Rainfall is fairly evenly spaced during the spring, fall and winter, with the summer months usually deficient. Supplemental watering, particularly during the summer, is usually essential for the survival of most laud-scape and garden plants. Austin area soils have the notorious reputation of being shallow, poor and difficult to manage. Some are full of caliche. The majority of our soils are alkaline.
Alkalinity affects the availability of plant nutrients, especially iron.
For optimum plant growth, the Austin gardener will need to improve the soil with liberal amounts of compost, peat moss, shredded bark or other organic materials. Although St. Augustine grass remains the most popular widely planted lawn grass, more homeowners are turning to Bermuda or Buffalograss, which are more drought-tolerant. Zoysia grass and fescue are sometimes planted in special situations. The hybrid Bermuda grasses are very beautiful but demand extra care. Visit with local nursery or garden center personnel and let them suggest sturdy, dependable varieties for your home gardens.