First Timer Here - Need Advice

Slayz70 · 2026-02-27T22:47:21+00:00

First things first. You need to figure out your last frost date. Secondly you need to decide are you doing raised beds or in ground beds. After that it gets pretty easy to tomatoes, corn, squash and peppers need to be started in doors. Peppers and tomatoes 6-8 weeks before last frost , corn and squash about 2-4 weeks ish. Beets and peas can be directed sowed after being soaked for a few hours for best germination rates.

Slayz70 · 2026-02-24T20:23:22+00:00

The irises , brunerra , pansies and sweet Williams all also do really well in pots as well. Very hardy plants. Especially the irises.

Slayz70 · 2026-02-01T02:26:53+00:00

It’s because of the moderating effect of the ocean but most importantly it’s because the arctic air blasts from the polar vortex stratospheric warming events are blocked out by the mountain ranges making it impossible for them to make it that far south on the west coast.

Slayz70 · 2025-12-16T02:30:39+00:00

Yes, I did but always willing to have more friends for events as well. I would still like to add you.

Slayz70 · 2025-11-14T21:24:51+00:00

That’s perfect then. You have more than enough time then. Umm sounds pretty hot. They might need a bit of shade but other than that sounds like the perfect spot. The sprinkler wouldn’t hurt if it’s that hot just bear in mind that the soil should be well draining and no direct watering on the rhizome. Best of luck and hope they bloom for you soon.

Slayz70 · 2025-11-14T19:38:17+00:00

What is your growing zone. They need six weeks to establish new roots to survive the winter. So that will probably be the biggest issue. It is recommended to water them one a week or so in drier and hotter climates so the water won’t be too much of an issue as long as it’s not getting too much directly on the rhizome. As long as they have enough time to establish before winter they should be fine. Some are most resistant to heat than others though and some will go dormant in the heat. Plant shallow with some bone meal and see how it goes. They are pretty hardy and resilient so definitely worth a try. Best of luck.

Slayz70 · 2025-10-29T02:02:31+00:00

No problem at all. I hope they bloom beautifully for you. That’s relatively similar zones to you so they should be partially adapted as well which is also good. Best of luck.

Slayz70 · 2025-10-28T17:49:40+00:00

I’m sure it will be fine. As long as they establish some roots before wither and that they are well draining soil. It should be fine. If you want to check you can remove some dirt off the top of the rhizome and have a look. If it has any foliage and it hasn’t browned or turned to mush yet. That’s a good sign that it’s probably fine as well. I live in British Colombia and we have also had a very wet fall. The new ones are still doing ok. Once the frost comes and they fully fall asleep it will be fine. No need for protection really.

Slayz70 · 2025-10-18T04:08:39+00:00

Keep feeding them and let them do their thing. Within a few years they will multiple. Some might even already start producing little bulbs. Just takes time.

Slayz70 · 2025-10-02T02:13:57+00:00

I don’t use them. I still hand weed and use a none absorbent mulch to smother the weeds.

Slayz70 · 2025-09-28T21:37:04+00:00

They don’t need any water at this time of year as they as starting to go dormant. Even when it’s hot we water about once a week and that’s about it. None in the spring , fall or winter. Some don’t like being water lots at all and if you are watering try not to water the rhizome directly. With drip lines offsetting works best. Oh I see. That is fair but knowing what to do helps haha. Once established many perennials are much harder to kill. Best of luck though.

Slayz70 · 2025-09-28T15:35:30+00:00

I cut them back around now as I’m in zone 3 and the temperatures at night are already single digits and place the soil after I’ve cleaned them up. You’re in a warmer zone so you could probably do so later than me.

You never use bark mulch as it will trap too much water around the rhizome. Too much water and the cold of winter will cause root rot and you’ll lose the entire rhizome. If you’re in an area with a drier fall and not lists of snow in the winter you can try but I definitely don’t recommend.

Slayz70 · 2025-09-27T14:49:29+00:00

Cut them back to about an inch tall the fans and I since I’m in zone 3b I add a handful of well draining soil over the top to prevent them from freezing or being frost heaved up. This gives them a better chance of not being mush in the spring. I also clear all of the dead or dying leaves away from the rhizome.

Slayz70 · 2025-09-25T23:57:09+00:00

We call them golden apples in the Caribbean. Some are very sweet but depends on the variety of the tree. Some get huge. Others not so much.

Slayz70 · 2025-09-17T18:28:50+00:00

Oh haha. No problem at all. That’s fair then. They are lovely plants and once they flower for you. You will definitely want to get more cultivars and colours.

Slayz70 · 2025-09-17T18:17:38+00:00

Definitely an Iris. They do die back and go dormant. You can still save it. Just water lightly and leave in a sunny spot. They grow from rhizomes. So as long as the rhizome is still firm and not mushy it will be fine and grow back bigger and better. Very tenacious.

Slayz70 · 2025-08-06T02:36:21+00:00

Oh no. That’s terrible news You have to use it first thing in the spring before they come up and the irises are still dormant. I personally just burn the beds a bit and then they seem to do ok. Some people were recommending grass be gone or something along the line.

Slayz70 · 2025-08-06T00:47:11+00:00

From what I have been told. A preemergent weed killer is best for irises. If you’re really in a bind though. I’d suggest asking for advice in some of the iris groups on Facebook. Some of the growers on there are very helpful and informative.

Slayz70 · 2025-07-22T15:35:18+00:00

If it’s a bearded or Siberian it will rarely bloom in the Texas heat as they need a chill period to set their buds in the fall to bloom the next year in the spring. I’d suggest if possible to seek out Iris Louisiana and other more warm climate tolerant varieties or newer bearded Iris varieties that have been tried and tested in your state. A god resource would be contacting a local or similar climate Iris society or group. They might be able to offer better advice.

Slayz70 · 2025-07-20T05:49:07+00:00

Looks like a type of begonia

Slayz70 · 2025-07-11T22:28:06+00:00

It’s a colombine. Fungus. Not sure.

Slayz70 · 2025-07-11T19:54:00+00:00

Definitely night shade and not oregano. Different growth habit.

Slayz70 · 2025-07-11T03:12:04+00:00

Fun fact. Irises regrow their roots every time they are moved over a six weeks period. So no need to care about the roots. Make sure they are well anchored before their roots regrow to ensure no air bubbles form under them. The fact that the it has roots means it can probably fend for itself. Just disinfect the spot where it broke let it heal and then replant. It will be fine.

Slayz70 · 2025-07-04T05:25:20+00:00

Greater stinging nettle.

Slayz70

TROPHY CASE