Purple Martins
Depending on the weather, yearling Purple Martins should begin to start arriving now through the rest of the month, looking for nesting sites to colonize. Houses should be cleaned and ready to go up. No matter what, keep the housing up through June, martins may arrive and begin nesting as late as the end of June.
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Organic Pest Control
Add the following to Garrett Juice (visit his web site to get his recipe or pick it up at a local nursery) and spray as needed. Garlic tea or mild vinegar– 1/4cup/gal. or label directions for minor insect or disease infestations. Potassium bicarbonate - 1 rounded tbsp. /gal. for minor diseases. Liquid biostimulants - Use per label – Medina Soil Activator, or similar product. Neem or plant oil products - Use per label directions for more serious insect and disease infestations. For THRIPS, apply beneficial nematodes to the soil in early spring.
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Taking Care of Trees and Shrubs
Feed deciduous trees and shrubs as they resume growth. The live oak leaves may be falling, this is normal, no cause for alarm. The round growths on the leaves are wasp galls, harmless to the tree. Use them for mulch. Paint all wounds on oak trees with pruning paint or latex paint immediately after the wound is made or discovered in order to prevent the spread of oak wilt. Watch for SOPHORA CATERPILLARS on Texas mountain laurel. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or malathion to control them.
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Follow the Rain Totals
As rain returns to our area follow the rain totals using the community collarborative rain, hail, and snow network. The website is www.cocorahs.org/.
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