DIY Corner

DIY CORNER KARSTEN’S ACE PRESENTS WEED AND GRASS KILLERS

By Nicole Short, Store Manager

Afrequently asked question at Karsten’s Ace is “How do I control the weeds and grasses in my yard?“

Here are a few tips to help you select the proper herbicide and get the best results when managing those pesky weeds in your desert landscaping.

Herbicides can be selective or nonselective. A selective herbicide is designed to kill specific types of plants, usually grasses and broad leaf weeds. Conversely, non-selective herbicides kill most all plants they come in contact with. When using non-selective herbicides, be careful not to allow contact with plants you want to keep.

Additionally, when looking at products for weed control, be aware that there are two types of products available: pre-emergent herbicides and post-emergent herbicides, both of which can be a selective or nonselective herbicide. Understanding the differences between the two will make a huge difference in how effective you are in killing and controlling your weed problem.

A pre-emergent herbicide creates a protective barrier around the plant seed which prevents the seed from germinating. Pre-emergents are used early in the growing season and best applied in temperatures below 60 degrees. It is also important to note that these products will prevent germination of all seeds, not just weeds. So, don’t use these products in flower beds or gardens where you will be planting seeds.

The second type of weed control is a post-emergent herbicide. This type of weed killer is used at the beginning of the growing season on weeds that have already begun growing. Once a weed has started growing it is too late to utilize the pre-emergent, so move directly to a post-emergent.

Post-emergent herbicides work by penetrating the plant leaves, stalk and root system. A post-emergent should be applied directly to the weed. If pos-

sible, it is best to apply the spray after the base of the plant or weed has been cut away. This way, the weed structure will be open which will allow the herbicide to more quickly penetrate the weed’s root system. Post-emergents will be used several times during the growing season. Unlike pre-emergents, this product likes temperatures above 60 degrees. You will be able to see the results of your work in one to two weeks, although some wilting of the leaves may happen much sooner.

As a natural alternative, there is another product available in retail packaging. The brand “Pulverize” is a fast-acting herbicidal soap that eliminates unwanted vegetation, quickly. This product contains no glyphosate and can be used to control your weeds and grasses. It is sprayed directly on the weed. Pulverize is available in a premixed spray for your convenience.

Many of these products are available in concentrates as well as a premixed spray. The shopping list below lists some of the products readily available at Karsten’s Ace Hardware Stores.

SHOPPING LIST: Pre-Emergent: non-selective (prevents seed germination) Weed Impede Concentrate by Monterey

1 qt., Item #7208182 - $49.99 1 pt., Item #7208184 - $27.99

Post-Emergent: selective (kills weeds selectively) Ace Ready to Use Weed and Grass Killer

1 gallon, Item #7587199 - $7.59

Round Up Ready-to-Use Weed and Grass Killer

1 gallon, Item #75305 - $12.99

Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent combinations: non-selective (kills and prevents future growth) Round Up - Concentrate Plus

1 pint, Item #73637 - $14.99 ½ gallon, Item #73638 - $44.99

Round Up Extended Control

24 oz., Item #7226814 - $6.99 32 oz., Item #7160443 - $33.99

Round Up 365 Concentrate

32 oz., Item #7369028 - $44.99

Round Up 365 Premixed Spray

1.33 gallon, Item #7369010 - $36.99

Ortho Ground Clear

1 gallon, Item #7640394 - $22.99

Natural Alternative: selective (kills selectively) Pulverize Weed and Grass Killer

1.33 gallon, Item #7572845 - $26.99

Additional helpful tools: Garden Sprayer by ACE (used to mix and apply concentrates)

1 gallon, Item #7437650 - $14.99 2 gallon, Item #7437668 - $17.99

Pyrex Measuring Cup

8 oz., Item #6141 - $4.59

Mark It Blue Concentrate by Monterey

This product provides a temporary, highly visible evidence of the spray application of your herbicide. This product can be added to your herbicide prior to application. 1 pint, Item #7163603 - $9.99

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AZ ON THE ROCKS Need a way to keep the kids active and happy during the summer?

