Surviving Lee County's summer fertilizer ban

By Amy Bennett Williams

Restrictions needn't ruin your yard

Marci Tate is dreading the season that begins June 1, so earlier this week, she made a frantic run to a Fort Myers Home Depot to stock up on supplies.

“It kind of snuck up on me this year,” she said, “and I want to be prepared.”

But it’s not hurricanes or summer sun she’s worried about, it’s the annual four-month fertilizer restrictions that go into effect Friday.

Homeowner Tate calls it a greenout and Riverland Nursery owner Mayer Berg calls it a blackout, but with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Actually, Berg knows quite well that a season without added nitrogen and phosphorus needn’t be a season without a lush and thriving landscape, and he’s trying to spread the word to clients and the public with a free seminar Saturday.

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