Page 28 - CFAN_Aug2014

AUGUST’S MOST WANTED LIST FOR YOUR GARDEN
INSECTS ARE ACTIVE this time of year, so you need to create your “most wanted” list of pests to look out for and manage, if necessary. Check your lawns and gardens at least weekly for mole crickets, chinch bugs, sod-web worms, azalea caterpillars, white flies, and more.
In addition to any pesticides you require, you’ll want to use nutritional sprays to keep your plants as healthy as possible. These sprays are as important as regular fertilizers because zinc and manganese are not very effective when they’re applied through the soil. The leaves, on the other hand, can easily take in these nutrients important to your plants’ health.
Now is also the time to plan ahead and begin planting fall vegetable gardens. Clean the garden site, then add compost, manure or peat moss to hold moisture and fertilizer until the plants can use it.
Other gardening to-do items for August:
• Plant and replant lawns. Check out our Palmetto grass plugs.
• Continue to feed and spray roses. Thrips are usually a problem on light-colored roses now. You can control them with Malathion or Acephate.
• Watch for fungus and treat as necessary.
• Feed azaleas and camellias with a good quality acid fertilizer. If you bring in a soil sample, we’ll check it for free. A soil pH of 4.5 to 5.5 is needed for azaleas, camellias, ixoras, and gardenias. Water them well and
keep them properly mulched.
• Giveyourpoinsettiasthatlastpruning
before September 1.
by WILLIAM “BILL” DOTY
BIO: William R. “Bill” Doty is owner of Doty Farm and Garden Supply Inc., founded in Winter Haven in 1954. Bill graduated from Winter Haven High School and Florida State University. Growing up, he learned valuable lessons in listening and asking questions and was a student of the family business. Bill shares his knowledge with his customers daily and with our readers monthly.
FSGA
At the 32nd Annual AgriTech, hosted by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, growers and industry professionals converged at the John R. Trinkle Building in Plant City for a two-day event filled with the latest resources and information for this year’s growing season. For more photos from recent events,
turn to PAGES 30 AND 32.
Agritech
JULIE FORRESTER (LEFT) AND JEFF ALBRITTON
28 | CFAN
DONALD HARDEN (LEFT) AND HOUSTON MAY
ZOOMING IN ON AGRICULTURE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
JUAN AND FABBY BOCANEGRA
FloridaAgNews.com
AGRI SNAPSHOT
August celebrates Marilyn Francisco’s 25th year as an employee with Polk County Farm Bureau. Before joining the Polk County division, she served Farm Bureau at two other locations here in Florida. Thank you, Marilyn, for your commitment and service to the community!
AGRI SNAPSHOT
July 17 marked the 98th anniversary of President Woodrow Wilson signing the Feder- al Farm Loan Act in 1916, which created what is today the Farm Credit System. To celebrate, Farm Credit of Central Florida offices had a commemorative cake baked by Special Assets Loan Officer, Jessica Slaughter (Center). Join- ing the celebration are FCCF President & CEO, Reggie Holt (left), and Executive VP & Chief Credit Officer, Craig Register (right). photo by RON O’CONNOR, Farm Credit