Welcome to the ATXGardens Podcast.
Stop stressing about your yard! Each week, landscape consultant Colleen Dieter with ATXGardens.com shares exactly what you should be doing right now to keep your plants and trees happy.
With 20+ years of experience helping Central Texans, Colleen is a certified arborist, sustainable landscape designer, and founder of Central Texas Seed Savers. You may have seen her on PBS Austin’s Central Texas Gardener, KXAN, or Spectrum News, or heard her on The Horticulturati podcast and KLBJ’s Horticulture Hangover. She’s passionate about making gardening approachable.
Perfect for both seasoned green thumbs and new DIY’ers, The ATXGardens Podcast is your go-to for friendly, reliable gardening advice—week by week, season by season. Transcripts are available below, or you can listen anywhere you get podcasts or watch on YouTube.
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (July 1–15): Rain Gardens, Fig Harvest & Summer Pruning
July may be the hottest month in Central Texas, but there's still plenty to do in the garden. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares practical July gardening tips, including how to manage pests naturally, prune trees and perennials, harvest figs and apples, build rain gardens to solve erosion problems, and decide whether it's time to put your vegetable garden to bed for the summer. You'll also learn which crops can still be planted in the heat and how seed saving can help strengthen local gardening communities. If you garden in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with timely advice to help your landscape thrive through the toughest part of the growing season.
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (June 15–30): Train Blackberries & Plan for Fall
Late June is a time of transition in the Central Texas garden, and knowing what to do now can set you up for success later. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares tips for harvesting figs, peaches, and blackberries, caring for summer vegetables, collecting rainwater, and preventing mosquito problems without harming pollinators. You'll also learn why it's time to wrap up perennial planting, how to manage blackberry canes for next year's harvest, and what steps you can take now to start planning for fall gardening season. If you're gardening in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your garden thrive through the summer heat.
Episode 18: What to do in your Central Texas garden (June 1-15): Harvest Veggies & Plant Fast
Summer is settling into Central Texas, and your garden is feeling the change. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares what to do in your Central Texas garden in early June, including harvesting potatoes and onions, managing weeds before they spread seeds, preventing pest outbreaks naturally, and deciding what summer vegetables are still worth planting. She also covers oak wilt precautions, light summer tree trimming, soil erosion solutions, and tips for keeping your garden productive through the heat. If you garden in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with practical June gardening advice to help your landscape thrive through the transition into summer.
Episode 17: What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (May 15–31): Soil Testing Tips, Watch Out for Oak Wilt, and Summer Vegetables
Get your Central Texas garden ready for the transition into summer with this essential late May gardening guide. Learn why soil testing matters, what to plant now (and what to skip), and how to care for fruit trees, herbs, and heat-loving crops before temperatures rise. From avoiding costly fertilizing mistakes to harvesting at the perfect time, this episode is packed with practical tips to help your garden thrive. If you want healthier plants and a more successful summer garden, don’t miss these timely insights.
Episode 16: What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (May 1–15): Enjoy the Blooms, Don’t Touch Those Trees, and Summer Veggie Planting
Get your Central Texas garden ready for the heat with this essential early May gardening guide. Learn what to plant now, what to stop doing, and how to manage weeds, fruit trees, and summer crops before temperatures soar. From vegetable planting tips to lawn care and mulching strategies, this episode covers the critical tasks that can make or break your summer garden. If you want a thriving, low-stress garden in Texas heat, don’t miss these timely tips.
Episode 15: What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (April 15–30): Plant Perennials, Warm Season Veggies, and Do Not Prune Oaks
Get your Central Texas garden ready for late April with this essential gardening guide packed with timely tips. Learn what to plant now, how to care for fruit trees, prevent worms in your harvest, and avoid common mistakes that can ruin your summer garden. From vegetable planting schedules to organic lawn care and soil improvement, this episode covers everything you need to grow a thriving garden in Texas heat. Don’t miss these critical mid-spring tasks that can make or break your growing season.
Episode 14: April 1–15 Garden Tasks (Central Texas): What to Plant & What to Avoid
Spring is in full swing in Central Texas, and your garden is about to take off. In this episode, Colleen Dieter shares exactly what to plant in April, how to protect your fruit trees from pests, and why now is the time to set up your watering system before the Texas heat hits. You’ll learn what to do after a surprise late freeze, which warm-season vegetables and herbs to plant now, and how to avoid costly mistakes with trees and lawns. If you want a thriving Central Texas garden this spring, this is your step-by-step guide.
Episode 13: What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (March 15–April 1): Pruning Citrus Trees, Spring Perennial and Vegetable Planting, Lawn Care Tips
Spring is in full swing in Central Texas, and your garden is about to explode with growth. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen Dieter shares exactly what to do in your Austin-area garden in the second half of March, from controlling fast-growing weeds to pruning and feeding citrus trees. You’ll also learn how to protect fruit trees from pests, plant warm-season vegetables and herbs, and give your lawn the right start for spring. If you want healthier plants and a more productive garden this season, this episode will help you stay ahead of the busiest time of year in Central Texas gardening.
Episode 12: What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (March 1-15): Spring is Here! Stop pruning trees, start planting perennials.