ROCK CLIMBING YOGA NINJA COURSE MARTIAL ARTS AND OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES

Our well qualified counselors will help your child build new friendships, discover new interests and improve selfesteem, all in an inviting environment. No experience is required. Lunch is provided fresh every day. WHERE: 16447 N 91st Street #105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 WHEN: June 3 – August 2 (registration will open on March 1 with an early registration discount for registration received during the month of March) TYPE & AGES: Day camp. Ages 6-12. CONTACT: Contact2@azontherocks.com, 480-502-9777

www.AZOnTheRocks.com

SUMMER CAMP AT YMCA Summer’s time for ADVENTURE! In our summer day camp programs, your child will build skills and have fun in themed program offerings. Day Camp includes a variety of activities: arts and crafts, experiential projects, field trips, games, sports, songs, weekly highlight activities and recreational swimming. They will build new skills and make new friends in a safe and supportive environment! Adventures: Entering kinder- 4th grades; Tween: Grades: Entering 5th—6th; Teen: Grades: Entering 7th—10th WHERE: 34250 N. 60th Street, Building C, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 WHEN: Weekdays, start May 28 - August 2. NO PROGRAM on Monday, 5/27 (Memorial Day) and Thursday, 7/4 (4th of July) in observance of federal holidays TYPE & AGES: Day camp. Entering kindergarten - 10th grade. CONTACT: Alexandra Wyroba, Youth & Family Program Director, 602-212-6293, alexandra.wyroba@vosymca.org

www.ValleyYMCA.org

ST. JOSEPH’S YOUTH CAMP (NORTHERN ARIZONA) 6 days and 6 nights. This overnight camp offers lots of activities: Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Arts & Crafts, Shelter Building, Archery, Hiking, Campfire and Telescope nights and much more! Includes: Lodging, Food, R/T chartered Bus from Chandler, Camp T-shirt, DVD of the week and memories for a lifetime! Ages 8-15 can SAVE $50, reg $650,

DISCOUNT ENDS MARCH 31st

WHERE: Mormon Lake, AZ. 86038 (just 23 miles SE of Flagstaff) WHEN: • Week 1: ages 13-15, June 23-29 • Week 2: ages 8-12, June 30- July 6 • Week 3: ages 8-12, July 7-13 • June 16-22: Ages 16-17 only can train to be CAMP COUNSELORS Training $225: includes CPR, Team building, Leadership activities, earn Community Service Hours and much more! TYPE & AGES: Overnight. Ages 8-17 CONTACT: Register today at: www.SJYCAZ.com or email us at: admin@ SJYCAZ.com. Phone: 480-449-0848. CAMP KODIAK We are an overnight camp for children and teens with and without LD, ADHD and high-functioning ASD. We have academic and social skills programs, 50+ camp activities, mature, professional staff, 2:1 camper-to-staff ratio and small cabin groups. We are 2.5 hours north of Toronto. All cabins include electricity and full bathrooms with a shower. Your child deserves a great summer! WHERE: 200 Kodiak Road, McKellar, Ontario, L5L 2C2, Canada WHEN: Session 1 (4 weeks): June 30 to July 27 Session 2 (3 weeks): July 28 to August 17 Full Summer (7 weeks): June 30 to August 17 TYPE & AGES: Overnight camp. Ages 6 to 18. CONTACT: 1-877-569-7595, info@campkodiak.com, www.campkodiak. com, www.facebook.com/campkodiak

