Save a Few Bucks in your Lawn & Garden (Part II)

In my last article, several money saving tips and suggestions were discussed. Since then, several folks have pointed out many other cost-cutting practices I failed to mention. So, here are a few more tips to help you save money in the lawn and garden.

* Check irrigation systems for leaks and to be sure spray head flow and direction are adjusted properly. (You could be watering your neighbor's lawn out there in the dark.) In times of regular rainfall, set system to off if you don''t have a rain sensor.

*Divide perennials and swap plants with other gardening friends. Move plants that aren't thriving or prune overgrown shrubs instead of throwing them out.

* Reduce lawn area to a manageable size in a well suited area. Give up trying to grow lawn in dense shade.

* Compost everything you can, including yard wastes, fruit and vegetable scraps, paper, and lint. Use compost for soil amendments, top dressing, and compost tea for house plants.

*Plant self sowing annuals and perennials. Good re-seeders are: Cosmos, poppies, oxeye daisies, four-o'clocks, cleome, zinnia, larkspur, old fashioned impatiens and petunias.

* If your neighbors share similar lawn types, go together on rental equipment like aerators and de-thatchers.

*If you don't have a mulching blade on your mower, compost the clippings and topdress the lawn with the composted clippings to cut back on fertilizer use.

*Only spray for diseases and insects after you have determined the cause of the problem and the appropriate control. Using unnecessary and excessive pesticides not only wastes money, it kills beneficials and creates potential pesticide runoff.

*For those considering new landscapes or renovating, a plan is a must. If you have grade changes or structural changes, consulting a landscape architect could be a wise investment. No matter whether you have a new or existing landscape, prepare the soil well and choose adapted plant material. Your effort will pay off in reduced water, fertilizer and pesticide consumption, and save you both time and money.

Billy Skaggs Agricultural Agent Hall County Extension Coordinator 734 East Crescent Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 Phone:(770)531-6988 Fax: (770)531-3994 Email: [email protected]