fbpx

Category: Lifestyle

Categories
Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Tips for Traveling With Pets

If you plan on hitting the road for the fall holiday season – or taking to the skies – and taking your furry friend with you, planning ahead is an absolute must. 

 

Here are a few travel tips to keep in mind when traveling with your pets. 

 

Plan a Packing List

 

Planning out a packing list before any trip isn’t just a good habit for humans, but it applies to pets as well. Set aside a separate bag for all your pet’s essentials so that everything is packed together. 

 

  • Food/water bowl
  • Lesh
  • Treats
  • Toys

 

If your pet is going to be in a crate for the majority of your trip, be sure to include their favorite blanket or even an old t-shirt that smells like you for some extra comfort.

 

Traveling Safety

 

You wouldn’t dare think of taking your children on a car trip without making sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt, and your pet should be no different. There is a range of dog seat belts and harnesses on the market to fit just about every size of pooch. These can make all the difference in keeping your pet safe and comfortable during the trip. 

 

Even when traveling with a pet carrier, you should still take precautions to keep it secure so it doesn’t slide around in the car. This can easily be done by slipping the seat belt through the handle or around the carrier itself. 

 

Prep Your Car

 

Not every pet is exactly enthusiastic about going on a trip. In fact, traveling either by car or plane can often be incredibly stressful for pets. If your pet has a tendency to get car sick or have accidents when stressed, be sure to lay down plenty of towels in your car before pulling out of the driveway. (This will also help keep pet hair off the seats.)

 

While we’re on the subject of travel prep, if you know your pet gets stressed easily, it may be worth speaking with your vet about medication that can help your pet relax on the ride. 

 

Don’t Forget Important Documents

 

When traveling with pets, applying the Boy Scout motto of “always be prepared” is never a bad idea. Be sure to bring along either paper copies or a copy on your phone of any important information regarding your pets, such as vaccinations or medication prescriptions. This will make getting your pet the proper care it needs that much easier in case of an emergency. 

 

Plan Ahead

 

It’s not only smart to plan for the pet essentials that you’ll need to bring with you, but doing some research in regard to other aspects of the trip is a good idea, too. 

 

  • Many airlines have specific travel guidelines for pets, so check before booking. 
  • Some hotels only allow certain breeds, and others are strictly no pets allowed.
  • Make a note of the closest veterinary hospital near you in case of emergency. 

Of course, one of the best parts of traveling – with or without a pet – is coming back to a home you love. Reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

Categories
Blog Design Homeowner Tips Lifestyle Tips

Optimize Your Closet to Switch to Your Fall Wardrobe

As great as summer is with the long days spent on the water, just about everyone in Texas needs some relief from the heat by the time fall rolls around. Cooler weather brings its own host of outdoor activities, and with the occasional chilly night, a wardrobe swap is needed. 

 

Even if you have a massive closet that is big enough to hold every piece of clothing you own, it’s still a good idea to do a little bit of autumn closet organization. 

 

Here are a few tips to help you pack away those tank tops and cutoff shorts and swap in the scarves and flannels. 

 

Gradually Transition

 

As every Texan knows, there are still plenty of warm days in the fall. Because winters here tend to be on the milder side, it makes the most sense to gradually swap your clothing over from summer to fall. 

 

Start by pulling out any summer clothes you know you won’t be wearing until next year, and bring in those fall clothes that are on the lighter side. Any summer or fall clothes you’re ready to part with should go in a donation or trash pile. Those summer pieces you do want to keep should be washed and put away in storage. 

 

Make the Most of Storage Space

 

If you have a hefty wardrobe to put away, then you’ll want to be smart about how you maximize storage space. 

 

 Keep these tips in mind for making sure everything stays organized. 

 

  • Vacuum seal clothes in storage bags to take up less space.
  • Roll up jeans or t-shirts rather than folding them to maximize space.
  • Opt for flat storage bins that can slide under your bed (be sure to label them).
  • Keep dresses or fancier clothing items on slim hangers or in a storage bag.

 

Implement Some Organization Strategy

 

Fall and winter clothes tend to be a bit bulkier and take up more space than a summer wardrobe, so putting certain pieces in the right spot can make all the difference. You don’t want to hang sweaters or more delicate knits on a hanger, as this might stretch them out, so be sure to reserve the appropriate amount of drawer or shelf space. 

