Chapter 1
Residential Organics First Program In 1998 the City adopted an Organics First Program to implement practices that minimize negative impacts on the ecosystem. This program emphasizes good horticultural practices to maintain plant health. By focusing on plant and soil health the use of chemicals can be greatly reduced. This helps to improve water quality by preventing use of harmful chemicals. Individual homeowners can also take advantage of this program by applying simple principles to lawn care. The following is modified for homeowners from the City of Sunset Valley’s Organic First Program. Part 1. Landscaping Zone Definitions A. Turf Areas
• Grassy lawn areas that are maintained and irrigated regularly. Grasses that fall into this category include St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, and others.
B. Natural Lawn Areas • Includes areas that are not mown regularly such as Buffalograss
lawns, native grasses, and wildflower areas. C. Natural Vegetative Buffers
• Areas managed to maintain a natural, native habitat with a large portion of woody vegetation. Receiving minimal if any maintenance.
D. Vegetative Filter (Buffer) Strip • Filter strips are land areas of either planted or indigenous
vegetation, situated between a potential, pollutant-source area and a waterway that receives runoff.
E. Landscape Beds • Planting areas outside of lawn areas that are maintained and
irrigated such as annual color beds. F. Tree Health Care
• This covers all activities that are done that affects the health of trees.
Part 2. Turf Area Maintenance
1. Minimum height of turf grass areas is normally considered to be 2.5 to 3 inches depending on the species of grass. Leave clippings on the ground to return nutrients to the soil and retain water.
2. If necessary fertilize with organic fertilizer from Organics List (Table 1). Provide soil amendments as needed. Table 4 contains information on how to use organic products for specific needs.
3. Perform annual soil analysis to determine health of soil. Directions for how to collect soil samples and contacts for testing labs is located on page 6.
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4. Keep blades on lawnmower sharp to reduce the spread of grass diseases and prevent water loss. A list of local businesses that sharpen lawnmower blades is located on page 6 (Table 2).
5. Control weeds by mechanical or hand extraction. Do not apply chemical weed killers or pre-emergents. Use of an Organic herbicide from the Organics List (Table 1) can be used.
6. Water only as needed to sustain deep root systems without producing runoff. Automatic timers are an efficient method to regulate the amount and timing of watering.
7. Water between sundown and 6:00 a.m. unless there are freezing conditions. 8. During the winter water once every two weeks to prevent dieback and
desiccation. 9. Inspect irrigation system monthly to assure proper operation. Make sure no
water is sprayed on paved areas. Contact Public Works for an annual irrigation audit.
10. Comply with all City water rationing restrictions. Visit the city website (www.sunsetvalley.org) or call the city hotline at 892-1954 for current information.
11. Turn irrigation off during freezing weather. 12. Install rain sensors to turn off system during rain events.
Part 3. Natural Lawn Areas
1. Mow these areas at least once per year in the late summer or fall. Keep a buffer around your house for fire safety. Leave clippings on the ground to return nutrients to the soil and retain water.
2. In wildflower areas wait for seed heads to dry before mowing. This is an inexpensive and natural way to reseed.
3. Reseed areas yearly to keep growth thick and diversified. A list of seeds can be found in Table 3 for suggested plantings located on page 7.
4. Water plants until they are established. Trees may require up to two years of supplemental water while other types of plants will require less.
5. Vegetative Filter (Buffer) Strip areas must be watered to maintain a healthy status and ensure erosion control.
Part 4. Vegetative Buffers
1. Invasive, non-native species should be removed. These invasives include Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Ligustrum, Nandina, Bermuda Grass, and Johnson grass. Visit http://texasinvasives.org/ to learn more about these species. These items can be removed by hand or with other approved techniques. Assistance with removal methods is available from the Environmental Services Division of Public Works.
2. If these areas are damaged, replant with native trees and shrubs. Assistance with plant selection is available from the Environmental Services Division of Public Works.
