I really enjoyed getting to speak at the Buds and Blooms program last Saturday. It was put on by the Piney Hill Louisiana Master Gardeners. They did a great job and I was honored to be a speaker. If you didn’t make it this year, do plan on next year.

It’s the first of March and the weeds are running wild in our yards. If you want to spray them, we have plenty of options to try. 2-4D by its self is a great option at 4 tsp/gallon of water. You need to watch spraying around your shrubs though. A strong 24D could take them out.

Another thing to watch is that are your fruit trees blooming? Do not spray the trees while they bloom. This will kill the precious bees that are so hard working. After the blooms drop off, spray them with a regular fruit tree spray or neem oil. It looks to be a good season for fruit. I love those small plums so much that I could get sick eating so many. My granddaughter could do the same. It is about time for the strawberry trucks to run. Louisiana Strawberries are the best.

Like I said, there are lots of things to do in the garden and the lawn right now. Get ready, get your garden gloves on, and get some good old sunshine. Spring is on!

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)