August 29, 2008 12:01 pm
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It’s time to seed fescue in lawns when night temperatures are in the 50s so plants will have time to establish secondary roots essential for plant survival through the winter.
The soil needs to be moist through germination and early plant growth, said Jacob Weber, Kansas State University Extension area horticulturist.
Typical soils in Southeast Kansas lawns are low in phosphorus and potassium, he said. A good fertilizer blend is one with 25 percent nitrogen, 3-5 percent phosphorus and 25 percent potassium. Potassium is vital to help fescue survive the winter and increase drought tolerance.
In established lawns, apply fertilizer about Sept. 10 and hope for rain or water the lawn. The fertilizer thickens stands. Nitrogen can be applied in late October or November to eliminate spring applications and reduce lawn mowing the next year, he said.
Questions answered at county extension centers:
Q: How can I keep cats and dogs out of my flower beds?
A: You can try moth balls or fences. There is no surefire system.
Q: Are cedar trees hard to control?
A: Cut them off and treat stumps.
Q: How do you control water primrose?
A: Use a herbicide and treat a fourth to a third to the pond surface at time.
Q: Where can I find plans for a storage shed and garden trellis?
A: See the Jasper County Extension center at Carthage.
Q: How can I kill algae on my pond?
A: Use copper sulfate or a similar product and cover a fourth to a third of the surface at a time and leave at least two weeks between applications. The dying algae depletes oxygen in the water.
Q: What is the insect seen boring into area tomatoes?
A: Tomato fruit worm. Once you see it, it’s too late to control.
Q: What can I do to remove bindweed and an elm tree growing in crepe myrtle bushes?
A: Cut off the elm tree at its base and break off any sprouts that start to grow. The bindweed needs to be cut out. Herbicides that kill bindweed also kill the crepe myrtle unless you use extreme care.
Q: What is the black mold in the center of tomatoes?
A: Possibly blossom end rot that can be inside the tomato and not be seen on the outside. It is a calcium deficiency.
Telephone numbers of area county extension centers:
Barton (417) 682-3579
Crawford (620) 724-8233
Jasper (417) 358-2158
Lawrence (417) 466-3102
McDonald (417) 223-4775
Newton (417) 455-9500
Ottawa (918) 542-1688
Vernon (417) 448-2560
Address correspondence to Mike Surbrugg, c/o The Joplin Globe, P.O. Box 7, Joplin, Mo. 64802 or e-mail msurbrugg@joplinglobe.com.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
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