Tigertech wrote:
Thanks, Char. I had already read that information in the article library, and it appears in numerous other articles I've read in researching the problem and possible solutions. Other articles claim that compost tea is worthless in treating St. Augustine fungal diseases, especially several written by a researcher at Washington State University who calls its ability to control TARR "a myth". Frankly, I'm inclined to press on with horticultural cornmeal and compost and possibly compost tea. We've had a very wet stretch here in central North Carolina, but my drainage appears to be adequate. I plan to aerate the grass to facilitate root exposure to the treatment as well.
I'm not happy that, in all of my extensive research prior to choosing Palmetto, nowhere was its susceptibility to TARR mentioned. Back home in Louisiana, we didn't have that problem, although grubs and chinch bugs occasionally had to be dealt with.
Again, thanks. Tigertech
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Hi Tigertech,
I have had many fungus problems in my SA (before going Organic).
I went totally Organic the first of this year. I now treat my SA with corn meal once a month. I am very pleased with my yard. In previous years I would now be treating for summer patch. My SA is a beautiful green and it is spreading...it looks great. So the Organic program is working. But I will add that our weather is different this year. We have had very little rain, it is already reaching the 100's and it is very humid. Also, there is much 'due' present. It starts around 9pm. and is really heavy by morning. The dew is one reason why I spread CM once a month.
Do you make your own Compost Tea? I find that very interesting, but have not tried it. I do 'buy' Garrett Juice Plus and spray it on my grass and plants. I also spread peat moss after spreading CM. Just a lite layer. And I spread Molasses once a month. I also use Texas Green Sand, used coffee grounds and manure composts. I am concentrating on improving my soil. We have lived in this house for 15 years. We treated the grass....not the soil.
So I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do.
Good luck to you!