Whenever you look at your neighbor’s garden, you can’t help but think the grass is always greener. The following are the top five lawn care tips for a greener garden.
Keep blades raised and sharp.
The blades should be kept raised and sharp. The grass will turn brown when cut with a dull blade, therefore putting your lawn at risk for heat stress and diseases. It is effortless to sharpen a blade. First, you should ensure the cap is tightly screwed, and the gas tank is empty.
Tip the lawnmower on its side and disconnect the spark plug wire. Remove the blade using a wrench and take a mill file held at 40 to 45 degrees to sharpen the edge and smooth out the damage. Ensure that the blade is adjusted to the top position to ensure that you have avoided cutting the grass at a low level. Cutting the grass at a low level will lop off the energy that produces top growth.
Know the PH of the soil
Certain soils and grasses are better suited to more acidic and alkaline conditions. You can take a soil sample and take it to a cooperative extension service soil lab to test the PH, or you can use a DIY kit for a rough estimate. It is possible to adjust the PH of the soil.
The addition of alkaline lime may be required to lower the PH of acidic soil with a high concentration of clay. Add organic material such a peat moss to lower the PH of moderately alkaline soils. Soils with extremely high PH should be amended with iron sulfate or Sulphur.
Fertilize at the right rate
The speed at which you walk behind a fertilizer spreader helps to determine if the chemical is applied at the necessary rate. When you walk too fast, the fertilizer will be overspread, and the chemical will not spread evenly as needed.
When you walk too slowly and fail to spread enough, this will give you poor results. The application rate, which is considered suitable, is 2 to 3.5 pounds per 1000 square feet. To measure a pound or two, check by using a kitchen scale.
Understand fertilizer chemistry
Fall fertilization is more critical compared to spring fertilization. To promote subsequent spring root growth and winter nutrient storage, fall lawn fertilizer contains high potassium levels. Spring fertilizer may have a 30-3-4 NPK ratio, while fall fertilizer may have a ratio of 22-3-14. Nitrogen promotes chlorophyll formation and growth.
All lawn fertilizers contain high levels of nitrogen, particularly prominent in summer/spring blends. Phosphorous is used to establish the roots of grass that are grown from seed. If you are not establishing seeds, you should buy a low or no phosphorus fertilizer.
Promote the growth of aquatic weeds. Potassium contributes to stress resistance, heat and cold tolerance, and overall plant health. When combined with nitrogen, potassium helps the plants form carbohydrates.
Watch the water
A lawn needs about an inch of water weekly to maintain lawn care tips for a greener garden. A sprinkler can help to keep the lawn lush rather than to water frequently and lightly.
It will help if you water early in the day since watering later will leave a wet grass canopy conducive to fungal growth.
Great article Timothy, this post was packed with information. I really liked the part about fertilizer chemistry. thanks for the tips
Thank you for the top 5 lawn care tips for a greener garden. I didn’t realize having the blades on a mower too low could damage the grass. I’ll have to remember to ask about that while I’m looking for a professional lawn care service.