 

You may also want to consider organizing your fall pieces into categories, either by color or by the kind of weather they’re best suited for—lighter shirts in the front of your closet and thicker flannels or jackets in the back. Heavy blankets or pieces that you wear only on the chilliest of nights should be kept at the top of your closet. 

 

If space is an issue and you have to keep your summer and fall wardrobe in the same closet, make it easier on yourself and move the summer stuff to the front for easier access. 

Many of the homes located within the Crosswinds community have walk-in closets and two-car garages for plenty of storage space. To learn more about the available inventory of homes, contact the Crosswinds team today.

Categories
Blog Education Lifestyle Tips

Simple Savings

Saving money can often feel like an uphill climb. Car and home repairs unexpectedly pop up, and before long, that well-intentioned savings plan takes a back seat. 

 

A simple savings strategy doesn’t have to be complicated; it just takes some careful planning and foresight for when life does inevitably throw a few curveballs your way. 

 

Make a budget – If you don’t have a budget, now is the time to start one. Track everything (we mean everything) that you spend over the course of the month. At the end of the month, take a hard look at areas you might be able to cut back to allocate more money for savings. 

 

Cook at Home – If you want to get serious about saving, then learn to cook at home. A 2022 survey found that the average American household spent almost $200 monthly eating out. Scale that back by 75%, and you could save $1,800 over the course of a year. 

 

Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions – Another great way to save some money each month is by canceling unnecessary subscriptions. Between streaming services, gym memberships, and other subscription services, the average monthly spending for American households is $219. Scale back and start saving!

 

Make Saving Automatic – If you’re ready to put savings into action, consider contacting your bank to set up automatic savings. You can instantly have a percentage of your income put into a savings account with each direct deposit of your paycheck. 

 

DIY Repairs – We live in a pretty incredible era where just about anything can be learned via the magic of YouTube. While some repairs really are better left to a professional, learning how to replace a burned-out taillight in your car or add a new backsplash to your kitchen can translate to serious savings. 

 

Reduce Energy Costs – Utilities aren’t getting any cheaper, so learning to reduce your energy consumption can help keep bills down. From fixing leaky windows to taking shorter showers or replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, there are lots of ways to reduce energy costs and keep a little more cash in your pocket. 

 

Use Coupons – Everyone likes saving money, and major retailers are constantly throwing coupons at new and existing customers. If you’re thinking about making a purchase with a particular brand, consider signing up for their email ahead of time to see if they offer a discount coupon. There are also cash-back apps like Ibotta and Rakuten that can help you save on purchases. 

 

Scale Back on Entertainment – You probably don’t need to cut your entertainment spending back to zero, but weekends out can really add up quickly. Look for things you can do around town for free that will help you save money that otherwise might have gone towards more expensive entertainment. 

 

Pay Off Debt – Paying down debt is the best way to allocate more money for savings. When paired with a detailed budget, this is a money-saving combo that can’t be beat! The popular debt snowball method involves paying your smallest debts first and using that momentum to tackle more significant debts. 

 

In a relatively short matter of time, some simple savings tips can translate into much bigger savings wins. 

If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Lifestyle Tips

Mindfulness + Relaxation

Stress isn’t always a bad thing, but too much stress can hurt a person’s well-being, and according to the American Psychological Association, we’re more stressed than ever. Here are a few things you can do to help with relaxation and mindfulness. 

 

Pick Up a Pen – Journaling is one of the oldest known ways to cope with life’s ups and downs. People have been picking up a pen to jot down their setbacks, frustrations, and triumphs for centuries, and it’s been shown to help with everything from managing depression to identifying negative behaviors and emotional triggers. 

 

Change Your Diet -. Not only is eating because you’re stressed harmful, but eating too many of the wrong kinds of food can take its toll on the body and mind. 

 

Too much alcohol, caffeine, sugar, or processed foods can put a strain on the body. However, foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins found in fruits, veggies, and nuts can help the body better manage daily stress. 

 

Make Some R&R Time – Most of us are busier than ever, but it’s still incredibly important that we make time for ourselves and social time to spend with others. This could be hitting up the batting cages, putting on some headphones and listening to your favorite music, or catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee. 

 

Try to set aside at least 30 minutes a day for yourself on a regular basis. 

 

Meditation – People have been using meditation to boost their mental health for thousands of years. In practice, meditation is paying attention to your breath as it goes in and out and taking notice when the mind wanders from this task. It’s been shown to not only help with lowering stress but improving focus as well. 

