Cgp magazine thd_3-18-13_online_version

home.yard.MY

Spring Buyers Guide 2013

MY

Inside this issue:

GARDENING TIPSWant bigger produce and blooms? We’ll tell you how!

KEEP PESTS OUT!Rid your yard of ants and other pests!

insidewhat’s

Alaska; Alaska with design; Amdro; Amdro with design; Ant Block; Central Garden & Pet; Central Garden & Pet with design; Image; Image with design; Ironite; Ironite with design; Kills Ants; Lilly Miller; Lilly Miller with design; Moss Out!; PowerFlex; Smart Feed are trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company. Corry’s; Corrys with design are trademarks of Matson, LLC. Daconil is a registered trademark of GB Biosciences Corp. GardenTech is a registered trademark of Gulfstream Home & Garden, Inc. Over‘n Out! is a trademark of TechPac, L.L.C. Pennington and Pennington with design are trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc. Sevin is a registered trademark of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.

©2012 Central Garden and Pet Company

NEED TO KNOW

What Did You Say?Solve the mystery on home and garden terms with this simple breakdown.

Symptom + CureLet us help you with quick and easy solutions to common lawn and garden issues.

High Impact ZonesSee how your geographic location and climate affects planting and pest infestation.

YARD POWER

Flex Some MuscleA look at the new Amdro® PowerFlex® Pest & Weed System.

BE A PEST DETECTIVE Man vs. AntLearn how to protect your home from ants.

Bug I.D.Never wonder what that critter is again! We’ve identifieda few you’re most likely to see in your home and yard.

LAWN & GARDEN ENVY

Room to Grow: Unlock Your Plant’s Full PotentialOur solution to yielding bigger blooms and produce.

Plant Health Q&AWe’re answering your frequently asked questions about lawn and garden care.

Shopper’s GuideMy Home. My Yard. featured products.

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Key Terminology

OrnamentalsPlants used for decorative purposes in gardens or landscaping. Think shrubs or flowering trees.

FungicideTo stop and prevent disease including leaf spots, rust, fruit rot and mildew.

Broadcasting Bait Sounds like a fishing technique? Actually, it’s the method of applying bait across your entire yard to prevent and kill pests.

FertilizerThe “good stuff” (i.e. nutrients) added to soil to take your grass or plants from plain to pageant.

PesticideUsed to prevent, repel or kill any pest from harming your plants or infesting your home.

Contact vs. Systemic Insecticide Contact insecticides control insects through direct contact. Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant so that insects ingest the insecticide while feeding.

EdiblesAny homegrown plant (like basil), fruit or vegetable that can be eaten. Lunch anyone?

Organic vs. Synthetic Organic fertilizers are derived from plants or animals whereas synthetics are man-made substances.

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WhatSay?

did you

NEED TO KNOW

04 | MY HOME. MY YARD. SPRING 2013 MY HOME. MY YARD. SPRING 2013 | 05

Identifying the lawn and garden issue you’re experiencing is the first step to easily eliminating the problem and having a yard that neighbors envy.

SYMPtOM CURE

If your flowers look a bit puny and lack the radiance you’re after, we suggest an all-purpose fertilizer. It takes the time and the guesswork out of fertilization. On page 14, take a look at our ultimate solution.

Yellow grass during peak “show season” is most often caused by an iron deficiency. Spread some Ironite® granules to bring back the green.

Pesky chewing insects are generally the culprit if you begin to notice holes in your plant leaves. Insecticides like GardenTech® Sevin® products can alleviate the issue and help you get back to bragging about your plants.

Ant infestation peaks during the warm weather months. Protect your home by applying an ant bait, such as Amdro® Ant Block® Home Perimeter Ant Bait.

If you’re noticing holes or even complete removal of strips in your tree bark, it’s probably due to insects boring into the trunk, stem and other areas of the tree. Check out our “Bug ID” on page 12 to determine the culprit.

Moss is commonly seen on lawns, roofs, walkways and decks. Try spraying a herbicide, such as Moss Out!® For Lawns or Moss Out® For Roofs, to get rid of the moss without harming your lawns, plants or surfaces.

Withering Plants

Yellow Grass

Holes in Leaves

Ants

Ugly tree Bark

Moss

Symptom + Curever feel like you need an encyclopedia to understand the lingo

associated with creating the perfect yard or ridding your house of pests (we mean insects, not your in-laws)? Join the club! Before starting your next project, let us solve the mystery on a few key terms to help you along the way:

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zonesTake a look at these plants and pest facts based on high impact zones around the country:

high impact

MOSSBecause it thrives in damp, shady areas, moss is a leading weed problem in the Pacific Northwest; however, it’s also picking up steam in the Northeast. If left untreated, moss can spread over your lawn and structures, cause roof and foundation damage, as well as crack driveways and sidewalks.

