Living Fence, Compost, Cornmeal and Corn Gluten Meal, Sprays, Dogs & Turf
Q. My dad has a “living’” fence of cedars around his house. They are covered with bagworms, and we were wondering how to get rid of them without pesticides. Any ideas? ’– R.C., Oklahoma
A. Spray with one of the Bt Bacillus thuringiensis products in the spring when the worms start feeding on the foliage. Apply The Sick Tree Treatment now. Plants that are under bagworm attack are in stress. The other thing you can do now if time allows is hand pick all the bags, crush them and toss into the compost pile.
Q. I have a small compost pile that I keep but want to get a load hauled in. I am concerned about any residual medications that might be there from all they give the cows. Does decomposing get rid of antibiotics, steroids, etc? I’d like to use the compost on my lawn, flower beds and vegetable garden. ’– S.K., Hico, TX
A. That’s a good question. Healthy microbial activity in the compost will break down most of these toxins except for some of the persistent herbicides like pichloram. That’s why we need to get those products off the market. Ask the company if Bermuda or alfalfa is in the mix. Bermuda hay is the potential problem. Alfalfa won’t have the broadleaf herbicide residues because it is a broadleaf plant.
Q. I’m afraid of the sticker shock I anticipate when I switch over to organics. One way to “ease over’” to the other side is to start applying cornmeal as a weed and feed preemergent and mild fertilizer. It seems to be very versatile, therefore budget friendly. Is there a difference between corn gluten meal, cornmeal, horticultural cornmeal and Aunt Jemima and Martha White’s cornmeals? Is yellow or white the best? ’– L.W., Dallas
A. Here’s the rundown:
Cornmeal ’– starchy endosperm of corn. The outside edge of the corn kernel has been removed.
Aunt Jemima ’– the most effective grocery store cornmeal for horticultural use.
Whole ground corn ’– the entire corn kernel ground into a meal. Very effective, especially if organically grown.
Corn gluten meal ’– the protein fraction of the corn kernel. Powerful natural weed and feed product. Not for disease control.
White corn vs. yellow cornmeal ’– not sure which is more effective. Most of my work has been done with yellow cornmeal.
I should also add that it is a big misconception that the organic approach is more costly. Not only does it get more cost effective each year, the starting costs don’t have to be more than the synthetic toxic stuff.
Q. How often can I apply Garrett Juice to my plants? What application rate do I apply the vinegar herbicide? ’– J.S., Dallas
A. Spray any foliar feeding mixture every 2 weeks if time and budget allow and use the vinegar full strength for killing weeds. Add 2 oz. of orange oil and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap for better week killing results.
Q. I recently have built a new home and one area needing attention is a 20’ x 40’ space where our 80 lb. golden retriever will spend time. There are two existing trees on the outside of the fence which provide some shade and a holly tree and an eve’s necklace are planted along the fence line. I was recently advised by a turf company not to put in buffalo grass because of the shade and that zoysia was my best choice. Your comments concerning the “wear’” factor contradict. Should I plant St. Augustine? ’– B.L., Dallas
A. No grass will hold up to constant dog traffic but zoysia would be the worst choice. Use St. Augustine in the shade and put the dog in a run when you are not home. Smooth concrete is the best surface.