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Nature’s Way Resources honors the contributions of our late owner, John Ferguson. “The Lazy Gardener” Brenda Beust Smith and Shelby Cassano welcome your feedback and remain grateful to the many horticulturists who share their expertise.

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Published April 7, 2026

“May is the last warm

season month in Houston!”

by Brenda Beust Smith | The Lazy Gardener

HARD TO BELIEVE it’s May already!!! Love a line just saw on the ‘net: “May is the last warm season month in Houston.”

Newcomers, pay heed! From this point on, optimum word will not be “warm,” but “HOT”!

While most of the nation is still in ‘spring’ mode, our plants (floral and edibles) are grinning with delight! Get those stakes out next to edibles that need them. Growing will be fast this month.

Best tip I ever got: When plant shopping and you’re faced with an enormous number of varied, gorgeous flowers in spring displays, step back!

Study colors, shapes, etc., carefully, on the tables filled with spectacular flowers everywhere. BUT . . .

DON’T BUY those that first draw your eye! Instead, make a note of the ones you like. Include a star over those that really make your eyes pop. Mark its aisle (1, 2, etc.). Then wheel your cart up and down all the aisles.

Once you decide how many you can afford (often the worst part), start over at the same beginning aisle. Some will look sad next to others you saw further down. Some will grab your heart. Must buy, but don’t just “grab”. Use those gorgeous flowers to find them again. BUT . . . Buy those covered with budding seeds, not massive flowers.

Flowers in bloom will quickly fade. Select instead, plants with strong, healthy stalks and leaves. Then, among those, look for barely-starting buds. This will give the plant more time to adjust to the change of environment and set roots.

When you put those plants in, you want their first instincts to be setting strong roots, not producing usually artificially forced flowers that will sap strength from the also developing roots!

THINK YOUR PLANTS GOT ENOUGH WATER LAST WEEK?

After our recent deluges (and future ones predicted), the vast majority of us don’t need to worry about watering! Perfect time to allot parts of the garden to the kiddos. With the deep watering we just got, encourage kids to sow flower seeds or vegetables they like, and plant them (or seeds). Your neighborhood independent nurseries will have the vegetable and decorative plants that do well in your area. Seeds are fun, but might throw in some already-started plants, an encouragement to children who — let’s face it — expect INSTANT gratification!

* * *

SPEAKING OF RECENT RAINS, too much watering can be as bad as not enough. Overwatering symptoms may appear slowly, affecting one plant one way and another differently. Some take longer to display symptoms. Wilting and yellowing leaves are common early signs. Also leaves falling off and abnormal, maybe stunted, growth. What to do?  

First, don’t water! Then, without disturbing the roots, try to loosen the soil (gently poking holes will help evaporation and better absorption). Restore vining plants to their former places. Staking branches upright may help plants regain their former form. 

With potted plants, of course, remove damaged leaves and water from saucers. Might think about moving them out of bright sunlight for a couple of days. Don’t stomp around wet soil. You’ll just pack it down, squishing out oxygen. 

* * *

Plumerias safe at home in heavy 

rains in the Sanchez garden!

Upper left: “Red Rose’; top right: ‘Lemon Chiffon’; bottom left: ‘Rose Red’; and bottom right: ‘White Cluster’.  

A reader asked (a little late!) about plumerias in heavy rain, so I turned to my cousin in League City, Sharon Beust Sanchez (whose yard overflows with so many plumerias – including these above), she’s started selling them!  

Most important now, Sharon says, is to “put them in the sun and don’t let them get wet feet. They will rot from the inside out!”  

Sharon and husband Ernie don’t “plant” their plumerias. They “pot” them first, then dig a hole 2/3-3/4 deep and bury the pots & all. Altho they lift them in very heavy rains, those plants-in-pots go back in the ground as soon as possible. Makes moving them so much easier, especially when moving their “hundreds” of these delights inside in winter or when heavy storms threaten. 

NOTE: The Sanchezs are happy to answer your plumeria questions and help readers identify plants. Sharon doesn’t mind calls and can be reached at 409-795-0017.