FIRE ANTSImported and native fire ants impact homeowners throughout the Southeast and Southwest. To combat the spread of fire ant colonies, homeowners should treat visible fire ant mounds, as well as fire ants and colonies beneath the ground. A mound can house up to 200,000 ants.

SNAILS AND SLUGSSnails and slugs are some of the worst regional garden pests in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and the Pacific Northwest. A slug can eat as much as it weighs, a little less than one ounce, in one night.

NUTSEDGENutsedge, Dollarweed and Wild Onion are rampant in the South and are hard to control! Specialized herbicides can kill these tough weeds and help you get back to enjoying your lawn.

CRAZY ANTSIf you live in Texas, Louisiana or Florida, you’ve probably seen crazy ants. These pesky creatures tend to show up in droves once temperatures reach and remain above 65° F.

JAPANESE BEETLEYou can thank human migration and prevailing winds for introducing the Japanese beetle to the Midwest. These bugs do not have discriminating taste; they will destroy everything from ornamentals to edibles.

Snails & Slugs

Japanese Beetle

Fire Ants

FERTILIZINGWhen planting an herb garden this year, consider using a natural organic fertilizer to grow lush basil, thyme and mint. You’ll be in good company as more than 18 million* households grew their own herbs last year.

*2011 National Gardening Survey


Crazy Ants

Nutsedge

Crazy Ants

Fire Ants

Japanese Beetle

Nutsedge

Japanese Beetle

Snails & Slugs

Snails & Slugs

Moss

Moss

NEED TO KNOW

Innovation never seemed so easily at hand.

FLEX SOME

And the best thing, no manual mixing, measuring or cleaning is required. The adjustable, battery-powered sprayer automatically combines concentrate from the cartridge with water from the tank. Since mixing doesn’t occur in the tank, the tank remains clean.

GETTING STARTED IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3. 1. Fill the reusable one gallon tank with clean water2. Twist in the patent-pending cartridge3. Spray to treat your target pest or weed*

To switch between projects, simply take out the cartridge, flush the applicator for 10 seconds with water from the tank and twist in a new cartridge. Snap the partially-used cartridge into the convenient on-board storage. Two cartridges fit easily on the back of the one gallon tank for convenience, portability and less clutter – so say goodbye to garage shelves full of half-used bottles.

*Consult label for pests.

MUSCLEForget the protein bars and weight lifting. Novice do-it-yourselfers and landscape-aficionados alike are getting a power-boost this year with the new Amdro® PowerFlex® Pest & Weed System. This system is an all-in-one tool that allows homeowners to reclaim their properties from both problem insects and weeds.

The first-of-its-kind system ensures fast-acting and broad spectrum control of the peskiest of pests, such as dandelions, invasive grasses, cockroaches, and yes, even ants, among others. Four specially-formulated concentrate cartridges* allow homeowners to tackle an array of projects, both indoors and outdoors.


YARD POWER

man vs

antDuring spring and summer, the #1 pest consumers treat for is ants.* Before they have time to set up shop, try these easy steps to protect your home and yard all season long:

To address fire ant mounds and eliminate colonies in your yard, use a broadcast granular treatment, such as GardenTech® Over’n Out!® granules, to make your lawn fire ant free.

Use a perimeter bait such as Amdro® Ant Block® Home Perimeter Ant Bait, to create a barrier around your home so ants won’t come inside.

*Synovate Indoor Pest Control A&U Study 2011

Planting native plants and keeping shrubs and mulch away from your house will prevent ant infestation.

Place outdoor ant bait stakes near cracks, crevices or near other areas around a home’s perimeter where ants may gain entry.

Seal any gaps or entry points such as window frames, cracks in the foundation and cable television lines running into the home with caulk.

Appliances (ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators) that give off electrical heat are ideal ant hiding places in a home. Indoor ant bait stations should be placed hole-side-up under sinks and behind appliances and other areas inaccessible to children and pets.

Target high-traffic areas where ants are most-often seen foraging for food, such as along ant trails and walkways, to combat infestations.

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BE A PEST DETECTIVE

BUG I.D.

AntsThere are roughly 1,000 different ant species in the U.S. ranging in color and size. They generally appear during the warmer seasons.

