Page 44 - CFAN_Jul2014

ARMED WITH KNOWLEDGE AND KNOW-HOW FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE
FEATURE | a g r i b i z MORE THAN JUST
JULY HAS ARRIVED, which means it’s time to arm yourself with the knowledge that will keep your lawn and garden looking victorious for the remainder of the summer. Now is the time for summer fertilization of your lawn. Repairing, renovating, or planting are also good ideas. Before planting, don’t forget to work in organic materials, such as peat, manure, and compost, into your soil.
For this month, spraying your roses weekly with a good fungicide such as Thiomyl, Daconil, and Dithane M-45 is key to the plant’s health. Rose bushes are especially hungry plants so feed them on a regular basis.
Remember, weeds grow at a lower fertility level than turf grasses. Weeds thrive when a lawn is hungry. Feeding and mowing your lawn on a regular schedule this year will result in vast improvements. Since fungus diseases thrive in July, watch your grass and use a good granular turf fungicide if you see disease rear its ugly head.
Spider mites attack most plants and can do serious damage. Fight back using a miticide, such as Merit or Acephate. This is a tactic that is tried and true against these problematic pests.
Make sure you watch for scale insects as well. Whiteflies, chinch bugs, sob web, and armyworms are some of the more common nuisances. We have exactly what you need for these battles, and the know- how to guide you, so you can ultimately win the war and
free your lawn
and garden of
these pests.
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.
44 | CFAN
FARMERS
with Benefits
SMembers Talk Shop on Being a Part of the ‘Voice of Agriculture’ by ANDREA REEVES
SOME PEOPLE JOIN AN ORGANIZATION to receive the great benefits; others might sign-on because they hope to advance a worthy cause. If for the former, they might weigh the cost of membership with how much money their active status will save them in the long run. If the latter, they may not even consider the cost to join because they believe coming together with like-minded individuals will help make a difference for the community.
“You cannot put a price tag on having many experienced minds working to find a solution to a common problem.”
With over 4,000 members and growing, Polk County Farm Bureau (PCFB) is one of the largest county federations in the state of Florida, which serves as a testament that there is more than one reason why people join— and remain involved.
Being a member of PCFB involves multiple tangible benefits, including discounts to various goods, services, and Farm Bureau banking. One of the most helpful perks that members receive, however, is the one-of-a-kind insurance and customer care. While Farm Bureau Insurance is a nationwide company, the customer service is specially catered to the local members being served.
“My family’s auto insurance is very comprehensive and competitive with other providers. I also enjoy working with agents that have the ‘hometown appeal’ . . . they remember me and are always willing to answer any insurance questions I may have,” explains Lauren Cline, the Director of Agricultural Studies at Warner University in Lake Wales, who has been
a PCFB member for almost three years.
“They break it down to your level here locally and
FloridaAgNews.com