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Gardening NotesBy GEORGE MEADOR County Extension AgentNumerous Galveston County homeowners are plagued with high population of white grubs in lawn and garden areas. These insects stay in the soil and feed on the roots of lawngrasses, They also feed on roots of vegetable plants such as corn, beans, peas, and others.County Extension Agent George Meador explains that white grubs, or grubworms, as1 they are often called, are the larvae of May or June beetles, they are whitish to gray, have brown heads and six legs, and usually lie in a curled, reshaped” position. Adult beetles are strongly attracted to lights, therefore lawns or gardens near street lights or lighted patios often become heavily infested with grubs.Upon emergence, adult beetles which range in colors from dark brown to green, mate and immediately begin laying eggs. They continue to lay eggs for an average of 32 days. Within approximately 43 days after adult beetles emerge, all eggs will have hatched and the small new larvae will be active. Lawn damage appears as areas of dead, dry grass. Grass in infested areas can be lifted out of the soil very easily or rolled back into a mat of runners and foliage.Several insecticides are suggested for controlling white grubs. Meador recommends preventive measures i.: areas which have experiences regular or severe grub problems during previous growing seasons. This involves applying an insecticide about 45 days after the adults fly. For the Galveston County area, this should be around the first and second weeks in August.An alternative approach is to first locate the grubs then apply insecticides. More than four grubs per square foot warrant treatment.Diazinon has shown to be the most reliable insecticide to provide adequate control Lawn areas may be treated by applying the insecticide in granular form using lawn fertilizer applicators.Vegetable gardens should be treated about four weeks before planting. Diazinon applied at the rate of 3/4 cup of 25 percent emulsion concentrate in 2 1/2 to 3 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet of garden area is recommended.Many Galveston County families are getting things in shape for all gardens. Although its still midsummer, Galveston County Extension Agents suggest the time is right for beginning the fall garden.According to County Extension Agent George Meador, vegetable gardening “came on like gangbusters” this spring. Many home gardeners enjoyed the sweet taste of success. With this in mind, local families are beginning to gear time and efforts for vegetable production this fall.Meador suggests that recent rainfall in the county has helped to create a very favorable soil moisture situation for vegetable germination and growth. Such vegetables as tomatoes, eggplants, pole beans, potatoes, okra, and squash can be planted now. Also, the so-called winter vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and parsley can be planted in August. However, most gardeners will want to also make laterplantings of cold-hardy vegetables to have supplies of fresh vegetables well into the winter.There are several important aspects of fall gardening. They ar j simple and certainly add to success in this endeavor. First of, get the land . into good shape. Of maj(ir importance is disease, nematode, and weed control. This can be achieved by fumigating the garden soil prior to planting. Several oroducts are on the market for 5 purpose. Some require a plastic cover; others can be used to achieve reasonable results without a cover. The . secret here is following the manufacturer's directions carefully, and watching the time interval between application and planting.As for fall vegetable fertilization practices, if a garden was planted on the siteduring spring and fertilized,very lit tie fertilizer need beapplied this fall. However, ifplants make slow growth,light fertilizer applicationsmay be made.♦In consideration of amounts,3 or 4 hills of squash supply the average family. A half dozen tomato plants, staked and properly cared for, are sufficient. If you want a continuous supply of turnips, mustard and spinach, the extension agent recommends planting these vegetables in small plots at intervals throughout the season. A 30 foot row of green beans or a 6 foot row of radishes are enough, unless canning and freezing of the excess is planned.So even though the summerstill with us *season isGalveston County Extension Agents suggest getting an early jump on fall gardening. Just the thought of fresh garden vegetables this fall should be enough to entice most folks, even those with the summer “Blahs.”iSelectingbuildingsitesIf you're planning a nev/ farm building, one way to reduce costs is by proper selection of the site, says W. S. Allen, agricultural engineer for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. First of all,be sure easements, codes, regulations and restrictions are known before final staking is done.“Selection of a level, well-drained site will be a big aid in keeping costs at a minimum. This will reduce the need for such equipment as bulldozers, earth movers and backhoes asf well as some foundation materials/’ nays the TexasAM University Systemengineer.If possible, do grading before starting construction, advises Allen. This allows equipment to proceed without hindrance and reduces costly hand labor that mightotherwise be necessary forhard-to-reach areas.“Earth spread and packed in shallow layers will settleless than earth dumped ingreater depths and 'packedonly from the top. Earth packsbetter when it is moist.” ' | Allen suggests using sheep* foot or wheel-type rollers to pack the earth as it is spread.
Newspaper Details
Times In La Marque
La Marque, Texas, US
Thu, Sep 05, 1974
Page 9
Full Page
Clipped by
Briana E.
USA 28 Nov 2021
Other Publications Near La Marque, Texas
Mainland Times
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