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3. Water plants until they are established. Trees may require up to two years of supplemental water while other types of plants will require less.
4. Vegetative Filter (Buffer) Strip must be watered to maintain health and ensure erosion control.
Part 5. Landscaping Beds 1. Mulch should be applied to planting beds to improve soil health and
maintain moisture. Mulch is available for free from the City. Contact Public Works at 891-9103.
2. Perform annual soil analysis to determine health of soil. 3. Shrub, perennial and groundcover beds should be fertilized in the spring and
fall, if necessary. An organic fertilizer should be used as directed. 4. Prune shrubs as necessary to maintain their natural shape. Prune flowering
shrubs opposite of their blooming seasons (spring bloom-fall prune, fall bloom-spring prune).
5. Remove spent blooms (deadhead) on perennials throughout the year. Cut perennials back to 6 inches in the winter after a hard freeze. Cover with 3 inches of mulch.
6. Prune back groundcover in early spring to remove dead areas. After that prune only to maintain area.
7. Maintain weeds by hand pulling. Alternatively, see the Organics Product List (Table 1) for other options.
8. Thoroughly till seasonal color beds before planting. Plant annuals in April and October depending on their bloom season. Maintain 2 inches of mulch in beds year round. Water only as needed to sustain deep root systems without producing runoff. Automatic timers are an efficient method to regulate the amount and timing of watering.
9. Water between sundown to 6:00 a.m. unless there are freezing conditions. 10. During the winter water once every two weeks to prevent dieback and
desiccation. 11. Inspect irrigation system monthly to assure proper operation. Make sure no
water is sprayed on paved areas. Contact Public Works for an annual irrigation audit.
12. Meet all City water rationing restrictions. 13. Turn irrigation off during freezing weather. 14. Install rain sensors to turn off system during rain events.
Part 6. Tree Health Care
1. Trees require different maintenance regimes than other landscaped areas. Visit http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/phc.aspx for information on proper tree care. Contact the City Arborist with any concerns at 891-9103.
2. Annually prune all trees, 10 inch diameter and smaller, during the dormant period, usually in winter. Remove dead, broken limbs and sucker growth. Prune to maintain natural shape and good growth habit.
3. Oak Wilt Control. Only prune oak trees during the cold of winter or the hottest part of summer. Insect/fungi activity is low during this time. Clean all cutting tools before pruning and between pruning different trees to
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reduce the spread of disease. Cover all wounds with pruning paint or latex-based paint. Visit http://www.texasoakwilt.org/ for more information. Notify the City Arborist at Public Works at 891-9103 for more information or if you have any concerns regarding the health of your trees.
4. Remove vines, weeds, and parasitic plant material such as mistletoe from trees, if necessary.
5. Keep trees well mulched but keep mulch off the trunk. Mulch against the trunk can encourage fungal growth and other tree diseases.
6. Stake trees only if necessary. Staking encourages bad growth form. Remove stakes after 1 year.
7. Water trees infrequently but for longer periods of time, when needed. Water newly planted trees once a week for the first month. Regular lawn irrigation does not provide adequate water for trees. Install bubblers or use soaker hoses to water trees.
Part 7. Fire Ant Control
1. Survey and identify ant type. Native ant populations should be left alone as they are an important part of our ecosystem. A fire ant identification key is located on page 11.
2. Individual mounds can be treated with boiling water or vinegar. 3. For more extensive infestations use the Texas Two Step Method with an
approved fire ant control such as Green Light with Conserve. - Broadcast fire ant bait around mounds. - Treat individual mounds with a product such as Orange Guard Fire
Ant Killer or Citrex Fire Ant Killer. 4. Have a 24 hour window without rain before treating mounds. 5. Contact the Environmental Services Division of the Public Works
Department for more information at 891-9103.
Part 8. Exceptions 1. In certain cases, “least toxic” herbicides may be used in landscaping beds.
