Horticulture : News
DATE: February 03, 2010
HARDIN COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
201 Peterson Drive
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701-9370
BY: Amy Aldenderfer
County Extension Agent for Horticulture
Establishing the Spring Lawn
Only certain periods each year have favorable temperature, moisture and minimum weed competition needed for lawn establishment. Don’t make the mistake of establishing or renovating your lawn at the wrong time of the year. The best time to seed Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, or perennial ryegrass is from mid-August to late September. The second best time is from mid- February to mid-March and not later than mid-April. Due to weed competition and moisture stress, late spring to mid-Summer seedings are seldom successful.
Sod of Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue can be installed at almost any time. During extremely hot and dry summers, delay sodding or water the soil (to cool it) just before installation.
Never underestimate the importance of soil preparation. Soil conditions are very poor on many lawn sites because development of the lawn was not a main consideration when construction began. For seeds to germinate and survive, they must have good soil contact.
For a newly established lawn, make sure that all building debris is removed and that the subgrade is gently sloping away from the house; topsoil can then be spread over the area. With 4 to 6 inches of good topsoil, establishing and maintaining a lawn can be a pleasure.
Renovating a home lawn with a dethatching machine will loosen dead grass, weeds, and thatch, and leave shallow grooves or slits in the soil surface. Seeds falling into these slits are much more likely to germinate.
After the soil has been properly prepared, evenly broadcast seed at the recommended rate. Cover the seed lightly by raking or rolling which will insure good seed-soil contact.
Moisture is probably the most important consideration after planting or renovation of the lawn. Regardless of the methods you use, be sure to water frequently. If the weather is hot and windy, you may need to water as frequently as 2 light irrigations per day.
Don't be afraid to mow!! Begin mowing at recommended heights after the grass begins to grow. Mowing is especially important if you are renovating to keep existing grass and weeds from shading the new seedlings.
For complete information or questions regarding: establishing or renovating your lawn, selecting the right grass, or maintenance practices, contact the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service, 201 Peterson Drive, Elizabethtown, 765- 4121.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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