Lawn Fertilizing – Best Practices For Optimal Results
Lawn fertilizing is an act similar to an art form for some people, but it does not have to be that way. There are steps to be followed regarding proper fertilization, but they are few and simple. Following these tips will yield a lush green lawn that is free of weeds and disease.
A little background information on the lawn goes a long way in making sure that the lawn gets what it needs, when it needs it. A simple soil test along with a pH test can help the homeowner to determine what the yard is lacking. This can help the homeowner get the right fertilizer for the yard and apply it properly.
The best results will be achieved by adding only what the lawn actually needs instead of adding unnecessary chemicals. On the average, a low nitrogen fertilizer is preferred when feeding any lawn. Use a slow release formula to avoid the fertilizer burning patches in the lawn and getting an even feed across the whole yard.
To achieve the healthiest lawn, it is recommended that fertilizer be applied four times per year. Those residing in the northern states should apply fertilizer at least one time in each of the spring and fall. The longer growing season in the southern states makes it necessary for southern lawns to be fertilized two times each during the spring and fall.
Try to keep the fertilizer on the lawn and off the driveway. If a spill should occur, clean up immediately with either a broom or a shop vac. The chemicals in fertilizer can cause stains on either concrete or pavement along with contaminating water supplies should they be washed into a storm drain and should be handled with care.
Use a spreader to ensure even application of the fertilizer. Spreaders come in different versions, including hand-held and pushable, and they can be purchased online or at a garden center. The last point to note is to avoid applying fertilizer within 24 hours of anticipated rain and avoid heavy watering for 24 hours after application. The lawn fertilizing steps above provide the path to a beautiful lawn without wasted time and effort.
About the Author
Jodi Nations is the owner of Nations Harvest- a company dedicated to serving the Denver community by providing professional and friendly service for those needing lawn fertilizing, lawn aeration, and sprinkler services.
weed, insect control on lawn near garden and shrubs?
I have small lawn, about 3500 s.f. There are large trees that are the edge of woods in the back. I have a small raised vegetable garden in the middle of the lawn. I also have a few small blueberry and raspberry bushes amongst the lawn.
I am using the scotts program. I am looking for some alternatives. Basically, after using step 2 weed control I noticed the bluberries look like they were damaged by it. I didnt spread it right at the base of them, but maybe gave them an 18″ buffer. This wasnt enough. I am thinking that I may want to just spread turf builder by scotts for the lawn, and aplly seperate products for weed and insects. I will be applying grubex in the next few days. In mid july I plan on applying an insect control product. And would like to apply another weed application. What tips do people have on a weed application that won’t harm the bushes and garden?
For weed control, the best solution is to dig them up by the root. You can also pour boiling water on them. Do not use salt as this may harm your existing plants. Vinegar may work, but again, it may do harm.
Bayer Lawn Weed Control
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Benefits of Lawn Landscaping and Landscape Design in St Petersburg, FL
Professional landscape design and lawn landscaping will cost you. Of course, you can do it yourself for free and you may be tempted to do so in order to cut costs. Unless you are a professional lawn landscaping designer, though, the difference is telling. In fact, if you do it yourself, you may end up spending more for your mistakes. The benefits of hiring a professional for your landscape design and lawn landscaping, on the other hand, make it a very worthy investment. With expert landscape design and lawn landscaping, not only will you have a gorgeous lawn in St Petersburg, FL but also a low maintenance and cost effective lawn that will raise the market value of your property.
All lawns need professional lawn landscaping maintenance services specifically for regular pest control because lawns are commonly infested with white grubs, mole crickets and fungus. These pests need to be eliminated completely and re-infestation has to be prevented. Property owners should, however, ensure that the lawn landscaping maintenance service provider in St Petersburg, FL uses only ecologically friendly and non toxic pest control products. These should be safe for the environment, the family and family pets.
Property owners should also require this with regard to lawn fertilization. Regular lawn landscaping maintenance needs proper fertilization in order to prevent grass discoloration. If the grass turns brown in patches, the well executed landscape design is totally ruined. Weed prevention is also often included in lawn fertilization. Property owners should ensure that the lawn landscaping maintenance service provider in St Petersburg, FL uses only ecologically friendly and non toxic fertilizers and weed prevention solutions.
