabgrass out of your cucumber patch there are some steps you can take to make the job easier.
Probably the most important step is, after planting your crops, flowers, herbs or whatever, put down a thick layer of mulch. My preference is shredded hardwood, but other varieties will work fine. It’s a matter of color and use preference. A general rule of thumb is the finer the particles the quicker it will decay and add organic matter to your soil.
There is a product, however, that can help keep weed seeds from germinating. Corn gluten is a natural weed and feed fertilizer. Gluten is a byproduct of the corn milling process and is typically used in livestock feeds.
Used in your garden it is a natural pre-emergent weed control as it impacts the germination rate of seeds. That’s all seeds, not just the ones you don’t want, so be careful. Don’t use it in an area where you are going to plant seeds or if your weeds have already come up. It’s fine to use around established plants, it will not harm them and when it breaks down it releases nitrogen to the soil, feeding the plants.
Another drawback is corn gluten meal is not cheap. A 40-pound bag can set you back around fifty bucks.
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