Spring is almost here in Central Texas, and the second half of February is a critical transition time in your garden. In this episode of The ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen Dieter shares exactly what to prune, plant, cut back, and prepare before March arrives — from rose and fruit tree pruning to deciduous shrub trimming, potato planting, and winter weed control. Learn how to protect your landscape during oak wilt season, reset your vegetable beds, and get ahead of spring growth in Austin and the surrounding area. If you garden in Central Texas, this is your step-by-step guide to finishing winter strong and setting up a successful spring season.
Episode 11: What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (Feb 15–28): Winter Clean-Up & Last Chance for Cool-Season Vegetables
Spring is just around the corner, and late February is one of the busiest times in the Central Texas garden. In this episode, Colleen Dieter of ATXGardens walks you through exactly what to prune, plant, cut back, and prepare before the spring rush begins. Learn when to finish rose and fruit tree pruning, how to handle freeze-damaged plants, and what to plant now in your vegetable and herb garden. If you garden in Austin or the surrounding region, this episode will help you transition smoothly from winter into a productive spring season.
Episode 10: What to Do in your Central Texas Garden (Feb 1-15) ICE STORM EDITION
A major ice storm and deep freeze hit Central Texas—now what? In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter explains exactly what to do in your garden in early February, from assessing freeze damage to pruning roses and fruit trees at the right time. Learn which plants are likely to recover, which ones won’t, and how this cold snap actually benefits fruit trees that need chill hours. If you garden in Austin or Central Texas, this episode will help you move from winter survival mode into confident spring prep.
Episode 9: What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (January 16–31): Weird Weather, Weeds & Winter Prep
Winter in Central Texas has been anything but normal, and in this episode of The ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen Dieter breaks down exactly what to do in the second half of January to keep your garden thriving. From winter weeds like burr clover and prepping your pruning tools to caring for fruit trees, perennials, and cool-season vegetables, you’ll get clear, practical guidance for this weirdly warm winter. Learn what to plant now, what to hold off on, and how to get ready for big February pruning season. If you garden in Austin or Central Texas, this episode will help you stay one step ahead no matter what the weather does next.
Episode 8: What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (January 1–15): Freeze Prep, Weeds & Bare Root Trees
Wondering what to focus on in your Central Texas garden in early January? In this episode of The ATXGardens Podcast, landscape consultant Colleen Dieter shares timely tips on freeze prep, winter weeds, sheet mulching, pruning, and planting bare root fruit trees the right way. Learn how chill hours affect fruit production, when to water during winter, and what tasks now will set you up for spring success. A must-listen for Austin and Central Texas gardeners who want practical, season-specific guidance.
Episode 7: What to Plant (and Not Plant) in Central Texas in Late December
Want to keep your Central Texas garden thriving through December? In this episode, Colleen shares exactly what to do in the second half of the month—from identifying winter weeds to choosing the right fruit tree varieties and protecting tender plants from freezes. You’ll also learn why December is the perfect time for pruning certain trees, starting cool-season perennials, and planning your spring vegetable garden. Whether you're a beginner or a longtime Austin gardener, this episode gives you practical, region-specific tips to stay one step ahead of the season. Tune in and garden smarter this winter!
Episode 6: December Garden Prep for Austin Homeowners: Weeds, Trees & Winter Care
Wondering what to do in your Austin or Central Texas garden in early December? In this episode, landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter shares your essential mid-winter gardening checklist—from winter weed control and fruit tree prep to when (and when not) to prune. You'll also hear a real client story about transforming a suburban lawn into a thriving pollinator garden using sheet mulching. Plus, Colleen breaks down what to plant now, how to protect sensitive plants from freezes, and why December is ideal for planning next year’s garden projects. A must-listen for Central Texas gardeners who want timely, region-specific advice.
Episode 5: What to Plant and Protect in Your Central Texas Garden (Late November – Early December)
Get your Central Texas garden ready for winter with expert tips from landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter. In this episode, Colleen shares exactly what to tackle in late November—from composting and fruit tree care to freeze prep and cold-hardy herbs. Learn how to start a simple compost pile, protect citrus and young trees from frost, and keep your veggies and perennials thriving through the season. Perfect for gardeners who want a resilient, low-stress yard all winter long.
Episode 4: Deer Damage, Leaf Drop, and Fall Planting — Here’s What to Know
Get your Central Texas garden ready for winter with expert tips from landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter. In this episode, Colleen shares exactly what to tackle in early November—from tree care and fall planting to freeze prep and cool-season vegetables. Learn which trees bring real fall color to Austin, how to protect young trunks from deer, and the best perennials and herbs to plant right now. Perfect for gardeners who want a thriving yard without the guesswork.
Episode 3: Get ready for Winter?
In this late-October gardening guide, Colleen Dieter shares the essential tasks Austin and Central Texas gardeners should tackle now—from planting trees and dividing perennials to prepping cool-season vegetables and protecting tender plants before the first freeze. She also breaks down smart leaf management, fruit-tree cleanup, and must-know tips for lawns, herbs, and wildflowers. A practical, timely episode for anyone gardening through the Central Texas fall.
Episode 2: Time to Enjoy
Wondering what to tackle in your Austin or Central Texas garden in early October? In this episode, Colleen Dieter shares your essential fall gardening checklist—from irrigation changes and soil testing to what to plant, what NOT to prune, and how to prep for cooler temperatures. She also walks through a small-yard design consultation in East Austin and explains why wildflower seeding, seed saving, and fall vegetable planting are at their peak right now. A must-listen for Central Texas homeowners looking for timely, region-specific garden advice.
Stay Updated