Contact the Environmental Services Division of Public Works for more information.
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Table 1. Organic Product List. List compiled from Howard Garrett’s Texas Gardening the Natural Way.
Fertilizers and Soil Amendments Alfalfa Meal Alfalfa Tea Bat Guano Bioform Blood Meal Bone Meal Chicken Litter Coffee Frounds Compost Corn Gluten Meal Cornmeal Cornmeal Juice Cottonseed Meal Diatomaceous Earth Dillo Dirt Earthworm Castings Epsom Salts Fireplace Ashes Fish Emulsion Fish Meal Granite Sand Gypsum Humate Kelp Meal
Lava Sand Lime Manure Molasses Seaweed Soft Rock Phosphate Sulfur Sul-Po-Mag Texas Greensand Zeolite Commercial Product Lines Alliance Cornmeal Soil Amendment Bluebonnet Farms Bradfield Erath Earth Garden-Vill Soil Food Garrett Juice GreenSense Hu-more Medina SuperThrive
Pest Control Product Antidessicants Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Dormant Oil Baking Soda Garlic Pepper Tea Bordeaux Mix Potassium Bicarbonate Fungicide Citrus Oil Soap Compost Tea Sulfur Copper Tanglefoot Corn Gluten Meal Triple Action 20 Cornmeal Vinegar
Procedure for Collecting Soil Samples 1) Collect separate samples for different areas of your yard. For example collect one
sample for landscaping beds and a separate sample for your lawn. 2) Take composite samples from across your lawn. Choose 10-15 locations across your
lawn to get a good mixture of soil. 3) Using a spade or soil auger dig a V-shaped hole 3-6 inches deep. Using the tip of the
spade take a 1” slice down the edge of the hole. 4) Place the soil in a plastic bucket or non metallic box. All samples are placed in the
same container. 5) Thoroughly mix the samples and remove 1 pint to send for sampling. 6) Let soil air dry before sending to lab for testing. 7) Do not send soil in metal containers. 8) Send sample for testing. Listed below are two labs that conduct soil tests for small
fees. Contact Information for Soil Testing Stephen F. Austin University http://soils.sfasu.edu/ Texas A&M University http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/
Table 2. Local Contacts for Sharpening Mower Blades
Name Address Phone McCoy’s Lawn Equipment, Inc.
4140 S. Congress Austin, TX 78745
(512) 442-2337
Travis Tractor & Lawn Equipment, Inc.
5700 S. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78745
(512) 443-3373
Hill Country Outdoor Power
12014 HWY. 290 W. Austin, TX 78737
(512)288-7282
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Table 3. Selected seed species for diversifying natural lawn areas. Includes when to sow and height of plants.
Wet Areas Grasses
Scientific Name
Sowing Season-
Warm/CoolNative/
IntroducedUsual HeightCommon Name
Andropogon glomeratus Bushy Bluestem C N 3' - 6' Erianthus alopecuroides Silver Plumegrass W N 9' - 10' Muhlenbergia lindheimeri Lindheimer Muhly Fall N 2' - 5' Muhlenbergia capillaris Gulf Muhly C N 11/2' Panicum virgatum Switchgrass W N 5' - 8' Sorghastrum avenaceum Indian Grass W N 3' - 5' Trypsacum dactyloides Eastern Grammagrass Apr. - Nov. N 5' - 8'
Moderate Areas
Scientific Name
Sowing Season-
Warm/CoolNative/
IntroducedUsual HeightCommon Name
Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem W N 5' - 6' Andropogon hallii Sand Bluestem W N 2' Andropogon ternarius Splitbeard Bluestem C N 11/2' Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge Bluestem Fall N 4' - 5' Bothriochloa saccharoides Silver Bluestem May - Nov. N 3' - 4' Bouteloua eriopoda Black Grama W N 18"
Bouteloua gracilus Blue Grama June - Nov. N 2' - 21/2'
Moderate Areas Elymus candensis Canada Wildrye C N 3' - 4' Eragrostis curvula Weeping Lovegrass W N 2' - 4' Eragrostis hisuta Bigtop Lovegrass W N 2' - 3' Eragrostis trichodes Sand Lovegrass W N 2' - 4' Festuca arundinaceae Tall Fescue C N 6" - 8" Festuca ovina Sheep Fescue C N 6" - 8" Leptochloa dubia Green Sprangletop May - Nov. N 2' Lolium spp. Annual Ryegrass C I 6"
Muhlenbergia capillaris Gulf Muhly Fall N 3' - 31/2'