Japanese Beetle With a shiny green-metallic body, Japanese beetles cause leaves to turn brown and eventually die.

Chigger (Mite)Are you near a heavily wooded area or have a large amount of shrubs? Look out for chiggers. They bite!

ticksTicks are most often found in tall grasses and other overgrown areas. To check for ticks: slowly drag a one-square-yard piece of white cloth across the area. Drag cloth for 15 to 30 seconds then stop to examine for ticks.

Armyworm“Chewing” damage on grass blades and young grass plants appear ragged or chewed off at the crown level when this pest is at work.

Stink BugTo determine if stink bugs are present, in late May/early June place a light-colored cloth beneath plants you suspect are infested and shake vigorously.

Elm Bark BeetleThese beetles cause very small, round holes in tree bark. In severe cases, their pestering can result in tree death in as little as one year.

White FlyThe presence of holes chewed into corn ears, tomatoes, bean pods or other fruit appears when this fly is at work.

AphidThese small, soft bodied insects cause yellowing and curling of vegetable leaves and stunt plant growth. They can be green, yellow, black or red in color depending on the species.

Spittle BugEver see a foamy, frothy substance that looks like spit or spittle oozing over leaves and in the crotches of stems? It’s caused by spittle bugs and they are mostly attracted to your fruit-bearing plants.

CockroachAdult cockroaches range from 1/2” to 1” long with shield color ranging from light brown to black. Infestation is generally in the winter when insects move inside homes for warmth through any openings available.

White GrubsWhite Grubs harm your grass first by causing yellowing followed by brown spots. During extreme infestation, small patches of grass die out. If left untreated, white grubs turn into Japanese beetles. Yikes!

Bugs are everywhere! Some are a nuisance in the home while others attack your

plants. Ever wonder what type of critter could be causing those holes in your leaves or missing tree bark? What exactly is that eight-legged

creature in the kitchen? Take a look at this cheat sheet to help identify

common bugs that can be easily eliminated from

your home.

MY HOME. MY YARD. SPRING 2013 | 13

BE A PEST DETECTIVE

16 | MY HOME. MY YARD. SPRING 2013

Introducing the new Pennington® Smart Feed™ Sprayer System, a revolutionary spin on an age-old-problem: plant feeding. The specialty premium fertilizers ensure efficient feeding, proper nutrition and vigorous plant growth. Meaning: bigger plants, vibrant flowers and flavorful vegetables.

The four-way, adjustable sprayer ensures a faster and more uniform delivery of nutrients, while using less water and providing more consistent feeding – yielding better results with bigger blooms and produce.*

Three convenient formulas are customized for the unique needs of various growing environments, plant types and applications (All-Purpose; Flowers & Blooms; Tomato & Vegetable). The tablets come pre-measured and ready-to-use.

By taking out the guesswork, feeding becomes a no-brainer. So go ahead and unlock the true potential of your plants and landscape this season.

Unlock Your Plant’s

Full Potential

The easy-to-use system requires no measuring, pouring or mixing.

Just twist off the clear sprayer canister

Load one or two water- soluble fertilizer tablets into the sprayer

And Spray

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How do you get your plants to grow bigger, bud faster and bloom longer?


* vs. unfed plants.

LAWN & GARDEN ENVY

What’s the first step to ensuring healthy plants? There are many factors that contribute to healthy plants. First, you must determine whether you have the right foundation for growth by conducting a soil test. A soil test evaluates the condition and level of nutrients, namely pH, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels. A soil’s pH level determines how well plants will be able to draw the nutrients they need. Because soil pH levels tend to change over time, you should test regularly. Soil tests are easy to perform. You can either purchase a home test kit, available at most lawn and garden retailers, or have your soil tested by a local county extension agent. Results will help you determine whether you need soil amendments or fertilizer.

Insects are damaging my indoor and outdoor plants. Is there a product I can use to protect both plant types? With any insect control product, it’s always important to closely read and follow the label instructions. The Sevin® line is specially designed for outdoor usage and should not be applied indoors, on bedding or pets, or in vehicles. For household plants, Sevin® insecticides can be used as long as plants are taken outside. Once dried, the treated plants can be brought back inside. They cover a wide range of insects including ants, caterpillars, Japanese beetles, white grubs and other listed insects.

How does a slow-release fertilizer work? Once in soil, slow-release fertilizers typically activate 7-10 days after application and when soil temperature reaches approximately 70º F. As soil temperature and moisture changes, this type of fertilizer releases different rates of nutrients to mirror the potential growth patterns and nutrient needs of the plant.

