The Florida Lawn Handbook: An Environmental Approach to Care and Maintenance of Your Lawn, second

"Gardeners should look no further than the <i>Florida Lawn Handbook</i> to help green up their lawns. It’s chock-full of ‘how to do it’ information from the University of Florida’s turf experts. Now there is no excuse not to have an attractive, earth-friendly lawn."--Tom MacCubbin, host of "Better Lawns and Gardens," Orlando, Florida

This comprehensive, eco-friendly guide takes the mystery out of proper lawn care and maintenance in Florida. Written in practical language by turfgrass experts, this new edition is completely up-to-date and contains the most recent lawn management information, including approved pesticide and fertilizer practices. Color plates identify various grass types, weeds, diseases, and insects--including those that are good for your lawn.

Chapters address:
--the 8 Florida grasses: turf, bahia, Bermuda, buffalo, carpet, centipede, St. Augustine, and zoysia
--selection, adaptability, establishment, and maintenance for each type of lawn, with comparative data for each
--soil analysis and fertilization
--yearly calendars for lawn care and culture
--mowing, watering, and calibrating sprinkler systems and fertilizer spreaders
--overseeding for winter color
--preparing a lawn for drought and low temperatures
--weed and thatch control
--how to choose a lawn maintenance or landscaping service
--safe pesticide application and use
--integrated pest management strategies
--complete diagnostic information by type of grass for identification of weeds, grass diseases, insect problems, nematodes, and other pests like moles, armadillos, fire ants, and gophers

Kathleen C. Ruppert is environmental horticulturist and Robert J. Black is consumer horticulture specialist with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida.