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.
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.
