GARDENING BY THE MOON
By: Dr. Robert E. Moon Harvest Horticulturist
It may only be February but spring is around the corner. But before we discuss upcoming gardening activities, I want to talk weeds! For those of you who did not use a pre-emergent weed control last September or you did but have a breakthrough of weeds, don’t despair. You can control actively growing weeds in your turf with one of the weed killers for Southern Turf such as BioAdvanced Weed Killer for Lawns. There are several manufacturers for southern turf weed control, so pick the one you like.
To get a head start on improving the appearance of your landscape, this is the month to do the following gardening activities.
Freshen your beds and rings to improve appearance. Pull out all weeds in beds and tree rings and add a double ground, dyed-brown, hardwood much. Maintaining 2 inches of mulch will provide great growing conditions for your plants, reduce water use and make it easier to remove those pesky weeds. Remember, no red mulch in beds. Brown will provide a more natural appearance. You want your beds to look their best.
To avoid future weeds, between February 15 and March 15, apply a pre-emergent weed control to your planting beds and turf. This pre-emergent will help control all spring and early summer weeds. Apply Preen to planting beds and Halts to your turf. As always when applying any product, follow the label directions closely.
Feed your trees, shrubs, ground covers, ornamental grasses and perennials. Fertilize with the Harvest fertilizer, Wildroot, and your plants will respond going into the growing season. Apply 2.5 pounds of Wildroot per 100 square feet to all planting areas. Fertilize your trees by applying 2 pounds of Wildroot around each tree spread evenly from tree trunk out to drip line. It is always good to water after fertilizing but fertilizing before a rain will also work.
All the above gardening activities will give you a jump start on the growing season. The good news is – Spring is just around the corner!