Rooted in Research: A Guide to Successful Gardening the San Antonio Area

This episode looks at the Earth's water cycle and the specific water challenges from Texas history and Texas law.

In this podcast what does the science say about core aerating the lawn, the concerns about "weed and feed" products, should leaves be raked or left alone, and finally the "how behind the why" of gardening on the Edward's Plateau on the northwest-north side of Bexar County and the sandy clay-pan soil on the southside of Bexar County.

Pilot Knob Austin

⁠https://texashillcountry.com/pilot-knob-largest-extinct-volcano-remaining-in-central-texas/⁠

Fort Inge

⁠https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/fort-inge⁠

Soil Preparation

⁠https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/soil-preparation/⁠

Soil Testing

⁠https://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/homehort/archives-of-weekly-articles-davids-plant-of-the-week/it-all-starts-with-soil/⁠

Calcareous Soils

Calcareous soils are defined as soils that contain more than 15% calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and are commonly found in arid, semi-arid, humid, and semi-humid regions. 

Caliche Soil

a hardened layer in soil, common in arid regions, formed when calcium carbonate cements soil particles (sand, clay, silt) into a rock-like, often whitish-gray, material.

General Soil Map of Texas

⁠https://maps.lib.utexas.edu/maps/texas/texas-general_soil_map-2008.pdf⁠

Improving Landscape Soils

⁠https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2010/10/soilimprovement.pdf⁠

Tom Ewing- Texas Geologic History Quick Overview

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1zGgOktFQ8&t=6s

This podcast gives information on how to become an intern with the Bexar County Master Gardener Association.

In this podcast we'll look at how the MG movement started the Texas MG association with Texas A&M university, explain more about the Bexar County MG application process & certification process.

___________________________________________________________

Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Links:
Bexar County Master Gardner Website
BCMG Gardening Question Helpline: 210-631-0400
Follow BCMG on FB

Research and Podcast Notes / Links to further research :
The Master Gardener Training Class is designed to provide you with the horticulture information that you will use to provide the community with unbiased, research-based gardening information. 

2026 Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Intern Training Class #69
If you would like to apply to be a Bexar County Master Gardener submit your application now! Apply For Training HERE

Hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Contact: David Rodriguez at [email protected]Application Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026Cost: $275Location: Greenies Urban Farm1615 Sherman StreetSan Antonio, TX 78202
TX Gardening & Educational Events:
Festival of Flowers: 26th Anniversary May 30th9am-5pmAt: San Antonio Shrine Auditorium 901 N Loop 1604 W $10, open to the public + free parking
Gardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 16, 2026At Milberger’s Nursery3920 N. Loop 1604 ESan Antonio, TX 78247@10am
Gardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 23, 2026Garden Center
10682 Bandera Rd
San Antonio, TX 78250
@10am
Radio: Saturday Mornings Lawn & Garden Show 6am-9am on WOAI (1200 News Radio AM) Call in: 210-737-1200 or 1-800-383-WOAI

Email Karen: [email protected]Email David: [email protected]
Follow on FB / Follow on IG

Podcast: Bugs By The Yard

This presentation is on selecting the correct mulch for any given project.

Home composting is as simple as a pile of leaves and as complex as mixing various materials. In this podcast I'll cover the basics such as Browns/Greens and ratios. I'll start with the simplest of composting methods and end with tweaking your compost pile to fit your specific needs.

________________________________________________________

Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Links:
Bexar County Master Gardner Website
BCMG Gardening Question Helpline: 210-631-0400
Follow BCMG on FB
Research and Podcast Notes / Links to further research :
Vocabulary Words:

Compost - a nutrient-rich, earthy soil amendment made from decayed organic matter - such as food scraps, leaves and yard trimmings. It is created by a managed biological process where microorganisms break down waste into a dark crumbly fertilizer that is used to improve soil health and support plant growth. 

Humus - a dark, spongy, and highly nutrient-dense component of soil. 

Browns - dry, carbon-rich organic materials added to a compost pile.
Greens - fresh, wet, nitrogen-rich organic materials.

Ratio - the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of the materials being broken down.

The ideal compost ratio is 25 to 30 parts carbon for every 1 part nitrogen by weight. 

• Browns have a  30:1< C:N ratio
• Greens have a  30:1> C:N ratio

2/3 Brown + 1/3 Green will make the best compost blend that will break down the fastest.