Panicum virgatum Switch Grass W N 5' - 8' Sporobolus asper Tall Dropseed W N 3' - 4'
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Dry Areas
Scientific Name
Sowing Season-
Warm/CoolNative/
IntroducedUsual HeightCommon Name
Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats Grama W N 1' - 3'
Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama June - Nov. N 2' - 21/2'
Bouteloua pectinata Tall Grama July - Nov. N 2' - 3'
Buchloe dactyloides Buffalograss W N 3" - 12"
Chasmanthium latifolium Inland Sea Oats W N 2' - 4'
Eragrostis spectabilis Purple Lovegrass W N 18" - 24"
Hilaria belanderi Curly Mesquite W N 4" - 6" Leptochloa dubia Green Spangletop May - Nov. N 2' - 4' Lolium spp. Annual Ryegrass C I 6"
Muhlenbergia arenacea Ear Muhly W N 4" - 14"
muhlenbergia reverchonii Seep Muhly Sum. - Fall N 2' Muhlenbergia rigida Purple Muhly C N 30" Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem Aug. - Dec. N 1' - 4' Setaria scheelei Southwest Bristlegrass W N 2' - 3' Sporobolus vaginaeflorus Poverty Dropseed Fall N 2' - 3
Stipa tenuissima Mexican Feathergrass C N 21/2' -
3'
Tridens muticus Slim Tridens July - Nov. N 12" - 18"
Forbs and Perennials Wet Areas
Scientific Name
Sowing Season-
Warm/CoolNative/
IntroducedUsual HeightCommon Name
Achillea millefolium Yarrow June - Aug. N 6" - 12"
Carex perdentata Sedge Spring N 6" - 12"
Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower Spr. - Sum. N 2' Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower Fall N 6" - 6' Penstemon tenuis Gulf Coast Penstemon Fall N 11/2' Physostegia spp. Spring Obedient Plant Fall N 2' - 6' Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan Spr. - Sum. N 1' - 2'
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Wet Areas Solidago spp Goldenrod C N 3' - 7'
Tradescantia spp. Spiderwort Spring N 6" - 18"
Viguiera dentata Golden Eye Spring N 3' - 6' Moderate Areas
Scientific Name
Sowing Season-
Warm/CoolNative/
IntroducedUsual HeightCommon Name
Achillea millefolium Yarrow June - Aug. N 6" - 12"
Castilleja purpurea Inian Paintbrush May - June N 6" - 12"
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Oxeye Daisy Spring N 2' - 4'
Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis Spring N 11/2' -
2' Helianthus maximiliana Maximillian Sunflower Oct. - Nov. N 4' - 6' Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower Spr. - Sum. N 2' Lupinus texensis Texas Bluebonnet Fall N 1' Melilotus officinalis Yellow Sweetclover C I 18" Monarda citriodora Horsemint Spring N 1 - 11/2' Oenothera speciosa Pink Evening Primrose Spring N 1'
Penstemon cobera Wild Foxglove Spring N 1' - 11/2'
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan Spr. - Sum. N 1' - 2' Salvia coccinea Scarlet Sage Spring N 2' - 3' Trifolium Incarnatum Crimson Clover C I 4" - 6"
Verbena bipinnatifida Prarie Verbena June - Oct. N 6" - 12"
Vicia ludoviciana Deer Pea Vetch April I 1' - 2' Vicia villosa Hairy Vetch C I 1' - 2'
Dry Areas
Scientific Name
Sowing Season-
Warm/CoolNative/
IntroducedUsual HeightCommon Name
Amblyolepsis setigera Huisache Daisy W N 1' Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed Spr. - Sum. N 11/2' 2' Gaillardia pulchella Indian Blanket Fall N 1' Ipomopsis rubra Standing Cypress Spr. - Fall N 2' - 4' Liatris pycnostachya Gayfeather Spr. - Sum. N 1' - 3'
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Dry Areas
Melampodium leucanthum Blackfoot Daisy Spring Spring N 6" - 12"
Muhlenbergia rigens Deer Muhly N 3'
Oenothera missourensis Yellow Evening Primrose Spring N 1'
Oenothera speciosa Pink Evening Primrose Spring N 1' Phyla incisa Frogfruit Spring N 3" - 4"
Ratibida columnaris Mexican Hat Fall N 11/2' -
3'
Salvia engelmanii Engelman Sage Spring N 1' -
11/2' Salvia farinacea Mealy Blue Sage Spring N 2' - 3' Salvia romeriana Cedar Sage Spring N 3" - 6" Sisyrinchium bellum Blue-eyed Grass Spring N 6" 18" Solidago spp Goldenrod Fall N 3' - 7' Teucrium laciniatum Dwarf Germander Spring N 3" - 6"