Regular lawn landscaping maintenance services should cover lawn repair whenever any part of the lawn gets damaged. While the use of grass sod is avoided in laying down entire lawns because it costs higher than grass seed, this is not the case in lawn repair. A small patch of grass sod can be much cheaper than the smallest bag of grass seed sold in St Petersburg, FL.
Lawn damage can be caused by heavy foot traffic. The best landscape design and lawn landscaping should, therefore, incorporate strategic foot paths through the lawn. The presence of low areas in the lawn landscaping also cause various lawn diseases and damage because such areas have poor air circulation and attract water pooling and water retention. Again this could be pre-empted by good landscape design in St Petersburg, FL.
With expertly done landscape design and lawn landscaping, the market value of the property is increased, resulting in better prices in the real estate market. This is attested to by real estate agents themselves. Investing in professional landscape design, lawn landscaping and lawn maintenance is therefore a good financial decision even if the property owner has no immediate plans of selling. To ensure that the market value stays up, the lawn has to be kept well maintained. It is recommended that a reputable service provider for landscape design, lawn landscaping and lawn maintenance be chosen in St Petersburg, FL.
About the Author
JaPaul Scape JaPaul James 4604 49th St N, #1 St Petersburg, FL 33709 Phone: (727) 564-2418 Email: japaulscape@gmail.com Website: www.japaulscape.com
Caramanico Organic Lawn Care System Protecting Our Planet One Lawn at a Time
Can i Mow My Weeded Lawn Before i Apply a Fertilizer-Weed Conrol Mix?
I bought the Scotts Turf Builder Pro which is a Fertilizer-Weed Control Mix. I’ve been pulling weeds out all day with and am ready to apply the mix, however, because my lawn is so large part of my lawn still is covered in weeds. I am too lazy and would very much like to mow my lawn and then apply this Fertilizer-Weed Control Mix. Is this ok to do? Or should i apply the mix without cutting my lawn so that the weeds can receive full exposure to the mix?
Thanks
Hi guys/gals..Thanks for the relpies so far. I am curious…On the Scott’s bags i have it mentions that because of morning dew’s moisture in the air by applying the Scott’s Fertliizer-Weed Control it will allow it to stick to the leaves of the weeds for better killing. If i do go ahead and cut the grass then would this reduce the effectiveness of killing them later on? Some of you mention i should cut the lawn while others mention to not cut before i apply the product
Mow the lawn and spread the Turf Builder. If the lawn is a nice even level, the stuff will spread more evenly. If you let the weeds (and dandelions) stay tall, you risk them going to seed and re-seeding your lawn with weeds! If you can’t spread the Scott’s in the early am to catch the dew, you can water your lawn with sprinklers or a hose to give the granules something to “stick” to. If your lawn is huge, you can split it into 2 sections and water and spread one in the am and the other in the evening.
Effect of pre emergence weedicide on yield attributes and yield of groundent in inceptisol soil
Effect of pre emergence weedicide on yield attributes, yield and quality of summer groundnut in inceptisol soil.
Megha V. Nagmote and A. D. Kadlag
Department of Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413722, Dist. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
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Abstract : The present investigation was carried out by conducting an field experiment. The field experiment was carried out at Post Graduate Institute Research Farm, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during summer 2002-03 and 2003-04 to assess the effect of pre emergence weedicide on yield attributes and yield of groundnut in Inceptisol soil. The soil of experimental area is grouped under Inceptisol soil order belonging to Sawargaon (Pather) soil series. There are fourteen treatment comprised of pre emergence weedicide application viz., oxyfluorfen, alachlor, fluchloralin and pendimethalin in graded dose, weedy check and weed control. The highest number of pegs were recorded by alachlor @ 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 during 2002-03, 2003-04 and pooled mean. The application of pendimethalin @ 0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 kg a.i. ha-1 were recorded the less number of pods during 2002-03 and pooled mean. The higher pod yield was recorded by fluchloralin @ 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0 kg a.i. ha-1 during 2002. The application of alachlor @ 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kg a.i. ha-1 recorded the higher haulm yield during 2003-04, 2003-04 and pooled mean. The protein and oil content of groundnut were found the highest in weedy check treatment during 2002-03, 2003-04 and pooled mean.
