Community Garden

Download the Garden Maintenance Log(PDF, 121KB)

How to Use the Garden Maintenance Log

Watering

Why it matters: Proper watering helps plants develop deep, healthy roots and prevents disease.

Steps:

1. Check soil moisture: Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
2. Water at the base: Direct water to the root area, avoiding the leaves. Wet leaves encourage fungal diseases.
3. Watering frequency:
   • Seedlings & Transplants: Water seedlings daily; water transplants every 2-3 days.
   • Established vegetables and herbs: Water every 2-3 times per week, depending on weather and soil conditions. Herbs in pots may need daily checks since containers dry out faster. Need consistent moisture; do not let soil fully dry out during fruiting.
   • Native plants: Look up specifics of the plants. Once established, water 2-4 times per month, especially if they are in-ground.
4. Timing: Early morning is best - this allows water to soak in before the heat of the day and reduces evaporation.
   • If you can’t water in the morning: Water at or just after sunset to give plants time to absorb moisture overnight without midday evaporation. Water new plants daily. Water established plants every 1-2 days.

Weeding

Why it matters: Weeds compete for nutrients and water.

Steps:

1. Weed early and often: Pull weeds when they are small - daily or every other day.
2. Best time: After watering or rain, when the soil is damp (roots come out easier).
3. Technique:
   • Grip close to the base and pull slowly to remove the entire root system, especially for deep-rooted weeds like dandelions.
   • For stubborn weeds, use a hand weeder or trowel to loosen soil around roots.
4. Dispose properly: Don’t compost invasive weeds or seed heads.

Inspecting Plants

Why it matters: Daily checks catch problems before they spread.

Steps:

1. Look under leaves and along stems for:
   • Chewed leaves or holes (insects).
   • Sticky residue (aphids).
   • Discoloration, mold, or spots (disease).
   • Wilting or stunted growth (watering issues or pests).
   • Look for overripe, rotten, or eaten produce.
2. Take Action
   • Handpick pests or wipe them off.
   • Prune diseased or damaged leaves - clean tools after use.
   • Remove overripe, rotten, or eaten produce.
   • Note serious issues for further help or treatment.

Harvesting

Why it matters: Regular harvesting encourages continued production and keeps plants healthy.

Steps:

1. Check for ripeness:
   • Fruits/veggies should be at full color and easy to remove.
   • Herbs are best harvested in the morning after dew dries but before heat.
2. Remove overripe or rotting produce daily to prevent pest attraction.
   • Use clean scissors or pruners for harvest to avoid plant injury.
3. Harvesting tips by type:
   • Leafy greens: Pick outer leaves first to allow continuous growth.
   • Root crops: Loosen soil gently to avoid breaking roots.
   • Fruiting veggies (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers): Frequent picking encourages more fruit.

Composting

Why it matters: Compost returns nutrients to the soil and reduces waste.

Steps:

1. Worm bins (vermicomposting):
   • Feed worms small amounts of fruit/veggie scraps, shredded paper, and coffee grounds.
   • Avoid citrus, onions, spicy foods, meat, dairy, or oily foods.
   • Keep bedding moist (like a wrung-out sponge).
   • Harvest worm castings every 2-3 months to add to the garden.

   Other Notes

   Use this space to record anything important you notice during your daily garden check. Regular notes help track patterns, spot problems early, and share updates with other gardeners.

   Consider noting:

   • Pests or disease sightings.
   • Weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain, heatwave, cold snap).
   • Plant growth milestones (e.g., first blooms, signs of fruit growth).
   • Needed repairs.
   • Tasks to follow up on.

Start Fresh This Spring

Plant warm-season crops early

• Once the risk of frost is gone, tomatoes, peppers, beans, and squash are ready for the garden.

Water more as it gets warm

• As temperatures rise, plants need more water, especially young plants.

Use mulch to protect soil

• Mulch keeps soil cool, holds moisture, and helps keep weeds down.

Pollinators Matter

Successful gardens need pollinators! Adding flowers to your garden can help attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators that support healthy plant growth and food production.

Some great pollinator-friendly flowers include:

• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Coneflowers
• Sunflowers
• Lavender

Looking Ahead to Summer

• Your garden can keep growing or take a break.

Keep Growing

• Water regularly
• Use mulch and shade
• Check plants often

Rest the Garden

• Remove old plants
• Cover soil with mulch
• Plan for fall planting

Spring is the main growing season, when both cool-season and warm-season crops can be planted. Start seeds indoors when needed and transplant outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.

Onions: Plant during January - February, but start indoors or as plant sets.

Leafy Greens (lettuce, spinach, kale): Plant during January - March. These are cool-season crops.

Root Crops (carrots, beets, radishes): Plant during January - March, but keep the soil moist.

Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower): Plant or transplant during January - February. These are frost tolerant.

Tomatoes, Peppers: Plant during February - March, but start indoors. Transplant after the frost.

Corn: Plant during March - April, but plant close together.

Beans: Plant during March - April, but plant seeds outside.

Squash, Cucumbers: Plant during March - April. Warm soil is needed.

Herbs (perennial): Plant during March - April. These plants return yearly.

Herbs (annuals, basil, cilantro): Plant during March - May. Basil prefers warmth.

Perennials: Plants that come back year after year.

Annuals: Plants that grow for one season and need to be replanted.

Slow Down for Fall

Plant cool-season crops

• Leafy greens, root crops, and brassicas grow best as temperatures cool.

