HOME & GARDEN

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Gardening Tips for February and March

Tips for February Planting Cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and potatoes should be planted mid- month, or about 4 weeks prior to the average last freeze date (March 15 in Ellis County). Beets, carrots, lettuce, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard and “greens” (collard, mustard and turnip) should be planted 2 to 4 weeks prior to the average last freeze. Plant asparagus crowns…

Finding the Perfect Fit

Do you ever wonder what your childhood would have been like if you had grown up with a cell phone in your hand? My birthday this year announced to the world that I don’t fall into either Gen Y or Z. The side ponytail is another clue. Nope, instead, I grew up using one of…

5 Never-Fail Ideas for Christmas Decor!

Top 5 Never-Fail Items You Should Use in Your Holiday Decor When it comes to Christmas decorating, are your rooms feeling a little “ho-ho-hum”? Maybe you should change how you think about these 5 staples of holiday decorating! Courtney Warren has simple tips to keep you focused while you are decorating this season. 1. ORNAMENTS Ornaments–vintage or new, traditional or modern— provide a pop of color against your evergreens. Ah, but ornaments aren’t just for trees! Pile them in a…

Making a Home for the Holidays

Making a Home for the Holidays While many families spend an extraordinary amount of time readying their homes for the holidays, designer Suzann Chambers spends her entire year helping families create spaces they love in their homes. Co-owned by Suzann’s son Zack, Relic + Root Interior Design and this dynamic duo are becoming well known…

Holiday Elegance

Being a young newly married couple, there is not a lot of money in the budget for Christmas decor. Every year I shop at The Doves Nest to get timeless pieces that I can use for years to come and build new looks around. “I get my inspiration from nature and use these elements to fill in…

Ellis County Master Gardeners Monthly Tips

Fall is here and Ellis County Master Gardener has all the tips for moving into the most bountiful time of year.

Tips for August Planting » Plant these fall vegetables early in the month: beans, cucumbers and squash. Follow up late in the month with transplants of broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Acclimate transplants to full sun before planting. Water immediately after planting. » Plant bluebonnet and other spring wildflowers starting this month. Select a sunny, well-drained…

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Ellis County Master Gardeners: Monthly Tips

Tips for MAY Planting »Plant heat-loving annuals including copper plant, firebush, gomphrena, lantana, pentas, purple fountaingrass and ornamental sweet potato in sunny areas. » In shady spots, plant caladiums, begonias, coleus, impatiens (mildew-resistant types). » Seeds of celosia, cosmos, marigold, morning glory, portulaca and zinnia can be sown directly in the beds. Keep seeded area moist until…