Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - April 19, 2008
From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Compost and Mulch, Turf, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Native buffalograss in sandy loam
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I am in the Austin area and want to plant Native Texas Buffalo Grass in sandy loam from the Colorado River bed. Will this work?ANSWER:
As you can see from this webpage on Bouteloua dactyloides (buffalograss), sandy loam is one of the soils that buffalograss grows in. This article from our How-To section on Native Lawns:Buffalograss will give you more information on the cultivation and care of this native grass. You will note that it says buffalograss does not thrive in sandy soils, but it goes on to say it needs rich, well-drained soil. If you have the opportunity before you actually plant your grass, you might try mixing in some humus such as compost. This not only adds nutrients to the soil, but should improve its texture. We would especially recommend that you take note of the necessity of watering when the buffalograss is first established, and keeping weeds pulled out, eliminating as many weeds as possible before planting the grass. If you are planting by seed, now is the time to get going, as our temperatures are beginning to go up. Sod can be planted any time of the years, but this is going to be less cost-efficient.
More Compost and Mulch Questions
Reducing Allergens in Yards and Gardens
January 31, 2012 - What are some allergen-free native plants to Central Texas that thrive in the soil and can survive in the weather?
view the full question and answer
Late planting plum tree from Lago Vista, TX
May 01, 2014 - I have two plum trees in plastic containers that I purchased in March. For a lot of reasons, we didn't get them planted. I have kept them alive by watering consistently, but I am now wondering what...
view the full question and answer
Information about growing mountain laurels (Sophora secundiflora)
November 15, 2008 - I live just outside of Austin on 10 acres. I have several very large mountain laurels on my property that I planted from containers. Mine flower profusely every year. I feed them bi-weekly and wate...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting honeysuckle bush in Illinois
April 18, 2009 - Want to transplant 3 honeysuckle shrubs 10 to 12' tall this month, although not the best time. Please advise.
view the full question and answer
Chlorosis in sycamore in Kyle TX
August 04, 2011 - I'm trying to assist an elderly neighbor of mine with a plant issue. We have designated street trees in this community, our street being a Sycamore. The previous foreman out here called it a Mexica...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |