![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/367d6df1-ce98-4788-9796-f09e94b226cd.jpg\")
Aeration is an essential but frequently overlooked part of lawn care. It means creating holes in the soil to loosen it up and make it easier for water and nutrients to reach your grass’s roots. We’ll go over the benefits of aerating your lawn to help you understand why this little-known lawn care practice is […]
\n","content":"\nAeration is an essential but frequently overlooked part of lawn care. It means creating holes in the soil to loosen it up and make it easier for water and nutrients to reach your grass’s roots. We’ll go over the benefits of aerating your lawn to help you understand why this little-known lawn care practice is so important and worth doing regularly.
\n\n\nPhoto Credit: driftlessstudio / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nLawn aeration provides various advantages that improve your lawn’s general health and appearance. Here are the biggest benefits of aerating your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlants, like humans, require oxygen to thrive. When your soil becomes compacted, the lawn’s roots struggle to get enough oxygen, resulting in weak and shallow root systems. Aerating your lawn allows oxygen to enter the root zone, encouraging the roots to grow deeper and stronger. Improved oxygen circulation promotes healthier grass growth, enhances drought tolerance, and lowers the risk of lawn disease.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAeration stimulates not just oxygen circulation but also nutritional absorption by your grass’s roots. Compacted soil prevents nutrients – like the ones in lawn fertilizer – from reaching the root zone, resulting in undernourished grass. Aerating allows nutrients to infiltrate the soil, ensuring your grass obtains the nutrients it requires to thrive. Enhanced nutrient absorption leads to greener, denser, and more resilient turf.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition to oxygen and nutrients, water is essential for sustaining healthy grass. Compacted soil frequently results in water runoff and uneven moisture distribution. Aeration allows water to penetrate deeper into the soil, reaching thirsty roots.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, the holes generated by aeration serve as reservoirs, allowing the soil to retain moisture for extended periods. This water-conscious method ensures appropriate hydration while reducing water waste.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoil compaction is a typical problem, especially in high-traffic lawns. Compacted soil is dense and lacks air, water, and space for root development. Aerating breaks up the compacted soil, relaxing it and allowing the roots to expand. It will enable healthier grass growth, better drainage, and a better environment for beneficial soil insects like earthworms.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that builds up between grass blades and the soil surface. While a modest covering of thatch can be good for your lawn, too much of it will cause difficulties, such as blocking water and fertilizer from reaching the soil.
\n\n\n\nCompacted soil promotes excessive thatch buildup by preventing decomposition. Aeration aids in the resolution of this problem by breaking up the thatch layer, promoting its decomposition, and preventing excessive build-up, which results in improved nutrient absorption in the soil
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA properly aerated lawn creates an environment where grass roots may grow deeper, resulting in a greener, lusher lawn. Stronger root systems provide the grass blades with better support, making them more resistant to wear and tear. Aerating your grass encourages general development, resulting in denser turf that tolerates stressors like heat, drought, and foot traffic.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAeration is a proactive approach to lawn care rather than a reactive technique. You may avoid many problems like disease susceptibility, weed invasion, and uneven, lifeless grass by aerating your grass regularly. Aeration is a preventative strategy that keeps your lawn healthy and reduces the need for costly repairs or treatments later.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTo better understand the benefits of aeration, you should have a grasp on how the process works and why it’s necessary. Lawn aeration is the process of making small holes in the soil to improve air circulation, water penetration, and nutrient absorption.
\n\n\n\nSoil becomes compacted over time as a result of:
\n\n\n\nThis compaction hinders the passage of air, water, and nutrients deep into the soil, harming your grass’s health and growth. Aeration is the remedy that breathes new life into your lawn. Aeration can be done using:
\n\n\n\nSome homeowners may prefer liquid aeration products, which work on a smaller scale to break up compacted soil. Depending on the size and condition of your lawn, you can rent equipment or hire expert lawn care service providers.
\n\n\n\nTo learn more about how aeration works (and how you can do it yourself), see our article on When and How to Aerate Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\nAnd if you decide to aerate on your own instead of hiring a pro, you’ll want to check out What to Do After Aerating Your Lawn to get the best results from your hard work.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow frequently should I aerate my lawn?
\n\n\n\nThe frequency of lawn aeration is determined by factors such as soil type, lawn usage, and soil compaction. Generally, you should aerate your lawn once a year if it has clay soil. But if you have soil that does not appear to compact easily, then it is advised to aerate once every three years.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat are some of the lawn care tips for aeration?
\n\n\n\nConsider the following tips to get the most out of your aeration efforts:
\n\n\n\nHow to take care of your lawn after aeration?
\n\n\n\nMaintain a regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing schedule to encourage healthy grass growth. Avoid excessive foot traffic immediately following aeration to allow the grass to recover. You’ll reap the benefits of aeration for months if you properly care for your grass afterward.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen should you aerate your lawn?
\n\n\n\nFall is the most active growing season for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, so it is the optimal time of year to aerate them. On the other hand, warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, are best aerated in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawn aeration is a game changer when it comes to having lush, gorgeous grass. You may transform your lawn into an oasis of green by recognizing the benefits aeration brings. Regular aeration, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, will keep your lawn healthy, resilient, and the envy of the neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nGet a free quote from local lawn aeration pros to embrace the power of aeration and unlock the full potential of your lawn today!
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: macniak / Canva Pro / License
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\n","content":"\nAn uneven lawn causes drainage problems along with tripping hazards. We’ll show you how to level your lawn and keep it level.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nYou can prepare your uneven lawn for leveling with just three easy steps. It’s crucial to level your lawn on a dry day to avoid a big muddy mess.
\n\n\n\nAssess the severity of the problem before you dig in. A few low spots are an easy fix, but if your lawn has significant damage, it will take a few extra steps to smooth it out.
\n\n\n\nFor the smaller bumps and ruts in your lawn, you can level it out with topdressing, a garden rake, a shovel, and a few DIY steps.
\n\n\n\nIf you have to cover up existing grass with the soil mixture, don’t worry. New grass growth will pop up through the soil soon, as long as you stick to the one-half-inch rule.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: If you’ve applied the top dressing to uneven areas that didn’t have much grass growing before you started, you’ll need to overseed those spots to help them recover.
\n\n\n\nIf you have numerous low and high areas or more of the lawn needs work, you can save it with a little more effort.
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn has more craters than the moon, you’ll need to:
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: Do not use a heavy roller to lay down fresh sod or correct a bumpy lawn. A lawn roller can lead to further compaction and damage your healthy grass.
\n\n\n\nKnowing what causes your lawn to become uneven can help you fix it. Check your property for these possible issues:
\n\n\n\nAfter you’ve done all the hard work to level your lawn, you’ll want it to stay level. Proper lawn care and maintenance can prevent unnecessary damage and prevent new dips and bumps from emerging.
\n\n\n\n1. Why should I level my lawn?
\n\n\n\nAn uneven lawn will not only lower your home’s curb appeal, it can also be dangerous. Dips and bumps could cause you to trip, resulting in injuries, and poor drainage leads to water damaging your home’s foundation.
\n\n\n\n2. When is the best time to level my lawn?
\n\n\n\nMarch through September is the best time to level your lawn, when the grass is actively growing.
\n\n\n\n3. Does the topdressing help my lawn?
\n\n\n\nTopdressing mixed with compost rejuvenates and strengthens existing grass, improves the soil, and combats other problems like disease and weeds.
\n\n\n\n4. When should I avoid leveling my lawn?
\n\n\n\nAvoid leveling if your lawn is suffering from drought, pests, disease, or when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Address these issues before you begin.
\n\n\n\nDon’t let an uneven lawn get you down. If you don’t have the time or energy to level it yourself, rely on a local lawn care pro to get the job done for you.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: pxHere / CC0 1.1
\n","title":"How to Level a Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/1789c/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg","srcSet":"/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/107df/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 320w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/293e9/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 500w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/f2cbb/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 800w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/1789c/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 960w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/c26c2/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/1dd6e/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/67b76/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 320w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/8df11/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 500w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/98a65/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 800w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/1dd6e/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 960w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/3cc96/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Level a Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Is your riding lawn mower taking you for a rollercoaster ride? We’ll tell you how to level your lawn and keep it level."}}},{"node":{"id":"f725b102-82bb-57be-a1bc-8bf8c58376b0","slug":"best-grass-types-houston","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/best-grass-types-houston/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2022","excerpt":"Want a lush, green lawn that will last most of the year? The key is selecting the grass type that will grow best in our humid, subtropical climate. Here’s a list of the four best grass types for Houston: Bermudagrass Seashore Paspalum St. Augustinegrass Zoysiagrass 1. Bermudagrass Popular for its sun-loving, salt-tolerant makeup, Bermudagrass has […]
\n","content":"\nWant a lush, green lawn that will last most of the year? The key is selecting the grass type that will grow best in our humid, subtropical climate. Here’s a list of the four best grass types for Houston:
\n\n\n\nPopular for its sun-loving, salt-tolerant makeup, Bermudagrass has a coarse to a medium-fine texture. Its wide leaf ranges in color from light green to dark green, depending on the cultivar (or type).
\n\n\n\nClassification: Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass.
Spreads by: Stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems).
Shade tolerance: Bermudagrass prefers full sun at all times.
Drought tolerance: High. Regular rainfall should be enough to water it. This type will go dormant during extended dry periods.
Foot traffic tolerance: Its sturdiness withstands high levels of foot traffic.
Maintenance needs: High. Bermudagrass requires monthly fertilization during the summer. Water as needed to the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. Thatch buildup is a threat.
Recommended mowing height: Mow to a height of 1 to 2 inches once or twice a week to keep up with its incessant growth rate.
Also resilient in saltwater environments is seashore paspalum. Great for waterfront properties, this type is low-growing and has pointy, medium-coarse blades and a blue-green hue.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes.
Shade tolerance: Prefers full sun, but can withstand shade better than Bermudagrass.
Drought tolerance: Low. Seashore paspalum prefers very moist growing environments. Due to its high saline tolerance, you can use saltwater in irrigation.
Foot traffic tolerance: High. Seashore paspalum’s dense turf stands up well to heavy foot traffic.
