Atrazine is a broad-spectrum, general-purpose herbicide that can be used as pre-emergent and post-emergent products. It is effective on many weeds and can also be harmful to quite a few grasses and desirable plants. It is a very widely used herbicide in farm settings, and it can be effectively used in lawn and garden settings … Read more
Fertilizer alone does not directly kill weeds. However, it does contribute to circumstances that discourage weeds from growing. For example, weeds tend to like poor, bare soil. A well-fertilized lawn has nutrient-rich soil and a thick cover of grass. Both of these circumstances discourage weed growth. In this article, we answer seven frequently asked questions … Read more
Nutsedge, also known as nutgrass, resembles pale-green grass but is classified as a weed. This plant has very deep, adventitious roots. Although it starts quickly in damp areas, it can thrive in arid soil once established. It is rugged and fast-growing, especially in sweltering weather. For this reason, it can overtake your favored grass in … Read more
In a word, “NO!” Vinegar kills plants’ leaves, especially when applied on a hot, sunny day, but it will not kill the roots of mature plants. Suppose you can catch weeds when they have just sprouted and are under a couple of weeks old. In that case, you might be able to kill them, roots … Read more
The blustery winds and fluctuating temperatures of March can do damage to northern gardens. There is a tendency, when the weather is fine, to uncover plants protected all winter. This could lead to disaster. Tender growth suddenly exposed to frosty winds will shrivel. If there is heavy covering, remove only a part of it, allowing … Read more
The Southern gardener is really kept busy this month! Seeds of annuals and vegetables should be sown and perennials divided and transplanted. In some areas, March is the best time for starting a lawn. And, also, the battle against insects and diseases begins in earnest this month. Protect Roses from Black Spot In most sections … Read more
The saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb,” must have been meant for gardeners who do most of their planting this month. Since California weather is unpredictable, it is sometimes possible to do a lot of planting during the first two weeks of March. Usually, however, it is better … Read more
March – even more than January to the Middle West should – be considered the Janus-faced creature that looks both ways. I have seen this month as mild as May. That year many vegetable gardeners planted beans at the last of that month and, strangely enough, they won. There was no freezing weather and their … Read more
Fertilizing Trees And Shrubs In all parts of the South trees and shrubs should be fed now. A few gardeners remember to feed the shrubs. but most neglect the trees. Fertilizer that is applied now, when most species are developing leaf buds, is taken up immediately. When applied in the fall or early winter, much … Read more
We are already looking ahead to spring. Former disappointments are forgotten, and they should be, except insofar as they keep us from repeating the same mistakes. Soon, the flower catalogs will be arriving. Although we know very well that we won’t grow all the intriguing things they offer, nor really believe all the glowing descriptions, … Read more