Growing Tips

It is a well known fact that the best time to seed your lawn is autumn, after the hottest weather. People must forget this fact though, because most grass seed is sold in the spring. If you do have to seed in the spring, you should do so as soon as the ground thaws. The roots need time to gain strength before the weather gets too hot. In the summer, grass has do deal with dry conditions, hot weather, and competition with weeds. It is tough for it to try to begin growing in these conditions.

Make sure it's dry

Never "work" soil when it's wet. Tilling or cultivating wet soil can ruin the soil structure. It also makes your work much more difficult.

Start Early

Start early by sending a soil sample to a lab for analysis. Your lime and fertilizer requirements will be outlined in their written report.

Watch Carefully

Pay close attention to grading. Soil should be sloped away from foundations and graded to prevent low spots that will puddle. Consider adding a french drains at the base of steep slopes, and other areas where there is poor surface runoff.

Survey the area

Stakes and String or survey marking tape. To restrict unnecessary activity in the seeded area during germination and early growth.

Rake.

A wide landscaper rake or a gardeners bow rake was necessary to prepare and level the soil.

Don't over do it

Lawn Roller. This was used in soil preparation to level the ground. Use it now to press the seed into the soil.

Watch grass grow

Whenever you looked at your neighbor’s yard last summer, perhaps you couldn't help but think, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Well, don’t despair. I have some tips for growing green lawns, including the proper use of lawn fertilizers, that will make it easy for you to gain some respect for your own grass. Of course, assuming that it is only green grass -- and grass of good pedigree -- that you wish to see carpeting your yard in emerald splendor, weed control is necessarily a part of any collection of tips for growing green lawns. Most homeowners intent on having green lawns will tolerate nary a dandelion weed nor tuft of crabgrass, regardless of its greenery. Fortunately, applying lawn fertilizers and practicing weed control can be integrated into the same chore – if you play your cards right!