Get yard ready for winter nap
Thanksgiving is behind us, and it is time to think of winter projects. Hopefully, most of you didn't do like I did and try to eat like a mole, consuming about 125 percent of my body weight!
-- You should be able to mow your grass for the last time if you do not have rye grass or if you do not use your mower for picking up the leaves. Since the leaf blades of the grass can act as an insulator, it is good to mow your grass a little lower than normal (St. Augustine grass, 2 1/2 inches; Centipede grass, 1 1/2 inches). In the event of very cold weather, this will keep your grass from dying from winter kill. The lower grass will allow more air movement. More air movement will keep cold air from settling near the crown of the plant and will prevent winter injury to your lawn.
-- If you are not mowing to mulch or pick up leaves, be sure to use a fuel additive such as Sta-bil. With the new ethanol gas, many people are experiencing difficulty with their small engines. Ethanol is an alcohol that attracts moisture from the air. This moisture can cause engine trouble on your lawn mower, string trimmers, chain saws, edger's, blowers — any small engine.
-- This is a great time to edge your bed lines, enlarging areas in the beds if plants have grown and need more room. If you edge now, you should maintain a good, crisp edge for five months until your grass begins to grow again.
-- If you would like to enjoy nature's spring fireworks, plant your bulbs now. It won't be long before your early blooming spring bulbs will brighten up your landscape. Be sure to mix a little M-Root at planting time for extra beautiful blooms and healthy plant.
-- As leaves and pine straw fall, be sure to keep them off your lawn areas. Excessive amounts of leaves or straw build up can damage your turf over a period of time. Leaves or straw can act like tall blades of grass and cause winterkill if it gets cold enough. Leaves and straw also hold in moisture around the plant that can lead to disease.
-- If you water with a well, be sure to drain your pump or monitor your pump to avoid it freezing in cold weather if your well is not in a climate-controlled location. Nothing is worse than having to buy a new pump in the spring because it froze in the winter.
-- There seems to be an outbreak of uninvited guests. We have been selling a lot of Viper and Max Force to control roaches as well as traps and baits to control rodents. Talk to your local pest management professional if these guests are ruining your holidays.
Lights and gifts
Now is the time to enjoy the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. The light show, gift shops, displays of gingerbread houses, decorated jumbo Christmas cards, train ride, sand castle, marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate and interactive Christmas trees are a treat for all.
Remember there are many local garden centers with great gardening gifts for the weekend gardener. From stocking stuffers such as a pair of hand pruners or gloves, to more elaborate gifts such as fountains, bird feeders, gardening books, soil tests and gift certificates.
Bill Lamson-Scribner can be reached during the week at Possum's Landscape and Pest Control Supply, 481 Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant (971-9601), 3325 Business Circle in North Charleston (760-2600), or 606 Dupont Road in Charleston (766-1511). Fax questions to 406-2700 or e-mail
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