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FRIENDLY PINES CAMP Friendly Pines Camp has been sharing the wonder of nature, community, and childhood play with boys and girls for 78 years. Friendly Pines Camp is truly an Arizona Tradition! Friendly Pines Camp is a traditional overnight camp that offers over 30 activities, including horseback riding, waterski, canoe, ropes course, tennis, sports, archery, visual arts, performing arts, pet care, and more. WHERE: Friendly Pines Camp is located in the Bradshaw Mountains just 6 miles outside of Prescott. The camp sits in the cool pines at an elevation of 6300’ WHEN: Two week sessions: June 9-22; June 23-July 6; July 7-20 One week sessions: June 9-15; June 16-22; June 23-29; June 30-July 6; July 7-13; July 14-20 TYPE & AGES: Overnight camp. Ages 6-13 CONTACT: email: info@friendlypines.com, 928-445- 2128, www.friendlypines.com

www.FriendlyPines.com

ROCK BOTTOM AT DESERT FOOTHILLS THEATER “Rock Bottom” is a two week, all day, full production camp. Over the two weeks campers will learn several aspects of producing a full musical production! From Set building and painting, to costume design, to acting, singing and choreography. By the end of camp they will perform a show they helped build themselves! WHERE: 33606 N. 60th. St. Scottsdale, AZ. 85266 WHEN: Weekdays June 17-28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. TYPE & AGES: Day camp. Ages 8-14. CONTACT: Cedric Knuth, dfteducation@azfcf.org, 224-848-2041

COVER STORY HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUR KID

By Jill Frier

The summer months are coming soon and parents all over the Valley are scrambling to find ideas for ways to keep their kids busy or provide weekly childcare while they are out of school. One solution many parents take advantage of is summer camp. Here are some tips for finding the right summer camp for your kids this year.

WHY SUMMER CAMP IS IMPORTANT

Camp is a place where kids are allowed to safely roam and play in a way the often aren’t in their own neighborhoods these days. Whether they are at day camp all summer, specialty camp for a week or two, or overnight camp, kids get to let loose and have fun with other kids outside of a school or home environment. Not only are summer camps a great way for your kids to have fun, get exercise and stay active during the months they are out of school, they also teach important life lessons such as how to make new friends and gain independence. Here are a few of the types of camps to consider for your child this summer: • Academic • Sports • Overnight • Outdoors • Science • Arts and music • Animals and zoos • Childcare for working parents • Just for Fun and Social Interaction

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR KID

There are tons of options, both in-state and out, for parents and kids to choose from when deciding which type of camp to pick. You can choose anything from traditional overnight camp with lakeside cabins in the woods, to science camp where kids go daily to conduct experiments and learn about different scientific and STEM-related topics, to soccer, gymnastics, karate or basketball. Some things to consider when deciding on the right camp include the following:

Know Your Goal: Do you need fullday care for your child every day, or do you just want to get them out of the house for a while to have fun with other kids? Do you want them to get plenty of exercise? Learn a new skill? Grow academically? Improve their musical or artistic abilities? Pick a camp that meets the goals you have for your child.

Know Your Child’s Interests: Discuss the different types of camps available with your child and see what things interest them. Understand the age range suggested by the camp and any skill sets they may be required to have. You can broaden their horizons by letting them try new things, but be aware of their limitations and the things they don’t like. For example, if your kid hates team sports, soccer camp may not be a great idea.

Know Your Budget: Summer camp can cost a lot of money, especially if you send your kid to a specialized place. Be sure that you consider all of the expenses involved, including equipment, meals and extras. There are also a variety of options that you can make work to fit your budget. Look for non-profit organizations, public parks and recreation venues, community centers and libraries for lower cost options.

Be Aware of Time Constraints and

Locations: Summer camp can be a big help to working parents, but note the drop off and pick up times to make sure they work with your schedule. Know the location of the camp, to make sure you can get to and from day camp and that the times and routes work for your family. Also be sure to plan around any known vacation or time off you have. Timing is a pretty key element when picking a camp.

Do Your Homework: The time to start doing homework for the right camp for your kid is now, before camp schedules get booked up and vacation time is planned. Do your research, read the fine print, talk to your child and make sure that the camp or camps you pick work best for everyone in your family.

Be sure to check out Ladybug’s Blog (www.LadybugsBlog.com) for many more ideas for having fun outside and out of the house this summer in Arizona!