Oilseed crops have been the backbone of agricultural economy of India. Groundnut is an important legume cum oil seed crops in India particularly in the state of Maharashtra. Commercially and nutritionally it is an important source of vegetable oil and agriculturally serves to improve soil fertility by fixing the atmospheric nitrogen through Rhizobium bacteria. Groundnut ranks first among oilseed crops of India. Unlike other crops, groundnut has poor competitive ability against weeds due to its slow growth behaviour. If the real position of the problem is not seriously viewed at proper time this may give rise to unwarranted speculations and danger to our plants, soils, animals and human health at large. It is, therefore, very essential to generate information on behaviour of these herbicides in soils.
Material and methods – The field experiment was carried out on groundnut in two successive years during summer 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 at Post Graduate Institute Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry on Sawargaon (Pather) soil series of inceptisols, to study the effect of pre emergence weedicides on yield attributes yield of groundnut in inceptisol soil. Geographically, the location of Central Campus, MPKV, Rahuri is situated between 19°47’ – 19°57’ N latitude and 74°19’ E longitude. The groundnut seed (SB-XI) was obtained from the Groundnut Breeder, Groundnut Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. Commercial grade urea (46 % N), single super phosphate (16% P2O5) and muriate of potash (60% K2O)were used to supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively. The experiment was laid out with fourteen treatment replicated three times in randomized block design. Plot size Gross – 6.00 m x 3.60 m, Net – 5.30 m x 3.30 m Spacing 30 cm x 15 cm. Treatment details areOxyfluorfen 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 Oxyfluorfen 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1, Oxyfluorfen 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1, Alachlor 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1, alachlor 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1, Alachlor 4.0 kg a.i. ha-1, Fluchloralin 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1, Fluchloralin 1.50 kg a.i. ha-1, Fluchloralin 3.00 kg a.i. ha-1, Pendimethalin 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 Pendimethalin 1.50 kg a.i. ha-1, Pendimethalin 3.00 kg a.i. ha-1, Weedy check, Control (Weed free check).Observations to be recorded number of peg formation, number of pod formation, pod yield, haulm yield,. oil content, protein content. The data obtained in different observation were processed statistically by using randomized block design as described by Panse and Sukhatme (1968).
Result and Discussion- The effect of pre emergence weedicide on number of pegs and pod in summer groundnut are presented in Table 1. The number of pegs in summer groundnut were at par by the weedicide application in 2002-03, 2003-04 and pooled mean. However, it was significantly higher in application of alachlor @ 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (187.67) in 2002-03. The numerical values of number of pegs were increased with an increased application of oxyfluorfen (Table 1). This was might be due to higher levels of oxyfluorfen control the weeds in summer groundnut than their lower levels which may provides weed free environment, reduced the moisture, nutrient and sunlight energy competition. The observations are in conformity with the Prakash et al. (2000), Pandey et al. (2001), Dharkar et al. (2002) and Sharma and Jain (2002 )
The pre emergence weedicide in summer groundnut significantly affected the pod and haulm yield of groundnut during both the years and in pooled mean. (Table 2). The pod yield of summer groundnut was significantly higher during 2002-03 (23.91 q ha-1), 2003-04 (22.83 q ha-1) and pooled mean (23.37 q ha-1) in control treatment. The pre emergence weedicide alachlor @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 and fluchloralin @ 1.50 kg a.i. ha-1 were at par for pod yield (20.90 and 21.35 q ha-1 respectively) during 2002-03. However, during 2003-04 control treatment was significantly superior for pod yield (22.83 q ha-1). The variation in pod yield between the year of experimentation might be because of seasonal effect. The variation in pod yield was also ascertained by the varied morphological characters viz., number of leaves, pods, pegs etc. These observations are in conformity with the Sharma and Jain (2002), Wanjari et al. (2001) and Kumar and Tiwari (2004). In general, use of pre emergence weedicide in summer groundnut reduced the pod yield. However, the use of fluchloralin, alachlor and oxyfluorfen were more safe and beneficial for pod yield. The use of pendimethalin had adverse effect on pod yield.