Maintenance needs: Requires little fertilization throughout the growing season. Over-fertilizing can lead to scalping, which exposes the grass’s roots, opening it up to disease, stress, and stunted growth.
Recommended mowing height: For a well-manicured, dense lawn, mow to a height of 1 inch.
With its dark green color and curved, wide leaf, St. Augustinegrass is another favorite among Houstonians. This salt-resistant grass is one of the most selected options for lawns in the Houston area.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
Spreads by: Stolons.
Shade tolerance: Unlike most other warm-season types, St. Augustinegrass is able to thrive in shade.
Drought tolerance: Some degree of drought tolerance, but will begin to show stress during long periods of dryness.
Foot traffic tolerance: Light. Regular lawn foot traffic is no problem.
Maintenance needs: Fertilize every eight to 10 weeks and recycle grass clippings to help provide nutrients to this type of lawn. If rainfall isn’t enough, water to a soil depth of 6 inches when the grass is showing signs of dullness and stress. Over-watering and over-fertilizing can lead to thatch problems.
Recommended mowing height: Mow to a height of 2.5 inches.
Zoysiagrass is a popular choice because of its low-maintenance nature. There are many varieties, but Zoysia japonica is one of the best grass types for Houston Lawns. It has a high salt tolerance, pointy leaf blades, and a light- to medium-green color. It turns brown in early winter, going dormant soon after the first frost in November.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes.
Shade tolerance: Moderate shade won’t bother this turf, but it does grow best in full sun and temperatures of 80 degrees or hotter.
Drought tolerance: Zoysia can withstand periods of drought, but as a dry period lingers, it will go dormant and turn brown. Once watered, it will revert to its green color once again.
Foot traffic tolerance: Zoysiagrass grows well in high-traffic areas.
Maintenance needs: Low. Fertilize with about two pounds of nitrogen a year, and water about 1 inch a week during the growing season.
Recommended mowing height: Keep mower blades sharpened to tackle these stiff leaves, and cut to a height of 1 to 2 inches weekly.
1. When is the best time to plant grass in Houston?
\n\n\n\nEarly March to late May, when the temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees. This is the best time for warm-season grasses to germinate and become established in time for the first frost.
\n\n\n\n2. Can I plant a cool-season grass in Houston?
\n\n\n\nYes, but you should wait until September when the ground is a bit cooler (about 50 degrees.) Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue will give you a greener lawn in the winter, but will not do well in the heat and humidity of the summer.
\n\n\n\n3. Is there such a thing as a no mow grass for Houston?
\n\n\n\nYes, buffalograss is one of the easiest grasses to care for. It’s one of the best grass types for Houston since It only needs occasional mowing and is extremely drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have the time or energy to replant or reseed your lawn, we’ll find a local lawn care pro to get the job done for you.
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Houston Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1789c/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg","srcSet":"/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/107df/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 320w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/293e9/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 500w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/f2cbb/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 800w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1789c/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 960w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1ff5b/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 1290w","srcWebp":"/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1dd6e/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/67b76/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 320w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/8df11/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 500w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/98a65/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 800w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1dd6e/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 960w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/bdec4/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 1290w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Houston Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want a gorgeous lawn that will stay lush and green most of the year. We list the four best grass types for your Houston lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"0cae6c7f-d05a-55a4-9bf8-5213acbf89bd","slug":"victory-garden","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/victory-garden/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Brenda Stuart is a radio journalist and content manager whose goal is to have the greenest lawn and prettiest garden on the block.","name":"Brenda Stuart","id":"fcad9a7b-532b-583f-832f-0cffbbcfa0a3","path":"/author/brendastuartryangmail-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5e5ae7b8ac8b21db046b4f507fbec2aa?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"}],"date":"April 14th, 2020","excerpt":"How a Modern-Day ‘Victory Garden’ Can Help You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic As the coronavirus pandemic progresses, a growing number of state governments are requiring people to stay at home and make only minimal trips to stores for necessities. Besides making sure their households have enough hand soap and sanitizer, people are also trying to […]
\n","content":"\nAs the coronavirus pandemic progresses, a growing number of state governments are requiring people to stay at home and make only minimal trips to stores for necessities. Besides making sure their households have enough hand soap and sanitizer, people are also trying to lay in enough food, water, medicine, disinfectants, and other supplies to last for several weeks of self-isolation.
\n\n\n\nDuring uncertain times like these, it’s natural to wonder whether you could practice social distancing and simultaneously minimize your long-term dependency on the grocery store by growing food and natural remedies in your own backyard. The answer is yes — with plenty of planning, effort, and time (which, if you’re stuck at home, you’ll have more of than usual). Here are things to think about, plus tips for preparing, planting, and maintaining a garden that can help you survive an emergency.
\n\n\n\nYou don’t have to become a full-blown prepper or try to survive exclusively off the land. Think of it more like the victory gardens your grandparents or great-grandparents may have planted. You can grow some herbs and vegetables in pots on a balcony or convert a large portion of your yard to staple crops, or anything in between. Either way:
\n\n\n\nAnyone! Obviously, the space you have and the time you’re willing to spend will determine the scale. Few people can completely support themselves, especially right away — but anything you grow helps your budget and saves a trip to the store.
