Johnson's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2008
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/tips.html

J U L Y  2 0 0 8

SUMMER LAWN CARE
    Fertilize warm-season grasses now with ferti-lome Winterizer. Don't
be confused by the name. The 25% nitrogen in Winterizer is great to
promote maximum growth and spread for bermuda, buffalo and zoysia, the
way it does for fescue in the fall. Another option is ferti-lome
South-West Green Maker, a blend of slow and quick release nitrogen with
5% iron. Since both fertilizers contain iron?sweep off any concrete
areas before watering in.

    Summer weather requires adjustments to mowing heights and watering
frequency.

    Grass                    Recommended Height
    Fescue                     3 - 3 1/2"
    Bluegrass/Rye              2 1/2 - 3"
    Bermuda/Buffalo/Zoysia     1 1/2 - 2"

    If you mow often enough to remove only 1/3 of the grass blades, you
can mulch instead of bag the clippings. These grass clippings will
return nutrients to the soil as they break down and also act as a mulch
to conserve moisture and cool the root zone.
    Proper watering is essential to maintain a good looking lawn.
Irrigation needs to be done in such a way as to encourage deep rooting,
which in turn makes lawns healthier. Depending on your soil type, it may
take several short waterings during one day to saturate the soil and
prevent runoff. Automatic sprinkler systems can be programmed to put the
exact amount of water where it is needed. Continue to water in the
mornings so grass is dry at night to reduce a flare up of brown patch
disease.
    In the war against grubs, one July application of Hi-Yield
Kill-A-Grub containing Mach 2 works as a preventative for the remainder
of the season. This product disrupts the grubs' life cycle and prevents
them from eating. It is not important to water in Kill-A-Grub granules
the way you need to with other grub control treatments. For early season
control, Hi-Yield Grub Free Zone, which contains Merit, is the other
effective option for July. For later control, August to September, use
Bayer 24 Hour Grub Control with Dylox for a quick kill. 

SUMMER CARE OF TREES, SHRUBS & FLOWERS
    We've had a lot of rain this spring, but unless it continues into
summer plants that have gotten use to constant moisture will suffer.
This makes attention to summer watering even more important.
    Drip irrigation is the easiest, most efficient way to get water
right to the roots of the plants. The drippers deliver the needed
moisture to individual plants eliminating the waste caused by
evaporation or runoff. The vacant spaces between the plants will not
receive water and that will reduce weeds sprouting in those areas.
    Mulch is another factor in this conservation formula. The mulch
keeps water from evaporating off the soil surface and reduces the light
and air available to weed seeds. In landscape beds the best mulch to use
is cedar; the fibers of the shredded cedar mulch knit together to form a
barrier against weeds and also to hold the mulch in place so it doesn?t
wash away. In vegetable gardens or any plot which will be tilled,
cottonseed hulls are an excellent mulch. The fluffy appearance is
deceiving, because after they are watered they stay in place with little
or no wash out. And they may be worked into the soil to improve it
between seasons.
    There are a couple of other products which can help alleviate the
stress of hot, dry conditions. One is Wilt Pruf, an anti-transpirant
spray which coats the plant?s leaves or needles, reducing moisture loss.
The other is Soil Moist polymer crystals that expand in the soil to
store water then release it when the plant roots need it.
    Fertilizer is another key to many plants not just surviving, but
thriving. Annual flowers and vegetables can be fed once a week with
ferti-lome Blooming & Rooting to encourage more blossoms and fruit
production.
    In addition to the Blooming & Rooting, an application of ferti-lome
Start-N-Grow once during the growing season keeps plants green and
healthy. 

SUMMER PEST CONTROL
SPIDER MITES - Spider mites thrive in hot conditions. Watch your
plants. Look for stippled, yellow leaves and webbing over flower buds or
on the lower leaf surfaces. Spray affected plants with Hi-Yield
Indoor/Outdoor, or ferti-lome Triple Action. Treat at least three times
at 7 day intervals. Apply a hard stream of water before the treatment to
help wash off some of the mites.

PINE-TIP MOTH - Spray in late July for the third generation. Use
Hi-Yield Indoor/Outdoor Insect Spray, ferti-lome  Borer, Bagworm, Tent
Caterpillar & Leafminer Spray or Bonide Systemic Insecticide.

GERANIUM BUDWORMS - These worms chew holes in the buds, flowers and
leaves, especially on geraniums and petunias. Use American Thuricide or
ferti-lome Dipel Dust in the evenings to control these pests. In a
ready-to-use spray, Bayer Rose and Flower Insect Killer is also
effective. Continue as needed through the summer.

COTTONWOOD BORERS - Spray the lower trunk and soil with Hi-Yield 38
Plus.