Horticulture Hotline: The heat is on

With summer heat and multiple outdoor seasons underway in the Lowcountry, Bill Lamson-Scribner’s guidance focuses on pest pressure and lawn maintenance. He notes West Nile Virus has been found in Georgetown County and already seen in Beaufort County, urging residents to limit yard work at dawn and dusk and eliminate standing water, even small amounts such as bottle-cap sized pools. Products for mosquito management are recommended, and he cautions to watch for pollinators when treating. He also addresses lawn mushrooms, saying they typically don’t harm grass and can be removed early to avoid spore spread. Finally, he advises pre-fall fertilizing using combination products and ethanol-free fuel for small engines.