If my plants have turned from green to yellow, what might be occurring? Are my plants dying? An easily recognizable symptom of iron deficiency is that plants turn from green to pale green or yellow. Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in almost all plants, and Iron is necessary for chlorophyll formation. Use a mineral supplement, such as Ironite® granules, to ensure plants receive the essential secondary and micro-nutrients they need for fast-acting, long-lasting “greening”.

there is something spongy and furry on my plants. Is this fungus? If so, how do I treat it without harming my plants? Yes, sounds like fungus. Fungus can be easily eliminated by applying a ready-to-use fungicide like GardenTech® Daconil®. Simply spray and you’re done! Fungicides also prevent a broad spectrum of plant diseases and symptoms, including leaf spots, rust, blights, fruit rot and mildew.

We’re often asked lawn and garden questions. Here you’ll find a few to help you with common issues:


LAWN & GARDEN ENVY


Kills, stops and prevents a broad spectrum of plant diseases

and symptoms, including leaf spots, rust, blights, fruit rot

and mildew. Ideal for flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and fruit

and shade trees.

New, all-in-one system offers fast-acting and broad spectrum control of a variety

of weeds and insects, including invasive grasses, dandelions, ants and more. No mixing, measuring or

cleaning required.

Easy as 1-2-3: Fill. Twist. Spray.

Four specially-formulated concentrate cartridges* available. For indoor and

outdoor use.

*Consult label for pests

*2,000 square foot 40’ x 50’ building

Creates a barrier around a home’s perimeter so ants don’t come inside. Worker ants bring the bait back to the mound, resulting in the entire colony, including the

queen, being destroyed.

Highly attractive to 15 different ant species and one bottle contains enough bait to treat the average*

home up to six times.

A new system of specialty premium fertilizers designed for efficient feeding, proper

nutrition and vigorous plant growth.

No measuring, pouring or mixing required.

Just Twist. Load. Spray.

Fertilizer tablets come pre-measured, ready-to-use and customized to unique needs.

Three variations include: All Purpose, Tomato &

Vegetable, Flowers & Blooms.

AMDRO® Ant Block® Home Perimeter Ant Bait

AMDRO® PowerFlex® Pest & Weed System

Pennington® Smart Feed™ Sprayer System

Gardentech® Sevin® Brand Insecticides

Corry’s® Slug & Snail Killer

Protects the hard work and investment of gardeners from marauding slugs and snails.

Features a new, highly-selective formula so homeowners and

pets can enter the treated area immediately after applied.

One broadcast granular treatment results in six months

of control of fire ants.

Gardentech® Over’n Out!® Fire

Ant Killer

An easy and effective way to control ants inside and

outside. Worker ants bring the bait back to their colonies,

killing the queen. Always place ant stakes and bait stations

in areas inaccessible to children, pets and other

non-target animals.

AMDRO® Kills Ants™: Ant Killing Bait Stakes

and Stations

Gardentech® Daconil® Brand Fungicides

Consists of highly effective, natural organic alternatives

to synthetic fertilizers. Nutrient rich fish and kelp plant food enriches the soil and enhances the strength

and vigor of plants.

Alaska® Brand Fish & Kelp Fertilizers

Controls moss on lawns, roofs, walkways, decks and structures

with easy-to-use liquid and granular formulations designed

to treat the problem without causing damage to plants

and surfaces.

MOSS OUt!® Brand Herbicides

AMDRO® Fire Ant Bait Granules and AMDRO®

Yard treatment

IMAGE® Kills Nutsedge Herbicide

This herbicide gives your lawn the look you’ve always wanted without the weeds. The post-

emergent, selective weed killer can be used in Southern

Turfgrass and selected ornamentals to eliminate hard to kill weeds such as Nutsedge.

Mineral supplements help plants develop strong roots

and lush, green growth. Plants receive the essential secondary

and micro-nutrients needed for fast-acting, long-lasting

“greening”. Available in liquid and granule formulations.

IRONItE® Mineral Supplements

guideSHOPPER’S

Use this insecticide to protect edibles and ornamentals

from a wide variety of outdoor insects, including ants,

caterpillars, Japanese beetles, white grubs, ticks and other

listed insects.

Once you distribute a circle of bait around the mound, it’s only a matter of time before the worker fire ants share

it with the queen. After the queen eats it and dies, her

colony dies with her.

Self Improvement

Cgp magazine thd_3-18-13_online_version