LEVELS of HOME COMPOSTING
L1. How to make Leaf Mold Compost - Add shredded leaves in layers into your container, and add water to moisten after building up each layer. The easiest way to start composting.
L2. Palate Compost - a simple and cost-effective structure used to hold, aerate, and break down organic waste into nutrient-rich garden compost. 
“Lasagna Method”: 2/3 Brown + 1/3 Green. Add 6” of browns, saturate with water, then add layer of greens, add water, continue…

Bacterial Dominant Compost Identifiers: Rapid, sharp spike in temperature climbing from 140-160 degrees within the first 24 hours. Can look slimy or greasy and the volume may shrink more quickly. Will have a specific strong odor. A fine textured, dark, crumbly texture.
Fungal Dominant Compost Identifiers: 100-120 degrees in the first 24 hours. You may see mycelium threads through compost pile. Will have a smell like the forest floor. A chunky textured mixture with more bits of carbon.

TX Gardening & Educational Events: 

2026 Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Intern Training Class #69
If you would like to apply to be a Bexar County Master Gardener submit your application now! Hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServiceContact: David Rodriguez at [email protected]Application Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026Cost: $275Location: Greenies Urban Farm1615 Sherman StreetSan Antonio, TX 78202
Festival of Flowers: 26th Anniversary May 30th9am-5pmAt: San Antonio Shrine Auditorium 901 N Loop 1604 W $10, open to the public + free parking
Gardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 16, 2026At Milberger’s Nursery3920 N. Loop 1604 ESan Antonio, TX 78247@10am

Gardening with David: Stump The ExpertMay 23, 2026Garden Center 10682 Bandera RdSan Antonio, TX 78250@10am
Radio: Saturday Mornings Lawn & Garden Show 6am-9am on WOAI (1200 News Radio AM) Call in: 210-737-1200 or 1-800-383-WOAI

Email Karen: [email protected]Email David: [email protected]
Follow on FB / Follow on IG

Podcast: Bugs By The Yard

In this podcast we'll look briefly at watering. The final segment of the podcast will cover: what is compost; sources of compost- manure or vegetable; specific sources such as cotton burr-mushroom-human, etc.

This podcast is a recorded conversation between Bill Swantner and Bexar County Master Gardener, Linda Cace, who has advanced training in Herbs. How to grow herbs and 5 herbs for every beginner to try.

________________________________________

Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Links:
Bexar County Master Gardner Website
BCMG Gardening Question Helpline: 210-631-0400
Follow BCMG on FB
Research and Podcast Notes / Links to further research :
Book: The Tea Garden: A Guide to Planting, Harvesting, and Enjoying Your Teas, by Victoria W Williams___________________________________________________________

Linda’s Top 5 Herbs for a new garden in San Antonio:

• Curly & Flat Leaf Parsley
• Peppermint (Herba Buena)
• Ginger Mint
• Lemon Balm
• Basil

Texas Superstar® Herbs:

• Barbecue Skewer Rosemary
• ‘Balsamic Blooms’ Basil

Vocabulary Words:

Decoction - a method of extracting active components from hard plant materials—such as roots, bark, seeds, and stems—by boiling them in water to produce a concentrated liquid.

TX Gardening & Educational Events:
Spring Plant Sale
At the San Antonio Garden Center3310 N New Braunfels AveSaturday, March 21, 20269am-4pm

Dig It! Gardening Series (presented by San Antonio Public Library & Bexar Co Master Gardeners)
mysapl.org/events

Dig It: Spring Into Landscape GardeningSunday, March 15, 2026
1:00-3:00pmDenver Heights Community Center300 Porter StreetSan Antonio, TX 78210

Dig It: Spring Into Landscape GardeningSaturday, March 21, 20261:00-2:00pmPruitt Library

Dig It: Pollinator GardeningSunday, March 22, 202610:00-11:00am

Semmes Library

Dig It: Texas! It’s a Whole ‘Nuther CountryMonday, March 23, 20261:00-2:00pmIgo Library

Dig It: Texas! It’s a Whole ‘Nuther CountryTuesday, March 24, 20266:00-7:00pmWestfall Library

Dig It: Texas! It’s a Whole ‘Nuther CountryThursday, March 26, 20262:00-3:00pmMemorial Library

Dig It: Spring Into Landscape GardeningSaturday, March 28, 20261:30-2:30pmPan American Library

Dig It: Pollinator GardeningSaturday, March 28, 20263:30-4:30pm

Johnston Library

Dig It: Succulents: Nature’s Water-Saving WondersSunday, March 29, 20261:00-2:00pm

Tobin Library

Beyond the Garden: Basics of Food Preservation
Topic: Water Bath & Fermentation 

Wednesday, March 18, 20261:00-4:00pmBexar Country AgriLife Urban Farm1615 ShermanSan Antonio, TX 78202($50 Registration Fee)

Radio: Saturday Mornings Lawn & Garden Show 6am-9am on WOAI (1200 News Radio AM) Call in: 210-737-1200 or 1-800-383-WOAI

Email Karen: [email protected]Email David: [email protected]
Follow on FB / Follow on IG

Podcast: Bugs By The Yard

This podcast begins with touching turfgrass pre-emergents, selecting plants for the landscape, chilling injury and freezing injury; and finally, the origins and challenges of Blackland Prairie soils and Sandy soils.