The haulm yield of summer groundnut was significantly influenced by the use of pre emergence weedicide during 2002-03, 2003-04 and pooled mean. The use of oxyfluorfen @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 recorded the highest haulm yield (62.57 q ha-1) followed by alachlor @ 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (61.49 q ha-1). The haulm yield of summer groundnut was numerically higher during 2003-04 than 2002-03. This was because of seasonal variations. Whereas, pendimethalin has adverse effect on haulm yield of summer groundnut. These observations were also found by Kushwaha and Kushwaha (2001), Kumar and Tiwari (2004), Chauhan et al. (2005) and Singh et al. (2006).
The protein and oil percentage of summer groundnut as influenced by the pre emergence weedicide are presented in Table 3. The use of fluchloralin @ 0.75, 1.50 and 3.0 kg a.i. ha-1 significantly reduced the protein per cent (44.50, 44.47 and 44.63 per cent respectively) during 2002-03. The pooled mean of protein per cent by the fluchloralin significantly reduced. The weedy check and control treatment were significantly superior for protein per cent in summer groundnut during 2002-03, 2003-04 and pooled mean. Similar observations were also found by Rathore (2001) and Ram et al. (2005). In general, the use of pre emergence weedicide in summer groundnut did not showed the consistent relationship on protein per cent.
The oil percentage in summer groundnut was significantly influenced by the pre emergence weedicide. The pendimethalin application @ 0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 kg a.i. ha-1 significantly recorded the higher oil per cent during 2002-03 (29.75, 28.88 and 28.88 per cent respectively) and 2003-04 (30.63, 30.34 and 29.26 and 29.03 per cent respectively). It was closely followed by fluchloralin and oxyfluorfen. These results indicated that the weedicides reduced the oil per cent to smaller extent as compared to weedy checks. This was might be because of yield variation. The production of higher yield reduced the concentration of oil content. Thus, the pre emergence weedicide did not influenced the oil per cent in summer groundnut.
Conclusion –
The pendimethalin application reduced the number of pegs and pod in summer groundnut. The fluchloralin pre emergence weedicide increased the pod yield significantly. The protein and oil content in summer groundnut were increased in weedy check. The use of fluchloralin as pre emergence weedicide in summer groundnut are beneficial for weed control, yield and quality of summer groundnut.
References –
Chauhan, Y.S., Bhargava, M.K. and Jain, V.K. 2005. Weed management in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). Indian J. Agril. Sci. 50(2) : 149-151.
Dharam Singh, Dagar, J.C. and Gangarwar, B. 1992. Infestation of weeds and their management in oilseed crops. Agric. Rev. 13(3) : 165-175.
Kumar, A. and Tiwari, A.N. 2004. Efficacy of pre and post emergence herbicides in summer blackgram (Vigna murgo L.). Indian J. Weed Sci. 36(1 & 2) : 73-75.
Kushwaha, S.S. and Kushwaha, H.S. 2001. Influence of weed control methods on growth, yield and economics of rainfed soybean (Glycine max) at farmers field. Indian J. Agron. 46(3) : 511-515.
Panse, V.G. and Sukhatme, P.V. 1967. Statistical Methods for Agricultural Workers. I.A.R.I., New Delhi.
Pandey, A.K., Prakash, V., Singh, R.D. and Mani, V.P. 2001. Integrated weed management of maize (Zea mays). Indian J. Agron. 46(2) : 260-265.
Ram, B., Chaudhari, G.R. and Jat, A.S. 2005. Effect of weed management practices on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) grown under different intercropping systems. Indian J. agric. Sci. 75(11) : 749-752
Rathore, V.S., Gautam, R.C. and Kaushik, S.K. 2001. Yield, quality and nutrient uptake by sunflower as influenced by weed and nutrient management. Am. Agric. Res. New. Series. 22(3) : 443-444.
