abodes
GREEN SCENE
MEETING YOUR LAWN’S NEEDS
Soil test dictates fertilization program by
LES HARRISON
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egin a fertilization and irrigation program in the spring to achieve a lush and enviable lawn. Every landscape is different, so take steps to ensure that the program you follow is tailored to your individual situation. Begin by getting a soil test to determine which elements are present and which are missing. This minimizes the chances that you may apply excessive nutrients, which can become destructive runoff. The test should determine how much of each major nutrient to apply. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (the three numbers on a fertilizer tag) are applied by weight over a specific area, usually expressed in square feet. In Florida, it is common for soils to require
little or no phosphorus. Fertilizer products with this element missing are common in the Emerald Coast area. When purchasing fertilizers, read the analysis tag or label. This information is required by law, and the reporting format is identical from product to product. The pH of the soil is also reported on soil test reports. The pH measures the acidity/ alkalinity on a scale of one to 14, with seven being neutral. Turf grasses in North Florida perform best with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5, depending on the species. If the pH is too high, sulfur in the fertilizer will help lower the number. If it is too low, which is rare, lime will help raise the pH.
While warm-season plants are actively growing on the Emerald Coast, the winter season’s weeds have set seed and are dying. They cease to be a cosmetic problem in home lawns and landscapes, but they are setting the stage for next year’s weed invasion. The use of herbicides or mowing is completely pointless, and counterproductive. Each action speeds the process of distribution of the problem species. Several actions now will have positive results later. First, collect any seed where possible and remove from the landscape. If seeds are placed in the trash, be sure to secure the bag so that none escape. Absolutely do not place in a compost pile as some will germinate and reseed the landscape. Mark or note the areas where infestations of weeds occurred. When the weather cools next autumn and their growing season starts, begin a targeted treatment program.
GOING TO SEED
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April-May 2021
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
CAROLINA GERANIUMS
Refrain from pruning for now with all the regrowth and blooming that is occurring, but be prepared. Optimal pruning times vary among species of ornamental plants. Pruning may be undertaken to manage the form and progress of the shrub, maintain the health of the plant by removing dead or diseased parts and improve flowering by stimulating new growth. Hybrid and native azaleas complete their blooming period in spring and should be pruned soon after the flowers are gone. Waiting too late will reduce the following year’s flowering potential. July 4 is commonly cited as the cutoff date for azalea pruning if blooms are a consideration. Clip to the desired shape and remove branches that are stunted and get too little light. These stunted branches often die and can host destructive diseases and insects. Longestablished plants should have excessively long branches with little to no foliage removed. Complete this restoration process by mulching the beds with four inches of leaves and pine straw. Add some peat moss for good measure.
Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County Extension Director.
PHOTOS BY ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: DEKDOYJAIDEE (SOIL TEST), SHIHINA (CAROLINA GERANIUMS) AND MAUDIB (PRUNING)
Prune when the time is right
