June may be bride’s month to many people, but to the busy southern gardener, it is “groom” month. Lawns – Watering, fertilizing and mowing make up the grooming operations for the lawn this month. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer applied in April will have about worn off by now and a light feeding is necessary.

Few gardeners realize that an average grass plant in one season may make as much as two or three feet of vegetative growth. This plus the fact that over 300 grass plants are on each square foot of lawn area make it easy to realize why regular feedings are necessary to maintain beautiful lawns. Regular applications to the lawn area will maintain good color. Irrigate your lawn, do not sprinkle. Thorough soaking once per week should be sufficient. Mow frequently and to the proper height. The average height of cut for Bermuda grass lawns should be 1 1/2 to two inches. Most people mow much lower and are not aware of it.

Read more...

Taking a walk around your house in the summer time can be a pain. Not only is it hot, but you have to deal with the constant threat from mosquitoes. These annoying insects cause more havoc then good. Let these helpful tips guide you to a yard that is almost mosquito free.

Always keep yellow light bulbs in patio lamps, especially in summer months. Yellow lights should be turned on in the evening and at night, these are the hours that mosquitoes are mainly out prowling. These yellow lights do not attract mosquitoes as much as regular white colored bulbs. Wear dark colored clothes when working in the yard. Mosquitoes don’t seem as attracted to them as to lighter colors. This is the same principle as the colored lights. It maybe a little hotter, but it might deter these pesky creatures away.

Read more...

Do you have pests or gophers invading your lawn? Chances are, if you have a lawn you will run into a pest problem at some point. Some of the most common pests are the gopher and a close relative the mole. Perhaps, its because those pesky creatures, ants and other insects are finding your lawn attractive. What can you do to get them to stop them from burrowing and nesting in your yard. We will provide you with the answers and more within this article.

Most household lawns are not big enough to attract so many invaders that will cause a serious problem as a result, but, while they can be a nuisance and cause some serious damage to your lawn. Insects are not easily spotted, some are small and unnoticed by the human eye, however they can be seen in the patches of dead, brown grass they leave behind. Some signs of moles and gophers are a bit more obvious, such as dirt mounds on top of and beneath the lawn, tunnels and holes as well. Once the problem is identified, you can then choose how you are going to alleviate the issue.

Read more...

Midwest January

During the January thaw is a good time to start fighting common chickweed. It is in flower now having germinated in September and October. Soon it will be setting ripening seed. Walk across the lawn now pulling out the chickweed plants by hand while their fresh green leaves are conspicuous against the brown soil.

Protecting Shallow Planted Tulips and Narcissus

The long unseasonable fall experienced in the Midwest last year encouraged growth of tulips and narcissus. During February thaws they will begin to peek through the soil. Before they get nipped by frost, cover the bed with 2 or 3 inches of peatmoss or compost. Next fall plant the bulbs deeper.

Watering Evergreens

Even if rain and snow have fallen recently, it would be wise to check the soil under the evergreens. In many places last falls drought left the subsoil extremely dry. The evergreens require moisture during the winter.

Dormant Spraying

Dormant sprays can be applied whenever the temperature remains above freezing for at least twelve hours. If the trees are subjected to freezing temperatures less than twelve hours after application of the spray, they will be injured when the emulsion of oil and sulfur separates.

Read more...