- Remove the seedpods from esperanza and poinciana to encourage more blooms all summer.
- Control fire ants by applying a fast-acting insecticide such as acephate to mounds close to activities. Spread a bait like Amdro over the larger landscape. Use products with the active ingredient spinosad in the vegetable garden.
- Pick okra when it is small so it is tender for eating. Pick and discard oversize pods to encourage production of new pods.
- Spot sprays of products such as Image labeled for sandburs can be applied to kill developing plants. A touch from a wick applicator with Roundup also works.
Written by Calvin Finch
Dr. Calvin Finch is the retired Urban Water Program Director for the Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources.You can ask Calvin question and hear his answers on the air as he co-hosts the Gardening South Texas on the air at KLUP (AM 930) Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00pm.