BCMG Calendar:

https://bexarmg.org/events/

The Real Dirt on Austin Area Soils

https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/soils-and-composting-for-austin/the-real-dirt-on-austin-area-soils/#:~:text=The%20Blackland%20Prairies%20Description%20and,deep%2C%20solid%20rock%20rarely%20found

David's Year-round Lawn Care Guide:

https://bexarmg.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lawn-Care-for-SA.pdf

March Garden Checklist:

https://bexarmg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/3-MARCH.pdf

General Soil Map of Texas

⁠https://maps.lib.utexas.edu/maps/texas/texas-general_soil_map-2008.pdf⁠

Improving Landscape Soils

⁠https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2010/10/soilimprovement.pdf⁠

Tom Ewing- Texas Geologic History Quick Overview

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1zGgOktFQ8&t=6s

Horticulture agent for Bexar County, David Rodriguez, gave a presentation at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens on growing tomatoes in Bexar and surrounding counties; determinate- indeterminate, how to grow & protect. In addition, David gave a history of the Rodeo tomato and announced the 2026 Rodeo tomato- Polbig.

_______________________________________________________________

Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Links:
Bexar County Master Gardner Website
BCMG Gardening Question Helpline: 210-631-0400
Follow BCMG on FB
Research and Podcast Notes / Links to further research :
The Rodeo Tomato Polbig

Rodeo Tomatoes and How to Grow Them - Video
Tomato Basics 101 - Video

History of the Rodeo Tomato
Rodeo Tomato for 2021 - Ruby Crush

David’s Tomato Planting Recommendations: 

• Pot up in February, up to the Cotyledon
• Use 6” diameter for first 30 days, 12” nursery container second 30 days
• Use premium peat based potting mix
• Massage the roots and open them up 
• Water thoroughly once potted
• Mulch double shredded hardwood mulch to protect (don’t apply until May)
• Use tomato cages once in final growing spot
• Insulate the tomatoes with white cloth to protect from night time weather
• Remove the insulate when the plant reached 2/3 up the cage

Recommended large-fruited tomato varieties include:

• Bobcat
• Celebrity
• Harris Moran 8849
• Sunbrite (semi-determinate)
• Tycoon
• Valley Cat   
• Red Snapper

Recommended small/cherry-type tomato varieties include:

• Ruby Crush – SA Rodeo Tomato
• BHN 968 (semi-determinate) – SA Rodeo Tomato and Texas Superstar®
• Juliet (indeterminate)

Vocabulary Words:

F1 Hybrids: F1 hybrid is a term used in genetics and selective breeding. F1 stands for Filial 1, the first filial generation seeds/plants or animal offspring resulting from a cross-mating of distinctly different parental types.

Insulate: White cloth insulation in gardening refers to techniques and materials used to protect plants from extreme temperature fluctuations, wind, and frost, or to keep soil cooler/warmer to improve plant health.

Solanaceae Family: (or nightshades), is a large group of over 2,700 plant species, including common edible crops like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers.  

TX Gardening Educational Events:
CULTIVATE! (Free online sessions)
Friday-Saturday, March 6-7, 2026
9am-1pm
Friday, March 6
9:00-10:00am Everything You Learned About Gardening is Wrong! | Greg Grant
10:30-11:30am Creating a Thriving and Colorful Landscape in Spite of No Rain | David Rodriguez

12:00-1:00pm Making the Most of the Rain | Lee Marlowe

Saturday, March 7, 2026

9:00-10:00am Perennial Pleasures: Texas Superstars | Lynn Cox

10:30-11:30am Dinner and a Blanket | Bill Swantner

12:00-1:00pm Let’s Take the Guess Work Out!: Efficient Landscape Watering | Lynn Cox
Radio: Saturday Mornings Lawn & Garden Show 6am-9am on WOAI (1200 News Radio AM)
Call in: 210-737-1200 or 1-800-383-WOAI

Email Karen: [email protected]
Email David: [email protected]
Follow on FB / Follow on IG

Podcast: Bugs By The Yard