Fall Lawn Care Tips

 

We have seen and heard of a widespread lawn issues this summer and fall.  Two of the major issues have been grub damage and crabgrass.  We are happy to help solve these issues.  If you are dealing with lawn issues, this is the time to get your project moving, while the weather is still very conducive to growing grass.  Grubs can be dealt with chemicals or organically.  I had an issue in one section on my yard and recently used some beneficial nematodes to fight them off.  We sell them at Kennedy’s and our supplier will actually send them to you directly to ensure freshness and viability.  They claim there are over 7 million parasitic type nematodes that attack and feed on the grubs.  I like this option so much better than chemicals, especially with kids playing in the yard and the neighbor’s dog to worry about.  Like so many others, I had some crabgrass issues too.  I am dealing with both issues by adding some compost to my lawn and over-seeding.  Crabgrass is slowing down now, but ready to leave a seed behind for next year.  This is a perfect time to cover up the weeds and seeds so they don’t come back.  Again we can do this without the need of chemicals.  I dumped a few wheelbarrow fills of compost and spread it with rake.  I compressed the compost a little with a roller and applied my seed by hand.  I rolled it one more time to ensure the seed makes good contact with the soil and then setup up my sprinkler.  I have a battery powered timer on my faucet so the sprinkler comes on every few hours to keep the seed moist, even when I’m at work.  I hope to have green lawn agin before my son’s B-day party in a few weeks.  If you have any lawn care questions or need seed and supplies, we are here 7 days a week to help.

Time to Plant!

Early spring is a safe time to transplant almost all trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials, grasses, roses and more.   Do so before they start to grow new leaves if possible.  Avoid digging or dividing plants that bloom early unless you are willing to sacrifice the flowers this spring.  All transplants should be watered regularly if Mother Nature does not do so.  It is also a great time to clean up the lawn and gardens.  Fill in bare spots in the lawn with new grass seed before the weeds do.  Weed and mulch the gardens before the perennials, bulbs and more weeds emerge all the way and get in the way.   It is safe to plant all plants that are available at Kennedy’s now.  Our general rule is that if it is outside, it can be planted.  If it is the greenhouse, you may need to wait.  Pansies and other cold season annuals and veggies may need to be brought inside or protected with a blanket, but only on cold nights when the temps dip into the low 30′s.  Besides that, let planting season begin!

Time to Water!

view detailsRain is in the forecast, we hope, but it has been a dry spring as of this writing.  Even in spring, plants can dry out and suffer drought stress.  Make sure any plants that have been planted or transplanted with in the last 12 months get a good soaking once per week.  Anything newly planted this spring may require more water, up to three times per week depending how the weather is.  New grass seed needs to be lightly sprinkled up to several times per day until it germinates.  For more information on watering, click over to our info sheet page to find Chris’ guide to watering.