Applying water to your lawn is a vital part of lawn care in St. Petersburg.. Making use of correct watering strategies assures healthy, stress-free grass that better resist unwanted pests and illnesses. Using proper grass watering methods will help St Petersburg property owners save money and h2o while preserving an attractive and vibrant lawn.

Your first step is to find out if your local community has watering constraints. Several towns have reacted to water shortages by employing laws and regulations which limit how many days per week citizens can water their turf, or for how long, and/or at exactly what times. If you reside in this kind of a place, this write-up can nevertheless help you, but be certain to abide by the limitations.

Water first thing in the morning or at dusk

Watering with sprinkler systems is fantastic way for attaining even coverage. Having said that, on scorching, sunny or breezy days, a lot of water is usually lost to evaporation. Watering just prior to the sun coming up or just after it sets allows the water to get to the lawn roots, but dry off from the grass blades so fungal as well as bacterial conditions do not get spread around.

Just how much water must you use?

The quantity of water to use is dependent upon the soil type and the moisture of the earth. The more effective technique would be to thoroughly soak the earth down to a depth of five inches. If the dirt is at first really dry, it might take 1/2 inch. of water in order to moisten a sandy soil down to a level of five inches, while 1-1/2 inches of water may be required in order to moisten a clayey type earth down that far.

Lawns, to keep them healthier and greener, need consistent watering and care. With the right attitude and knowledge of proper lawn watering methods, your lawn will be an attractive carpet of green.

Arabian Jasmine is scientifically known as jasminum sambuc but is more widely recognized as mogra, mallika, mallige and kaliyan.  Known for its shiny, dark evergreen leaves and tiny fragrant white flowers, Arabian Jasmine can climb up and entwine almost anything including trellises and other plants.  Arabian Jasmine’s white flowers would also soon turn softer and pinkish.

India is credited to be the origin of Arabian Jasmine.  Nowadays, the plant has been cultivated in several areas and countries.  It thrives well in colder to tropical climates.  During winter, the plant may freeze to the ground but will regain its roots as the temperature warms up.  During these situations, you should take special care and ensure the supply of mulch to the plant.

Hot moist areas and partial to full sun would be good in growing Arabian Jasmine.  The amount of sunlight the plant gets exposed to affects the plant’s blossoming of flowers.  The soil of the plant should be kept moist but not soggy.  Water-soluble quick release fertilizers and organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion would be a big help.  The plant will also get the nutrients it needs from these fertilizers.

The major advantage of growing Arabian Jasmine lies in its aesthetic value.  It can survive changes in weather.  You will also love the fragrance it emits and the colors it radiates.  However, the plant’s preference for warm weather may result to its late blooming.  Mealybugs, aphids, and leaf spots are also potential threats to the survival of the Arabian Jasmine.

Mistake #1 Mowing lawn too short:

People often mow their lawns too low thinking they won’t have to mow as frequently. Bad idea. You should never cut-off more than 1/3 of the grass blade. Doing so stresses the lawn, exposes surface roots to direct sun, and robs the soil of moisture.

Mistake # 2 Not Sharpening lawn mower blade:

A sharp lawn mower blade will cut through grass easier reducing time spent mowing. The blade tips will be cut clean and won’t leave a ragged edge. A dull blade will leave your lawn looking sickly and invite disease and insects. A lawn mowed by a sharp blade will recover faster and look healthier.  

Mistake # 3 Poor watering routine:

I see many people watering their lawn everyday believing they are doing well. Not the case. A better approach is to water 3-4 days a week but make those days count. The best practice is give your entire lawn about one-inch per session. You can use a simple bowl to see if it is getting enough. Best time to water your lawn is early in morning or an hour or two before sunset.

Good Friday to all. Well… the cold looks like it behind us now. And it seems everyone is ready to get thoses  outdoor projects completed now that Spring is underway. Past, present and new clients have been calling for a number of different yard work jobs. Monthly lawn maintenance, one-time property clean-ups, removal of dead plant,  shrub, and small trees, raking leaves, and even a back yard makeover are few of the landscaping jobs that way come my way.

Because of my small work crew, working a full-time job and regular lawn maintenance accounts, I can not take on every new job that comes my way. I will come out and provide a free estimate to those who contact me and are in my area of business.

However, if the first thing to come out of your mouth when we talk or you call is “How much do you charge” I generally will push you to the bottom of the list of clients to accepted. Why ? Because I can’t  provide a quality landscaping service by virtually giving away my services free. So let me say it again. I am not the cheapest lawn care service in town. That is not to say I’m going to rake you over the coals and suck every penny out your pocket I can. That’s how I do things. I just won’t get into a low price bidding war with any other company you contact. So, if you’d like a  free estimate   I suggest you visit visit the page under the same name and fill out the form completely.

I was out to do lawn maintenance Saturday. I had the chance to say hello to a few of you, which is always nice. You may have noticed I had with me a helper. His name is Nickie, my thirteen year old nephew. I never thought having him along with me was a good idea. But after talking it over with his dad I decided to let him tag along. The boy said he wants to buy a new guitar and accessories for it. And the way I see it, playing a musical instrument is a lot better than wasting time watching TV or messing around with video games.  So, I’ll allow him to hang out with his uncle and lend a helping hand.

