JANUARY

• Seeds for warm-season annuals can be planted in flats. They will require bright light and warm temperatures (60-70 degrees). Peppers and tomatoes can be planted from seed mid-month. Use grow lights for best success.

• Sow snap peas and plant onions directly into your garden.

• Tulip and hyacinth bulbs which have been chilled for 8 weeks should be planted immediately after removing from the refrigerator.

Pruning

• Now is the best time to prune oak trees and other shade trees to remove lower limbs, dead branches and to maintain their natural shape.

• Peach and plums trees should be pruned to keep their “bowl” shape and remove water sprouts.

• Remove by hand, broadleaf weeds such as clover, dandelions, henbit, chickweed in lawns and beds. You can also spray large areas with a broadleaf weed killer when temperatures are above 70 degrees. Read and follow the label carefully on any pesticide before using.

FEBRUARY

• -Sow cool-season vegetable seeds directly into well prepared garden rows.  Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale and potatoes should be planted 4 weeks before the last average frost date-around March 14 in the DFW Metroplex. 

• -Lettuce, radishes, carrots, spinach, beets, chard and turnips should be planted 2 to 4 weeks prior to the average last frost date.

• -Container and bare root roses can be planted this month.

• -Plant blackberries, fruit and nut trees.

• -Plant gladiolus and cool season annuals such as petunias, snapdragons, Iceland poppies, larkspur, ornamental chard, English daisies.

Pruning Advice

• -Prune brush roses on Valentine’ Day.  Prune back to the ground, old, dead, and weak canes.  Leave 4 to 8 vigorous canes removing one-half of their growth above an outward-facing bud.  If necessary, don’t hesitate to use hedge trimmers before using hand shears or loppers.  Fertilize with compost or aged manure.

• -Cut back old foliage of ornamental grasses to the ground.  Division and transplanting of large clumps of warm-season ornamental grasses can be done now.

• -Cover tender plants with landscape fabric in case of frost or freeze.

MARCH

• -Plant tomatoes and peppers after March 14th.  Cover if frost or freeze is predicted.

• -Direct sow seeds of warm-season vegetables such as beans, corn, squash, and melons mid to late March.  Wait until April to plant okra.

• -Plant perennials in well-amended soil.

• -Prune, if needed, spring-flowering shrubs and vines.

• -Remove dead top growth (Bermuda grass only) by lowering mower blade one or two notches.

• -Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer to pecans and again in April and May.

• -Begin fertilizing roses with specialty rose food. 

• -All trees, shrubs, vines, and groundcovers can be fed with an all nitrogen fertilizer.

• -Spread compost around perennials and add mulch.

APRIL

• -Plant St. Augustine and hybrid Bermuda sod.  Make good ground contact and keep moist until new roots are established.  Common Bermuda can be started from seed, but it is best to hydro mulch.  In either case keep the area moist for several weeks.  This may require watering several times a day if no rainfall.

• -Plant warm-season annuals from seedlings.  For sun:  zinnias, moss rose, purslane, butterfly weed, lantana, sweet potato vines, Dahlberg daisy and Angelonia.  For shade:  begonias, coleus, and impatients.

• -Vegetables such as okra, black-eyed peas, corn and watermelons.  You can still plant the cucurbits: squash, cucumbers and melons.

• -Wait until May to plant the hot weather tropicals:  hibiscus Esperanza, plumbago.

• -Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer to lawns.  This is usually after the third mowing when the entire lawn is green.  Follow up with additional fertilizer in June (optional) and again in September.

• -Mow Bermuda grass frequently at 1 ½ inches to keep thick and healthy-St. Augustine 2 ½ inches.

• -Use mulching mower and leave grass clippings on the ground.  They will provide a source of nitrogen to feed the lawn.

Adam’s Feed invites you to visit the vet!  Dr. Todd from Town & Country Veterinary Clinic will be on hand to visit with you and your pet and will provide the following low-cost services at our store:

Heart-worm Testing
Fecal Exam

Implications of Fireworks on Pets

As the New Year approaches, so does time for celebrations and fireworks. Fireworks are a celebratory gesture, but many people don’t realize the implications they may have on animals. 

According to Dr. Audrey Cook, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), most pets are startled by fireworks and experience some degree of anxiety because of the unfamiliar loud noises and flashes of light they portray. 

Aside from anxiety and fear, some pets can experience physical pains from firework encounters. 

“A direct injury from a firework is unlikely, but could happen,” explains Cook. “In fact, the most common problems we see reflect the pet’s desperate efforts to escape from perceived danger. Cats may hide and run away and be injured in the process. Dogs may also hurt themselves trying to get away from the noise.” 

