There are so many new chemicals in the mix and new things coming every year.  One of the best things to come around is the drench methods.  There is no mixing up to spray, pumping up the sprayer, cleaning the sprayer, and spraying in your face with t he wind.  Drenches are used around the roots of the plants, no mess or misses.   

One of my favorite chemicals is  Imidacloprid.  If I take a close look around my store, I find this chemical in several products.  Some are mixed with fungicides.  Imidacloprid is a great systemic chemical that you mix with water to kill insects that are on the plant.  We are selling a lot of it right now for the crepe myrtles with the aphids.  The tree soaks the imidacloprid and kills the problem from the inside out.  Imidacloprid is used to control sucking insects, termites, some soil insects, including grubs, and even fleas on pets.  The imidaclorpid comes in different forms, liquid and granules.  A name brand for the granules is Merit.  

Imidaclorprid is great on your lawn for getting rid of grubs.  The reason we have moles in our yard is because of the grubs.  If you just spray or sprinkle the imidaclorprid on the ground and get rid of 2 pest in one deal.  

We have another fairly new chemical that is a systemic insecticide and insecticide for roses.  When roses get that black spot on the leaves just grab this and mix for an underneath pour.  Very easy to do.  It is called Fertilome 2N1.  I use it around 3 times a year on my roses including the climbers.  Also good on azaleas and other shrubs.   It pays to keep up with the new products.  Sometimes they save you a lot of time and trouble.  Of course, it’s my job to keep up with it also for you.  Every year new things come out and I try to learn about the most effective new items.  You know what?  That’s my job and I love it.  Our customers are the best folks around and we try to please them and keep them in the know.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)