 

Start off slow, finding a quiet place and meditating for a couple of minutes at a time. 

 

Try a New Hobby – Picking up a new hobby is a great way to not only improve your focus and give your brain a workout but ward off stress as well. While some hobbies are going to be more relaxing than others (putting together a jigsaw puzzle vs. CrossFit), there’s an endless array to choose from. 

 

Volunteer – Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community but has a benefit to the volunteer as well. According to Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic, “[Volunteering] has been shown to decrease stress levels, depression, anxiety and boost your overall health and satisfaction with life.”

 

From animal shelters to serving the needy, there are plenty of opportunities in Kyle to volunteer your time. 

 

Get More Exercise and Sleep – Two of the best ways to give your mental health a boost are exercise and a good night’s sleep. How much sleep a person needs can vary, but most people tend to need 6 to 9 hours. 

 

Whether it’s lifting weights at the gym, taking a dance class, or simply going for a stroll on a walking trail, regular exercise helps to reduce stress and increases mood-boosting dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. 

From the pool to the extensive trail system, the Crosswinds community has an array of amenities designed to help residents relax and enjoy life to the fullest. Contact our team to learn more about finding a home here.

Categories
Area Attractions Family Fun Lifestyle

Daytrip to New Braunfels

If you’re looking for a day trip that promises plenty to do and is no more than half an hour’s drive, set your sights on New Braunfels. Jump on the I-35 and head south to discover natural wonders, mammoth water slides, and world-class cuisine. 

 

Float the River – If your idea of a perfect summer day involves letting your cares drift away as you float down a river, then be sure to check out Rockin R River Rides. The outfitter offers tube and kayak trips on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. Tubs and kayaks are provided, as well as drop off and pick up after your float is done. There’s even a bar and food truck on-site for post-float refreshments. 

 

Cool Off on a Wild Slide – If floating down the river is a little too tame or you simply prefer a man-made lazy river float, be sure to check out Schlitterbahn Waterpark. It’s the largest waterpark in Texas and boasts 51 attractions, from relaxing wave pools to heart-pumping near-gravity-defying slides. Day passes start at just $49, and should you need repeat rides on Dragon’s Revenge, season passes are available.

 

Hit Up Downtown – With its many unique shops, quaint cafes, and inventive restaurants, Downtown New Braunfels is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Stop by stores such as Dancing Pony Boutique, Got Toys?, or Arlan’s Market for unique gifts and locally made crafts. After a bit of shopping, pull up a chair at Myron’s Steakhouse, Union Street Station, or one Downtown New Braunfels, among many other restaurants. 

 

Rock Out – A visit to Austin or San Antonio isn’t necessary to catch a great concert. Since 2007, the Whitewater Amphitheater has been welcoming music’s biggest legends and rising new stars. With a capacity of 5,600, the amphitheater has seen everyone from ZZ Top to Eric Church and Midland take the stage. 

 

Mellow Out – Sometimes, a day trip calls not for excitement but sheer bliss and relaxation. If that’s what you’re seeking with a visit to New Braunfels, be sure to book an appointment at Retreat Day Spa. For over 30 years, the spa has been offering facial, body, hair, and nail treatments, all in a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. 

 

Grab a Drink – There are plenty of breweries and wineries to check out in the Texas Hill Country, and New Braunfels is home to two standouts. Five Stones Brewery offers a range of brews in addition to coffee and food options, as well as special events on select weekends. Be sure to stop by Dry Comal Creek Vineyards as well to sample wines in the tasting room or pick up a bottle to bring home with you. 

 

Explore a Natural Wonder – Natural Bridge Caverns is a New Braunfels highlight that is not to be missed! A tour of the caverns is the ideal way to escape the Texas heat, as the temperature inside the cave is 70 degrees year-round. In addition to cave tours, kids can mine for gems and fossils or scale the Twisted Trails ropes course. There are also special events, such as yoga and concerts, that take place inside the caverns. 

With close proximity to New Braunfels, Austin, and San Antonio, Kyle is central to much of the Texas Hill Country. If you’d like to find a home here, contact the Crosswinds team to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

Categories
Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Making Healthy Foods Fun for Kids

A steaming plate of broccoli can make many kids turn up their noses. It doesn’t matter how much you tell them it’s healthy and it will help them grow up big and strong; some kids would rather starve than try so much as a nibble. 

