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

J U N E  2 0 0 8

LAWN CARE
    It's time to fertilize warm-season lawns with ferti-lome
South-West Green Maker. This product has slow and quick release
nitrogen to feed these grasses during their period of rapid growth.
Use a second application in about 6 weeks. There is also still time
to plant bermuda, buffalo and zoysia. Buffalo and bermuda are
usually planted by seed. Bermuda can also be planted by sprigs or
plugs like zoysia.
    On cool-season lawns, raise the mower cutting height to help
beat the summer heat. Mow to 3 to 3.5" for fescue and to 2.5 to 3"
for bluegrass.
    Established cool-season lawns need about 1" of water a week
taking rainfall into account. Bluegrass needs more than fescue, so
while fescue may need to be watered once or twice, bluegrass will
probably need an extra time. Deep watering encourages a deep root
system that results in a healthier and more drought-resistant lawn.
    Be on the alert for conditions which would trigger an outbreak
of Brown Patch disease?high humidity and nighttime temperatures
above 70 degrees. If these conditions exist for several days
--especially if your lawn has a history of disease--apply a
preventative application of fungicide.* Also water during the early
morning hours so grass blades will be dry at night. Avoid high
nitrogen fertilizer if you suspect Brown Patch. The fertilizer, in
effect, feeds the fungus and causes it to spread even more rapidly.
    For grubs, a preventative treatment with Hi-Yield Kill-A-Grub or
ferti-lome Grub Free Zone can also go on now before damage is seen.

    *Preventative fungicide rates will be less than curative rates.

FLOWERS
    Keep hanging baskets, planters and garden flowers fertilized to
maintain vigorous, healthy plants. A slow-release fertilizer, like
ferti-lome Start-N-Grow, will feed plants all season?but remember to
supplement with a water-soluble high in phosphorus (ferti-lome
Blooming & Rooting) to keep plants blooming profusely. This same
fertilizing routine will increase vegetable yields as well.
    Other tips to keep plants blooming all summer include
deadheading the flowers and maintaining good soil moisture.
"Deadheading" is removing the old flowers so the plants won't waste
energy producing seeds, and will produce more flowers. Water is
crucial. Don't let plants dry out to the point of wilting. Check
every day and maybe twice a day with containers. One way to increase
the moisture holding ability of potting soil is to add Soil Moist
polymer crystals. These granules swell up with water, then slowly
release it to the plants. Mulch plants in the ground with Cottonseed
Hulls or Cedar Mulch to retain moisture.

WATER GARDENS
    Water temperatures are up now and water plants are ready to grow
and so is algae. Fertilize potted lilies and marginal plants with
Aquatic Plant Food Tablets. These slowly feed the intended plants
without adding to the algae bloom. Another way to discourage green
water is to cover 50-70% of the surface area of your pond. Now is a
great time to add more plants, especially tropicals and floaters.
Beneficial bacteria, like those found in Microbe-Lift PL, are also
helpful in controlling algae.

PEST CONTROL
    MOSQUITOES - These pests can ruin outdoor activities. In ponds
or other standing water use Mosquito Dunks in the water to take care
of the larva. For area control use Bayer PowerForce Multi-Insect
Killer.

    BAGWORMS - The larva are now active and feeding inside their
bags. Spray with American Thuricide or ferti-lome Borer, Bagworm,
Tent Caterpillar & Leafminer Spray. This product will also control
budworms on flowers like geraniums and petunias.

    SPIDER MITES - Hot weather brings these pests out. If your
leaves look stippled or yellow check the back side of the leaf for
webbing. To check for mites tap the leaf over a piece of white
paper. The mites will leave a red streak when smeared. Use Bonide
Eight Insect Control or Hi-Yield 38 Plus to control mites.

    PINE TIP MOTH - Look for the second generation of moths in June
and spray with American Thuricide, Hi-Yield 38 Plus or ferti-lome
Borer, Bagworm, Tent Caterpillar & Leafminer Spray once a week
through June.