\n\n\n\nEspecially if you’re new to the gardening game, it can help to:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ajPU9FrhuAjKC-fQLjorDE1Vor0MHxPQqBa8Q9l0T-sG2jnvW9tG5b3pS30SEzuT-nwjcTJXJgAGF5p5JAmmpFgm--1oJFdPCXGymEU8A6Csz8DBImQLpd7cyF1LONqtRLpJ8uJZ\")
If you want good results, you can’t just start sticking plants in the ground. Gardening depends on a lot of factors, and you need to consider them first. (THEN you can start sticking plants in the ground!)
Think about:
\n\n\n\nThe country’s median garden size is about 96 square feet (8 feet by 12 feet). That’s very close to 100 square feet — the ideal size for a summer vegetable garden that can fill the needs of one person.
\n\n\n\nSo, how much food can a space like that yield? One gardener writing for Mother Earth News calculated her 100-square-foot plot’s annual yield at 77.5 pounds of tomatoes, 15.5 pounds of bell peppers, 14.3 pounds of lettuce, 2.5 pounds of basil, and 126 pounds of zucchini!
\n\n\n\nAlso pay attention to the amount of sun and shade your intended plot will get, so you can decide which plants should go where. Lots of gardening websites offer garden planners to help you visualize and design your plot.
\n\n\n\nA clean water supply is important, of course. Unless your area gets a lot of rainfall, you’ll probably be watering from your household water supply by hand, hose, or sprinkler. It’s easy to install a water filter to prevent chlorine, salts, and other chemicals from getting into your soil and your food — there are filters that screw right onto your garden hose!
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also need fertile soil that’s been tilled or loosened and is free of rocks and debris. If you’re converting a yard from turf, turning the soil for the first time will be one of the most time- and labor-intensive steps in the process. Prepare yourself now!
\n\n\n\nYou can learn things about your soil in the process, including its history of pesticide, herbicide, or fertilizer use. You’ll also get to know the consistency of the soil texture — what proportions of sand, silt, clay, or loam it contains — plus how much rock you’ll need to remove.
\n\n\n\nA garden will take up as much time as you give it, but most sources seem to agree that once plants are in the ground and growing, you’ll devote at minimum 5-10 hours per week to planting, watering, weeding, fertilizing, etc.
\n\n\n\nAlso, when starting a survival garden, you probably want the period from planting to harvest to take as little time as possible, so consider sowing some fast-growing plants in your first crop. (See 17 Fastest-Growing Backyard Crops, below, for suggestions.)
There are some basic tools every backyard gardener needs to begin with, including:
\n\n\n\nOnce your garden starts growing and you get a little deeper in, you also might need:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FCQrAn04mB_snbI5J9SjwmYuTLmEicgYhZF9N0T6y1cl_h2p4XyTEf-acUONsMvrIsACQPGYgYJ4s6K_if6UsVvKi3QNmBLrONRS3rdQp_N7JFdA-zW_2Mo9ThUqh4iTc4bWeAN2\")
When it comes to selecting crops for a survival garden, everybody has different needs and tastes. Here’s a basic example of the types of staple crops you can plant:
\n\n\n\nThese veggies have different growing seasons, which can allow you to start a few kinds of plants at a time and focus on establishing them before it’s time to get the next crop going. (Just make sure to plan your garden layout with enough room for everybody.) This also means there should be something new that’s ready to harvest throughout most of the year.
\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of different lenses to help you focus your plant choices. You can consider growing time; ease of cultivation; protein, calorie or vitamin content. Luckily, many plants show up on multiple lists and grow well in your area. If you like to eat them (and bonus: if your kids like to eat them), then give them a try in your victory garden!
\n\n\n\nRemember growing bean sprouts in school? There’s a reason kindergarten teachers everywhere choose them: The seeds sprout and turn in visible results in almost no time.
| Food | Average days from sowing to harvest |
| green onions | 20-30 days |
| radishes | 25 days |
| spinach | 30 days |
| arugula | 30 days |
| carrots | 30-50 days |
| lettuce | 30-45 days |
| summer squash/ zucchini | 35 days |
| bush beans | 60 days |
| bok choy | 45-60 days |
| cucumbers | 50 days |
| beets | greens: 30 days / roots: 50 days |
| okra | 50-55 days |
| kale | 50-65 days |
| snow peas | 60 days |
| broccoli | 60 days |
| turnips | greens: 40 days / roots: 60 days |
Start your first survival garden season with some of these fast-growing crops, and you could be harvesting dinner within a few months.
Some crops are just easier than others. First-timer? You might want to stick with the crops easiest to grow in your area. Got some dirt under your nails? Go for the more finicky varieties.
