First Fertilization, Aphids, Grass burs, Zoysia, Potato Problems
Q. Our front lawn and flowerbeds are filled with these onion-like weeds with a small white flower. Any suggestions as to how to kill and control them? ’– B.F., Dallas
A. Kill 'em with kindness. It's time now for the first major organic fertilization of the year. We do not wait till April as the synthetic chemical appliers need to do. There are many good choices here in North Texas now. Whichever you chose, apply at 20 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. and in this case add about 1 pound of sugar or dry molasses per 100 sq. ft. to the onion area.
Q. I have completed a greenhouse and have put plants in it. I recently noticed aphids on one of the plants. I immediately took the plant out away from the others and started trying to help it be healthy again. How can I keep my greenhouse in good condition before trouble starts? Where I can purchase the bugs that helps control aphids and the like ’– like lady bugs? ’– D.R., Dallas
A. Aphids don’t spread to other plants unless those plants they are in stress also. Sprinkle cornmeal into all the plant containers and foliar feed your plants with compost tea. Lady bugs will help also and can be purchased from most stores that sell organic products. There is a listing of mail order insectaries in the appendix of both The Organic Manual and the Texas Bug Book. Another effective greenhouse tool is a cedar floor. Much better than concrete or gravel, fine-textured cedar placed right on top of the soil smells great, produces carbon and helps repel insects and diseases. If a hard surface exists, just cover it with a couple inches of cedar. Make sure drainage of the floor works well first.
Q. I gather corn gluten meal is a good pre’–emergent weed control and has some fertilizing benefits and cornmeal fights soil diseases. If I understand correctly it is what I want to get rid of the pesky weeds and fertilize my grass. I have found a source for whole corn and have access to a grinder. I wonder if I could produce the corn gluten meal myself. I think I read that there is a special process used to extract the gluten. Do you know if it is possible? ’– D.S., Dallas
A. No. Corn gluten meal is less than 10% of the cornmeal in volume and is a by product of the wet milling process that makes corn syrup. On the other hand, whole ground corn will function well as a horticultural cornmeal. The only possible downside is contamination of aflatoxin and other mycotoxins. Be sure to have that checked carefully. A clean product can be used for the control of most fungal problems. Aflatoxins are a group of toxic compounds produced by certain molds, especially Aspergillus flavus, that contaminate stored food supplies such as animal feed and peanuts. You’ll have to buy the gluten meal and it’s time to apply it.
Q. I need your advice on the choice for grass. What do you think of zoysia grass for my yard? I live in Oak Cliff and the soil is something like black clay. I have added some loam and sand in places. I have a fairly good stand of St. Augustine. It becomes really stressed in mid summer and stays that way for the rest of the growing season! There are also some permanent bald spots. I can’t seem to get them covered. No matter how much I water! -- E. R., Oak Cliff
A. If there is enough sunlight, zoysia will be well. Its only fatal flaw is that it will not tolerate traffic. Although its slow growth is a maintenance benefit, in this case it allows other grasses and weeds to invade. The St Augustine will probably do a lot better if you will stop using sand and loam and apply good quality compost instead. The rest of my recommended amendments will also help. You can get the basic information from the web site www.dirtdoctor.com or call 1-866-444-DIRT for the free handouts.
Q. I have a 30’ by 30’ plot where I plant my potatoes. Every year the plants and potatoes do well but there are little holes in the potatoes as if they’ve been pierced with an ice pick. Could this be fire ants and what can I do about it? It wipes me out every year. Whatever is doing this is eating the inside of the potatoes. ’– B.B., Cisco, TX
A. If you haven't already, try dry molasses or a fertilizer that contains it and beneficial nematodes. The addition and stimulation of biological activity should neutralize this pest whether it is wireworm (my best guess), fire ants or some other soil-borne beast.
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