Wanjari, R.H., Yaduraju, N.T. and Ahuja, K.N. 2001. Nutrient uptake by sunflower (Helianthus annus) and associated weeds during rainy season. Indian J. Agron. 46(3) : 541-546.
Table 1. Effect of pre emergence weedicide on number of pod formation and number of peg formation in summer groundnut grown in inceptisol soil
Sr.No.
Treatment
Number of peg
Number of pod
2002-2003
2003-2004
Pooled mean
2002-2003
2003-2004
Pooled mean
1.
Oxyfluorfen
0.5 kg a.i. ha-1
154.33
164.00
159.17
101.00
96.67
98.83
2.
Oxyfluorfen
1.0 kg a.i. ha-1
156.33
167.67
162.00
104.67
148.00
126.33
3.
Oxyfluorfen
2.0 kg a.i. ha-1
168.67
170.67
169.67
115.33
125.00
120.17
4.
Alachlor
1.0 kg a.i. ha-1
132.67
136.67
134.67
95.67
103.33
99.50
5.
Alachlor
2.0 kg a.i. ha-1
187.67
184.00
185.83
105.67
138.00
121.83
6.
Alachlor
4.0 kg a.i. ha-1
156.33
160.67
158.50
103.00
136.67
119.83
7.
Fluchloralin 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1
134.33
138.00
136.17
97.00
122.67
109.83
8.
Fluchloralin 1.50 kg a.i. ha-1
137.33
142.00
139.67
95.67
109.00
102.33
9.
Fluchloralin
3.0 kg a.i. ha-1
151.00
151.67
151.33
104.33
136.67
120.50
10.
Pendimethalin 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1
142.00
144.00
143.00
85.33
99.67
92.50
11.
Pendimethalin 1.50 kg a.i. ha-1
136.00
141.00
138.50
95.33
84.67
90.00
12.
Pendimethalin 3.0 kg a.i.ha-1
113.33
116.67
115.00
103.33
101.67
102.50
13.
Weedy check
103.67
107.33
105.50
86.67
82.00
84.33
14.
Control
128.00
122.00
125.00
99.33
94.33
96.83
S.E. ±
7.842
9.443
7.756
10.236
8.647
6.985
C.D. (5%)
21.161
27.432
23.692
29.736
25.122
19.758
Table 2. Effect of pre emergence weedicide on pod and haulm yield in summer groundnut grown in inceptisol soil
Sr.No.
Treatment
Pod yield (q ha-1)
Haulm yield (q ha-1)
2002-2003
2003-2004
Pooled mean
2002-2003
2003-2004
Pooled mean
1.
Oxyfluorfen
0.5 kg a.i. ha-1
19.15
20.09
19.62
45.31
48.25
46.78
2.
Oxyfluorfen
1.0 kg a.i. ha-1
17.94
17.80
17.87
52.33
52.82
52.57
3.
Oxyfluorfen
2.0 kg a.i. ha-1
17.78
17.80
17.79
51.00
53.66
52.33
4.
Alachlor
1.0 kg a.i. ha-1
20.90
16.99
18.94
56.17
56.49
56.33
5.
Alachlor
2.0 kg a.i. ha-1
16.18
20.15
18.17
59.86
63.12
61.49
6.
Alachlor
4.0 kg a.i. ha-1
18.49
18.66
18.57
55.47
53.99
54.73
7.
Fluchloralin 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1
19.72
18.63
19.18
53.70
61.89
57.80
8.
Fluchloralin 1.50 kg a.i. ha-1
21.35
17.82
19.59
59.19
59.46
59.32
9.
Fluchloralin
3.0 kg a.i. ha-1
18.19
18.34
18.27
46.80
43.83
45.32
10.
Pendimethalin 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1
17.88
14.50
16.19
42.18
51.33
46.76
11.
Pendimethalin 1.50 kg a.i. ha-1
13.99
14.16
14.08
47.00
52.76
49.88
12.
Pendimethalin 3.0 kg a.i.ha-1
14.58
17.94
16.26
47.44
54.39
50.92
13.
Weedy check
16.76
14.00
15.38
42.41
51.01
33.71
14.
