August in review
August lived up to all expectations of being the most brutal month in our area. But it was one of the better August in the past several years. Most areas received some rain, and the last week of the month was unusually pleasant.
What to expect in September
If you are a home gardener this is the month we start getting active again. Heat will subside this month and it gives us a window for lots of vegetables again. Within another month we will be working toward cool season crops as well.
Continue to watch out for insect and fungal problems.
I would expect this month to stay wetter than normal following the trend for this year.
Action items for this month
- Fertilization – If you have fertilized in the last 45 days I certainly would hold off. If you have not fertilized since Hurricane Beryl. The only reason to fertilize currently is if you are observing stress. In October we will want to apply a fall/winter fertilizer, more to come on that.
- Weeds – you may be seeing some weeds popping up still as we discussed from last month. Sedge is one of the most prevalent problems I am seeing right now. “Sedge Hammer” is the go to product to treat with. Spot spray applications of your weeds with a pump up sprayer is the best bet at this time. Next month we will move to put down a granular pre-emergent herbicide again.
- Fungal problems – Gray Leaf Spot and Brown patch will continue to be the prevalent problems here through October. Managing your irrigation so that the top of your soil layer is drying out between irrigation days will make a big difference. I have linked to more resources on identifying and treating these two problems.
- Landscape pest pressure will continue this month. Aphids and caterpillars are the biggest culprits we will see. Ants are really active after all the rain as well.
- BT Worm killer and caterpillar killer is an organic option that is highly effective on smaller caterpillars. Keep it on hand and follow directions. It can be used in the garden as well against tomato hornworms and to some degree Squash vine borers. It does not last long once applied so may need to be used every few days and after rains.
- Cyonara is a broad range insecticide that will treat most of your insect problems from aphids to ants and caterpillars.
- You may consider reapplying a granular insecticide if you applied one early in the growing season and are now seeing lots of fire ants. Something like Over N Out we work well.
- Roses – Monthly feedings for roses are still imperative, if you have been on our program, you should be reaping the rewards.
Municipal Drainage Happenings
August was back to regular business just with more ground moisture than we have seen for the month in many years. We worked with our districts that where most susceptible to Johnson grass problems and used a targeted herbicide to treat the invasive grass. This treatment was very successful in controlling Johnson grass and most importantly reducing resident complaints about high grass. Currently we are seeing the best grass stand we have seen in many years in our districts.
Warm weather and green grass,
Hunter Soape