By Allison Watkins
October 10, 2021
Source: Go San Angelo
Photo Source: Unsplash, Markus Spiske
*** We promote and believe in non-chemical and organic pesticides and herbicides.***
Fall is a busy time in the landscape and garden, and there have been many questions coming into the Extension office as gardeners have been out working in the yard.
Many people have noticed how much honeydew there is on sidewalks, cars and the street. Aphids feed on tree sap and leave behind the sticky honeydew, but this can be prevented with an application of a systemic insecticide like imidacloprid. It’s best done in the springtime and will last all season long; this late in the year it’s not necessary or very helpful to treat, and the trees will likely not be significantly damaged.
There have also been a lot of homeowners asking about galls in trees, mainly oak trees. Galls are abnormal growths on leaves and twigs caused by insects. Most galls and gall-forming insects are not harmful to plant health, and control is not warranted.
Invasive weeds that are problematic right now include KR bluestem and khakiweed. KR bluestem is an invasive perennial grass that is very prolific in some landscapes as well as pastureland. It is very difficult to control, because it’s a perennial and there are no selective herbicides labeled for it. Pre-emergent herbicide will help prevent new plants from coming up from seed, but won’t kill existing plants. Keep the lawn dense and healthy, mow frequently at the right height and fertilize appropriately – KR bluestem is not very competitive and mainly pops up in bare areas or stressed turfgrass.
Khakiweed grows flat on the ground and produces a lot of sharp burs that spread easily. It is also a perennial; post-emergent herbicides that contain a combination of 2,4-D with mecoprop, carfentrazone, dicamba, or metsulfuron (for example, Fertilome brand Weed Free Zone) are effective for controlling existing plants. Keep this in mind next year and catch the plants early, as the herbicide will not be effective against large mature plants. For now, use gloved hands or a garden hoe to physically remove them.
Fall is a good time of year to top dress St. Augustine lawns with sphagnum peat moss, one to two bales per thousand square feet, to prevent take-all root rot fungal disease. The acidity of the peat will help reduce the pH and make it less hospitable for the pathogen.
October is a wonderful time to plant! It’s the best season for establishing trees, shrubs, groundcovers, etc. Plant spring bulbs and wildflower seeds. Spruce up the curb appeal with cool season annual color, and keep the vegetable garden productive with winter vegetables like broccoli, kale, lettuce and beets.
Herbs like parsley and cilantro prefer cool weather and do well in the fall. Dig and divide spring blooming perennials like iris and daylilies – this will keep them healthy and blooming, and provides the opportunity to share with friends and neighbors.
What will you grow this winter and fall? Why? How can it contribute positively to your health?
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