Gardener’s almanac (Nov. 1)
Last lawn fertilizing — November is the second best time to fertilize the fescue lawn, after September. That’s because “while top growth slows in response to cool temperatures, grass plants are still making food (carbohydrates) by photosynthesis,” Ward Upham of K-State writes in the Horticulture 2014 newsletter. “A November nitrogen application helps boost the photosynthesis rate. Carbohydrates that are not used in growth are stored in the crown and other storage tissues in the plant. These carbohydrate reserves help the turfgrass green up earlier in the spring and sustain growth into May without the need for early-spring (March or April) nitrogen. … Other benefits of November-applied nitrogen for cool-season grasses include improved winter hardiness, root growth and shoot density.”
Upham says to apply 1 to 1 to 1½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. The nitrogen should be in a soluble (quickly available) form such as urea or ammonium sulfate. Do not use a slow-release nitrogen now. Sweep up any fertilizer that gets on driveways, sidewalks or streets and reapply it to the lawn, Upham adds.
Dandelion control — Broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, henbit and chickweed are best controlled in late October to early November, Upham says. Apply an herbicide on a day that is 50 degrees or higher. Use an herbicide such as 2,4-D; a combination product (Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, Weed-Out) that contains 2,4-D, MCPP and Dicamba; or Weed Free Zone (also sold under the name of Speed Zone), which contains the three active ingredients mentioned above plus carfentrazone, Upham says.
Extension agent honored — Extension agent Bob Neier was honored last week for his 35 years of service to K-State Research and Extension. The Extension honored the Sedgwick County horticulture agent during an awards luncheon during its annual conference in Manhattan.
Garden events
History of Orphan Trains — Mardella Freund is a Botanica volunteer whose mother made the journey from St. Vincent Orphanage in New York to Kansas. Mardella will be at Botanica on Wednesday to tell the story of her mother’s experience as well as the broader picture of many children who lived on the streets of New York City or in orphanages from 1850 to 1900. Her lecture about the orphan trains that transported them will be from 12:15 to 1 p.m. and is included in Botanica admission.
This story was originally published October 30, 2014 at 8:07 PM with the headline "Gardener’s almanac (Nov. 1)."