July 29 2006 Timely Tips

GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

BEXAR COUNTY

BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

July 29, 2006

  • If you see dead areas in your St. Augustine, check for chinch bugs. Chinch bugs can be found in the hot areas of your yard. Cut the bottom out of a coffee can and push it into the ground about an inch where you think chinch bugs may be. Next, fill the can with water. Chinch bugs will float to the top. The bugs are small, only about 3/16 inch on size with black bodies and white wings. Treat will registered insecticide for the bugs.
  • Take a critical look at your landscape while at the height of summer development. Make notes of how you think it can be better arranged, plants that need replacement, overgrown plants that need to be removed, and possible activity areas that can be enjoyed by family members.
  • Prune out dead or diseased wood from trees and shrubs. Hold off on major pruning from now until midwinter. Severe pruning at this time will only stimulate tender new growth prior to frost.
  • For beautiful fall color, plant Marigold Mari-Mums now. These bloom a fabulous orange or yellow throughout the fall season from Halloween through Thanksgiving.
  • To help conserve moisture in the lawn, during the hottest part of summer, remember to keep lawnmower on the highest setting.

David Rodriguez is County Extension Agent-Horticulture with Texas Cooperative Extension in Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener “Hotline” (210) 467-6575 or visit our County Extension website at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu

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