 

If you’re scrambling to figure out how to get your picky eater to embrace healthy foods, here are a few tips. 

 

Add Visual Appeal 

 

Kids are visual eaters just like adults, and if a new food looks unappetizing, trying it could be an uphill battle. A great way of adding a dose of fun to mealtime is with cookie cutters. Use cookie cutters to transform fruits, veggies, meats, or sandwiches into fun shapes. 

 

You can even combine different foods with cookie cutters to create funny faces. Kids will get a kick out of the “new” foods and may just be more open to trying them. 

 

Incentivize 

 

A little incentive can go a long way toward motivating people; the same goes for kids. Rewarding children with dessert for eating their vegetables can make it feel like you’re canceling out nutrition, so consider alternatives. Maybe your child gets points for every new food they finish at mealtime that can be cashed in for things like 30 minutes of bumped-up bedtime or a trip to the zoo or waterpark. 

 

Roll’em Up

 

It’s a universal truth that kids love food that’s rolled up. Something about rolled food just tastes better to kids, and putting this into action can be a great way of getting more healthy foods on your child’s plate. 

 

Use foods like a cheese slice, tortilla, or seaweed wrap as the vehicle for other healthy foods such as fruits, veggies, or meats. 

 

Embrace the Smoothie

 

Being a good parent is about doing what’s best for your children – even if, at times, it requires being a bit sneaky. Busting out the blender and making a fruity yogurt smoothie while slipping in some green veggies like spinach or kale is an excellent way of incorporating healthy foods into your child’s diet. 

 

If your child raises an eyebrow at the green color of their regular bright red strawberry smoothie, just tell them it’s Hulk juice. You won’t technically be lying, as leafy greens can help promote the growth of strong muscles. 

 

Get Your Kids Involved 

 

Children are often more enthusiastic about trying something if they get to have a hand in the process. Bringing your child into the kitchen to help prepare lunch or dinner gives them a sense of empowerment. Younger children may like stirring or adding ingredients, while older kids may be up for the task of chopping fruits and veggies. A hands-on approach can have a big impact on helping kids to be a bit more open-minded when it comes to eating new foods. 

 

If the first method isn’t a surefire success, try a combination of these tips and, above all else, be patient and stick with it. Before you know it, your kids may just be suggesting healthy recipes of their own to try out in the kitchen. 

 

Crosswinds residents love preparing meals in the modern and stylish kitchens of the homes in this master-planned community. To learn more about available homes, contact us today. 

Categories
Blog Lifestyle Tips

Stay Active When Working From Home

While it’s true that people are starting to return to the office, more workers are still punching the clock from home than ever before. Naturally, this means lots of desk time, and if there’s one thing all health professionals can agree on, it’s the importance of moving your body. 

 

Sitting for long, uninterrupted periods of time can lead to cardiovascular problems, but just 30 minutes of daily exercise can offset all that sitting. Here are some ways to stay active when working at home. 

 

Make Exercise a Priority

 

First and foremost, make moving around a priority. It’s recommended that you get up and move for at least 5 to 10 minutes every hour, but you should also work actual exercise into your daily routine. 

 

This could be something as simple as jumping a little rope on your lunch break or hitting up a yoga class before or after work. Many employers also offer incentives and discounts on gym memberships for employees. 

 

If you find that you can’t commit to a gym or yoga class, consider setting a reminder on your phone to work in 10-minute exercise segments throughout your day. The important thing is that you actively make an effort to squeeze exercise into your schedule. 

 

Limber Up

 

In 2022, researchers noted a rise in chronic back pain that was linked to working from home. You don’t need a medical degree to see the correlation. Thankfully, there is something you can do to avoid putting yourself at risk – stretch.  

 

Consider trying these stretches to keep your back feeling limber:

 

Child’s pose: While on your hands and knees, lean back, resting your hips on your heels. Then extend your arms in front of you to rest your belly on your thighs. Hold for one minute. 

 

Seated spinal twist:

  1. Sit on the floor, keeping both legs out front.
  2. Bend your right knee, placing your foot outside your left thigh.
  3. Place your right arm on the outside of your left knee and your left hand behind you on the ground.
  4. Gently twist your spine to the right.
  5. Hold one minute. 

 

Take a Walk 

 

If the gym or yoga isn’t your thing, then lace up those shoes and step outside for a walk. Walking has numerous health benefits, such as easing joint pain, improving the immune system, and burning calories. 

