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SEEDING YOUR LAWN
Soil Preparation: Establish a seedbed by working the soil with a rototiller or similar implement. Level and firm by dragging and/or raking. A preplant fertilizer is advisable and use should be based on a soil test. Generally about 5 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. of a 20-20-20 or an equivalent formulation is helpful but consult your dealer for best results. Preplant fertilizer should be well incorporated into the soil prior to planting.
Planting: Spread seed evenly and rake lightly to incorporate seed into the top eighth to quarter inch of soil. A seeding rate of about 5 lbs/1000 sq ft is recommended. Do not bury seed too deeply as seed buried deeper than one inch may not emerge.
Watering: After seeding, keep the soil moist with light frequent watering until the first mowing. Apply irrigation until slight puddling occurs in footprints or minor depressions. Irrigate in the evening if water can only be applied once a day. This will allow the soil to stay moist all night and into the morning.
Mowing: Start mowing as soon as the grass is one inch taller than the desired maintenance height. Under average conditions this will be 3 or 4 weeks after seeding.
OVERSEEDING AN EXISTING LAWN
Timing: Seed in early to mid spring or in late summer or fall.
Preparation: Mow the lawn as short as possible. It is helpful to remove as much thatch and plant debris as practical with a vertical mower or rake. Top dressing with an additional soil or mulch is helpful. The seed must be in contact with the soil or mulch in order to establish
Planting: Spread seed evenly and rake lightly to incorporate seed into the top eighth to quarter inch of soil. An overseeding rate of about 3 lbs/1000 sq ft is recommended. Do not bury seed too deeply as seed buried deeper than one inch may not emerge.
Watering & Mowing: Same as for new lawns.
MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN
Mow Smarter: Reduce the growth of weeds by cutting your grass less often. Keeping the lawn between 6 and 8 cm (2 ½ to 3 inches) high blocks out the light weeds need to germinate.
Watering: During drought periods, weekly deep watering that soaks the top 12 inches of soil is recommended. Frequent light watering may lead to shallow roots and disease problems.
Fertilizer: Fertilizer should be applied in the fall and the early spring. Fertilizing in hot weather may damage turf. Make sure your fertilization includes the three main nutrients that work to keep it attractive and healthy. These nutrients are:
· Nitrogen to maintain a dark green color, thick turf and a strong lead and blade.
· Phosphorus for a healthy root and to promote long life of plants
· Potassium to help keep the plant strong and resistant to wear, drought and cold winters.
To determine the amount of nutrients needed by your lawn, test the soil.
Aerate: This means removing plugs of dirt from the lawn so that air, water and nutrients can reach the roots. Soil can become hard and compacted over time and by aerating regularly (spring and fall) you will loosen up the soil and feed the roots. You can rent an aerator from a rental company or hire a landscape company to do this for you.
Managing Pests: Ontario’s cosmetic pesticides ban took effect April 22, 2009. While it means that many herbicides, fungicides and insecticides can no longer be sold or used for cosmetic purposes on lawns and gardens, you can still have a beautiful lawn and garden using natural methods and greener alternatives. For available lower risk and biopesticides for common lawn and garden pests go to http://www.additupontario.ca/en/toxics/regulation/index.php .
Pluck weeds by hand: Spring is a good time to hand-pull weeds like dandelions while the soil is damp and their roots are not so long and tough. Get a weeding tool (fork or claw designs work well) and the job will be faster and easier. Then add some compost and grass seed on the spots you’ve weeded.
Select grass varieties to suit soil and growing conditions: There are some new varieties of grass seeds available that are better suited for our Ontario summers. Choose hardy grasses that don’t require a lot of care and are specific for your property, either shady or sunny locations.
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