As we conclude our gardening series, we know that the emerald green of our lawns is the foundation for a visually stunning landscape.  To increase the likelihood of a healthy, barefoot welcoming carpet, we must attend to a few tasks.

1) Between Feb 1 and March 15, apply pre-emergent to the lawn to control spring germinating weeds; and, then water it in lightly to get the granules off the leaves and onto the soil. 

2) For cool-season, non-grassy plants (some consider them weeds) such as clover, henbit, dandelions, and chickweed, apply a broad-leafed weed killer containing 2-4-D when daytime temperatures will be above 70 degrees and no rain expected for 48 hours.

3) Continue to mulch leaves from the lawn and remove the debris to reduce disease and insect problems.  Add this to the compost pile!

4) Continue to irrigate the lawn once every three weeks or so.  However, 1” of rain should alleviate the need for additional irrigation.

5) Repair any irrigation hoses and drip lines.

6) Sprinkle food grade diatomaceous earth on fire ants and make them disappear.  POOF! Ants be gone!

Vocabulary tips: 

Pre-emergent - herbicide designed to kill new plants from seeds;  can stay active for months; available in liquid and granular form. 

Broad leaf - plants that have one main vein from which smaller veins branch; quickly spread and choke out grass, flowers, and other plants.  In contrast, leaves of grasses and sedges are bladelike.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) - the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms;  causes insects to dry out and die by absorbing the oils and fats from the exoskeleton; remains effective as long as it is kept dry and undisturbed.

Happy Gardening!

Planning is in full swing for the highly anticipated Home and Garden Expo, set for Saturday, March 22, 2025. Vendors are encouraged to participate in this annual celebration of gardening, homemaking, and sustainable living. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact the Extension Office (903-583-7453) for more information.

For horticulture questions call 903-583-7453 or email fanninmastergardeners@gmail.com

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Helpful site  10 Ways to Make Your Landscape Earth-Kind

2025 Programming Sponsored by: Twin Oaks Nursery-Denison; Keystone Enterprises-Bonham;  Red Coop Feed and Seed-Bonham; Fix and Feed-Bonham; Green Machine Rentals-Bonham; 160 Lawn and Timber-Whitewright