We had a pretty active rainy season. Add to that the extra inches of rainfall we received in September, and the soil has been robbed of precious nutrients. With the changing of the seasons upon us, the time to restore those nutrients and bring life back to your garden is now. So here are some essential reminders to help keep your landscape looking pristine and the envy of the neighborhood.
During the month of October it is vital to fertilize your lawn in order to assure the growth of a strong root system. This will enable a quick take off next spring and keep your grounds looking the way it should. Watch lawns for signs of fungus, mole crickets, chinch bugs, or worms. Should you find any pests, we’ve got just the solutions you need.
It’s also time to fertilize fruit trees, shade trees, and woody shrubs with a good balanced fertilizer containing minor elements. This helps winter survival and has the trees ready to go once spring arrives next year.
If your garden needs a little attention, then now is the time to plant winter vegetable gardens and hardy annuals. Make sure to prepare your plant beds properly using peat, manure, and bone meal. Once the beds are ready, ensure that you feed them lightly but frequently. It’s also important to dust or spray every week or two with a combination fungicide and insecticide. The use of Thuricide will help eliminate worms and caterpillars, while not harming beneficial insects.
CREDITS
column 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.
