By Vanessa Hairston
Edited by Robert Hairston
Edited by Robert Hairston
As you no doubt have noticed, it is definitely getting cooler and it’s time to start winterizing if you haven’t already. From your pressure vacuum breakers (PVB) to your trees and shrubs, it’s time to get ready for the freeze. Even though this next week is supposed to be a bit chilly with highs typically ranging from mid 50s to the low 60s with a couple outliers, and hanging out in the mid to high 30s for the lows with a couple of low 30s spread about. That’s getting really close to freezing if not already at freezing or lower and you don’t want your plants harmed if they aren’t prepared for a freeze, nor do you want your PVB to malfunction or break
Now, a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) is a backflow prevention device that helps keep contaminants from getting into the public water system. If you do not want to drain the PVB so you can continue watering using your irrigation system, you can add heat tape and insulation to help minimize the chance of freezing.
Now, a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) is a backflow prevention device that helps keep contaminants from getting into the public water system. If you do not want to drain the PVB so you can continue watering using your irrigation system, you can add heat tape and insulation to help minimize the chance of freezing.
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Now vacuum breakers may begin to leak because the plastic cap has ruptured by freezing due to water left over in the device, or even old worn down parts. Replacement parts should be available to make any needed repairs.
As the temperature lowers you want to be even more wary of watering in early morning and at night. While it is warm out you want to water early enough to prevent disease from taking hold of your plants or from creating insect havens. In the cool seasons you don’t want to have wet patches freeze overnight and leave ice patches which can be hazardous so watering in the afternoon is best.
Another thing you may want to do is a residual herbicide application in order to provide better control of late winter and spring annual weeds. Starting early on your weed control is always a relief later on!
| Midnight has struck and the pumpkins are back! Why stick to the same old routine of carving pumpkins every year. Dealing with the mess and the smell is one thing but having it slowly rot on your front porch is another. Try something new this year! Try spray painting or simply arranging some of those Autumn Wing Gourds (below) to make a visually stunning display. Maybe even top your designs off with a painting, message, quote, or slogan (right).  |   |
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