Keep reading for natural remedies to rid your yard of fire ants.
Before mowing, double check brown spots on your lawn. Mike Riley of Horseshoe Bay brought to our attention that we might have baby rabbits underfoot. Sometimes, a patch of dried grass (when everything else around isn’t dry) is the top of a rabbit's nest. Newborn bunnies might only be 2 inches long and will burrow into the nest until feeding time. They’re so cute! Just be aware.
FALL GARDENING
We know it's too hot to think of fall gardening, but now is the time to prepare. We begin by removing all of the plants that are no longer producing. A general cleanup is in order for our gardens. The same principles used in planting our spring gardens apply to fall gardening. The soil needs to be replenished from working/producing all spring. We need to rebuild our soil by adding healthy microbes and nutrients back into the soil. A top dressing of organic compost plus soil conditioners and molasses (either in crystal or liquid form) should be applied. Then, let the soil rest for a while. While the soil and garden are in the resting stage, we can decide what deliciousness and beauty we want for our fall garden. Have you ever tried Merced tomatoes? It will soon be time to set out those fall garden goodies, such as peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and Halloween pumpkins. Gentle reminder: Plant Halloween pumpkins the week of July 4.
TOMATOES
Are the birds after your tomatoes? Place a birdbath in your garden, and they won't bother them AS MUCH. Our fine-feathered friends would truly appreciate some water with the heat here and promising to stay.
FIRE ANT SOLUTIONS
Just when everything seems wonderful, we step outside to work in the garden and get bit by a fire ant (or 10). It’s time to get out our tried-and-true recipes for ridding our places of those pesky fire ants. What are those remedies from last season? Whoops! Have we already forgotten? You mean you did not tattoo them on your wrist, like football plays? (We didn’t either.)
Here is the No. 1 formula for a remedy that is safe for you and the environment. This comes from Malcolm Beck:
Mix equal parts of orange oil, liquid humate (compost tea), and molasses (livestock molasses will work).
Add 6 ounces of this mixture to 1 gallon of water.
Pour liberally on each fire ant bed to really soak them.
Park keepers have used this formula very successfully. Another formula is one that John Renfro (the "Bee Man") shared with us. It is a mixture of equal parts 20 Mule Team Borax and sugar. Sprinkle the mixture around and on the mounds in an amount that creates a tantalizing bait. If there is too much, the ants won’t take the bait to their queen. The sugar entices, and the soap goes “pop.” This is particularly effective if your neighbors do it at the same time. Send us your successful formulas and remedies. We would love to know more ways to combat fire ants. Happy summer — pest-free! Till next time. Keep your souls and soles in your garden! Remember the True Master Gardener: Jesus said, “I am the vine; my Father is the Gardener.” John 15:1
"In the Garden" is written by daughter-father gardening team Martelle and Bill Luedecke. If you have gardening questions, contact Martelle at 512-769-3179 or luedeckephotography@gmail.com or Bill at 512-577-1463 or bill@texasland.net. Read more "In the Garden" columns in the 101 Lawn & Garden Guide.
