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Spring is Right Around the Corner, Use these 11 Lawn Care Tips to Make Your Lawn Shine!
These simple lawn care tips will help you get that lawn you have always dreamed of.
One of the easiest ways to add some character to your lawn is to use bulbs. Bulbs are a lot like the Ronco Oven, “Set it and forget it”. All you need to do is bury them under your soil and wait.
Bulbs that can be planted in the spring include; anemone, dahlia, begonia, gladiolus, and iris. Your local gardening store should have good variety of bulbs tailored to your growing region.
Depending on your region, the optimal time to plant bulbs varies. in the south is from February to May, and from April to June in the north.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for optimal planting times and depths.
Mulch not only retains water, and amends the soil, it visually defines garden beds and plants.
The best time to mulch is before flowers and other plants begin to break the surface. Mulching early will make the process a lot easier, and help you avoid crushing plants.
For more on mulching and why its helpful check out:
5 Reasons Why You Should Apply Mulch
Nobody wants grubs munching in their lawn or gardens, but a few may be no big deal.
According to Michigan State University, a healthy lawn can sustain a population of 5 or more grubs per square foot, but if you have too many it may be time to use some insecticide.
For information on which insecticides work best and how/when to apply then check out MSU's extensive article on the subject.
Apply grub control between May to June. It is best to apply before the roots begin to grow. Be sure to water the control in so that the roots can absorb the chemicals.
The optimal time to plant grass seed is in early spring. Planting early will save you water, and prevent the seed from burning in the summer heat.
Alternatively you can also plant in early fall when its not as hot, but remember the seed will need time to establish itself in order to survive winter.
When choosing a grass seed be sure to chose a perennial grass seed. Cheaper seed mixes tend to have annual seeds which will need to be reseeded each year.
Good grass seed is essential to a good lawn, so don't skimp out when purchasing seed.
As you likely know proper mowing practices are crucial for a healthy lawn.
Remember to use sharp blades, and mow at the proper height.
Follow the mowing depth guide above to be sure you are cutting at the optimal height.
Be sure to mow at the right time of the day, and check out When is the Best Time of Day to Cut Your Grass.
One of the most overlooked tasks for achieving that perfect spring lawn is pruning.
Proper pruning will stimulate growth making fuller bushes and trees. Removing dead or diseased branches will not only make your plants look better, it will also prevent diseases.
The secret to full shrubs or bushes is pruning. When left unpruned for too long many varieties of plants will grow with sparsely spaced branches and appear skimpy
Prune spring blooming plants after they have flowered, and summer blooming plants in early spring. Be sure to use the right tools for pruning. Improper pruning can be just as harmful as not pruning at all.
Give your house plants some fresh air and room to grow by bringing them outside.
Be sure to wait til' nighttime temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Don't forget to tend to your compost.
Your compost will be lonely after waiting all winter for you, don't forget to tend to it.
Fertilizing is one great way to make your lawn grow thicker and greener.
A good fertilizer will not only provide nutrients such as nitrogen, it should also balance the PH. A balanced PH is crucial for a good lawn. Maintaining a slightly basic PH will loosen the soil which gives the roots room to grow, and brings nutrients deeper into the soil.
As with grass seed, opt for quality fertilizers. I prefer Jonathon Green's fertilizers to their competitors, their fertilizer is made with organic ingredients like nitrogen. Unlike synthetic nitrogen organic nitrogen feeds beneficial microbes in the soil. Microbes that not only improve the quality of the soil, and help grass absorb nutrients, they can also prevent a range of diseases.
Here is a guide that goes deeper into soil PH
A soil aerator will have either a hollow or solid tines.
Aerators with hollow tines create shallow holes, and remove a core of soil. Soil aeration with a hollow aerator works best in heavily compacted soil.
Aerators with solid tines can be used in less compacted soils.
Either form of aeration will give room for the roots to grow, and allow water and nutrients to reach deep into the soil.
Finally keep up on the weeds!!!
Weeding is incredibly tedious, but it is essential to achieving the perfect yard. Set a schedule if you have to.
Armed with this 11 step guide to spring lawn care, you are prepared to achieve the lawn of your dreams.
1. Plant colorful bulbs
2. Mulch for beauty and health
3. Grub control (if needed)
4. Plant grass seed early
5. Mow sharp & smart: Proper height, sharp blades, and right time of day (check our guide!).
6. Prune for perfection.
7. Give houseplants a spring break
8. Revive your compost pile
9. Fertilize for a thicker and greener lawn
10. Aerate for healthy roots
11. Stay on top of the weeds
Follow these 11 simple steps and watch your lawn blossom!
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