THOMASVILLE — It’s been said that in spring a young boy’s fancy turns to baseball; for many of their dads, the rising mercury seems to engender the urge to fertilize the grass and plant backyard gardens.

And like those who venture out to a big league game, the lawn warriors are in this year for a case of sticker shock.

“This year you may see a 20 to 30 percent increase in some of that stuff,” said R.J. Byrne, a Thomas County extension service agent. “It’s going to vary.”

Byrne attributed much of the increase to drop in value of the dollar, which makes it more expensive to buy foreign-made products, and the jump in fuel prices, which increases the cost of trucking products to stores.

“We’ve seen a lot of commodities go up in price,” he said.

He recommended that home gardeners and those looking for a lush lawn have a soil test performed prior to applying fertilizer. The test will let them know whether the pH of the soil is conducive to proper nutrient absorption by the plants the homeowner has in mind.

Knowing if the pH level is too low will help save money because in those conditions plants cannot absorb fertilizer, Byrne said.

“Basic soil sample tests will also tell you phosphorous and potassium levels,” Byrne said. “For most homeowners, a $6 test will cover everything they will need to know. I try to tell people it’s only a $6 test versus spending $20, $30 or $100 on fertilizer.”

Some people use alternatives such as chicken and other animal manure, he said, and mulch helps provide some nutrients and organic materials plants can use.

“(But) a good 10-10-10 fertilizer is about the best bet you can get,” Byrne said. “The big thing with grass is proper management, such as proper cutting height, healthy watering and healthy management. That will help provide for a disease-free yard.”

At Lowe’s, zone manager Doug Hurst said that warmer weather has brought in customers looking for lawn and garden products. Weed-and-feed products, weed killer and lawn ornaments have been among the most popular outdoor products.

“The last two weeks, it’s really picking up,” he said. “We should really start seeing a pick up through this week and into the weekend.”

The drought in 2007 probably put a dent in sales last year, but the recent rainfall should help, Hurst said.

“The way this year has started off, it seems like it’s going to be a really good year,” he said.

For additional information, visit www.thomascountyextension.com, which has a link to additional information at the University of Georgia Web site.



Reporter Alan Mauldin can be reached by calling (229) 226-2400, ext. 226.