Verbena tenuisecta Moss Verbena Spring N 6" - 10"
Viguiera dentata Golden Eye Oct. - Dec. N 3' - 6'
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Texas Fire Ant Identification: An Illustrated Key Jerry L. Cook, Stephen F. Austin University, Sean T. O’Keefe, , and S. Bradleigh Vinson, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Texas has more than 260 species of ants, only a few of which are household or garden pests (see FAPFS010 for identification of non-fire ant pest ants). Many native ants, including native fire ant species and some harmless introduced ant species, are potential or known competitors of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Fire ant mounds or nests differ from many native/competitor ant species because they have no central openings. Worker fire ants leave the colony using underground tunnels that open to the surface away from the mound. There are six known species of fire ants (Solenopsis species of the geminata group) in the United States, five of which are found in Texas. Of these, four are native species and the fifth is the accidentally introduced red imported fire ant. Another imported species, the black imported fire ant (Solenopsis richteri) does not live in Texas. Although the four native species are called fire ants, they are much less aggressive and numerous than the imported species. The first question is whether you have fire ants. If the ants are aggressive, at least 3 mm long, and rapidly run up any object placed into their nest, they are probably fire ants. If they try to bite and sting the object, then it is a good bet they are fire ants. To confirm, look at the region between the epinotum and gaster (see figure below), and if two nodes (petiole and postpetiole) are present and the antennal club is two-segmented, then they are fire ants. Identifying the specific species of fire ant is easier if you have access to a microscope and a good light source because many of the features used to identify fire ants to species are small and hard to see. To use this identification key, examine at least six to ten major workers (the larger, wingless worker ants in a colony) because the characters used for identification might not be fully developed in all individuals of the colony; they are easiest to see on the major workers. Examining only one worker may lead to an incorrect identification. To use the identification key, begin at the top and compare the options in the first pair of statements and illustrations to the specimen(s) you have. Choose the figure and statement that matches the specimen(s) you have and then proceed down the key until the ant is properly identified. A technical identification key to all species of fire ants in North and South America was published by J.C. Trager in 1991 (Journal of the New York Entomological Society 99 (2): 141198). A very useful older work that includes numerous scanning electron pictures was published by A. Hung, M.R. Barlin, and S.B. Vinson in 1977 (Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No. 1185). An updated, more detailed identification guide is being prepared by Jerry Cook, who is also studying specimens possibly representing a new species of native fire ant found around Corpus Christi, Texas. This potential new species would be identified as a tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminata) in the key below. Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren): Only the red imported fire ant has a median clypeal tooth and a striated mesepimeron (see figures); although these may be difficult to see at first. Other characters that might help in the identification include: 1) the antennal scape nearly reaches the vertex, 2) the post-petiole is constricted at back half, and 3) the petiolar process is small or absent. The red imported fire ant is widespread in the eastern two-thirds of the state and has also been found around El Paso.