“Any injured pet should be examined by a veterinarian,” notes Cook. “Particularly worrying injuries would include anything on the face, mouth, or eyes. Bleeding wounds or burns should be loosely covered by a clean napkin to reduce further damage or infection before medical help is provided.” 

Cook recommends approaching an injured pet with care as it can sometimes bite due to fear and pain. The best thing to do is to move slowly and gently wrap the injured pet in a blanket to provide some reassurance and to reduce the risk of biting. 

If your pet experiences anxiety from fireworks the best strategy is to simply act normal, because if you change your behavior your pet will notice. This will only reinforce its fears as your body language and behavior can tell your pet a lot. 

“Easing their fears is difficult, and sometimes we actually increase anxiety when we try to reassure a frightened dog or cat,” said Cook. “Our reaction tells them that fear is appropriate and we can actually heighten their response if we make a big fuss.” 

According to Cook desensitization – meaning getting your pet used to fireworks – is not a very effective approach. 

“It is very hard to desensitize a dog or cat to the noise of fireworks, as these are distinct and rarely encountered,” notes Cook. “It is probably more effective to protect your pet from the noise or train it to focus on you when any loud noises occur.” 

“The best strategies include trying to block out the noise with loud music on the television, or providing a distraction like a favorite toy,” notes Cook. “If you behave as though nothing is wrong and instead engage your pet in a game or training exercise, it may deduce that there is no cause for anxiety.” 

In case of a severe phobia, your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication or sedative for your pet. However, it should only be used if there is no other way to calm your pet down during these times. It is also wise to give the medication about one hour before the fireworks are expected; waiting to give the pill when the animal is anxious may limit its effect. 

The best way to avoid any anxiety from fireworks is to keep your pets inside or on a leash away and distracted from the sights and sounds of New Year’s Eve. Any place where they most feel safe is preferable for your pets. 

 This article is courtsey of Texas A&M University.

ABOUT PET TALK

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

As it gets cold outside, the potential for harsh weather conditions requires some extra care for your canine and feline friends. Here are some tips to help your pet remain safe and comfortable during the winter months ahead.

• Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Frozen water in outside bowls is a common winter hazard, so check it often and use a plastic bowl instead of a metal one (remember “The Christmas Story!”). Your dog will thank you. Heated water bowls are available if necessary.

• Bring Fido inside during sub-zero temperatures and winter storms. Even though most dogs grow a winter coat to help protect them from the cold, their natural environment is not in temperatures that are sub-zero! If left outside for an extended period without protection, they can get frostbite (especially on the pads of the feet, ears and tail) or even freeze to death. If dogs are housed outdoors during the winter, make sure they have adequate insulated shelter to protect them from the wind and moisture.

• Keep poisons away – Antifreeze is deadly! Dogs enjoy the sweet taste of this necessary toxic substance. Take care to clean up drips and spills and store it out of reach. If ingested, get your pet to the vet immediately.  Beautiful winter poinsettias are also toxic to pets.

• Keep your pet’s paws clean and dry. Chemical de-icers and salt can cause paw discomfort and can result in cracking and bleeding of the foot pads. Snow and ice can also accumulate between your pet’s toes, causing pain as well as bleeding and sores.

• Avoid over-bathing. Too many baths during the winter months can strip the natural oils from your pet and result in dry, itchy skin. It is better to limit baths to when it is absolutely necessary and simply spot-clean your pet when possible.

• Feed a premium food. Proper nutrition is always important, especially if your dog is housed outdoors. When temperatures are colder, outside dogs will generally need more food to help keep their bodies warm.  Inside dogs may need less food if their activity level is significantly cut back due to extreme weather conditions. You may need to consult your veterinarian and adjust the amount of food your pet receives based on his body condition.

Keeping these precautions in mind, and making necessary preparations as winter approaches, will ensure that your pet will remain naturally healthy and happy as we welcome another new year.

Happy Holidays from Adam’s Feed!  Check out our holiday hours.

Friday, December 24th:  Closing early
Saturday, December 25th:  Closed
Sunday, December 26th:  Closed
Friday, Dec. 31st – 9:00 to 1:00pm
Saturday, January 1st – Closed
We will be closed on Mondays as usual.

Low-cost Vet Clinic with Dr. Anne Barnes.  Stop by Adam’s Feed Store on Saturday, June 4, 2011, between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.  Dr. Anne Barnes will provide the following low-cost services at our store:

Heart-worm Testing
Fecal Exam
Vaccinations

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Adam’s Feed Matches Donated Toys

Thanks to our customers generosity, Adam’s Feed matched your toy donations and dropped off more than 50 toys for Mission Arlington’s Christmas Store!

Many families struggle during this season with the extra load of food, gifts & toys, in addition to paying for their basic living expenses, like rent and utilities.  Your generosity touched the lives of many families in our community.  Thank you!