\n\n\n\n| Easier-to-grow crops | Harder-to-grow crops |
| cucumbers | arugula |
| garlic | bok choy |
| green beans | broccoli |
| kale | cauliflower |
| lettuce | eggplant |
| peas | mustard greens |
| potatoes | onions |
| radishes* | radishes* |
| summer squash/ zucchini | spinach |
*Wondering why radishes show up on both the easy-to-grow and hard-to-grow lists? Because it’s easy to get radishes sprouted and growing, but not always easy to keep this cool-weather plant from bolting (prematurely flowering and going to seed before producing food) in warm weather. The same is true for many on the hard-to-grow list.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7Yq5PyMIaG19xvaGbAMWwzljZf_L_koSskCafJvn8meFWXnRMFxb0edNXNBihTTJW1xyEGBoMtLgMgnN88fiY6iGmKuroL_LpaSULhzy8WrKYPzC1Dz2pvOe9cD4-PU8MBa6s8Mn\")
If you’re trying to keep your family fed in a crisis situation, calories (boosting them, that is — not cutting them down!) may become more important than you ever thought possible. These are among the most calorie-dense crops you can plant.
| Food | Average calories |
| sunflower seeds | 700 kcals per cup (shelled) |
| avocado | 370 kcals per cup (puréed) |
| soybeans | 300 kcals per cup |
| potatoes | 260 kcals each (medium) |
| lima beans | 210 kcals per cup |
| corn | 130 kcals per ear |
| sweet potatoes | 130 kcals each (medium) |
| pinto beans | 80 kcals per cup |
| Source: USDA Food Data Central |
Protein is also important for maintaining proper health. There are plenty of ways to get protein into your garden and onto your plate.
| Food | Average protein per cup |
| soybeans | 68 grams |
| pumpkin seeds | 36 grams |
| pinto beans | 28 grams |
| quinoa | 24 grams |
| buckwheat | 22 grams |
| peanuts | 16 grams |
| chickpeas | 14 grams |
| broccoli | 2.5 grams |
| Source: USDA Food Data Central |
Besides legumes and grains, many green veggies are high in protein — such as broccoli, which contains more protein per calorie than steak. (You’d just have to eat many more mouthfuls of greens to get the same number of calories as you’d get from the animal products.)
A smart way to reduce food waste and get more of the crops you already like to eat is to regrow food from cuttings. This also saves unnecessary trips to the store or garden center. If you’ve never done this before, now is a great time to start. Here are some foods you can regrow.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/foods-grow-from-cuttings-424x1024.png\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/y3g3ijCjNGPvHrh4BSQpVnskWjnV4j85j1X7lgbPoC-vgSwK_MwmBaOl4IP53eiGu8hBPZhcrGx_RW2KUFt1aGmOGdgsxLiV-GaYCIJbtpPFAPpQyyH8fM8kgdJ2rZlnDTlybKUp\")
Both in the soil and in your home, vegetables in your survival garden will be complemented by other plants. Medicinal herbs can replace store-bought supplements or pharmaceuticals in healing injury and relieving illnesses, and other plants can help you replace household items.
\n\n\n\nSelf-sufficiency is always a great feeling, but it’s of much greater importance during a crisis. If store-bought pharmaceuticals are unavailable, you might be able to harvest something from the garden to help relieve an injury or malady. These are some conditions that have been treated using medicinal herbs:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/medicinal-gardening-plants-515x1024.png\")
For centuries, people have made tea from the leaves of various plants to relieve certain ailments. Here are some plants that make herbal teas believed to offer health benefits:
\n\n\n\nBecause of their natural antiseptic and pain-relieving benefits, these plants can be made into topical applications — oils, ointments, washes, poultices, or salves — to relieve skin irritation, inflammation, or muscular pain, as well as heal cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns.
\n\n\n\nSome medicinal plants look like other plants that can be toxic or even deadly, so make sure you pay attention. (And remember: This is by no means a comprehensive list!)
\n\n\n\nAlso, some plants have similar names. For example, don’t confuse black cohosh — used for easing menstrual cramps and hot flashes — with blue cohosh, which can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. The raw berries also can cause vomiting and diarrhea in children if ingested.
Hopefully, you won’t run out of toilet paper or any of the next-most-useful replacements like tissues, napkins, or paper towels. But if you get to the point of looking for rugged, old-school solutions, leaves are your best bet. Check your backyard. The following trees and plants are good candidates because of the size, softness, thickness, and durability of their leaves. As a bonus, they also generally don’t contain any skin-irritating chemicals.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/leaves-toilet-paper-530x1024.png\")
If you don’t already have access to any of these, it might not be a bad idea to plant a few — just in case. Mullein, mallow, lamb’s ear, and asters do well in gardens across the U.S. Corn lily and thimbleberry are mountainous and grow best at higher altitudes. (Remember: It’s important to make sure you know exactly what a plant is before you use it on any part of your body.)
Of course you’ve stocked plenty of rope among your supplies. But what happens if it gets lost, stolen, or somehow compromised? You make your own rope, of course — armed with know-how, plenty of time, immense patience, no small amount of labor, and any of these plants.
![\"\"](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/plants-to-use-for-rope-792x1024.png\")
Some of these fibrous plants will work better than others in your garden. Milkweed complements mainstream garden life, encouraging butterflies that help with pollination. Conversely, because of their unfriendly properties, dogbane and stinging nettle require a more out-of-the-way spot.
