Soil and Organic Matter
Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy plants.
Plant nutrients are obtained naturally either through organic matter or minerals. Besides providing nutrients, organic matter also improves the water holding capacity of soil and loosens tight clay.
Almost all types of soil can be improved by adding organic matter.
Some common organic additives include plant materials such as mulched leaves or grass clippings, composted manure (not fresh), sawdust and nutrient rich compost.
The addition of gypsum to heavy clay soils adds nutrients plus has the added benefit of loosening the soil. Adding sand along with organic matter provides the same effect.
An annual addition of organic matter will help to build and maintain the soil allowing for effortless lawn growth.
Stinging Nettle Plant
The stinging nettle is a large, edible perennial with stems and leaves covered in hair-like structures containing a chemical that stings the skin and causes the formation of an itchy rash on most people. The plant thrives in rich, moist soil found in wooded areas and along partially shaded trails.
Stinging nettles grow to be a meter tall with fine toothed, tapered leaves, and grayish yellow flowers.
Leaves, stems and roots of the plant are edible but must first be dried or cooked to break down the stinging chemical. They have an earthy taste and texture similar to spinach.
The nettle has a long history of medicinal qualities. It has been used for hundreds of years in the treatment of muscle and joint pain, eczema, arthritis, gout and anemia. More recently, it is being used as a remedy for urinary tract infections and in compress form, to treat joint pain and relieve the sting of insect bites.
Grub Worms
White grub worms are the larval stage of June bugs. Most species of grub are harmless and do not cause damage to plants. However, some species, white grubs included, feed on not only the roots of turf but other underground parts of the lawn.
Damaged areas of lawn where grubs are prevalent often lose their hardiness and turn brown. If severely damaged, turf can be lifted by hand and rolled up like a carpet. Most of the damage to warm season grasses such as St. Augustine and Bermuda Grass occurs during summer and fall months.
Turf feeding grub worms have a year-long life cycle and typically emerge to mate in late spring or early summer. Preventative treatments prior to this time are generally quite effective and are most beneficial if the area has had sufficient amounts of water prior to and after treating. Most granular insecticides can be applied without water and will handily manage the grubs once water has been added.