 

The trail system at Crosswinds and local parks such as Lake Kyle and Steeplechase are all great places for getting out and stretching your legs with a walk. 

 

Sit and Stand

 

As we touched on earlier, too much sitting isn’t good for your health. To help offset this, you may want to consider adding a standing desk to your home office. A standing desk gives you the option of sitting when you want to sit and easily elevates its height when you want to stand. 

 

By alternating your desk time between sitting and standing, you’ll help to offset some of the potential health risks of sitting for too long. 

From the walking trail system to the pool and sports court, there are plenty of ways within the Crosswinds community to get in some daily exercise. If you’d like to find your next home here, contact us today.

Categories
Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips TX

Summer vacation – Travel hacks

If you’re like millions of other folks, you’re probably itching to head out on a summer vacation. Travel industry experts are predicting this to be a record-setting travel season – Memorial Day weekend alone saw over 42 million travelers. 

 

With busy skies and busy highways being a likelihood with so many heading out for vacation, here are a few tips to help make your trip a hassle-free one. 

 

Leave Early or Late – If you’re traveling by plane or train, consider opting for a red-eye ticket. These are often a little cheaper and may be less crowded. 

 

It’s probably not the safest idea to drive through the night, but if you can leave a few hours before morning rush hour, you’ll have less traffic to contend with on the roads. Just be sure to go to bed early the night before so you’re well rested. 

 

Use Alternative Routes – The U.S. interstate system revolutionized travel, but all those six-lane highways can get pretty crowded at times. Consider plugging an alternative route into your GPS that doesn’t take you on the interstate.

 

Often times these alternative routes aren’t that much longer and are less crowded. You may even discover some off-the-beaten-path places worth stopping at along the way.  

 

Flash Your Credentials – Many restaurants, rental car companies, hotels, and even airlines offer discounts based on affinity affiliations. Often times these discounts apply to senior citizens, Triple AAA members, first responders, active or military veterans, students, and even teachers. All you have to do is ask. 

 

Use Social Media to Your Advantage – Follow airlines and hotels on social media before your trip. This way, you’ll be privy to any important announcements or limited-time offers. 

 

The same goes for theme parks. Parks like Disney and Universal Studios also have apps that may be worth downloading to help find a bathroom or locate attractions with shorter wait times. 

 

Bring a Water Bottle – This is a simple one but can be a big money saver. By bringing a reusable water bottle with you, you’ll be able to save on constantly having to buy water bottles, a cost that can add up quickly in airports and theme parks. 

 

Pack Smart – Good organization is key for packing, and packing cubes make keeping everything organized that much easier. Not only do they help with organization, but they work like mini-compression sacks and enable you to cram more stuff in your suitcase. 

 

Block Out the Noise – If you’re going on a long flight or will be bunking with people whose sleep habits you’re unfamiliar with, do yourself a favor and buy some noise-canceling headphones. Trust us; they’re much better at blocking out snoring or loud music than simply shoving tissue in your ear. 

 

Splurge on Lunch – If you’re a foodie who loves to eat at the best restaurants on vacation (and who doesn’t?), then you know that eating out can get expensive. Check if the restaurant you’re eyeing offers a less expensive lunch menu and splurge on your mid-day meal rather than dinner. 

 

As much fun as heading out for a summer vacation is, it’s always great to come back to a home you love and sleep in your own bed. If you’re looking for the perfect home, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about Kyle and our inventory of available homes. 

Categories
Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

A Guide to Creating Unforgettable Memories with Dad this Father’s Day

Father’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fathers in our lives. Whether they’re biological fathers, adoptive fathers, grandfathers, or fatherly mentors, it’s a special chance for us to tell them and show them how much they mean to us. 

 

Here are some ideas that will surely put a smile on Dad’s face – whether they are right here in the Texas Hill Country or miles away. 

 

Keep It Simple

 

There’s nothing wrong with going all out, but often, something straightforward and from the heart is a perfect way to show Dad how much you care. While every father is unique, here are a few gifts that just about any dad is guaranteed to love. 