I started the day mowing lawns in North St. Petersburg. A few of the properties had rotten citrus fruit that I picked up and tossed away. I then headed over to a neighborhood  across from Derby Lane dog track. The lawn had not grown that much since my last visit. So I went ahead and trimmed back some tree and bush growth, and edged the front of the property and was on my way to Largo. When I made my stop in Largo to mow a empty lot I noticed my Echo stick edger was missing. Not sure if it fell out of its rack or was left behind at the last property. No one has an answer. I guess its MIA! Bummer. $200 out of my pocket.

Anyway. I raked up a bunch of leaves, pruned a Hibiscus bush and shaped up a section of hedges. The next stop was a home in Seminole. It had several Ixora bushes that appeared dead on my last visit. But to my amazement, two of the three are beginning to show new growth. Horray!!! I pulled a few weeds did a bit of trimming and was on the road once again. The last property of the day was one of difficulty. I cut down to large Croton plants and removed the root ball of one of them. Although the plant looked dead as a doornail, its roots were gripping the earth and not letting go. It took every bit of testosterone to break it free, But I got it out 1/2 before the sun went down. Lawn maintenance in St Petersburg in not always easy…but it sure is good exercise.

If you are a client of mine, I will be out to perform  lawn care care services next Saturday. I will be making stops in Largo, Madeira Beach, North St. Petersburg, and Pinellas Park. Since it is now spring I will be trimming many of plants damaged this past Winter. Ixora plants seem to have been most affected by the almost two weeks of freezing temperatures. The plan is to trim-off an inch or two off the top and see if new growth develops. If I seen no improvements during my next visit, we can try fertilizer and see if that helps. Many of you also wanted leaves raked, bagged and removed.

I have the large trash bags and extra help to get your property cleaned-up and leaf free. A reminder: If you want to fertilizer your lawn, now is the time to get it done. If you need help doing this let me and I take care of it for you. I have also added a new service for exciting and new clients. What is it you ask? Dog poop pick-up service in St. Petersburg. Fees start at $10 per week.

Talk with you soon

Steve

Scientifically known as Brugmansia Suaveolens, The angel trumpet has shrub-like characteristics. Many branches develop from the center of the trunk. The Leaves have an almond like shape, growing to a length of 10 inches and 6 inches wide.

In the shade many larger species have be found successfully growing. Generally, not viewed as the most beautiful plant, its fragrant flowers are what draw a loyal following. The flowers of the plant are shaped like trumpets, growing up to a foot in length.

It has 5 points that curve upwards at the tips. The flowers range from white to pink and droop downwards. Surprising to many, the Angel Trumpet is in the same family as potatoes and tomatoes.

Varieties of the plant have double flowers, extra small trumpet-shaped flowers and even flowers that reach fifteen inches long. Others bloom year-round making the plant quite vercitiadal indeed.

The Angel Trumpet will do best in the sun. If the trumpet is set in a place of shade, it may impede the plants natural growth. Regular moisture is required, due to its rainforest roots. However, it is a hardy plant known to survive droughts.

The Angel Trumpet is a soft wooded shrub. Basically, this means it dies and reblooms every spring and winter season. Frequently started from seeds, they are also grown from cuttings and saplings quite easily. You can allow the Angel Trumpet to grow as several shrubs or prune it into a small tree.

The plant has gained popularity over the years as an attractive landscape plant. In the evening, the flowers open releasing a wonderful fragrance. At daylight, the flowers close until nightfall returns.

The heavy blooms of the plant make it a treat for the senses. And with the right care and attention, they can propagate their unique beauty year-round. To have success producing healthy plants and heavy blooms, mimic the environment of a Brazil rainforest.

Keeping it healthy will require a fair amount of moisture and good drainage. If you decide to grow a single plant in a pot, be sure to have

When you apply proper watering techniques your lawn will become healthier, develop a stronger root system, and will be better able to resist disease and pests. With the drought and watering restriction now in place for Pinellas County, it’s important to get the most out of what watering your allowed. Here are some watering tips for St.. Pete residents. 

Water first thing in the morning or in the early evening 

I see it all the time…people who water their lawns when the sun is at its strongest. Most of the water will be lost to evaporation. And none of it will reach the roots where it’s needed most. Also when you water at the recommended times you reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial disease from developing and spreading within your lawn. Watering is one the most beneficial lawn maintenance tips you can apply for a beautiful St. Petersburg lawn. More watering tips will follow in the coming days. Remember, we are under watering restriction and you should only watering on your designated watering day.

If you love vegetables and the outdoors, fall is the perfect time to start your own vegetable garden. There are pumpkins, corn and many other fruits and vegetables that’ll grow during the fall season. So, what’s the best way to get started? Visit your local gardening shop, nursery or home improvement center and ask the staff which vegetables grow best during the cool down season.

Some Vegetables planted in the fall will spring up in the summer while other will take longer. Be sure you understand the growing cycle of plants your wanting to grow before sticking them into the ground.

As with any planting or gardening, there are steps follow. You first must till the soil and add soil amendments like compost or topsoil. Generally speaking fall vegetables are hardier than other seasonable plants and less likely to die under harsh climate.

Once you’ve decided on the vegetables you are going to grow, it’s time to get them into the ground. Dig out the proper size hole and pack firmly the soil around them.

Remember, all plants need food; water and care to ensure they thrive in their new environment. Weeding the gardening area regularly is necessary. Weeds rob the soil of nutrients and can choke the life out of a plant. In addition, keep the proper spacing between plants, so they don’t become crowded and compete for growing space.

After your crop is producing fruit, pick the vegetables as they ripen. Fresh vegetables are a favorite for many people. Growing them own your own has the added benefit of knowing its free of harmful chemicals.