County Extension

Lawns along the coast aren’t looking too bad unless you were in those areas that missed all of the rainfall. Summer’s hot temperatures gave us lots of growth and recovery time. Keep a good thing going as we slide toward fall by adding potassium and be prepared to knock large patch out before it kills parts of your lawn.

 Five Brunswick County 4-H members completed the Golden Ray Series of the Junior Master Gardener Program during 4-H Summer Fun.

Participants Eliza Douglass, Jessica Hockett, Jacob Cheers, London Robinson and Nickolas Dinnall received certificates for completion of the program. Master Gardener 4-H volunteers Grace Wrigley, Sharon Benson and Mercy McCurdy led the special interest group.

Nitrogen fertility has a significant impact on large patch development. High nitrogen levels promote the growth of soft, succulent leaves that are susceptible to attack by the large patch fungus. To help prevent disease outbreaks, apply a low rate of nitrogen fertilizer at 4 to 8-week intervals or use a slow-release nitrogen source to maintain an even growth rate. To reduce disease outbreaks during the winter and early spring, avoid fall applications of nitrogen fertilizer. Finally, maintain phosphorus and potash fertility levels according to soil test recommendations. In addition:

By Charlie Spencer 

Master Gardener

It is that time of year when the Master Gardener information phone starts to ring off the hook. Homeowners who have centipede grass in their yards realize that there is something wrong with the grass. It is dying in places, usually in a circular pattern.