Gardens Galore by Karen Brewka - The Grass is Always greener

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Giving my lawn a good scratch with the dandelion rake, I think about how much spring work goes into growing healthy turf. I guess it's worth it. Thick, healthy lawns help to reduce weed populations and are safe, fun places to play. Spring work means greener grass later in the summer.

After a good rake to remove dead grass blades, any leftover fungus from winter snow cover, deer poop, leaves and other detritus, I like to do a bit of topdressing. A thin layer of compost/soil raked into the lawn, maybe with some overseeding with Kentucky Bluegrass, Red Fescue and ryegrass generally sets me up for a good summer. The ryegrass, although coarser than the other two species, tends to stay green in the heat of summer when the bluegrass sometimes goes into dormancy.

Spring fertilizing is important for green lawns. Turf uses lots of soil nutrients. Leaving the clippings on the lawn after mowing helps but an additional fertility boost is needed. A couple of light applications of 16 – 20 – 0, once when the grass starts growing  in early spring and again in late spring (end of May, early June), encourages thick growth. I always try to fertilize just before a good rain. Otherwise, the fertilizer needs to be watered in.

As the spring dandelions show up, the battle front includes mechanical control (digging them up), and spot spraying with 2, 4–D, if needed. Herbicide application inhibits growth so should be done when a stretch of hot weather is coming. One of the reasons Weed n' Feed is off the market is because herbicide application and fertilizing are two different actions and need different kinds of weather to be most effective. Also, overuse of 2, 4-D (people using it even if there are no weeds on the lawn) leads to chemical pollution. Olds College has some interesting articles on their lawn care web page about non-chemical weed control research.

So, raking, topdressing, overseeding, fertilizing, deep watering, if needed, and an early attack on dandelions leads to thicker, greener grass that needs frequent mowing to keep the turf at 2½ to 3” in height. Sigh! Even more work! Until the days start getting shorter again in mid June, mowing twice a week might be needed. Warmer weather makes the grass grow faster. Cooler weather slows growth. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has a good page about turf called Lawn Care Tips.

The Valley Neighbours Garden Club welcomes new members. For information call Bea at 403 – 933 – 7131. Don't forget the Plant Sale taking place on June 4th at Valley Neighbours, 133 Sunset Boulevard SW.

The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. For information call Sheila at 403 – 931 – 3989.