Control
23.91
22.83
23.37
55.96
58.22
57.09
S.E. ±
1.364
0.449
1.189
2.538
3.242
4.442
C.D. (5%)
3.962
1.304
3.633
7.374
9.420
13.57
Table 3. Effect of pre emergence weedicides on protein and oil content in summer groundnut in inceptisol soil
Lawn Maintenance: How to Get a Dark and Green Lawn
Want to know the secret to getting a lawn that’s dark and green? Of course, you do! Well here it is in two words: Iron Supplements. This is a common technique used by lawn care professionals. They not only use iron supplements to help give grass that nice deep, bluish-green color, but also use the supplements to help control the growth of moss. If you have the fescue or bluegrass species, you will find iron supplements to be particularly helpful.
Synthetic vs. Organic Iron Supplements
Iron lawn supplements falls under two categories: synthetic or organic. Just as in food and supplements for humans, anything organic will cost you more. Synthetic iron fertilizers usually come in the form of granules and spread over the lawn just like other fertilizers. It’s less expensive than an organic iron fertilizer and is fast acting so you should see results fairly quickly (within days). Because it is synthetic, if you use too much of this type of iron supplement, your lawn will turn gray. Also, it has been known to stain concrete driveways. You know that color on rusty iron fences? Well, the same thing can happen to your concrete walkways and driveways if you’re not careful when applying synthetic iron fertilizers. These are the downsides to the synthetic iron supplements.
Organic iron fertilizers, on the other hand, take longer to break down. But because they’re chelated, the grass can absorb the organic fertilizers more easily. They also contain other nutrients that are good for your lawn. And unlike its synthetic counterpart, you don’t have to worry about organic iron fertilizers staining your outdoor concrete areas.
Applying the Iron Lawn Fertilizers
As mentioned before, you need to be careful not to over-apply the supplements, especially the synthetic ones. Follow closely the directions on the package. Overdoing it is just as bad as having an iron-deficient lawn. Also, you should apply the fertilizer during spring time when the weather is mild, around 60 to 70 degrees.
Keep in mind that an iron deficiency may not be the real cause of yellowish-looking grass. So, before you jump to the conclusion that your lawn needs iron supplements, look for more likely sources first, like: Is your lawn getting enough water? Is the lawn lacking in some of the regular nutrients?
About the Author
Mike C. Palmer is a lawn and garden enthusiast. He blogs about lawn care tips and writes comprehensive reviews on lawn mowers.
Go here to read hundreds of unbiased reviews and complaints about lawn mowers, including those recommended by Consumer Reports => http://www.tigerfdn.com/consumer-reports-recommended-lawn-mowers.
I recently started scott’s 4 step lawn fertilization program, (about 2.5 weeks ago) and I was wondering if anyone knows if its okay to do a regular fertilization in between every step? If so, what type of Scott’s fertilizer would I use in between? Do I run the risk of burning my grass? and are there types of Scott’s fertilizers that don’t burn grass? Please let me know! Thanks!
It is OK to do that but you do not need to do that. That is why they have their step system. If you want to fertilize between their recommended times then you are best off using a water soluble fertilizer like miracle-grow for lawns.
Lawn Weeds – Facts, Fiction and Control,soil deficiency,
Weed Control
We can tell the health of the soil below a lawn by the weeds that are successful in the competition for space. They are a problem because they are not as effective as grass in achieving the desired results of a lawn. Safety, erosion control, water purification, water infiltration, atmospheric carbon reduction and other environmental benefits that are the result of lawn grasses are reduced by most weeds.
The best defense against weeds is a healthy lawn, because grass can easily out-compete weeds when conditions are maintained in the grasses favor. Nutrient deficiencies, nutrient excesses, soil compaction, acidic soils, excessive shade, wet soils, bioactivity and many other problems can be detected by what plants are successful in infiltrating a lawn.
Below is a list of some of the common names of indicator weeds that can help determine what issues are making your lawn less than perfect. Correct the problem that creates a competitive advantage for the weed and you will have an easier time getting the lawn results you are looking for.
Alkaline soil: field peppergrass, goosefoot, gromwell, true chamomile, bladder campionSoil pH maintenance has been harmed by the misnomer that turfgrass grows best in a pH of 7.0. The different grass types require different pH soils for best growth, health, weed control and disease resistance.
