Greetings!

Worried about weeds in the lawn?

Herbicides, both organic and conventional, target undesirable plants.  Knowing a bit about how they work can help you choose the correct product for your lawn or garden.

Clover, a broad-leaf weed

Do you have winter weeds like clover in your lawn right now?  Then you need a post-emergent herbicide, which works when weeds are actively growing.  Winter weeds are up and at 'em well before lawngrasses are, which means weed control products are required before fertilizers are.  Clovers and dandelions are broad-leaf plants and there are herbicides that target them without harming grasses.  Look for products that contain Trimec, which is less likely to harm trees and shrubs. 

Crabgrass, an annual weed

Are you trying to prevent the return of crabgrass?  Crabgrass is an annual weed that sprouts from seeds left behind last year.  Your window of opportunity for crabgrass control is short -- once we get two good weeks of warm weather, crabgrass will be actively growing.  Look for a pre-emergent herbicide, which works by inhibiting the formation of roots, shoots or both. Timing is critical for these herbicides to work.  Make sure you follow label instructions, and if we don't get rain within 5 days of application, be sure to water.  Look for products containing Dimension, which is the most effective pre-emergent conventional herbicide. 

Organic gardeners can try corn gluten meal as a pre-emergent herbicide.  Application rates may vary and multiple applications may be required, but corn gluten also has root-inhibiting properties and can be effective under the right circumstances.

Tomato Time?

Every year, it seems like people try to start tomatoes earlier and earlier.  This year, despite the record-setting cold of early February, is no different.  But there's a good reason for it -- tomatoes stop producing when temperatures exceed about 90 degrees during the day and 70 degrees at night.  Usually, this happens in late May or early June around here.  And many tomatoes require 50-80 days to produce fruit.  So, to have any sort of tomato season at all, many gardeners try to get a jump on the season by planting early.

Tomato Seedling

Want to know more about tomatoes?  Sign up for the Urban Harvest class, scheduled for Sunday, February 20.  The class is from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and will be taught by Diana Liga, former staff horticulturist for Urban Harvest.  The fee is $15 for Urban Harvest members and $23 for non-members, and meets in the Papershell classroom.  Register online here, or call (281) 232-4485 for more information.

Welcome, bluebirds!

We've seen some action at the bluebird houses lately!  It's very exciting to think we may soon have a little family (or several!)

Bluebird Family?

Eastern bluebirds nest in the eastern part of the state, and are often seen in the winter, especially in forested areas that border a clearing.  Thanks to the many people who've participated in building bluebird trails, these little lovelies have made a remarkable comeback since the 1960s, when habitat destruction threatened their survival.

Bluebirds mainly feed on insects but will occasionally eat fruit during the winter months.  They can raise up to three broods a  year, so we are hoping to have lots of babies soon!

Soil Testing

Did you know you could have your soil tested through Papershell?  Stop by the garden center and pick up a sample bag.  There are two tests available: Regular (pH, organic matter and macronutrients) and Deluxe (pH, organic matter, macro- and micro-nutrients).   Know what you need before you add amendments and fertilizers!

Soil Samples

The Regular soil fertility test is $12.99 and the Deluxe is $24.99.  Results are usually available in less than 1 week.  Questions?  Call (281) 232-4485.

Please stop by and visit!  The coffee's on us -- we'd love to meet you!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Barrow
Papershell: A Garden Gallery