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PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 7:51 pm 
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I've been reviewing the faqs and various posts of the more northern members' lawn care programs and am trying to devise my own newbie plan.

My area is McAllen in the Rio Grande Valley (zone9).

I have a St. Augustine established lawn which is in decent shape, growing in fairly compacted clay-like soil so thatch is evident. There are a few areas of weed overgrowth. I have always mowed on the highest level. I water once a week in the winter and twice a week in the summer (hot!) but will see how once a week works out this year. I'm told the soil here is generally alkaline and sodic however I am planning to get a soil analysis.

Some questions as I chug along looking for sources of the following :


1. When might be the best times of year in my area to use CGM as a pre-emergent ?


2. Same question re:

a) cornmeal as a protein fertilizer ?

b) humate ?

c) greensand ?

d) molasses ?

e) compost ?


Thanks !

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PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 12:43 am 
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Location: San Antonio,TEXAS
1. When might be the best times of year in my area to use CGM as a pre-emergent ?

If you have a period of dormancy, use the CGM in the fall right about the time things slow down. In the spring, use is only if you get crabgrass and apply about the time you get spring-flowering trees blooming.

2. Same question re:
a) cornmeal as a protein fertilizer ?


In your area I would use it on MLK Day, Mother's Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. 5 times.

b) humate ?

Unnecessary in my opinion.

c) greensand ?

Only if you have a heavy rainstorm that leaves the grass very yellow.

d) molasses ?

Unnessary in my opinion. Exception is if you have dog urine spots.

e) compost ?

Really unnecessary. One use per generation or less often. Exception is if you have a soggy area or have a chemical spill to clean up.

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PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 6:51 pm 
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Would the corn meal applications take the place of any other organic fertilizer applications?

and

Other than the corn meal applications are there any other ammendments that might be recommended for the above lawn ?

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PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 8:52 am 
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Corn meal would replace the other fertilizers. It is better if you can get a mix of ground grains, so if you can get soy meal or some other ground up grain, that would be good.

You might get a soil test and see if the salts are in balance. Texas Plant and Soil Lab is recommended above the university labs. TAMU has had some real problems with their tests. The problems were discovered by the Texas Plant and Soil Lab.

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PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 4:29 pm 
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Thanks for the tip on the soil analysis place.

If I mix a soy grain with the cornmeal, what ratio would your use ?

Do I ask for 'soy grain' at a feed store or is there another name for it ?

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