Something VERY Strange

[gja1000]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

Gayle, just talked to hubby, and we're going to do it all. Spray with the milk solution let it dry, apply the cornmeal in back yd, Tide in front, and get the beneficial nematodes, too. We have an organic nursery in town, they are sure to have them.

Thanks for the advice. We should at least have a nourished lawn.

I'm agravated though because we pay someone to take care of our grass and this happens!! What a waste!!

Marilyn,
Yard services usually use chemicals to fertilize and control disease. Studies done by A&M showed that organic fertilizers work better than chemical fertilizers and that most organic solutions for diseases are just as effective as chemicals. If they have put fertilizer on your yard lately, that is what is feeding the fungus (if that is what it is). I let someone mow my yard, but I take care of all the feeding.

Never put nitrogen fertilizer on your yard where you have a fungus (or brown patches - unless you know it is grubs). Also, don't put the cornmeal where the fungus may be because it has a little nitrogen in it. However, if it is grubs, then the milk won't help and the cornmeal won't hurt. It will take the nematodes a few weeks to wipe out the grubs - since they eat the eggs, not the live grubs. But as the live grubs die with their natural life cycle, then no new ones will be born. You probably won't get green grass back till next summer - but you might, if it doesn't get too cold too soon.

Be sure to apply the nematodes when it is cool - I think evening is best. You have to mix the nematode dirt with water - don't use tap water, if it has chlorine in it - the chlorine will kill some of them, not all, but some. They must be watered into the soil thoroughly. Since you live so far south, they will make it through the winter and you won't have to apply them next year, and maybe not the next either, if you water in the summer. If you don't water once a week in the heat of the summer, they will dry out and die and you'll have to apply them again. You'll know they are gone when the fire ants return. I only apply them once every 2-3 years. We NEVER have fire ants or fleas in our yard. I haven't had to treat my two little Yorkies for fleas ever, unless we travel and stay out in the RV for a while.

Good luck!