Whether you’re new to the world of gardening or have been in it for years, you can always benefit from learning a few tricks of the trade. There are three basic things you can do to help your lawn thrive. These are Mowing, Watering, and Fertilising. You can immediately spot the difference once you start mowing your lawn the right way.
Fertilisers
Whether you have a small lawn or a large lawn, a well-balanced fertilizer can help your grass thrive. If you are unsure about which type of fertilizer to buy, your local garden center can help you choose the right one.
There are two main types of fertilizer: organic and synthetic. Organic fertilizers contain the vital trace elements that help improve the health of the soil. They release nutrients slowly over time. They also encourage the life of the soil. These products also usually contain N-P-K ratios.
The best time to apply a fertilizer is in the spring. Depending on the kind of grass you have, the ideal time to apply fertilizer will depend on the season. Cool-season grasses have their most active root growth in early fall. If your lawn isn’t thriving, you may want to fertilize in the fall.
If your lawn is located in an area where the weather is dry and hot, you should consider a slow-release fertilizer. These are available in both granular and liquid forms. They spread easily and introduce nutrients to the grass more slowly.
In addition to the three main nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, plants also need calcium, magnesium and sulfur. These are important for chlorophyll production and absorption of phosphorus. If your soil doesn’t have enough calcium, you may consider dolomitic lime.
If you have an acidic soil with a low pH score, you may need to add lime to raise the pH level. This will encourage the growth of healthier roots.
You can also use an ammonia-based fertilizer. A cup of ammonia can be diluted with one gallon of water. Mix it in a watering can and then apply it to your lawn. You can also use a spreader to spread the fertilizer evenly.
Adding a quality lawn fertiliser is a simple way to improve your yard and save money. It will also help your grass grow healthy and prevent disease and weeds.
Before you buy your next fertilizer, it’s a good idea to test your soil. This will ensure that you get the correct amount of each nutrient.
Pest control
Grass enthusiast Danny Hibbert is on a quest to recreate the magic of his childhood playing fields. A few years ago, he trawled the internet for the best lawns in town. His results were eye-popping. He had a clear mandate to get it right. But how did he go about it?
A horticulturist, he rediscovered the role of turf in an ecosystem and dubbed himself the guardian of the patch. He has implemented a number of green measures to improve the longevity of his prized sward. For starters, he has irrigated with captured rainwater. He also employs a clever decanter to minimise water usage. He uses peat-based compost to stimulate the soil microbiome, which is responsible for a range of beneficial fungi.
He has also found a way to minimise the use of pesticides and fertilisers. In fact, he uses a fraction of what the average gardener would. He has even managed to make use of the ubiquitous moss. In fact, he’s so convinced of the importance of the lawn in a natural environment that he’s pranked a few unsuspecting neighbours to the point of a complete overhaul. As well as a healthy patch of grass, Hibbert’s meadow is home to some of the world’s most endangered species.
The trick is to not only keep your lawn in tip-top shape but also to keep it from being a magnet for weeds. To this end, he has used a variety of non-selective weedkillers, including one he bought from the paper round. In addition, he has a weekly soak to encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil.
He’s also on a quest to restore the balance between humankind and nature, with an emphasis on the former. To this end, he has created the first zero-waste community garden in Cambridge, a collaboration between King’s College, the Green Party, and local conservationists. The project is designed to educate students about the importance of nature in an urban context.