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Tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminata [Fabricius]): The most distinguishing characteristic of this species is the relatively larger, parallel-sided head with a deep, median, lengthwise groove down the middle of the vertex. Other features that might help in the identification include: 1) smaller or absent petiolar process (also not found in the red imported fire ant) and 2) this antennal scape goes only about halfway to vertex. Tropical fire ants were once widespread in the eastern half of the state and central Hill Country, but are being quickly replaced by red imported fire ants.
Southern fire ant (Solenopsis xyloni McCook): Of all the native fire ants, the southern fire ant looks the most like the red imported fire ant. The southern fire ant can be identified by its brown to black color, well-developed petiolar process, and no median clypeal tooth. The southern fire ant is widespread throughout the eastern, southern, and southwestern parts Texas.
Desert fire ants (Solenopsis aurea Wheeler and Solenopsis amblychila Wheeler): Both of these species are yellowish-red to reddish-yellow (whereas all other fire ants are light to dark brown) and have a well-developed petiolar process. Both species are found in desert areas in western Texas.
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For more information regarding fire ant management, see Extension publications B-6043, Managing Red Imported Fire Ants in Urban Areas; B-6076, Managing Red Imported Fire Ants in Agriculture; B-6099, Broadcast Baits for Fire Ant Control; or L-5070 The Texas Two-Step Method Do-It-Yourself Fire Ant Control for Homes and Neighborhoods. Also visit our web site at http://fireant.tamu.edu.
The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas Cooperative Extension or the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station is implied. Educational programs conducted by Texas Cooperative Extension serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic
level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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Table 4. Organic Product List with uses and directions. Adapted from Howard Garrett’s Texas Gardening the Natural Way.
Product Name It's Use Directions for Use What It Treats Where To Purchase
Fertilizers and Soil Amendments
Alfalfa Meal Benefits the plant and soil organism as well; a plant growth regulator Apply 10-20 lbs. per 1,000 square ft.
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Alfalfa Tea Benefits the plant and soil organism as well; a plant growth regulator
Apply generously to the root area or use as a foliar spray after straining
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Bat Guano
Excellent suplem. fertilizer for most plants; not contam. by pestic. or chem.
Apply 1x or 2x during grow. seas.; has 10% nitrogen, do not overuse Treats fungicides
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Bioform Its uses vary according to the mixture; but is an overall excellent organic fert. Apply *40 lbs. per 2,000 square ft.
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Blood Meal Excellent source of quickly available organic nitrogen and phosphorous.
Good to use as mix w/ cottonseed meal; use sparingly, strong odor
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Bone Meal Best natural source of phosphorus, contains calcium and trace minerals.
Apply w/ bulbs, tomatoes, and other vegetables
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Chicken Litter Good natural fertilizer high in nitrogen Best compost before use to remove unwanted items; use sparingly
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Coffee Grounds Excellent low-pH additive
Best to compost w/ other mat.; if applied dir., *20-80 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Compost The best fertilizer and the key to any organic program
Best when made w/ several ingredients; see appendix
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Corn Gluten Meal Is an all-natural plant product, rich in nitrogen; good nat. weed fertilizer
Broadcast prior to weed germination, *15-20 lbs./1,000sq. ft.; Caution: Don't apply when you plant seeds
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Cornmeal It is a good mild fertilizer and disease fighter Apply *10-20 lbs. per 1,000 square ft.
