{"id":1608,"date":"2026-05-15T11:19:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T15:19:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/?p=1608"},"modified":"2026-05-15T11:19:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T15:19:28","slug":"may-2026-anr-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/2026\/05\/may-2026-anr-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"May 2026 &#8211; ANR Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"231\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2023\/04\/image.png\" alt=\"UGA Extension logo and image of leaves with citrus greening\" class=\"wp-image-879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2023\/04\/image.png 1024w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2023\/04\/image-300x68.png 300w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2023\/04\/image-768x173.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uga-caes-caes-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#armadillos-friend-or-foe\" data-smooth-scroll=\"true\">Spring Lawn Herbicide and Fertilizer Applications<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#monarch-butterfly\" data-smooth-scroll=\"true\">Monarch Butterflies<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#flowering-gardens\" data-smooth-scroll=\"true\">Flowering Annuals for Georgia Gardens<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#growing-pawpaw\" data-smooth-scroll=\"true\">Growing Pawpaws<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#water-testing\" data-smooth-scroll=\"true\">Water Quality Testing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"armadillos-friend-or-foe\"><strong>Spring Lawn Herbicide and Fertilizer Applications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Article by: Beverly Cobb, ANR Agent Camden County<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When caring for a lawn, timing is everything. When applying preemergent herbicide treatments and fertilizer, doing so too early or too late reduces effectiveness and causes lasting damage. Knowing when and when not to apply each can significantly change the lawn\u2019s health and weed management throughout the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"791\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/2024_Centipedegrass_Calendar-1024x791.jpg\" alt=\"Centipede Grass lawn calendar picture. Depicts information regarding the best times for different management techniques throughout the calendar year. Includes mowing height recommendations, water recommendations, fertilizer, ideal pH, aeration, dethatching, seeding - for new lawns, overseeding - for established lawns, weed control for spring preemergence herbicides use, broadleaf preemergence, grassy weed preemergence, and winter preemergence. Photo is black and white and has abbreviated month calendar. Link to website can be found in the article, under the learn more headline.\" class=\"wp-image-1615\" style=\"width:970px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/2024_Centipedegrass_Calendar-1024x791.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/2024_Centipedegrass_Calendar-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/2024_Centipedegrass_Calendar-768x593.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/2024_Centipedegrass_Calendar.jpg 1056w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the species of turf in the lawn will help determine what should be used and what can cause damage to the grass. Improper applications of herbicides and fertilizers can cause more issues that can take time and costly management decisions to solve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preemergents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Preemergent herbicides are a key tool for managing summer annual weeds when applied at the right time. They should be applied before weed seeds start to germinate to be effective. Once weeds are visible, it is too late to apply a preemergent herbicide. Soil temperatures should consistently be above 65 degrees, generally from late February to mid-March here in Camden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When applied properly to established turfgrasses at least 1 year old, preemergent herbicides can provide season-long management. If applied to a healthy, vigorous lawn, the impact of a preemergent is usually not serious; if the lawn has been struggling, a spring application of preemergent could have a severe effect. Preemergent herbicides should not be applied after seeding, sprigging, or sodding lawns, as they will prevent the turfgrass from establishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To reduce damage resulting from improper herbicide use, be sure to read and follow the product label. Ensure that the product is labeled for the turfgrass species in your lawn and apply the herbicide at the specified rate and method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Applying Fertilizer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Initial fertilizer applications should be timed to benefit emerging turf grass rather than remaining weeds. The application of fertilizer too early, before the grass roots are active, increases the possibility of nitrate loss from the root zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having the lawn soil tested before applying fertilizer will help when choosing what fertilizer to apply, the correct nutrient ratio, and whether any soil amendments are needed. Taking soil tests every few years is important because the nutrient levels can change as the turfgrass grows. Testing soil supports healthy lawn maintenance and plant vigor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about annual lawn management, view UGA Extension <a href=\"https:\/\/turf.caes.uga.edu\/turfgrass-species\/warm-season-turfgrass.html\">warm season turfgrass species<\/a> webpage, where lawn care calendars for common turfgrass species are also available. For more information about soil tests, view Camden county extension webpage and select the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/county-offices\/camden\/agriculture-and-natural-resources\/testing-services.html#soiltesting\">testing services tab<\/a> under Agriculture &amp; Natural Resources. If you would like a poster version, stop by the Camden County Extension office to pick one up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"monarch-butterfly\"><strong>Monarch Butterflies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-butterfly-article-on-may-post-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"photo of Dr. Sonia Altizer holding a monarch butterfly in a laboratory setting with pop up viewing containers holding more butterflies.\" class=\"wp-image-1616 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-butterfly-article-on-may-post-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-butterfly-article-on-may-post-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-butterfly-article-on-may-post-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-butterfly-article-on-may-post.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p id=\"monarch-butterfly\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wuga.org\/local-news\/2026-05-09\/a-few-minutes-with-sonia-altizer-uga-monarch-butterfly-researcher\">A Few Minutes With Sonia Altizer, UGA monarch butterfly researcher<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic and remarkable travelers in the natural world&#8230; <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flowering-gardens\"><strong>Flowering Annuals for Georgia Gardens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-annual-flower-garden-for-may-post-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"photo to colorful snapdragon flowers in a field\" class=\"wp-image-1617 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-annual-flower-garden-for-may-post-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-annual-flower-garden-for-may-post-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-annual-flower-garden-for-may-post-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/Photo-for-annual-flower-garden-for-may-post.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fieldreport.caes.uga.edu\/publications\/B954\/flowering-annuals-for-georgia-gardens\/\">Flowering Annuals for Georgia Gardens<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Annuals are the mainstay color plant of many home gardens&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"growing-pawpaw\"><strong>Growing Pawpaws<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/photo-for-pawpaw-article-for-may-post.jpg\" alt=\"photo of hand holding half of pawpaw showing inside of fruit and dark colored seeds.\" class=\"wp-image-1618 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/photo-for-pawpaw-article-for-may-post.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/photo-for-pawpaw-article-for-may-post-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fieldreport.caes.uga.edu\/features\/did-you-know-you-can-grow-pawpaw\/\">Did you know you can grow: Pawpaw<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This issue focuses on pawpaw, a small tree that produces the largest edible fruit native to North America&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"water-testing\"><strong>Water Quality Testing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/photo-for-water-quality-testing-article-for-may-post.jpg\" alt=\"photo of person wearing gloves holding a pipet and test tube while collection water from a faucet\" class=\"wp-image-1619 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/photo-for-water-quality-testing-article-for-may-post.jpg 900w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/photo-for-water-quality-testing-article-for-may-post-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/files\/2026\/05\/photo-for-water-quality-testing-article-for-may-post-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fieldreport.caes.uga.edu\/publications\/C858-2\/testing-for-water-quality\/\">Testing for Water Quality<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The quality and safety of drinking water is of great concern to many Americans today because of an increased interest in health and environmental quality&#8230;<br><br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status, and is an Equal Opportunity Institution.<br><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spring Lawn Herbicide and Fertilizer Applications Article by: Beverly Cobb, ANR Agent Camden County When caring for a lawn, timing is everything. When applying preemergent herbicide treatments and fertilizer, doing so too early or too late reduces effectiveness and causes lasting damage. Knowing when and when not to apply each can significantly change the lawn\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":295,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1608","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/295"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1608"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1608\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1628,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1608\/revisions\/1628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/camdenanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}