Often gardeners in the early days of spring have an impulse to apply fertilizer to help plants restore themselves, but acting too quickly can sometimes interfere with what they really want. Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, and they really don’t benefit if I rush around with emergency meals. Their biology is capable of manufacturing basic carbohydrate energy … [Read more...] about When to apply spring fertilizers
lawn
Best fertilizer for lawn in autumn
The cool nights and mild days of early autumn are just what grass needs to repair itself from the strains of a long growing season that began last April. This is the time to look in garden centres for bags of autumn turf fertilizer, and October is the month to get it spread across the lawn. If I’m able to fertilize the grass only once a season, autumn is the most crucial time, … [Read more...] about Best fertilizer for lawn in autumn
How to seed a new lawn
Not all new lawns begin with rolls of sod. Thick, green grass can be started from seed, too. In addition to saving money, another benefit to a seed-sown lawn is the ability to select a mixture customized for your particular site and climate. Learn how from this free Garden Know How tip sheet on how to seed a new lawn. The secret to success is preparing the site and choosing the … [Read more...] about How to seed a new lawn
Drought relief for lawns
Had enough yet? The drought continues and the few isolated bursts of rain have done little to relieve moisture-stressed plants and lawns. Many lawns and parks in my neighbourhood are crispy brown, and certainly don’t invite a picnic or barefoot romping with the dog. Turfgrasses protect themselves by going dormant during drought, and will grow new green blades when rain returns … [Read more...] about Drought relief for lawns
No snow = low soil moisture
Looking at my garden at the end of February, what I see is mostly bare soil. This doesn’t bode well for spring growth. A is one of the most challenging conditions for farmers and gardeners, all trying to get plants into rapid root growth before summer heat and mid-season droughts set in. Of course, my own garden is just one place on the map, and others may have sufficiently … [Read more...] about No snow = low soil moisture