Fungal disease control; helps prevent or cure brown patch , etc.
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Cornmeal Juice Natural Fungicide spray
A cup of horde. Corn. per gal. of water, soak an hr., and spray on plant foliage
Fungal disease on plant foliage
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Cottonseed Meal Excellent organic source of nitrogen w/ an acid pH; provides nit. over time
Note: Acidifies the soil (apply 9 lbs of lime to per 100 lbs of cottonseed meal).
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Diatomaceous Earth
An animal food suppl. and pest control prod.; prov. silica, iron and other elem. Apply *10-50 lbs. per 1,000 square ft. Pests
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
* Most broadcast spreaders, set fully open, will dispense the average fertilizers at approximately 10 lbs. per 1,000 square ft. per pass ** Some of the products supplied by these companies do not have the same name as the one listed here; see the Environmental Specialist for the compatible products' names.
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Product Name It's Use Directions for Use What It Treats Where To Purchase
Dillo Dirt Excellent soil builder and organic fertilizer
Spread at own discretion; made from sewer sludge and wood chips
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Earthworm Castings
Effective fert. high in bacteria, calcium, iron, magnes., N-P-K, and other min.
Excellent for house plants; gentle, sweet-smelling, and clean
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Epsom Salts
A fast-acting source of magnesium and sulfur; needed in most Texas soils
Apply in spray or drench at 1 tbls. per gal. or dry at *10-20 lbs./1,000 sq. ft.
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Fireplace Ashes Good fertilizer and soil-builder if used properly
Mix w/ var. carbon mater. Such as dry leaves, etc.; use sparingly
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Fish Emulsion Concentrated liquid fertilizer Apply directly to soil or as foliar feed; best when mixed w/ liquid kelp Effective insecticide
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Fish Meal Good natural fertilizer Very good for flowering plants; use w/ caution, it is very stinky Effective insecticide
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Granite Sand Generally increases plant growth; excellent way to add minerals
Broadcast fertilizer-style at own discretion; good for bed preparation
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Gypsum Ex. Source of calcium and sulfur; neut. plant toxins, opens soil, etc.
Apply generally; not needed in high-calcium soils
Plant toxins, and removes sodium from soil
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Humate An excellent source of carbon, humic acid, and trace minerals
May be applied in liquid form or dry form; apply at own discretion
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Kelp Meal Ex. general fertilizer, stimulates root growth and regulates plant growth Apply at *10 lbs per 1,000 square ft.
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Lava Sand Excellent, highly paramagnetic soil-amendment
Apply as much as you want for as long as want
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Lime A major calcium fertilizer; high-calcium lime is preferred
Apply in low-calcium soil; apply according to soil content
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Manure It is high in nitrogen; an exc. material to be used for the manuf. of compost
Fresh manure should not be placed directly in the soil; but great in comp.
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Commercial Product Lines Alliance Cornmeal Soil Amendment
It is a good source of nutrients and organic matter; good bed-prep mater. Apply *10-50 lbs. per 100 square ft. General disease control
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Bluebonnet Farms
A line of organic fertilizers and soil amend. incl. corn gluten meal, hort. Cornmeal, and trace mineral products Application depends on the product
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Bradfield
Natural alfalfa based fertilizers blend w/ animal protein, natural potassium sulfate potash, and molasses Apply *20-30 lbs. per 1,000 square ft.
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
* Most broadcast spreaders, set fully open, will dispense the average fertilizers at approximately 10 lbs. per 1,000 square ft. per pass ** Some of the products supplied by these companies do not have the same name as the one listed here; see the Environmental Specialist for the compatible products' names.
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Product Name It's Use Directions for Use What It Treats Where To Purchase
Erath Earth
A line of compost and organic pest control products; Vovinite is their peat moss replacement product
Used in general use; Voninite is good in potting soils and compost mixes Pest control
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Garden-Ville Soil Food
Organic fertilizer contains bat guano, brewer's yeast, desert humate, and many other products Apply *20-30 lbs. per 1,000 square ft.
