Last year, coach, vice principal, athletic director, teacher and head grounds superintendent Bobby Behr and crew won the STMA's top spot in the state for soccer, softball and baseball fields. (I think the only reason he did not win football is the STMA did not want to give him a clean sweep - just my opinion!)

Whether the award is local, regional or national, it gives us great pleasure at Possum's to see customers pictured beside that Yard of the Month sign or just being successful at killing a flea, a weed or a roach. Although at Possum's we do not provide any of the sweat, money, equipment maintenance or any of the factors that go into maintaining a landscape, pest free home or field, we love those success stories.

Right after coach, vice principal, athletic director, teacher and head grounds superintendent Bobby Behr told me about his national award for his softball field, the next question was, "When are we getting together to take soil tests to develop our program for next year?"

Soil testing is so important. How can you know how to fertilize an area without a soil test? Some areas in the USA require you take a soil test before fertilizing. When you soil test, you can target the nutrients you need to add or not add, getting the most bang for your buck. If you need lime, the soil test will tell you how much and what kind of lime (dolomitic or calcium based). With the amount of water we have around here that we depend on for jobs, food and entertainment, soil testing seems like the responsible way to go and get the best results for your money.

Ashley Ridge High School played some good football this year as well. The Swamp Foxes had a 10 and 3 record and were the 2011 AAAA Region 8 Champs. They beat some perennial powerhouses along the way, including Summerville, Ft. Dorchester and Stratford.

Bill Lamson-Scribner can be reached during the week at Possum's Landscape and Pest Control Supply. Possum's has three locations 481 Long Point Rd in Mt. Pleasant (971-9601), 3325 Business Circle in North Charleston (760-2600), or 606 Dupont Rd, in Charleston (766-1511). Bring your questions to a Possum's location, or visit us at http://www.possumsupply.com. You can also call in your questions to " The Garden Clinic", Saturdays from noon to 1:00, on 1250 WTMA (The Big Talker). The Horticulture Hotline is available 24 / 7 at possumsupply.com.