Warm weather is starting to lure homeowners outdoors to work on their lawns and prepare gardens for spring planting.
Many have questions that may be of interest. Below are a few I have received over the past few weeks.
Q: When is the best time to prune azaleas?
A: The best time to prune is just after they bloom. Be sure to add fertilizer and keep them irrigated, if possible, during dry weather. Azaleas set blooms in late summer. Avoid pruning in July and August.
Q: Can I transplant a pyracantha shrub now?
A: It depends on the size, etc. but I would wait until fall to transplant shrubs. Drought predictions this summer make transplanting now a risk.
Q: Can I control ants or grubs in the soil now?
A: Wait until the soil warms and then apply soil insecticides. Soil insecticides reduce grubs, which in turn drives moles to other grub-infested locations. Grubs can be controlled in the spring; however, the best month for grub control is October.
Q: I have moss growing around my trees and lawn. How can I get rid of it?
A: Moss growing in lawns is indicative of three problems: too much shade, low pH and excessive water. Correcting these may help. Shade is the toughest to control. Prune limbs to allow light. You may need to consider mulch or groundcovers. There are products on the market that claim to control moss. I am not familiar with how well they work.
Q: Is your office selling geraniums like they did last year?
A: Cooperative Extension is taking orders for geranium plants. Deadline to place your order will be April 11 and plants will be ready for pickup on Friday, April 18, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the the Agricultural Center located at 2727 Old Concord Road in Salisbury. Geraniums are $2 per plant in 4-inch pots. The proceeds will go to the March of Dimes Fund for research and innovative programs to help save babies from death and disabilities. Call 704-216-8970 to place your order.
Q: When can I kill bermuda grass?
A: Bermuda grass can be controlled when it is actively growing with glyphosate (Roundup and other products). Active growth begins as early as May or June. Repeated applications will be necessary. The optimum time to kill bermuda grass is during the month of August when bermuda grows best.
Q: Can I plant potatoes that we eat from the grocery store?
A: You can, but your results will not be as good as if you had used seed potatoes. Seed potatoes are treated for diseases and are true to type. If you’re going to go to all the trouble to plant, then spend a little more money and use seed potatoes.
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Darrell Blackwelder is with the Cooperative Extension Service. Contact him at 704-216-8970.