Here are a few New Year’s Resolutions for the Gardener:
Bring a soil test to Possum’s and get on a custom program for 2010. I usually would not write such a direct plug for my business, but with all the yard of the month, field of the year and most improved yard accolades our customers have been sharing with us, I feel I need to mention the custom program. I have been writing these programs in the Lowcountry for over 20 years (including my days in Hilton Head) with great results. The custom program provides a roadmap for your yard care for a very difficult road to navigate (full of fungus, insects, and terrible soils) if you are not use to gardening in the Lowcountry.
This fall has been the worst year I can remember for large patch/brown patch. The conditions have remained favorable for the disease for extended periods of time. The spring of 2010 will most likely be very bad as well. Plan to be ready to apply fungicides in late March (if it ever slows down this winter). An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure in the horticulture world.
Go through all of the old products you have in your garage and identify why and when you purchased them to begin with and if they are products that still can be used.  This will save you money and make room for new and improved products.
In an effort to conserve water, it is time to get that hose that leaks at the faucet, a new gasket.  Also use wetting agents this year. Wetting agents have been shown to save approximately 30-60% of water consumption for a yard. This would be a huge savings on your water bill. By watering less, you will have less fungus problems and save money by not having to buy as much fungicides. We had one commercial customer reduce his fungicide applications from seven down to one by using wetting agents. A few good wetting agents are Noburn and Aqueduct Lawn and Garden.
In 2010, add organic matter to your lawn and beds. Organic matter will also help you lower your water bill while adding many other benefits to your soil. Cotton Burr compost has been improving Lowcountry soils with great results for the past 7 years. If you have never tried Cotton Burr Compost, in May mark off an area 7 feet by 7 feet in your lawn area. Spread a two cubic foot bag of Cotton Burr Compost in this area and watch the results. You will experience what one of my customers describes as “crack for the gardener.”
In order to combat weeds, plan to put out pre-emergents in your lawns and beds according to product label. This will make your life a lot less stressful and your yard will be looking a lot better without weeds. If time is a big issue, consider buying a year’s supply of product now, so you will have the product handy when it is time to apply.
In 2010, always apply product according to the label’s directions. No more “if one ounce is good….two ounces will be real good.” This will also save you money and get you better results from the products. On our pest control side of our business we see this the most. If you over apply the control product, the insect detects the product and avoids the area. If you apply the correct amount, the insect walks through the product and share it with his buddies.
For those pet owners out there whose animals have a history of flea problems, be proactive by applying growth regulators.  Ultracide, Nylar, or Precor applied every three months, should keep your pet free of fleas. The rains that we have had will make fleas a big issue this year.
Always mow the grass with a sharp mower blade and prune the bushes with sharp pruning blades. You will have cleaner cuts and less chance of disease.
Read a good book about soils.  Soils are the life blood of your plants, trees, and turf.  By understanding soils, you will be able to improve your yard.
Read the Horticulture Hotline and write in with any questions you might have. Sign up for our email newsletter at Possum’s for helpful hints and pest alerts. Also listen to the “Garden Clinic” and call in with any questions.
Happy New Year!
Bill Lamson-Scribner can be reached during the week at Possum’s Landscape and Pest Control Supply. Possum’s has three locations 481 Long Point Rd in Mt. Pleasant (971-9601), 3325 Business Circle in North Charleston (760-2600), or 606 Dupont Rd, in Charleston (766-1511). Bring your questions to a Possum’s, fax your questions to 406-2700 or e-mail them to your newspaper’s editors. You can also call in your questions to
“ The Garden Clinic,” Saturdays from noon to 1:00, on 1250 WTMA  (The Big Talker).