The United States is immense, so there’s no single typical growing season or harvest period. Instead, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has designated “plant hardiness zones” to guide planting all across the country. The zones are determined by the lowest winter temperatures (historically averaged) as they occur across the geographic areas of the U.S.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HQQYKeGK6GIU9sUn_w4EXbso5sQmYqCPfoOlFyo9Mrdbcdq9nkiAHy5FYKOjtyyqKW_7BIexOk_bETF1_Iz7Obdrki04UicfuEG07ykbCRvc2TgpT4-5lyMpf0C1Wxf8Nazx10r-\")
Hardiness zone maps are also accessible by state or by region. Using them to figure out the specific temperature range for your area can help you gauge which plants will grow best and last longest.
\n\n\n\nOnce you know your zone, you can begin to figure out a timetable that will work for gardening in your area. Several websites provide a planting and harvest calendar for each zone, as well as suggestions for vegetables and general planting advice.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve decided what to grow and planned where and when to grow it, it’s finally time for the how: Get your hands dirty and dig into the soil!
\n\n\n\nRaised beds
\n\n\n\nOne of the most common gardening methods, planting in raised beds involves turning the bed soil, then adding more soil and compost on top. Beds can be contained in boxes where the entire surface is raised, or soil can be formed into mounds or rows above the original surface. A raised-bed design can offer several advantages:
\n\n\n\nHills
\n\n\n\nYou’ve heard the expression “doesn’t amount to a hill of beans?” Yep, beans grow best in hills. Planting in hills (or mounds) works well for vining plants like beans, squash, cucumbers, and melons. Often they’re planted with a vertical frame for the vines to climb.
\n\n\n\nRows
\n\n\n\nTraditional gardens planted in rows can be especially useful for supporting large crops like corn, canning tomatoes, potatoes and other produce that takes up a lot of room.
\n\n\n\nWhen your food is coming from it, you want to make sure your soil is as clean, chemical-free, and nutritious as possible. If you or previous land occupants have used pesticides or herbicides in the bed soil, you’ll probably want to make raised beds and add organic soil and compost. After that, adding an annual layer of compost adds nutrients and continually improves the soil.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers From the Kitchen
\n\n\n\nYou’re also probably looking for a shorter timeline than it takes for a compost pile to “ripen” for use, so meanwhile, you can divert these classic compost ingredients directly into the soil as DIY fertilizers:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things-to-add-to-soil-compost.png\")
Vegetables and other plants vary in the forms they best grow from: seeds or seedlings. Here’s an overview of each type, plus some advice on getting them started:
\n\n\n\nTo grow some vegetables, you can just stick a seed in the ground, let it germinate, and cultivate it from there. Easier than cuttings, and cheaper than seedlings! These plants include:
\n\n\n\nThe basics of planting seeds, of course, are the much the same as for any type of planting:
\n\n\n\nCreative planting tip: Did you know you can sprout seeds in eggshells? Simply take several clean, empty shells, carefully poke a drainage hole in the bottom of each, then set into an egg carton. Fill each shell with some potting soil, sprinkle a few seeds of your choice, then lightly rake a little soil over them. Set in a sunny spot and keep moist with a mister until leaves sprout. Then, you can plant the entire thing into a pot, and the eggshell will fertilize the plant it helped sprout! This can also be done with hollowed-out citrus peels.
\n\n\n\nSome plants are notoriously hard to germinate from seeds and/or keep alive. Seedlings are more mature and stronger (as well as more pest-resistant) when they’re transplanted, so you’re less likely to lose plants at the beginning. Plants grown from seedlings also mature faster, getting you to harvest sooner.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/EvElFSghgX6CRJsBbzhdgW8IBwqB2VQdCWHX82pxMRbEMLUZ2xKkrbPyO2RRH-sP__hp1iw3HS_ZOS7aPx0QSCPsHKlOHY6dJsT5IZ8DMPUoLv0VOF574z4yYHiaZ6YAFFyAi6aU\")
Once they’re in the ground and doing their thing, your job is to keep watch over your plants and protect them from all the things that can cause them harm. Fortunately, there are several creative gardening hacks to help you tend your plants and help them grow. Here are just a few.
\n\n\n\nThese are the planting seasons for vegetables, some fruits, and herbs in different parts of the country.
