In the northern states insects have to hide from the frigid cold weather to survive. Most do what is called “over wintering” which is a chemical process whereby they pump an antifreeze type substance throughout their bodies. Other hibernate but that is usually inside a warm wall or quiet area of a heated home. In Florida both of these survival techniques are used but not nearly as much. Ocala is in the center of the state and the weather is often more favorable to the pests than one might believe.

While it does become cold in the central Florida mecca it isn’t very often that low temperatures are sustained. Most insects survive because while the night time may get even to the freeze mark, day time temps rise more than enough to keep the bugs alive. Pests often find refuge in open homes for warmth because residents leave door or windows open to welcome in the cooler weather after seven straight months of brutal heat. It is often reported that bugs like roaches and fleas become more prevalent indoors during the winter time.

June may be bride’s month to many people, but to the busy southern gardener, it is “groom” month. Lawns – Watering, fertilizing and mowing make up the grooming operations for the lawn this month. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer applied in April will have about worn off by now and a light feeding is necessary.

Few gardeners realize that an average grass plant in one season may make as much as two or three feet of vegetative growth. This plus the fact that over 300 grass plants are on each square foot of lawn area make it easy to realize why regular feedings are necessary to maintain beautiful lawns. Regular applications to the lawn area will maintain good color. Irrigate your lawn, do not sprinkle. Thorough soaking once per week should be sufficient. Mow frequently and to the proper height. The average height of cut for Bermuda grass lawns should be 1 1/2 to two inches. Most people mow much lower and are not aware of it.

The study of our native wild flowers is a most fascinating hobby. It’s now the first week in May. For real thrills, we leave Kansas City about three in the morning and at 6:30 are having breakfast in the Ozarks beside a sparkling, rocky stream, bordered with bluebells and sweet William. Dogwoods are in bloom on the rocky slopes, and look at those birds foot violets – some are bicolors… arent they just about the cutest ever? And shooting stars in pink and white, and yellow… click, click of my digital camera and I have them in natural color pictures to enjoy next winter. Watch closely, you may see a scarlet tanager, a redstart, the big pileated woodpecker or perhaps the little cerulean warbler. Thats real honest to goodness fun.

Many perennials can be successfully grown from seed in your own garden. Save or buy seeds of delphiniums, columbines, dianthus, lupines, gaillardias, pyrethrum, linums, coreopsis, violas and veronicas. The seed may be sown in separate beds or in long rows as vegetables would be planted. It is easier, however, to carry the plants over the winter in beds than in rows. Some of the plants will be large enough to move to a proper location in the flower border this fall, but better results are usually obtained by spring planting.

Do you have pests or gophers invading your lawn? Chances are, if you have a lawn you will run into a pest problem at some point. Some of the most common pests are the gopher and a close relative the mole. Perhaps, its because those pesky creatures, ants and other insects are finding your lawn attractive. What can you do to get them to stop them from burrowing and nesting in your yard. We will provide you with the answers and more within this article.

Most household lawns are not big enough to attract so many invaders that will cause a serious problem as a result, but, while they can be a nuisance and cause some serious damage to your lawn. Insects are not easily spotted, some are small and unnoticed by the human eye, however they can be seen in the patches of dead, brown grass they leave behind. Some signs of moles and gophers are a bit more obvious, such as dirt mounds on top of and beneath the lawn, tunnels and holes as well. Once the problem is identified, you can then choose how you are going to alleviate the issue.

Midwest January

During the January thaw is a good time to start fighting common chickweed. It is in flower now having germinated in September and October. Soon it will be setting ripening seed. Walk across the lawn now pulling out the chickweed plants by hand while their fresh green leaves are conspicuous against the brown soil.

Protecting Shallow Planted Tulips and Narcissus

The long unseasonable fall experienced in the Midwest last year encouraged growth of tulips and narcissus. During February thaws they will begin to peek through the soil. Before they get nipped by frost, cover the bed with 2 or 3 inches of peatmoss or compost. Next fall plant the bulbs deeper.

Watering Evergreens

Even if rain and snow have fallen recently, it would be wise to check the soil under the evergreens. In many places last falls drought left the subsoil extremely dry. The evergreens require moisture during the winter.

Dormant Spraying

Dormant sprays can be applied whenever the temperature remains above freezing for at least twelve hours. If the trees are subjected to freezing temperatures less than twelve hours after application of the spray, they will be injured when the emulsion of oil and sulfur separates.

Do you have pests or gophers invading your lawn? Chances are, if you have a lawn you will run into a pest problem at some point. Some of the most common pests are the gopher and a close relative the mole. Perhaps, its because those pesky creatures, ants and other insects are finding your lawn attractive. What can you do to get them to stop them from burrowing and nesting in your yard. We will provide you with the answers and more within this article.

Most household lawns are not big enough to attract so many invaders that will cause a serious problem as a result, but, while they can be a nuisance and cause some serious damage to your lawn. Insects are not easily spotted, some are small and unnoticed by the human eye, however they can be seen in the patches of dead, brown grass they leave behind. Some signs of moles and gophers are a bit more obvious, such as dirt mounds on top of and beneath the lawn, tunnels and holes as well. Once the problem is identified, you can then choose how you are going to alleviate the issue.