Early Insect Control

Bugs, Bugs, and more Bugs! Actually, we affectionately refer to them as insects. But whatever you choose to call them, many can be partially controlled this time of year.

Insects, such as Spider Mites, Aphids, Aldegids, Scales, and Viburnum Leaf Beetle, just to name a few, can be partially controlled with an application of Dormant Oil Spray. This refined petroleum product can be purchased in a pre-mixed bottle or in a concentrate to be used with a tank sprayer.

Dormant Oil (also referred to many times as All Season Oil) creates a covering over the existing insect egg sacks and prevents them from hatching. For some insects, such as Spider Mites and Scales, this is only Step 1 in a 2 Step process for full control.

With any chemical control, always read the label for full disclosures and information, such as application times, mixing rates, recommended clothing, and all other pertinent information.

Also, always know what insect your are trying to control. Dormant Oil is not effective on everything and you could simply be wasting time and money.

Stop by the Garden Center for more information or email us at vanputte@vanputte.com.

What is that white stuff on my lawn????

As the days warm and the grass begins to grow, many of you are finding white patches of 'stuff' on you lawn. It typically is Grey Snow Mold.

Snow mold appears as roughly circular bleached patches up to 60 cm in diameter. Soon after the snow melts, the infected grass may be matted and surrounded by a white to gray halo of fluffy fungal growth.

Control:
Avoid late fall applications of fertilizer that would stimulate succulent growth. Such growth is very susceptible to infection.

Where snow molds have caused damage, rake the matted grass in order to encourage new spring growth. Re-seed areas where these diseases have been a problem.
Applying a good quality fertilizer, like Van Putte’s 15+ will encourage new growth to help the area, and fill in any bare spots.

Timely tips for April

April is the month that everyone gets excited about because we are finally seeing some color in the garden. As the blossoms of flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and others begin to fade, be sure to remove the seed head. By not letting the seed head form, the energy that would be used to make seeds will be reserved to benefit the bulb. Also, do not remove the foliage until it has begun to yellow. It must remain intact so the bulb can produce enough energy to bloom again the following year.
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Now is the time to apply an All-Seasons spray oil by Bonide to trees and shrubs to help control over-wintering insects and diseases. If you have fruit trees, it is especially important to begin the Bonide Fruit Tree Spray schedule to insure a high quality harvest free of fungal spots and insects. Please consult with a VanPutte professional if you have any questions regarding the use of these products.
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OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

* Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control before the forsythia blossoms drop. Read the label and consult with a VanPutte professional if you have any questions regarding the application of this product.
* Harden-off seedlings started indoors before planting into the garden. Do this by setting the seedling trays outside during the day in a protected area (water as needed) and then bringing back inside at night to protect from freezing temperatures.
* Houseplants are now more actively growing – the perfect time to transplant into a new pot.
* Monitor water for transplants and new seed beds – mother nature may not be enough!

Spring Lawn Seeding

Right about now, the 'itch' is on to get the lawn repaired from the winter mayhem. Lets look at the 3 main components

First, Re-Seeding: Installing new grass seed always seems the simplest of tasks, but done improperly, the seed germination becomes less effective. Always prepare a lawn area by raking out any dead turf or stone debris. Make sure the soil surface is loose, or add some new soil. When you put down the seed, lightly rake it in to the loose soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until fully germinated.

Also important is seed selection. You need to know what the sunlight conditions are for the areas. This includes morning, afternoon, and evening. Be aware that an area can be sunny in the morning, but full shade in the afternoon and vice-versa.

Second, Fertilizer: When bringing a lawn out of winter dormancy or when reseeding, feeding is very important. The nutritional analysis of a fertilizer is important. Not only the N-P-K, but the Sulfur and Iron content as well. Consult your local Independent Garden Center (and for you in the Rochester area come see Van Putte Gardens) for what fertilizer is best for you. Here in the Rochester area, there is NO better product than Van Putte 15+. We are the sole distributor of this product and it has a loyal following as far away as Michigan. These can be put down on the lawn now, but be aware that if we have a lot of rain over the next few weeks, you may need to apply again, due to leaching from the excessive rains.

Third, Weed Control: The 'Step' programs have become very popular. The Crabgrass Preventer in the 'Step 1's' can disrupt your seeding schedule . There are different products on the market, so come see us first!
If you are reseeding an area, there is only 1 product that you can use. Crabgrass preventers can last from 2-4 months, which not only stops crabgrass germination, but turf grass types as well. Make sure you know the all the details about your products BEFORE purchase and application

Happy Spring!