GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

February 28, 2009

The best way to minimize weeds problems in a turfgrass is simply good general maintenance. This includes proper mowing, watering efficiently and a discipline nutritional program. A strong and aggressively growing turfgrass tends to always choke out any weed types.

If need be, apply an approved pre-emergent herbicide such as Amaze Grass & Weed Preventor, Betasan, or Crabgrass Preventor with Dimension through mid-March to prevent crabgrass and grassburs throughout the year. For the complete prevention program for grassburs (sandburs) in turfgrass, visit: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/turf/grassbur.html.

Only spot apply a broadleaf weed killer on warm days to eliminate hard to get rid off henbit, chickweed, dandelions, clover and non-grassy weeds. Always read, understand and follow the label instructions.

Fertilize healthy and well established shade trees. Use one pound of a high nitrogen slow-release fertilizer type, such as a 15-5-10, 18-6-12, or 19-5-9 analysis per every inch of tree trunk diameter. Spread the fertilizer evenly under the drip zone of the tree. Conclude by thoroughly watering the fertilizer in.

Do not contribute to the non-sense of adding recyclable materials to our land fills. Use live oak leaves for mulch in gardens or finely shred them and to be incorporated with the compost pile.

David Rodriguez is the County Extension Agent-Horticulture with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service 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.