by WILLIAM “BILL” DOTY
June is an excellent month to plant new lawns and repair existing ones. Palmetto plugs are an excellent choice to fill those empty spots during the start of our rainy season.
Mole crickets are one of our worst pests. They hatch in May, which makes June a critical month of the year to treat your bahia lawn. To help your lawn, you can use sprays, baits and granular controls. Remember to water before you apply these, and watch for chinch bugs, caterpillars and other insects.
It is time for that important second feeding to azaleas, camellias, ixoras and gardenias. Acid-forming fertilizer heavy in essential minor elements is a good choice. It’s good for crape myrtle, crotons, dogwood, blue hydrangeas, magnolias, American holly and podocarpus. Also, don’t forget to prune those azaleas!
You can treat scale insects, spider mites and white flies— which peak during the summer— with Malathion or Acephate. You also will need to continue feeding annuals and vegetables.
Lastly, as you honor Dad for Father’s Day this month, why not help him with his lawn and garden needs? Help him knock out the to-do list this month, and if you have any questions, you can stop by Doty’s Farm and Garden Supply in Winter Haven.
BIO: William R. (Bill) Doty, is the owner of Doty’s Farm and Garden Supply Inc. Founded in 1954, Doty Farm and Garden Supply, Inc. has been there for every one of their loyal customer’s budding needs. Bill graduated from Winter Haven High School and then Florida State University. Having learned invaluable lessons in listening, asking questions, and reading anything related to the family business, he shares his knowledge with his customers daily and our readers each month.