Nematode application

[durst]

Ok, first thanks for this wonderful site to exchange knowlege. I have read most of the posts about applying BN's, and have a question about mositure.

I applied them two days ago, and really watered in good afterwards with my sprinkler system. The rain helped as well. But I have read that you should keep the ground wet for a couple of weeks. How important is this? The afternoon heat really dries up the yard quick and I am afraid to water that often, because I have been paying close attention to make sure I water INFREQUENTLY. My yard is only a year old and had mostly weeds last year and some spots aren't filling in quite as quickly as others. So I have been trying to only water once a week. Of course my mower is set at 3". I am planning on putting a second application of BN's later this week and water in some more.

So I guess my question again is, should I really worry that much on making sure the yard stays moist throughout the day for that long?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Tony M]

Durst-
Let me do a quick review of what I know about beneficial nematodes.
Check the date on the package at the store and make sure it's current. These are live worms and they have a "shelf life". If you can't get them out right away, place them in the fridge. There are usually two sizes, small = 8000 sq. ft, large = 15000. Some people go by so many million per area, I can't count that high. There are usually two packages in a batch and you apply them at two different times, a week or so apart. The optimum release time is early evening on moist soil. Mix the contents of the package into a bucket of water. Select your application method: water can, pump sprayer, hose end, big gulp cup, etc. Keep the solution stirred to prevent settling.
Keep the ground moist for a few days after application so they can migrate to a comfortable level. I have never heard about keeping the ground moist for two weeks. If you decide to do that you will not hurt your grass, as long as you return to an infrequent watering schedule. Also, if your ground is drying out as quick as you say, you may need to apply some organic material and begin to build the soil with fertilizers and teas. My soil stays moist for several days after I water so I think this a temporary condition that you can correct.

Tony

[durst]

Tony

Thanks. That helps. I guess I am doing it exactly correct then. I bought the 8K sq. ft. application. The nemetodes date is packaged a month ago. I have kept it in the fridge since I bought them a week ago. I am keeping the ground moist, and reapplying the second batch this week, and I am using a watering can (stirred)

My yard does stay moist for a couple or so days, but I just wanted to make sure that I didn't need to keep it wet as opposed to just moist. I guess I am doing fine then.

Thanks for your help

[ejlackey]

I have a 5,000 sq ft lawn, and just for good measure, bought the large bag of nematodes that said would cover 15,000 sq ft. Watered about a half inch, applied the nematodes, then watered again for about 15 min to wash them off of the blades of grass. Did that again the next week with the second bag.

I usually only water about once a week and my assumption is that they are working, because every time it rained or I watered about and inch, I would see one small fire ant mound pop up. It wasn't very active, and by the next day there was no activity at all. My lawn isn't real thick, but I've been mulching the clippings so I believe its retaining moisture rather well.