It’s a sure bet that most of us find it truly amazing that we’re

merely a few days from May Day, and we are still looking for those April showers. Looking around the County, we might also be wondering at the fact of the pastures still showing some effort of a greening effect, as well as the wheat fields still finding some way of surviving with the very minimum amount of moisture. Maybe the results of saving one’s own seed over the past few seasons is that we might have developed a genetic strain of seed that is genetically more drought tolerant. Adversity may sometimes turn out to be the best invention. We have been getting some rainfall percentages in the forecasts as of late, and we are all surely ready for the rain.

Spring gardening is definitely on the fore-front of most folks

"to-do" list the past few weeks. Looks like we finally lucked out on late frosts as Good Friday & Easter weekend have come and gone, and we seem to have dodged that bullet. We can even plant our Okra, now. Momma always preferred to soak her Okra seed overnight prior to planting. There are a few simple do’s & don’ts to home vegetable gardening that even the most experienced might need to heed at certain times during the season. Being a positive person, I would prefer to list the do’s first. Use of recommended varieties, soil sampling, and pre-plant fertilization should have already been done. Some others that would be well advised during the season include: # 1-keeping a close eye on your garden to keep ahead of potential problems, #2- keep your garden free of insects, disease, and weeds. #3-use above ground mulches to conserve moisture, retard weed invasion, and reduce ground rots. #4-water as needed, wetting soil to a depth of about 6". #5-thin plants when they are small. #6-avoid excessive walking & working in the garden when the foliage & soil are wet. #7-wash garden tools & sprayer after each use. #8- keep records on garden activities & produce production. I’ll try to remember to list some of the don’ts in the next edition and in the meantime, be a glad gardener.

Looking at some of the Pecan trees around the orchards & in town, we would offer that if the abundance of Catkins are of any indication, we should have a fairly good nut-set this season. We are also seeing a pretty fair amount of small nutlets forming at the terminals, but it will be some time before we are able to measure the percentage of nut set. Timely irrigation is of utmost importance to tree health and a good nut set, so don’t spare the water during this crucial period. It is also a good time to plan on your next foliar application of Zinc, depending upon when you put on your last application. Early to mid May might be a good time for the 2nd application of Nitrogen, also depending upon how many times you fertilize during the season.

If you would like to get a good course on Pecan management &

cultural activities in the orchard, call the County Agent’s office & reserve your spot for the Pecan Field Day, this coming Monday, May 2nd, at the Civic Center in Mill Pond Park. Registration begins at 8:00 and the program starts

about 9:00. They also have a good fish fry, with all the trimmings for

lunch, and the program fits most aspects of Pecan Mgt. Dr. Tommy Thompson should be on hand, and it’s always interesting to hear him expound regarding the new USDA cultivar releases. Six CEU’s always come in handy for those of

us with Private Applicator’s license, as well.

One other notable activity regarding the San Saba Social calendar, would be the Catkins Ball & benefit held this weekend that is a good fundraiser for the Historical Society and the Development Council to help with beautification projects and historical preservation around our fair town. The Mayor aptly named this activity & we’ll be seeing all yall out

around———————Harkeyville!!!!