Bring Your Lawn Back

The lawns have really been stressed with the high temperatures and the lack of moisture we have experienced lately.

Some lawns may bounce right back, but others may need to be overseeded and fertilized a couple times - or replaced entirely - to get back to their former glory. Mid-September is the best time to start planting cool-season grasses. This time of year allows seeds to germinate quickly in warm soil and become established before winter approaches. Here are a few tips to get the best results:

New Lawns -

To establish a new lawn, first spray any weeds and existing grass with an herbicide such as Hi-Yield Killzall. Once the old vegetation has died, remove with a rake, shovel or a rented sod cutter.

Next, break up the soil with a rototiller, add compost and Ferti•lome New Lawn Starter fertiizer, and work it thoroughly into the soil. It is important not to over-till; you do not want a powdery soil texture. Some small clods are benefi cial, because as they dissolve with rain, they help increase soil contact with the grass seed. Rake the ground so it is even (low spots will hold water), and remove any debris such as rocks and sticks. Use the recommended seeding rate for the type of seed you are using. Rake the seed lightly to obtain good soil contact, and if possible, rent a roller to press the seed into the soil.

Water with a fine spray, but do not create a flood! Keep the soil evenly moist, watering twice per day.

After the grass sprouts, you will still need to water twice a day. However, slightly deeper watering is needed to reach developing roots.

When the grass reaches the recommended mowing height, it is important to mow to intiate lateral growth for a thicker lawn.

Overseeding -

Before you overseed your lawn, mow it very short, to about 1 to 1 ½ inches tall. This will allow the seed to fall to the ground and help sunlight penetrate to the seed.

It is very beneficial to use a vertislicer to create grooves in the soil before seeding. After spreading grass seed, vertislice again at a 90 degree angle. Fertilize with Ferti•lome New Lawn Starter or Ferti•lome Winterizer, and water frequently so the soil stays damp but not soaking wet.

Mow when the grass reaches the appropriate height, and apply (or re-apply) Ferti•lome Winterizer in November.

Planting Peonies

As you may know, perennial gardening is my passion. I have experimented with many plants in my own garden to see which plants work well in our local soil, and to make sure they meet my expectations.

I want your experience with perennials to be a good one, so I always recommend hardy plants. The peony is one plant which meets those qualifications. You can purchase peonies either as a plant in the spring and summer months, or in early September to October as a bare root.

Maintenance Free -

Once peony plants become established in the garden, they are reasonably free of maintenance and problems.

When picking a spot to plant, choose one that will receive at least six hours of sunlight and doesn’t have a lot of competition with trees or shrubs for moisture.

Amend your soils well before planting; due to this plant’s longevity, you want do it right the first time! I always suggest you add Cotton Burr Compost to the planting hole, and a good plant food such as Bulb Food or Bone Meal.

Dig your hole about 18 inches deep by 18 inches wide, and then set your plant in, filling the spaces around the roots with loose soil. Be sure the eyes are facing upwards and are only about an inch under the soil. Water in thoroughly.

Fertilize peonies once in the spring, and again in the fall when they go dormant. Place the fertilizer in a ring around the eyes, but don’t place directly over the eyes, which might burn the plant.

Many people ask why their peony is not blooming. During the first two years after planting, you should not expect to see very many blooms. If it isn’t blooming in the following years, more often than not, it is planted too deep, or it is not getting enough sun.

To recap, for the best blooms, make sure it receives at least six hours of sunlight each day, the eyes are only an inch under the soil and your fertilize on a regular basis. I hope everyone is looking forward to the upcoming fall (and fall foliage!) after the long hot summer!

Blueville
Nursery Inc.