\n\n\n\n| What and When to Plant in the U.S. | ||||
| Region | Spring (March-May) | Summer (June-Aug) | Fall (Sept-Nov) | Winter (Dec-Feb) |
Pacific Northwest (USDA Hardiness Zones 4b-9a) | apples, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, collards, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parsnips, peas, pears, pole beans, potatoes, pumpkins, raspberries, radishes, scallions, shallots, snap peas, snow peas, strawberries, spinach, sorrel | bush beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, eggplants, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, peppers, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips, winter squash, parsley, rhubarb | fava beans, garlic, mustard greens, peas, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips, chives | |
West Coast (USDA Hardiness Zones 4b-9a) | beans, beets, blackberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, green beans, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, strawberries, tomatoes, turnips, basil, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary | beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, corn, cucumbers, onions, peppers, radishes, squash, tomatoes | beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach, squash | |
South Central and Southwest (USDA Hardiness Zones 3b-11a) | asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, bok choy, cantaloupes, carrots, chard, collards, corn, cucumbers, figs, garlic, cherry tomatoes, melons, okra, onions, peanuts, peas, peppers, potatoes, radishes, scallions, snap peas, spinach, tomatoes, watermelons, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley | beans, beets, cantaloupes, chard, collards, corn, cucumbers, gourds, kale, lettuce, melons, mustard greens, okra, peanuts, peas, tomatoes, tomatillos, turnips, beans, sweet peppers, hot peppers, watermelon, basil, cilantro, dill | arugula, beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, collards, garlic, kale, leek, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, parsnips, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips, cilantro, dill, parsley | beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, collards, lettuce,snow peas, potatoes, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley |
Midwest (USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-7b) | apples, arugula, beans, beets, blackberries, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, carrots, chard, cherries, corn, cucumber, edamame, endive, fava beans, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, lima beans, parsnips, peaches, peas, pears, persimmons, potatoes, radishes, radicchio, scallions, spinach, squash (summer and winter), strawberries, turnips, watermelon, basil, chives, cilantro, fennel, parsley, sorrel, summer savory, witch hazel | arugula, beans, beets, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, collards, corn, cucumber, edamame, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, okra, parsnips, radishes, rutabaga, peas, pumpkin, scallions, squash (summer and winter), turnips, watermelon, basil, cilantro, parsley, sorrel | arugula, broccoli, cabbage, collards, endive, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, peas, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips | |
| Southeast (USDA Hardiness Zones 5b-11a) | broccoli, blackberries, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, collards, corn, eggplant, figs, lettuce, okra, onions, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, strawberries, sweet potatoes, basil, cilantro, dill, lavender, oregano, thyme, witch hazel | beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, kale, lima beans, pole beans, tomatoes, watermelon, winter squash | chard, kale, onions, pumpkins, rosemary, turnips | |
| Northeast (USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-8a) | beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, melons, sweet peppers, snap peas, squash, tomatoes, watermelons, zucchini, basil, chamomile, ginger, mint, parsley, witch hazel | beets, bok choy, broccoli, cantaloupe, cabbage, carrots, chard, corn, greens, cucumbers, lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, pole beans, snap beans, snap peas, snow peas, spinach, squash, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelons, zucchini, arnica, basil, borage, chamomile, dill, fennel, marshmallow, oregano, parsley, purslane, skullcap, thyme | arugula, beets, broccoli, garlic, greens (mesclun, rapini, mache, frisee, etc.), kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips,cilantro, chamomile, echinacea, holy basil, lemon balm, oregano, purslane, skullcap, sorrel, thyme | arugula, kale, lettuce, basil, cilantro, dill(start indoors in pots) |
Aerating – Loosening soil or compost to allow air to circulate
\n\n\n\nAnnuals – Varieties that complete their life cycle in one year or less, requiring sowing every year. Annual flower varieties often bloom profusely and over a long period of time.
\n\n\n\nBiennials – Varieties, both flowers and vegetables, that complete their life cycle in two years, usually just showing only leaf growth the first year, and flowers the next
\n\n\n\nCompanion planting – Planting different plants together that benefit one another. For example, sowing a plant that attracts pollinators next to a plant that requires pollination; corn, squash, and beans are common companions.
\n\n\n\nCutting – Developing a new plant by cutting a piece of leaf, stem, root, or bud from a parent plant, then inserting it into a growing medium (water or soil) to form roots
\n\n\n\nComposting – Using decomposed plant material to replenish soil nutrients while reducing landfill waste
\n\n\n\nFertilizing – Adding organic or synthetic material to soil or plant to improve the nutrient value and help plants grow stronger
\n\n\n\nGermination – The moment when a seed begins to grow
\n\n\n\nHydroponics – Growing plants in water instead of soil
\n\n\n\nPlanting/ sowing – Putting seeds in soil and allowing them to germinate and grow
\n\n\n\nPerennials – Varieties that grow and flower for two or more years. These can be evergreen or may die back to the ground but will grow again the following season.
\n\n\n\nPollination – The fertilization of a flower by wind, insect, birds, etc., resulting in a seed, sometimes surrounded by an edible fruit
\n\n\n\nSeedling – Tiny plant developing from a germinated seed, ready for planting
\n\n\n\nThinning – Reducing the number of seedlings so remaining plants are spaced properly to grow
\n\n\n\nTransplanting – Transferring a plant to a different growing space or medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones – Zones designated for planting as determined by the historical, average, lowest winter temperature in specified geographic areas of the U.S.
\n\n\n\nVariety – A species that has naturally formed a unique characteristic distinguishing it from similar plants (For example, kale and kohlrabi each adapted unique characteristics that differ from cabbage, the original species from which they came.)
