Frequently Asked Questions

Scales is not a condition of blight or fungus, it is an insect problem. Underneath that scale is a small mite. The best way to get rid of these mites is to cover each 'scale' with a product called Neem Oil. It can be purchased at many garden supply stores or places such as Tractor Supply. Once the scale is covered with this oil it suffocates the mite, and your problem is solved. Make sure to cover each one of them. And only use in the cooler parts of the day to avoid burning the plant.

 

 

Each chalky-looking spot is a scale. These are so close together that they are nearly indistinguishable. This plant is so heavily covered that it will not be salvageable. It will have to be removed.

The primary issue when planting a tree that prevents it from taking off and being healthy is a lack of calcium in the soil. Insufficient levels of calcium cause the soil to compact and not allow roots to expand. If you've planted a tree that has not survived and dug it up, did you find that the roots were still in their original ball formation? This is the situation that I am referring to.

 

Calcium combines with the components in the soil and causes them to become smaller in their structure. This looser soil structure allows for the roots to have room to spread out. In areas that have high clay content, the roots can now stretch out into cracks in the soil and establish themselves further out. Clay also has many microscopic pockets that hold nutrients, so expansion in this type of soil is now doubly beneficial.

 

Add to this equation a little bit of sulfur and you now have a combination that will build strong cell walls as your roots expand and gather nutrients. The Garden Vigor product Sulf-O-Cal is calcium sulfate, which is also known as gypsum. It is a very fine grind of recycled wallboard. When placed in the hole before planting, Sulf-O-Cal 'softens' the soil and provides nutrients that your seedlings need to thrive.

Moss is not a season specific growth; it can grow in any lawn at any time of the year. It is frequently found in areas that don't drain well or lack direct sunlight or good nutrition.

 

To eliminate the moss, pull up the current growth and place in a plastic bag. Seal  the bag tightly when finished. It is best to wear gloves and a mask, especially if you are allergy-prone. Spread a heavy layer of fine-ground lime to the soil. (Contact us to purchase Garden Vigor Cell-U-Lime for this purpose.) Moss likes acidic soil conditions; the calcium in the lime will create a  higher pH which will eliminate the preferred acidic level and discourage moss growth.

 

Alternatively, a pre-mixed solution is available in most stores where gardening supplies are sold. Some of these products are soap byproducts which contain phosphites. Do not rinse treated areas; allow to dry. Check the areas in 3-5 days for new growth. Continue to treat until the moss no longer returns.

 

To prevent growth in the future, feed the affected lawn areas regularly. If the moss is growing in a shady place, consider a different grass variety that grows well in shade. Keeping the soil busy growing a healthy grass crop will discourage moss growth.