What are grubs?

Grubs are the larvae stage of a beetle and or chafer.  In Ontario most likely a June or Japanese beetle!!

Are they harmful?

Grubs are not harmful to humans but they do destroy our lawns by eating the fibrous roots of grass type plants during the growing season.   Damage is more noticeable later on during summer months during dry periods when lawns slow and growth and struggle to survive.  At this time you may notice brown patches.

The adult stage of grubs…beetles and chafers are harmful to gardens as they eat almost everything in sight including trees, flowering shrubs, annuals, perennials and vegetables.

Skunks, Raccoons, Moles tearing up your lawn?

The most common way people discover they have grubs is in early spring when rodents, and fuzz friends tear up lawns in search of them.  Grubs are a rich source of protein for or furry friends including skunks, raccoons, moles and feathered friends too!  In fact these guys are taking care of your grub population but the problem is they are destroying your lawn at the same time!

How do you stop the digging and tunneling??

You need to discourage them!  By smell…apply bloodmeal (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/2/OutdoorLiving/Garden-Care/GardenFertilizers/PRD~0592156P/CIL+Blood+Meal,+1.3-kg.jsp?locale=en) to areas  …skunks, raccoons, and moles hate the smell.  Bloodmeal needs to be reapplied after rain.  For permanent control you need to get rid of the grubs!!

Controlling Grubs:

Ontario’s Cosmetic Pesticide limits options for grub control.  Previous to the ban a chemical product called Merit was used but now Nematodes are one of the only options.  Nematodes are microscopic organisms that are naturally occurring and present in the soil. They are harmless to wildlife, pets and humans so you may use your lawn immediately after applying. Nematodes die off when the grub population in your soil is reduced.

Nematodes are best used as a preventative application to control newly hatched larvae so the best time to apply them is in late August to early October. They infect grubs within 2 days of application and kill them within 14 days. Nematodes will not kill the entire grub population in your lawn, but will reduce it drastically.

NOTE: NEMATODES NEED TO BE REFRIDGEATED

Nematode application

It is ideal to apply Nematodes from the end of August to October.

1. Nematodes should be applied to very moist soil (the will die if applied to dry soil). It is recommended that you water your lawn well BEFORE applying nematodes. This also drives the grubs closer to the surface which makes it easier for the nematodes to reach them.
2. Nematodes should not be applied on bright sunny days, as UV light will kill them. It is recommended that you apply them early or late in the day, or on an overcast day. Ideally, apply the Nematodes on a rainy day, as it will aid in the watering in of the Nematodes.
3. Nematodes should be sprayed into the lawn using a sprayer designed specifically for nematode application. For the nematodes to work effectively, it is essential to water the soil as soon as possible as the water helps them to penetrate further into the soil, where the grubs live.

Note: Having your lawn aerated before applying nematodes will aid in the movement of the grubs into the root zone of your lawn.

YOUR CHECKLIST:

EARLY SPRING:

1. Monitor for grub damage
2. Repair damaged areas
3. Aerate
4. Level, top-dress with soil and over seed areas damaged by raccoons, skunks or moles.
5. Keep Moist.

SUMMER:

1. Apply Nematodes

EARLY FALL:

1. Apply Nematodes
2. Overseed

NOTE:  I also recommend Early Spring, Summer and Fall Fertilizing of lawn for optimal health. My Fav is CIL GOLFGREEN!!

GCAN:

This portable refueling station (Jerry Can) took $7million to develop but can be yours for $200.  Non Spilling, no vapours and totally safe..you don’t even have to lift it.  Go to www.gcan.com type in frankie flowers and you get free shipping.

Book “The Year Round Vegetable Gardener” by Nikki Jabbour:

Nova Scotia Native Nikki Jabbour teaches you how to grow great eats all year round.  Available on Amazon.ca http://www.amazon.ca/The-Year-Round-Vegetable-Gardener-Matter/dp/1603425683

Books “Pot it Up” and “Get Growing” by Frankie Flowers:

My two best selling garden books are always a great way to guide or inspire any gardener!!! Available at Chapters/Indigo and Amazon.ca signed copies available at www.bradfordgreenhouses.com

Designer Garden Tools:

U.K. Designer Sophia Conran brings trowels to a hole new level.  Check out www.rittenhouse.ca

Felco Pruners:

The world’s best pruner my favorite the Felco 2 with interchangeable blades that can be easily replaced or sharpened.  Available on Ebay.ca

Canada Blooms tickets:

Pre-purchase tickets are available as the perfect gift for anyone who loves plant.  I will be speaking this year at the show.

www.canadablooms.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From Frankie Flowers

1. Eyes are bigger than experience and needs:  When starting out in gardening my recommendation is to start small and gain some confidence.  Large areas of gardens may look great for the first little while but if you don’t have the time or the experience the end results will turn into frustrations and a waste of $$$.
2. Selecting the wrong plants!!  The ultimate goal is finding the right plant for the right place.  When you do so plants will grow with ease and if perennial will come back year after year with minimal care.   If you just go out and choose a plant because it looks good…the end result could be deadly!!
3. Buying in bloom:  Ok you’ve checked to see that your soil type and light requirements match however you select the plant that is in full bloom at the garden centre.  I always say in the world of plants look for bud not bloom and sometimes as with marigolds I suggest pulling off all the blooms at planting so the Marigold can focus on its roots for establishment.
4. Wrong soil:  That $1.99 bag may look like a good deal but if used in a container will kill your plants (from root rot).  For pots choose soils formulated for containers or potting soil.  However remember most container and potting soils are soilless mixes meaning you need to fertilize.
5. You don’t ask questions:  Everyone at one point in their life was a novice gardener.  There are no bad questions.  If you don’t know the difference between an annual and perennial ask!!  Find a knowledge friend or just a good garden centre to help guide your shopping decisions.  My book “Get Growing” is perfect for building your garden confidence.

Keep Blooming,

Frankie