How to Get Rid of Moles in your Lawn

Nothing is more irritating to a gardener then a lawn full of mole hills. We amend our soil; we select the perfect lawn seed and spread it evenly; we soak our grass; and toil endlessly over the perfect lawn. Then he hits us overnight, MOLE HILLS! "I'll kill him" we vow, "I'll set out poisons and traps, that mole is dead meat" we say. After dozens of trips to the hardware store, armed with medieval looking traps and chemicals that make us feel like we have to burn any clothing that comes in contact, we feel defeated by the next morning’s new crop of hills. STOP! First of all, that little mole is paying you a huge compliment as a gardener. I’m serious, moles only like healthy soil! All of that tedious amending you’ve done has rewarded you with wonderful garden soil teeming with microbes and critters. Yup, critters. Worms and grubs that just so happen to be the very favorite feast to a mole. That doesn’t mean you should launch your attack on the worms, your soil is so good you should keep it that way. All of your hard work would be lost. Put away the traps, juicy fruit gum (you know it doesn’t work), the poison, the spray, and all of the other crazy gadgets. Let me tell you what worked for me.

 

• After you've stomped down those mole hills, go online and order the Castor Oil Granules. Moles hate Castor Oil! The Castor oil doesn't hurt the moles; it repels them and sends them over to your neighbor’s yard. I'll add a link to the website I order from, because I've never found this product for sale in any local store near me. I've tried the Castor Oil sprays, but they have to be reapplied every 3 days. Who has time for that? Not me!

• Apply the granules with your lawn seed spreader. 1 pound is good for 1000 square feet. The package has good, clear instructions on how to calibrate your spreader for the best coverage.

• Water! 
  

  Tips & Warnings

  Use spring to fall on wet or dry gardens.

  All-natural, biodegradable, safe for pets and people.

  Repels moles, gophers, and voles.

 Easy to use.

 Moles are strict insectivores. If you're noticing root damage to plants, it more likely voles who like to use tunnels made by the moles.

 Yearly application is a must, since the granules are biodegradable.

How to Turn your Yellow Veined Rhododendron Green.

 Have your Rhododendron’s leaves taken on a yellow veined look? Does it look like something is sucking the green right out of the foliage? It’s Chlorosis, a very treatable disease that plagues Rhodies who live in alkaline rich soils.


Rhododendrons prefer to live in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. Chances are your soil is riding high in the pH levels. Like many of us, you may have planted your Rhodies along the foundation of your home. The problem is the concrete foundation leeches lime into its surrounding soil. That alone will raise the alkalinity. Some of us my live in climates that have naturally occurring alkaline soil and need to fix our dirt with plant food made for acid lovers. Then again, some of those plants are old and the soil has grown a little lean. That’s when Rhododendron food and a little compost can save the day.

Since your tackling your Rhododendron, you may as well do a little pruning. Cut away any branches that are dragging on the ground, broken, or dead. Rake up all of those old leaves under the plant and pull any weeds.
Step
2
Add some compost to the base of your Rhododendron. You will need a small bag (1 cubic foot) or a large bag (3 cubic feet) depending on the size, age, and soil quality. You want to keep the compost or any mulch away from the trunk of the plant (or any tree, shrub, or perennial), because piling any moisture retaining product will rot the base of the plant, cutting of its ability to pull water up to its leaves. Simply put: it's a long slow death, so don't do it.


Sprinkle some of that iron into the compost. How much iron depends on the product you choose and the size of the plant, so read the instructions on the bottle.


Fertilize, but not now. Rhododendrons set buds for next years growth right after they're done blooming. Fertilizing just after the flowers fade will give you the best results. It's also the best time to prune your Rhododendrons if you're trying to reduce the size or shape the plant. Once again, follow the instructions on the fertilizer's package.

Tips & Warnings

 
My favorite Rhododendron fertilizer is Whitney Farms Life Link for Azalea, Camellia, and Rhododendron. It's organic and 100% slow release. Slow release means the food stays around long enough for your plant to use it, rather than washing right through the soil and into our drinking water.

Other plants that love acidic fertilizers: Blueberries, Hydrangeas, Strawberries, Ferns, Conifers, Camellias, and Azaleas.

Always read the label and follow the instructions before using any fertilizer or garden chemical.