Soil composition plays an important role in lawn quality. Deficiencies can slow or halt turf development. Proper pH can slow weed production and propagation.
Acidity – In acidic soil: phosphorus, calcium, magnesium availability is reduced. in alkaline: iron, zinc, manganese and copper are not available. To decrease acidic soil pH, add sulfur. To increase alkaline soil pH , add lime.
Boron – Slow growth, pale green tips, bronze tint. Apply an organic soil amendment containing trace elements.
Calcium – Reddish-brown leaves, may curl and die. Apply an organic soil amendment containing trace elements.
Copper - Yellow and stunted leaves, tips die. Apply an organic soil amendment containing trace elements.
Iron – Pale leaves, turning yellow. Reduce phosphorus fertilization
Magnesium – Yellow stripes on leaves, turning red. Apply an organic soil amendment containing trace elements. Adjust soil pH.
Manganese – Yellow spots on leaves, withered at tips. Manganese sulfate
Molybdenum – Yellow and withered leaves. Apply an organic soil amendment containing trace elements.
Nitrogen – Light green or yellow-green leaves, may start dying at tips. Apply an organic fertilizer suited to your turf grass. Centipede, for example can be harmed by too much nitrogen.
Phosphorus – Thin sod, thin curled leaves, dusky blue-green with purple tint in cool weather. Raise pH (reduce acidity)
Potassium – Yellow tips on leaves, may turn brown and die at tips. Apply an organic soil amendment containing Kelp. Adjust pH.
Sulfur – Yellow leaves. Usually an indication of low pH. Add sulfur.
Zinc – Small and yellow leaves. Apply an organic soil amendment containing trace elements.
Microbial activity
Soil microbes are essential to the health of a lawn. They convert nutrients to useable energy plant roots can absorb easily while detoxifying the soil.
Use only organic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Synthetic/chemical products kill soil microbes. Apply a bio-enhanced dethatcher
Zoysia Grass Seed Is The Best All Round Grass Seed
Planting grass in your yard is one of the best things you can do to raise the value on your home. It changes the appearance of your house, and gives your yard a neat, well groomed look. Buy grass seed according to the area that you live in. For a grass that is thick and strong enough to support the wear and tear of children playing on it, choose zoysia grass seed.
The home of zoysia grass is China and Japan. Because it is a slow growing grass, you don’t have to mow it as much as other types of grass. One nice thing is that it is a perennial grass, meaning that once you sow it, it will re-seed itself, and you will never have to plant it again. It does have two disadvantages. It will continue spreading into flower gardens or the neighbor’s lawn, and some people don’t like its brown winter color.
This type of grass can be planted from seeds or from plugs. The seeds can be planted in late spring or early summer after all possibility of frost is gone. It grows best in temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees. Because it prefers the heat, never plant it in the fall when the weather begins to cool. Zoysia grass is a slow growing grass, so you want to make sure that you plant it early enough to give it a good start before the fall weather sets in.
Did you know that Zoysia grass needs 80% less water than other grasses? You only have to water it when there has been little or no rainfall, and the ground is dry and begins to crack. It grows in virtually any soil type, but adding a quality fertilizer will give it a jump start, and make it appear even greener.
Zoysia grass turns yellow when the weather becomes cooler in the fall. It will, also, be the first grass to turn green when the weather begins to warm up in the spring.
It is a sturdy enough grass that it can be used for lawns, golf courses, parks and baseball and softball fields. It is not a good grass for soccer or football fields. It grows extremely well in the moist, salt air of the coast.
Zoysia grass is a great all around grass. It is easy to care for and makes a beautiful lawn. If you live in a warm temperature area, choose zoysia grass seed when you decide to plant grass.
Organic movement grows in Ozone Park
CSA Ozone Park is working to bring organic, locally grown produce to consumers in south Queens. By now, Americans have become so familiar with terms like“genetically modified foods” and “frankenfoods” that, for some, a trip to the grocery store is about as pleasurable as warfare. Super Tomato Maker Amazing Tomato Fertilizer