* * *

SPEAKING OF HEAT-LOVING PLANTS . . . 

• GIVEN OUR HEAT PREDICTIONS AT COLUMN TOP, thought folks might be particularly interested in planting more cacti and succulents, (such as pictured Astrophytum asterias  (at top) and Gymnocalycium mihanovichii (bottom)) that will be among the array available at the Houston Cactus and Succulent Society’s rapidly approaching sale:

* * *

John’s Corner

NEWS FROM THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SOIL AND PLANTS

EDITORS’ NOTE:

Today, we are exploring elements 48-55 on the periodic table and what they do for your health. Often, we dismiss or take for granted the minerals that go into our bodies, or those that don’t. We thought we would shed some light on a few, not-so-thought-of elements with a past article by John from 1/14/22.

Please note that this article has been condensed from its original publishing for clarity and ease of reading.

MINERALS – The Elements and What They Do

by John Ferguson,

Founder of Nature’s Way Resources

Today, we continue our look at elements 48–55 on the periodic table and their roles in human health, soil, and gardening: cadmium, indium, tin, antimony, tellurium, iodine, xenon, and cesium.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal found naturally in rocks, coal, and some fertilizers. It accumulates in soils, plants, and animal tissues, especially kidneys. Cadmium mimics zinc in the body and can interfere with DNA repair, mitochondrial activity, and enzyme function. Excess exposure has been linked to cancer and many degenerative diseases. Artificial fertilizers, sewage sludge, coal ash, and black mulch products can increase cadmium levels in soils. Some vegetables, mushrooms, and tobacco readily absorb cadmium, especially in acidic or salty soils.

Indium (In) is widely used in electronics, touch screens, and LCD displays. While it has no known biological role in humans, small amounts can stimulate metabolism, but larger amounts may damage the kidneys, liver, and heart. In soils, indium can inhibit nitrogen-fixing bacteria at elevated levels and is associated with sewage sludge contamination.

Tin (Sn) has been used for over 5,000 years in bronze, solder, food cans, and electronics. Tin is considered an essential trace element in small amounts, but too much can interfere with zinc absorption and damage the liver and nervous system. Tin tends to accumulate in plant roots and organic-rich soils. Coal ash and industrial contamination are common sources.

Antimony (Sb), a metalloid often associated with lead and arsenic, is used in batteries, flame-resistant products, and semiconductors. Historically, antimony poisoning has been linked to health issues dating back to ancient Rome. While plants readily absorb antimony, toxicity is usually only seen at very high concentrations. Coal, sewage sludge, and smelters are major contamination sources.

Tellurium (Te) is a rare semi-metal used in electronics, Blu-ray players, glass, and oil refining. Some tellurium compounds may have antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. Plants absorb tellurium easily, with onions and garlic naturally accumulating higher levels. Coal ash and smelters are the primary environmental sources.

Iodine (I) is essential for human health, especially thyroid function, metabolism, brain development, and immune support. Deficiencies are widespread worldwide and linked to goiter, fatigue, reduced IQ, developmental issues, and increased cancer risk. Fluoride, bromine, nitrates, and some pollutants can interfere with iodine absorption. Organically grown foods, seaweed, seafood, eggs, and grass-fed dairy are important iodine sources. Healthy soils rich in organic matter help support iodine availability to plants.

Xenon (Xe) is a rare noble gas used in specialty lighting, flash bulbs, and spacecraft propulsion. It appears to have little biological significance, though studies suggest it may have anesthetic properties. Xenon does not significantly affect plant growth.

Cesium (Cs) is a highly reactive metal used in atomic clocks and oil drilling. While it is not required by plants, some species can accumulate cesium from soils, making them useful for phytoremediation. Coal ash and radioactive fallout are common environmental sources.

John’s overall takeaway: many heavy metals and trace elements become concentrated through artificial fertilizers, sewage sludge, coal ash, and industrial pollution. Building healthy organic soils with quality compost and organic fertilizers helps reduce harmful uptake while improving plant and human health.

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