1. Fall is the BEST time to plant new lawns or overseed.
Lawn planting is ideal between August 15th and the end of September, with September being the most ideal since the chances of super-hot weather diminish once August is passed. (Planting? Read this!)
The cooler temperatures and shorter days of fall allow your lawn (and plants) to focus more on root growth than on top growth, creating a greater quantity of deep root mass. The second best time to plant grass seed is in early spring (March), and frankly, the conditions in your yard will vary greatly depending on what the winter was like.
2. It’s more important to fertilize in fall than it is in Spring.
“University research has shown that fall (August or September) and late fall (October, November or December) fertilization is ideal for home lawns. Fertilizations during these times will benefit lawns more than any other practice. Most homeowners place too much emphasis on spring and summer fertilization. Some fertilizer is needed during the spring and summer; however, over-application of fertilizer at these times can cause disease, rapid growth requiring much more frequent mowing and other problems that result in ‘summer lawn nightmares.’ ” http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1191.html
By fertilizing in the fall, you improve the overall health of your lawn by encouraging deep root growth, rather than ‘greening’ up the top. A deeper, healthier root system will be more resistant to disease and drought. Often, the ‘prettiest’ looking lawns are the most fragile, requiring constant watering and fertilization, pest control and disease monitoring because the focus is on the green top growth at the expense of the more important root growth. Slow-release fertilizers will assist root growth.
3. Don’t over-water.
This is a year-round rule. You should never water to the point of puddling. For new lawns, frequent, light watering is best. Established lawns should be watered about once a week, depending on heat and overall rainfall.
4. Keep mowing till it’s done growing.
(I just made that up that catchy phrase. Patent pending.)
You should continue to cut your grass until you’ve seen no visible growth for about two weeks. Keep your grass at about 2-3 inches for the winter.
Even though the fall causes us to focus mostly on leaf removal, taking the time to properly care for your lawn this of year will give you a healthier, happier lawn in the spring.
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Think spring. What do you think of? I think of warmer weather, rain and all kinds of plants beginning to push through the ground. And since this will be happening soon, there is one precaution you should take before it’s too late for your plants. Use plant supports. Spring staking is always easier and better for your garden plants. Some plants can stand on their own. Others need a helping hand in the form of a stake… sometimes two.. Regardless of the reason for staking, you will easily obtain a healthy neat and tidy garden when using staking methods that are appropriate for your plants. Here are some tips and tricks to staking plants correctly. Follow them and enjoy a beautiful garden all summer long.
Water is one of the most important things birders can add to their backyard to attract birds. All bird species need water, and adding one or more water features to your yard will quickly attract feathered friends. Birds need water for two reasons: drinking and preening. Water helps keep a bird’s body cool both from the inside and outside. Water baths can also remove dust, loose feathers, parasites and other debris from a bird’s plumage. Offering water in your backyard will attract more birds than just food sources, since birds that would not normally visit feeders can be tempted by water features. Any water is an improvement on a dry backyard, but moving water will attract more birds because the motion catches their eye and they can hear any dripping, sprinkles or splashes. Adding a Water Wiggler dripper, or mister accessory to a standing birdbath adds motion easily. Birdbaths are the fastest, easiest way to add water to your backyard bird habitat. The Rock Pile offers different sizes and styles. Birdbaths come in three basic designs:
One Rock Pile employee stated, “When I first started getting interested in gardening, I thought, why would anyone use annuals? You have to plant them every year. That’s a lot of work, but now I am starting to appreciate annuals more and more.” Gardening is a labor of love and the results are gardens you can enjoy with your family, friends and neighbors. So, why should you choose annuals? Because they give you a big impact all season long and it also gives you opportunity to change your garden’s look each year. Think of it as clothing and accessories for your yard.
Rock gardens are an easy way of adding dimension to your landscape. They can be as big or as small as you like. At The Rock Pile and Garden Center we not only have a number of different kinds of natural stone to start off your project, but we also have all the plants, soil and everything else you will need to create a beautiful and interesting element in your yard.
