GARDEN PATCH
Phyllis Webster earned a level in journalism earlier than embarking on an extended profession in public relations and advertising and marketing. A Granbury resident since 1998, she has been deeply concerned in the neighborhood. She is an award-winning author and photographer, in addition to a Grasp Gardener. She has authored Backyard Patch since 2001.
Yard pests discourage even essentially the most devoted gardener. They seem when least anticipated and assault lawns, flowers, shrubs and timber — typically inflicting irreputable harm. Studying good methods to discourage the most typical yard pests will go a good distance towards making your panorama extra enticing and pleasant yr ‘spherical. Ideas embrace:
Irrigate effectively and water occasionally however totally. About an inch of water per week is all that’s wanted for many vegetation to flourish. To attenuate illnesses, water within the early mornings. Use native and well-adapted vegetation, that are suited to the native atmosphere and subsequently extra pest resistant. Additionally, mow correctly, remembering to take off not more than one-third of grass blades with every mowing.
Keep away from the overuse of fertilizers and different chemical merchandise. All the time go for the least poisonous options to pest and illness points, which protects and encourages pure predators equivalent to ladybugs and birds. Monitor your vegetation commonly for indicators of pest harm. If infestations are caught early, management is less complicated. Be prepared to just accept some harm since pure predators usually transfer in to remove pests, making chemical controls pointless.
Three widespread garden pests embrace grubs, chinch bugs and aphids. Grubs are small white “June bug” larva, which connect to garden grasses by feeding on root techniques. A small quantity is suitable. Deal with in June and July, however solely when 5-10 grubs per sq. foot are discovered. Helpful nematodes could also be launched within the affected areas to assist handle grubs.
Cinch bugs additionally have an effect on lawns. They trigger increasing, irregular patches of broken grass surrounded by a circle of yellowing, dying grass. They’re small and slender, with black our bodies and white wings. Younger nymphs are wingless and pink with a light-colored band throughout their backs. To check for cinch bugs, reduce the underside off a espresso can, push the can one inch into the turf close to the sting of a lifeless grass patch. Fill the can with water. If cinch bugs are current, they are going to float to the floor. Spot deal with contaminated areas with a product labeled for cinch bugs.
Aphids are tiny bugs with delicate our bodies, lengthy legs and antennae. Most aphids are host plant particular, which implies they don’t journey to completely different sorts of vegetation. Aphids assault new progress on the underside of leaves, sucking sap and excreting a sticky “honeydew,” which causes a black, sooty fungus. They primarily assault bedding vegetation, crape myrtle, hibiscus, oaks, pecan timber, roses, greens and oleanders. For minor infestations, spray vegetation with a high-pressure water spray to dislodge aphids. If populations are massive, spray vegetation with horticultural oil or insecticidal cleaning soap. Use row covers on vegetable crops to assist stop aphids.
For solutions to your horticulture questions, please name the Texas AgriLife Extension, Hood County at 817-579-3280 or go browsing to go to lakegranburymastergardeners.org.
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