The Florida Lawn Handbook

Everything you need to know to keep your lawn looking its best! Written in practical language by turfgrass experts, this new edition is completely up-to-date with the most recent lawn management information. Color plates identify various grass types, weeds, diseases, and insects—including those that are good for your lawn. Chapters cover selection, adaptability, establishment, and main­tenance for each type of lawn; soil analysis and fertilization; yearly calendars for lawn care and culture; mowing, watering, and calibrating sprinkler systems and fertilizer spreaders; overseeding for winter color; preparing a lawn for drought and low temperatures; weed and thatch control; safe pesticide application and use; integrated pest management strategies; and complete, illustrated diagnostic information for weeds, diseases, insect problems, nematodes, and other pests.

"Gardeners should look no further than the Florida Lawn Handbook to help green up their lawns. It's chock-full of 'how to do it' information from the University of Florida's turf experts. Now there is no excuse not to have an attractive, earth-friendly lawn."--Tom MacCubbin, host of "Better Lawns and Gardens," Orlando, Florida This comprehensive, eco-friendly guide takes the mystery out of proper lawn care and maintenance in Florida. Written in practical language by turfgrass experts, this new edition is completely up-to-date and contains the most recent lawn management information, including approved pesticide and fertilizer practices. Color plates identify various grass types, weeds, diseases, and insects--including those that are good for your lawn. Chapters address: --the 8 Florida grasses: turf, bahia, Bermuda, buffalo, carpet, centipede, St. Augustine, and zoysia --selection, adaptability, establishment, and maintenance for each type of lawn, with comparative data for each --soil analysis and fertilization --yearly calendars for lawn care and culture --mowing, watering, and calibrating sprinkler systems and fertilizer spreaders --overseeding for winter color --preparing a lawn for drought and low temperatures --weed and thatch control --how to choose a lawn maintenance or landscaping service --safe pesticide application and use --integrated pest management strategies --complete diagnostic information by type of grass for identification of weeds, grass diseases, insect problems, nematodes, and other pests like moles, armadillos, fire ants, and gophers Kathleen C. Ruppert is environmental horticulturist and Robert J. Black is consumer horticulture specialist with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida.

In this revised and updated 2nd edition of Florida Gardener's Handbook, gardeners in the Sunshine State are handed all the know-how they'll need to grow a lush, productive garden. The environmentally sound growing info for both edible and ornamental plants found here is your green thumb map to success. With profiles of more than 300 plants proven to thrive in Florida's unique climate, including shrubs, trees, perennials, annuals, vegetables, fruits, tropical plants, lawn grasses, and more, you'll be able to select the best plants to create a beautiful landscape or a high-yielding edible garden. Helpful charts highlight sun and shade requirements and offer clear and concise plant variety information. Month-by-month care and cultivation guides are offered for each plant group, guiding your journey—even if you're a first-time Florida gardener. Authors Tom MacCubbin and Georgia B. Tasker, along with pro gardeners Robert Bowden and Joe Lamp'l, address the many challenges of Florida gardening, including a changing climate and saltwater gardening information. The how-to methods for planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and much more are rich with information essential to Floridians. This comprehensive and extensive guide is the best resource for growing in the Sunshine State. Whether you live in Nassau County, the Florida Keys, or somewhere in between, the Florida Gardener's Handbook has you covered. Florida Gardener's Handbook is part of the Gardener's Handbook series from Cool Springs Press. Other books in the series include Midwest Gardener's Handbook, Carolinas Gardener's Handbook, Northwest Gardener's Handbook, and many others.

Create a gorgeous lawn that is free of harsh chemicals. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to grow and maintain a thriving lawn using organic gardening methods. With expert advice on planting the best grass varieties, nourishing the soil, watering, fighting weeds, and sustainable maintenance, Paul Tukey helps you create a luscious and inviting lawn that is pesticide-free and safe for your children and pets.

Professional landscaper Lane Winward explains how the home gardener can achieve a lush, vibrant, weed-free lawn. Includes organic lawn care, a state-by-state assessment of lawn-care strategies, and regional calendar. Illustrated with line drawings.