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Garrett Juice
Is one of the primary foliar-feeding tool; is a subtly powerful liquid soil fertilizer as well
For foliar feeding use w/ 2-3 oz. per gal., and best if used during cool time ; for soil treat., app. Rate is doubled
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
GreenSense A line of horticultural products Application depends on the product Pest control Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Hu-more A line of exc. organ. prod. made from composted cow manure and alfalfa
Apply at own discretion, according to soil test results
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Medina A line of liquid and dry product, range from soil biostimulants to fertilizers Application depends on the product
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
SuperThrive A liquid product made from vitamins and hormones
Use three drops per gal. at each watering for best results
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Pest Control Products
Antidessicants
Are compounds applied to plants to reduce dehydration and prevent drying Application depends on the product Dehydration and drying
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT)
it is a naturally occurring bacterial disease of insects Applied by spraying on plants General insecticide
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Baking Soda Controls powdery mildew and other fungal diseases of plants
Must be mixed w/ horti. Spray oil to be affective; Caution: if mixed wrong it can damage the leaves Fungal diseases
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Bordeaux Mix It is a great fungicide and bactericide; also controls some plant diseases
Best if applied at the beginning of winter; during summer app. Be careful of overuse
Fungus, bacteria, and disease
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Citrus Oil Very good natural insecticide Plant spraying dilute 2 oz. of with one gal. of water; full strength on ant hills
Very good general insecticide
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Compost Tea It is a mild disease control product; more effec. when mixed w/ manure
Apply at own discretion; amount is dependent on what is in compost Disease control
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Copper It is a very good general insecticide-fungicide; it also fights some disease
Applications rates vary; follow instructions on package Insects, fugus, and disease
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
* Most broadcast spreaders, set fully open, will dispense the average fertilizers at approximately 10 lbs. per 1,000 square ft. per pass ** Some of the products supplied by these companies do not have the same name as the one listed here; see the Environmental Specialist for the compatible products' names.
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Product Name It's Use Directions for Use What It Treats Where To Purchase
Corn Gluten Meal A good weed prevention product Apply in the fall at 15-20 lbs. per 1,000 square ft. Winter weeds
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
It is a very effective natural pest control product Apply 10-50 lbs. per 1,000 square ft. Insects
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Dormant Oil A horticulture oil used on woody plant during the dormant season
Application varies according to type of oil used and the type of plant Insects
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Garlic Pepper Tea Very effective insect/animal repellent as well as an organic insecticide
Application varies, follow directions; Caution: avoid skin and eye contact Insect, and animal repellent
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Potassium Bicarbonate Fungicide
Controls powdery mildew and other fungal diseases of plants
Must be mixed w/ horti. Spray oil to be affective; Caution: if mixed wrong it can damage the leaves Fungal diseases
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Soap It is a good, safe insecticide Mix 1 ½ tsp. of Dawn liquid detergent per 1 qt of water; spray on leaves Insects
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Sulfur It is a general use pesticide Apply 5 lbs. per 1,000 square ft. Insects Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Tanglefoot It is effective barrier, on trees and shrubs, against crawling insects
Apply around the trunks of trees and shrubs Insects
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Triple Action 20 A very good fungicide and unwanted indoor plant odor eliminator
Spray directly on plant foliage, turf, or an hard surface; kills on contact
Fungus, bacteria, algae, and indoor plant odor
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
Vinegar It is good pest deterrent Spray it around the area that you are having difficulties Insects
Natural Gardener & Gardenville**
* Most broadcast spreaders, set fully open, will dispense the average fertilizers at approximately 10 lbs. per 1,000 square ft. per pass ** Some of the products supplied by these companies do not have the same name as the one listed here; see the Environmental Specialist for the compatible products' names.
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