GARDENING BY THE MOON
By: Dr. Robert E. Moon Harvest Horticulturist
Even though it is hot outside, school has started and the calendar is telling us we are headed into fall. I love fall, even though it can still be hot. It is Texas! I know your schedule is busy, but here are a few items that you need to work into your schedule to keep your landscape healthy and vigorous.
Shrub Beds:
Trim back your shrubs and perennials.
Clean weeds and Bermudagrass out of your beds.
Fertilize your beds with a fall fertilizer. If you recently fertilized, fertilize 6 weeks after last application. Water in or apply before a rain.
Mulch your beds with a dyed-brown mulch. Only apply enough mulch to maintain a depth of 2 inches.
Apply pre-emergent weed control to your beds. You can use Preen or Halts to control winter weeds in your beds. Water in or apply before a rain.
Turf:
Check your yard for grubworms. In brown areas, if your turf pulls up easily, check for this pest and treat with a grubworm control product.
Spray any weeds in turf with a weed control for southern grasses.
Fertilize your turf with a fall fertilizer. If you recently fertilized, fertilize 6 weeks after last application. Water in or apply before a rain.
Apply pre-emergent weed control to your turf. You can use Preen or Halts to control winter weeds in your turf. Water in or apply before a rain.
When applying any product, make sure to read and follow all label instructions.
By doing this landscape maintenance between now and September 15, your landscape will be greatly benefited. Hopefully the Texas heat will cooperate and allow you to complete these tasks in cool fall-like temperatures!