AS THE COOLER MONTHS of the year approach, it’s important to ensure that your lawn and garden are ready to withstand any obstacle Mother Nature might throw at them. Here at Doty Farm and Garden Supply, Inc., we are dedicated to helping your plants, lawns, and trees get the protection they need.
The first important tip is to fertilize your fruit trees, shade trees, and woody shrubs with a good balanced fertilizer containing minor elements. This helps winter survival and has these plants strong and ready to go in the spring.
Next, it’s important to plant winter vegetable gardens and hardy annuals now. Prepare beds properly (peat, manure, and bone meal) and feed lightly, but frequently. Dust or spray every week or two with a combination fungicide and insecticide.
Another piece of advice is to fertilize lawns for strong root systems and a quick takeoff next spring. Watch lawns for signs of fungus or mole crickets, chinch bugs, or worms. Use turf fungicide for fungus and Turf Ranger or Bifenthrin for the insects or worms.
Stick with these essential tips and you’ll ensure that the important job of protecting your valuable plants, lawns, and trees is done right the first time.
CREDIT
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 the readers of Central Florida Ag News monthly.
