Basic Pond Maintenance
Ponds require different levels of maintenance depending on what you want to do with it. First and foremost, Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says to not blow leaves and yard waste into the pond as this will reduce the oxygen level of the water affecting the algae eaten by the fish. There are several kinds of weeds in a pond. Spring is the best time to try to control them. Mike talks about the different kinds of weeds you will find and where they grow. There are herbicides available for pond weeds, but don’t treat your entire pond all at once, do it in several sections. Before you apply herbicide you need to calculate how much water is in the pond so you can apply at the correct rate. Always read and follow label directions. If you are serious about growing fish, you may need to get a soil test on the mud at the bottom of your pond and lime and/or fertilize your pond to encourage algae growth for your fish to eat. If you just want the pond for looks keep it mowed around the edge to discourage snakes and use mosquito fish and Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to reduce mosquito larvae populations.
The publication Mike referred to is available here: Managing Small Fishing Ponds and Lakes in Tennessee Related Resources: Pond Management Water Gardens and Ornamental Ponds Pond Management Guide |
Blueberry Check-up
This week in the garden Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison takes a look at a blueberry plant that has had a difficult summer. It was damaged by a weed eater several months ago and several branches have died. Mike prunes out the dead branches and sprays Poast (Sethoxydim) to kill the grass around the plant. >>Watch
Other things to do
|
Getting a Warm-Season Lawn Ready for Winter
Getting your warm-season Bermuda or zoysia lawn ready for winter will help it come back strong in the spring. >>Watch
|
|
|
Urban Wildlife
There seems to be more wildlife in urban areas that there are in rural areas. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison talks about what to do to keep the animals away. >>Watch
|
Best Trees for Fall Color
TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond gives a list of trees she thinks have the best fall color. >>Watch
|
Planting Fall Vegetables
Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison shows how to plant fall cool season crops. >>Watch
|
Viewer Questions
How do I control aphids on my greens?
There are some pesticides that control the aphids on turnup and mustard greens. >>Watch
|
How do you control cucumber beetles?
There are several pesticides that control the cucumber beetle on cucumbers. >>Watch
|
Can I mix neem & Captan fungicide for peaches?
Yes, you can. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison also suggests mixing in an insecticide >>Watch
|
What are these worms on my tomato and where do they come from?
The green worm is the tomato horn worm. The black worm is the yellow striped armyworm. >>Watch
|
What is a good calcium nutrient for blossom end rot on watermelons?
Often a lack of calcium is caused by the wrong pH or dry conditions. Do a soil test and see if you need to change the pH. >>Watch
|
More Questions & Answers |