Friday, January 27, 2012 12:00 AM
Weird winter weather prompts questions
SALISBURY — Many people are preparing for spring maintenance chores because of the unseasonably warm weather. Below are a few questions Cooperative Extension received during the past few weeks that may be of interest to home gardeners in Rowan County.
Q: Can I control chickweed in lawns now?
A: Yes, chickweed and other broadleaf weeds have gotten off to a good head start in lawns because of the unusually warm December weather. The weed can be controlled with hose-on applications of post emergence weed herbicides. Herbicide blends containing 2,4-D and dicamba (Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, etc.) work well early in the growing season when the weeds are small. Weeds are almost nearing bloom stage which will make control more difficult. Spray as soon as possible to control. A second application may be necessary.
Q: Is now the time to apply dormant oils to my fruit trees?
A: Yes, dormant spray oils can be applied to fruit trees and vines in late winter to control mites, scales and some fungal diseases. The best time to apply these pesticides is when temperatures are above 40 degrees and below 65 degrees. Avoid applications when buds have swelled and are showing color.
Q: My pansies look pretty bad right now. Can I fertilize them now?
A: Pansies need to be dead-headed and fertilized now, but don’t fertilize them during a period of warm weather — above 60 degrees. Fertilize them in cool weather with liquid bloom booster fertilizers. Unseasonably warm weather promotes aggressive growth; pansies usually stretch and become weak.
Q: I want to start some plants indoors. If I want to start tomato seeds, when is the best time to plant seeds indoors?
A: The last day to worry about frost before planting outdoors is typically April 15. Start seed indoors about the second week of March. That should give the plants enough time to develop and harden to plant outdoors. Commercial producers start their seeds in late February.
Q: What is the best way to control Bermuda grass in my garden?
A: Bermuda grass can be controlled with a systemic herbicide containing glyphosate. It’s best to use this type of herbicide when the weed is actively growing. Unfortunately, this is usually in July and August. The type of crop also depends on the herbicide. There are over-the-top sprays that will kill grassy weeds such as Bermuda and not damage the broadleaf vegetable crop.
Darrell Blackwelder is the County Extension Director with horticulture responsibilities with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. Learn more about Cooperative Extension events and activities by calling 704-216-8970 Facebook or online at www.rowanextension.com
