Howard Garrett’s Plants for Texas

To learn all you need to know about gardening in Texas, you could collect a whole shelf full of specialized books on topics ranging from soil preparation to tree care. But all you really need is Howard Garrett’s Plants for Texas. In this one book, you’ll find a virtual encyclopedia of over 500 Texas plants—trees, shrubs, flowers, vines, grasses, vegetables, fruits, weeds, and cover crops—along with complete, easily understood instructions for planting and maintaining them. Gardening expert Howard Garrett draws on years of landscaping experience to provide “all-you-need-to-know” about each plant:• Latin and common names• sun or shade requirements• mature height, spread, and recommended spacing• type of bloom and fruit• how propagated• habit and culture• recommended uses• problems• tips and notesTo help gardeners avoid costly mistakes, Garrett also specifically notes which plants grow very well or very poorly in Texas. In addition to the species descriptions (which are beautifully illustrated with color photos), the book includes reliable, easy-to-follow instructions for planting design, soil preparation, planting techniques, and plant maintenance. Garrett advocates a sensible organic gardening program that works with nature to create healthy yards and gardens. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner planting a new yard or a seasoned gardener looking for new ideas and information, Howard Garrett’s Plants for Texas is the book you need. Recycle all the others on your gardening shelf, and let this be your one-volume encyclopedia on Texas gardening.

In this one book, you’ll find a virtual encyclopedia of over 500 Texas plants, along with complete, easily understood instructions for planting and maintaining them.

Host of the radio gardening talk show “The Natural Way” (WBAP-820) and author of the Dallas Morning News column of the same name, Howard Garrett is a noted expert on organic gardening and author of several books.

AcknowledgmentsIntroductionPlanting DesignTreesShrubsGround CoverVinesHerbsVegetablesFruits, Nuts, and BerriesFlowersGrassesWeedsPoisonous PlantsCreating Healthy, Balanced Soil for TexasSoilsAerationSoil AmendmentsPlanting ProperlyBed PreparationMulchesTimingTree PlantingShrub, Ground Cover, and Vine PlantingAzalea, Dogwood, Camellia, and Rhododendron PlantingAnnual, Perennial, Herb, and Vegetable PlantingTransplantingMulchingWildflower PlantingGrass PlantingInstallation MistakesPlant MaintenanceMaintaining TreesMaintaining ShrubsMaintaining Ground Covers and VinesMaintaining Annuals, Perennials, Herbs, and VegetablesMaintaining Turf GrassesMaintenance MistakesWater-Saving TipsOrganic Pest ControlWeed ControlPlant Materials A-Z