Timely Tips from Don - April

1.  Bugs, bugs, bugs!!!  The unusual warm weather that has been with us for more than a month, has started all the May bugs early.  In the last week of March we have seen "chinch bugs" in a number of sod samples, "eastern tent caterpillars,"  "bagworms" and aphids of all sorts.  We have cures of all types; natural and organic, systemic, chemical sprays, and the knowledge to make your efforts effective.  If you are not sure what your problem is, please put a sample of  the problem in a plastic bag and bring it in so that we can identify and find the cure!

2.  Weeds, weeds, weeds!!!!  Just like the bugs, weeds have been a major problem this spring.  With the combination of a long warm fall and a mild winter, they are everywhere!  I just found "nutgrass" growing in a bed by my driveway!  Weed killing  can be safe and effective if you do a few simple things.  Before you spray, water thoroughly, as this will allow the weed killer to work better.  Be sure to wait two days between mowing and spraying.  Although we didn't have a cold winter, if your weed killer was left out in the garage all winter it may not be effective this spring.  Weed killer is a growth hormone and at the right concentration it causes the weeds to grow themselves to death!  If you mix it wrong it will work like fertilizer, so please follow the directions!

3.  I know that this March has set all sorts of records for weather and that it is unlikely going to get below freezing again this year.  But this is St. Louis, and we have been tracking weather for 53 years, so just be careful about what you plant and when you plant it!