Water less, but don’t stop

• Plants need less water in cooler weather, but the soil should not dry out completely.

Add mulch for cooler weather

• Mulch helps protect soil, roots, and beneficial insects.

Soil Health Matters:

Healthy soil is full of tiny living organisms that help plants grow strong. During fall and winter, gardens naturally slow down, making it a great time to rebuild and protect the soil for the next growing season.

Composting Helps By:

• Returning nutrients to the soil
• Improving moisture retention
• Supporting healthy plant roots
• Feeding beneficial organism

Good Compost Materials:

• Fruit (non-citrus) scraps
• Vegetable scraps
• Dry leaves
• Garden clippings
• Coffee grounds

Looking Ahead to Winter

Your garden will slow down and that’s okay.

Protect the Garden

• Cover plants when freezes are expected
• Mulch beds to protect soil
• Remove damaged plants

Rest & Plan

• Let beds rest
• Clean up tools
• Plan what to grow in spring

Fall planting focuses on heat-tolerant crops early in the season and cool-season vegetables as temperatures drop. Many crops planted in fall grow well with less pest pressure and improved flavor.

Leafy Greens (lettuce, spinach, kale): Plant during August - September. These are cool-season crops.

Root Crops (carrots, beets, radishes, turnips):Plant during August - September, but keep soil moist.

Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower): Plant or transplant during August - September. These need a heat start, cool finish.

Beans (bush & pole): Plant during August. These are fast growing.

Cucumbers: Plant during August - early September and add a trellis for support.

Squash (summer & winter): Plant during August and harvest before the frost.

Southern Peas: Plant during August - early September. These are heat tolerant.

Okra: Plant during August. These need warm soil.

Collards & Kale: Plant during September. Frost improves the flavor.

Spinach: Plant during September. Germinates best in cooler soil.

Beets: Plant during September, and thin seedlings early.

Carrots: Plant during September and loosen the soil well.

Onions (seed): Plant during September - October and let grow over the winter.

Garlic: Plant the cloves in October and mulch well.

Winter gardening centers on cold-hardy vegetables and overwintering crops. With mild winters, many greens and root vegetables can continue growing with minimal protection.

Leafy Greens (lettuce, spinach kale): Plant during November - January with cold-hardy varieties.

Collards: Plant during November - January. These are very frost tolerant.

Mustard & Asian Greens: Plant during November - January. These are fast growing.

Carrots: Plant during November - December. These sweeten after frost.

Beets: Plant during November - December and use mulch.

Radishes: Plant during November - December. These are fast growing.

Turnips: Plant during November - December. The roots and greens are edible, too.

Onions (sets or transplants): Plant during December - January, but get an early start.

Garlic: Plant during November - December and mulch well.

Herbs (cilantro & parsley): Plant during November - January. These are cool-season herbs.

Local Nurseries

Airport Nursery
6501 Airport Rd, 76708
Phone: (254)300-5694

Barrera’s Nursery & Landscape
201 Sun Valley Blvd, 76643
FB: Barrera’s Nursery

Bonnie’s Greenhouse
5198 Orchard Lane, 76705
Phone: (254)799-7909

Green Life Nursery
1312 N. New Road, 76710
Phone: (254)776-2400

Urban Reap
1509 N. 15th St., 76707
missionwaco.org/urban-reap

Westview Nursery & Landscape
1136 N Valley Mills Dr., 76710
10000 Woodway Dr., 76712
westviewnurseryandlandscaping.com

Farmers Markets

Waco Downtown Farmers Market
200 E. Bridge St., 76704
Phone: (254)307-1884

Da’ Shack Farmer’s Market
925 Houston St., 76704
Phone: (254)300-6492

China Spring Farmers & Crafters Market
12301 Yankie Rd., 76633
Phone: (972)997-5704

Podcasts

• In the Grow: Ready to embark on a wild botanical adventure with plant enthusiast Rachel Boyd and The Plant Prof himself, Vikram Baliga? For those looking to cultivate their garden, patch of grass, or sunny window without breaking the bank, join us for In the Grow! Listen to the entire series on your favorite podcast platform or the most recent episodes on NPR.org.
• The Beginner’s Garden: This is the podcast with easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information to help beginning gardeners get the most out of their gardening adventure — big or small. In this podcast — in its 8th season — Jill McSheehy's aim is to provide helpful information while explaining the gardening lingo as you go. She wants to equip YOU to have the best start ever this gardening season! Listen on your favorite podcast platform or on The Beginner's Garden website.
• The Joe Gardener Show: Suffice it to say Joe Lamp'l's (Joe Gardener) goal is to be your personal guide on your gardening journey— no matter how far down the path you’ve gone. Whatever you’re wanting to know, from the very basics of where to start, to more behind the science of it all, he's got the information and a plan to get you where you want to go. You can listen on your favorite podcast platform or on the Joe Gardener website.
• Plant Talk Radio: Hosted by "The Ohio Nurseryman," Fred Hower has over 50 years experience as a horticultural consultant, certified arborist and landscape designer. Plant Talk's podcast format includes questions from letters and email, and up-to-the-minute timely lawn and garden care information. Gardeners can hear Plant Talk whether they are eating breakfast, working in the yard or garden or even in the car running weekend errands. You can listen on your favorite podcast platform or on the Plant Talk Radio website.

Websites

• agrilifeextension.tamu.edu
• almanac.com
• centraltexasgardener.org
• gardenbetty.com
• texasgardener.com
• texassuperstar.com
• txmg.org/mclennan/
• wildflower.org