Now that the snow has melted many of you are looking at your lawns in despair. Huge dead patches have appeared seemingly out of nowwhere. Perhaps there are moles making their tunnels through your yard or the skunks are digging away at your lawn at night. Unfortunately, you probably have grubs. The only effective method to eradicate grubs in todays's pesticide free world are nematodes. Here's a quick fact sheet on nematodes and how they work.
What exactly are nematodes?
Nematodes are microscopic beneficial insect that are natural predators to grubs.
How do they work?
Nematodes travel through water particles beneath the surface of your lawn and attack grubs who are feasting on your lawn's roots, they continue to multiply until all the grubs are gone.
When do I apply them?
Nematodes are most effective when the soil temperature reaches about 15C. When you see them available in your local garden centers it is the correct time to apply them not before.
It is weather dependant year to year but it is usually around mid May.
Do they need to stay refrigerated?
Absolutely! Nematodes need to be refrigerated until you are ready to apply them. They have about a 4 week shelf life. Once mixed you must use all the nematodes in one application.
How do I apply them?
Nematodes travel ONLY through water particles so it is very important to make sure that your lawn is thoroughly wet before application ( after a good rain is best) If it hasn't rain them you need to put out a sprinkler for a good length of time to ensure the ground is moist. Here at Gemmell's we have hose end sprayers available that you place the nematodes into, attach to a garden hose then spray directly to the areas affected by grubs, working your way out towards the rest of your lawn. You may not see any damage but grubs may still be beneath the surface. After application keep your lawn watered well for a few days.
How much will one container cover?
One application of nematodes covers about 3000 sq ft.
Can they harm my children or pets?
Absolutely not they are 100% safe to apply to your lawn and once the grubs are gone they die off and compost into the soil.
Call to sign up and reserve your nematodes today at Gemmell's. We will call when they arrive and it's the proper time to apply them.
An application of lime and overseeding with a fescue grass mix will help restore your lawn to it's former glory and help prevent further grub infestations.
Feel free to drop in if you have any questions that you need answered. We're here to help!
SPRING PLANTING WORKSHOPS ONE MORE WEEK!
Saturday March 24th 1:00pm -3:00pm sold out
Monday March 26th 1:00pm-3:00pm
Tuesday March 27th 1:00pm-3:00pm
Thursday March 29th 1:00pm-3:00pm
Friday March 30th 1:00pm-3:00pm
Workshop includes: the lecture, a detailed hand out for you to take home, our growing medium and 9 plants for a 12" basket/container
Also, included is caring for your basket in our greenhouse until May; watering,fertilizing, deadheading
$35/session per planting (please note container not included)
Hanging Baskets/Urn inserts can be purchased starting at $5.99
Several different styles of hanging baskets,window boxes and containers are available or feel free to bring our own 12" pot or basket.
Register by phone (613)283-6371
Or email sales@gemmellsgardencentre.com
Please note: This is one of our most popular workshops, therefore a deposit of $20 is required to reserve space.
Call early to register as spaces are filling up fast
