AboutJames L. Crowder Expertise I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants
Experience I have 37 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.
Organizations Garden Writers Association
Horticultural Board of the Mid South Fair
Publications Green Thumb Magazine - out of print
Education/Credentials 37 years of learning everday.
Awards and Honors Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society.
Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society.
Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award
Question QUESTION: my husband has been working really hard on our lawn. and now we have a flea problem. we were told to get some lime... well we did but didn't know there was different types of lime. we got hydrated lime and b/c the fleas were so bad my husband spread it all over the WHOLE yard. well i got online doing some resreach and found out we probably shouldn't have used that kind.Please tell me it will not kill the grass. it will kill him! what should we do? should we water it in? or maybe put something else to counter act the lime. we need some advice quick. Thanks Tansy
ANSWER: Hi Tansy, Hydrated lime changes the pH rapidly. If he used 40-50 lbs per 1000 square feet or less, just water it thoroughly and you should see no impact. If your pH is raised too high, many nutrients become unavailable and you may need to lower the pH. Have the soil tested, most garden centers will test it for free, and make sure the pH is in the 6-7 range. It's not going to kill your grass. It may brown some spots if not watered, but it should recover.
The fleas are another problem. Lime will have little impact on them.
There are several insecticides (permethrin, bifenthrin) that work well or if you prefer an organic option, then try a neem/pyrethrin combination. Jim
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QUESTION: Thank you so much! we are very happy to know we aren't going to end up with a sand lot. so if the lime will have no impact, why is it often one of the first things people tell you to try? This permethrin,and others listed can be found at a wal-mart? once again thank you so much!!!Tansy
Answer Hydrated lime is not labeled as an insecticide so I don't know why anyone would suggest it. It may be a "home remedy" suggestion, but I don't think you will get the results you are after. I'd go to an independent garden center if you have one. You are more likely to find what you need and someone who can tell you how to use it. Jim