 

  • Thoughtful card – While Hallmark has some amazing scribes, a personal, heartfelt message is just as special.
  • Book – Ask the dad in your life about a few of his favorite literary genres and grab him one of the latest bestsellers. Who knows, maybe you’ll introduce him to his new favorite author?
  • Framed photo – Give him a framed picture of you two or even of him and his grandchildren.
  • Sports Jersey – Surprise Dad with a top-notch jersey featuring his all-time favorite player’s number. This gift will allow him to enjoy games in style, feeling like he’s part of the action.

 

Take Him Out

 

You don’t need to whisk them off to a foreign destination or even a weekend getaway to show him you care. Take him to his favorite restaurant, treat him to a movie or concert of his choice, or go out for a round of golf together. The important thing is that you find an opportunity to spend time with him doing something he’ll enjoy. 

 

There are some pretty great ways to make Father’s Day special right here in Kyle and the greater Austin area. Pack up all your dad’s favorite snacks in a picnic basket, grab a blanket, and head out to one of the local parks in Kyle for some quality time together. And if you don’t feel like doing the cooking yourself, local restaurants like Milt’s Pit BBQ and Texas Pie Company can put together a perfect takeout plate for your picnic basket. 

 

Get Creative

 

If Dad loves to try new things, consider signing him up for a subscription service. For example, does he enjoy an evening beer? Check out the Beer of the Month Club. The subscription allows you to choose from five different clubs that vary by brewery, country of origin, and beer style to suit their specific tastes. A Beer of the Month subscription is a great way to stretch out the Father’s Day celebration all year long!

 

Head Outdoors

 

There’s a good chance that the father in your life works harder than you realize. Treat him to a day outdoors, whether it be hiking, a bike ride, fishing, or even a local camping trip. No matter what he prefers, it is another great way to spend some quality time together doing something they love!

 

These are just a few of the great ways you can celebrate Father’s Day around Kyle. Prefer to keep your plans within walking distance? Get the whole family together and take in the fresh air with a walk along the trails at Crosswinds. To learn more about this wonderful city and find a home here, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

Categories
Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Getting Into Gardening

If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors this spring and aren’t afraid of getting a little dirty, gardening is a wonderful hobby to take up. Gardening not only allows you to connect with nature but provides a sense of satisfaction from watching your plants grow (and potentially even produce food)!

 

Here are a few tips to consider if you’re a newbie to gardening and are hoping to grow a green thumb in the Texas Hill Country.

 

Timing is Everything

 

May is an ideal month for gardening. There’s usually a healthy amount of rain, the possibility of a cold snap is in the rearview mirror, and it’s still not too hot out yet. While it’s a little late in the season to be planting spring flowers (those should have been planted in March), this is the ideal time for many vegetables.

 

Know Your Zone

 

Each part of the country is made up of various hardiness zones. These help gardeners know which types of plants will thrive best in their particular region, and Kyle happens to be in Zone 8. If you’ve been here for any amount of time, you know that hot summers and mild winters are the standard. It’s these conditions that make this area great for heat-loving vegetables. 

 

Prep Your Garden Area

 

Unless you aim to grow cattails, well-draining soil is going to be a must. You’ll also want to aim for a space that offers a good amount of sun.

 

Once you have your gardening spot picked out, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure your plants flourish.

 

  • Apply a compost layer of mulch to flower beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
  • Plant any bedding plants, such as shrubs, and give them ample water before the weather really heats up.
  • Water your plants deeply and infrequently to foster strong roots.
  • Loosen up the soil before planting any vegetable seeds.
  • Pull any weeds that may have popped up before they start seeding.

 

Grow What You Like

 

Some plants are going to be easier than others to grow, but regardless of difficulty, you should grow what you like. There’s no sense in growing tomatoes if nobody in your household can stand them. If you grow what you like, you’ll enjoy gardening that much more!

 

Vegetables that do well in Zone 8 and are perfect for planting in May:

 

  • Beans
  • Beets
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Peppers
  • Okra
  • Spinach
  • Cucumbers
  • Herbs
  • Summer squash

 

Because some vegetables grow faster than others, you’ll also want to stagger your plantings out rather than putting all your seeds in the ground at once.

 

Another key thing to consider is making sure those seeds get the right amount of water. A wooden chopstick or skewer is handy for gauging if the soil is too dry. If when you poke the chopstick in the ground, the top two inches are dry, you need to water it.

 

May is a wonderful month for gardening, and with so much natural beauty around Kyle, it’s a perfect outdoor hobby. If you’re looking for a home here, reach out to us to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community. 

Sign up for our Newsletter