Are you one of those people that REALLY wants to have a few plants in the house or office, but can't seem to keep them alive?  Maybe you worry that insects will be in the soil and therefore get into your home?  Well then have I got the plants for you!  Tillandsia is a genus of plants that anyone can grow, with minimal effort, and usually no dirt...really, no dirt!

Tillandsia is a genus of over 600 species in the Bromeliad family.  Their native range is from North to South America,  including Texas!    They are epiphytic plants, which means they typically grow in trees and on rocks, not in the ground.  They live off of moisture they capture on very fine "hairs" that cover the leaves.  A few of the species do require soil to grow well, but most will grow very easily with no soil at all.  They range is size from tiny (under 2") to medium (12" plus), but they tend to form colonies over time, which can get quite large.  A great example of this is the Spanish Moss that hangs from the trees of south Texas and Louisiana.  It is a type of Tillandsia.  The Ball Moss we have here in Austin is also a type of tillandsia, although one of the least "exciting" varieties, it is one of the most cold tolerant.

Mid-September marks the beginning of the winter gardening season even though temperatures are still in the 90's and the first day of fall is a week away. Personally, I have never started my winter garden this early, but that is only because the weather has not cooled down enough for me to want to start working in the yard. However, the Travis County Planting Guide states mid-September to be A-OK for beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, swiss chard, collards, kale, kohlrabi, artichokes, and peas. Just be a bit more diligent with the watering since the top layer of soil dries out fast in 90 degree weather and seedlings and transplants have small roots.  Other cool  weather  crops like lettuce and spinach need to be planted in October.

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