S2 Ep451: Best of Better Lawns and Gardens - Hour 2 Summer Garden Questions May 24, 2026

The episode opens with a deep dive into the botanical term 'monocarpic'—plants that flower once and then die, including century plants, bamboo, and agaves—highlighting how their lifecycle is driven by hormonal shifts that redirect energy from roots to seed production. Host Teresa Watkins then shifts to practical gardening advice, addressing a caller’s stem-borer infestation in a Duranta plant, recommending systemic treatments like BioAdvanced 3-in-1 and emphasizing the importance of light management to deter moths. A key theme emerges: sustainable pest control through ecological balance—encouraging bat houses to naturally reduce mosquitoes and warning against nighttime pesticide use that harms beneficial insects. The episode also explores creative uses for sugar cane beyond eating, from juicing and syrup-making to using stalks as skewers and natural exfoliants. Teresa offers detailed guidance on growing plumeria, stressing well-draining soil, full sun, and phosphorus-rich fertilizers to encourage blooms, while cautioning against overwatering. A standout moment comes when a caller admits giving up on cucumbers after battling stink bugs for weeks—only to realize that sometimes, stepping back is the most effective strategy. The episode closes with a strong emphasis on seasonal lawn care: halting fertilizer use in summer to comply with Florida’s bans, avoiding herbicides above 85°F, and prioritizing plant placement and stress reduction to prevent pest infestations.