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"Social Distancing in Your Backyard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5086792452830189,"src":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1789c/social-distancing-backyard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/107df/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 320w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/293e9/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 500w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/f2cbb/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 800w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1789c/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 960w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/19c60/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 1999w","srcWebp":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1dd6e/social-distancing-backyard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/67b76/social-distancing-backyard.webp 320w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/8df11/social-distancing-backyard.webp 500w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/98a65/social-distancing-backyard.webp 800w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1dd6e/social-distancing-backyard.webp 960w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/acfdf/social-distancing-backyard.webp 1999w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Social Distancing in Your Backyard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"19ba5d3d-1386-51f8-84a6-73cafabb2318","slug":"create-safe-sensory-friendly-backyard-landscape-special-needs-child","path":"/blog/landscaping/create-safe-sensory-friendly-backyard-landscape-special-needs-child/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"February 24th, 2020","excerpt":"Playing outside is one of the greatest joys of childhood. There are extra considerations when your child has special needs, but time outside still can offer tremendous therapeutic benefits, especially for children with autism or similar conditions. But it’s possible to create a sensory-friendly backyard landscape for your child with special needs. If you’re looking […]
\n","content":"\nPlaying outside is one of the greatest joys of childhood. There are extra considerations when your child has special needs, but time outside still can offer tremendous therapeutic benefits, especially for children with autism or similar conditions. But it’s possible to create a sensory-friendly backyard landscape for your child with special needs.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to create a safe and sensory-friendly outdoor sanctuary where your children can enjoy themselves and learn through nature-based sensory play, it’s imperative first to approach the design and construction with an understanding of your child’s specific needs — including sensory, cognitive, visual, or auditory impairments, as well as issues with fine and gross motor skills.
\n\n\n\nThis guide will focus on techniques to use in creating a sensory-friendly backyard for your child with special needs. You can design a haven that offers plenty of stimulating activities to engage all the senses. At the same time, you can take steps to address accessibility barriers, common behavioral and environmental risks, and potential safety hazards.
\n\n\n\nYou might wonder, what’s the point of creating an outdoor space for my child? Are the potential benefits worth the work? Yes, they overwhelmingly are, says pediatric occupational therapist Christine Sadecki. “Outdoor play can address many challenges for children with sensory processing disorders and/or autism. It can be calming or alerting.” Studies show hands-on sensory play can help kids operating on the autism spectrum or experiencing low vision, as well as those working to develop fine motor skills.
\n\n\n\n“Outdoor play encourages listening skills, executive functioning, motor planning, and body awareness, as well as self-control and social development,” says Sadecki. “It also encourages participation in the senses such as touch, sound, sight, vestibular, and proprioception, which can be challenging areas for children with sensory processing disorder or autism.” Playing outdoors helps promote kids’ strong, sustained, physical development in a number of ways:
\n\n\n\nMany children with autism face vision issues, such as a lazy eye or crossed eyes. A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that 40% of children with autism and related conditions have some issue with their eyes.
\n\n\n\nVisual stimulation can help kids with low vision improve their understanding of what’s around them and feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Outdoor landscapes can offer a variety of visual stimuli not available indoors, from flowers and trees to the sky overhead. And they can offer the added benefit of helping even a child with visual impairment become familiar with more organic shapes and colors than are found in manufactured environments.
\n\n\n\nBecause there’s more to see outdoors, there are more reasons for your child to stay engaged. Did you see that bird that just flew past? What was that in the bushes? A squirrel? The wind makes the trees seem to dance as it rustles through the leaves.
\n\n\n\nOutdoor environments are constantly changing, constantly inviting engagement and attention. Just being out in nature can increase a child’s attention span, and there’s more room on your back lawn to create new adventures than the indoors could ever provide.
\n\n\n\nThe sun’s ultraviolet rays can stimulate the production of vitamin D. Why is this important? Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium it requires to maintain strong bones. It’s also important to muscles and nerves, and it’s part of the immune system’s defense against viruses and bacteria.
\n\n\n\nYou can find vitamin D in food supplements, although the most direct source is sunlight. Be sure, though, that your child is protected from the sun if they’re outside for an extended period. The body can only produce so much vitamin D at one time, and spending prolonged periods outside without protection can increase the risk of skin cancer. For kids with sensory issues, try using fast-application sprays or sun-protective clothing.
\n\n\n\nKids need to develop gross motor skills — the kind they need to walk, jump, and climb — before they can learn to master finer motor skills that require more patience, such as holding a pencil or opening a package. Developing gross motor skills is no easy task. If you’ve ever seen a child learning to walk, you know the amount of concentration and physical effort it takes.
\n\n\n\nA backyard lawn can give your child a big, safe place to exercise these skills. A large, flat surface with a soft landing space is a lot better than a hazardous environment such as a staircase or a hard tile floor. An accessible space outdoors provides your child with a safe, fun place to develop balance and coordination.
\n\n\n\nThe more room your child has to roam, and the safer the environment, the more she’ll be able to exercise. It’s as simple as that. And the more exercise she gets, the more physically fit she’ll be overall.
\n\n\n\nThis is important because children with autism are at higher risk of obesity than other kids. They also face greater challenges when it comes to balancing or catching a ball because they pay more attention to their own muscles than to watching what’s happening around them. Having a safe backyard play area gives them the space they need to work on their motor skills, while at the same time keeping them physically fit.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/autism-child-backyard-630x1024.jpeg\")
Safety is, of course, the paramount consideration when designing and creating play and learning environments for any kids. Extra measures must be taken when designing outdoor spaces to accommodate children with special needs.
\n\n\n\nYour backyard landscape will consist of living and nonliving elements. The first is called softscape, comprising primarily horticultural elements: grass, flowers, trees, plants, hedges, vegetable gardens, and so forth. Nonliving or hardscape elements, by contrast, can include the following:
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to incorporate both softscape and hardscape elements when designing an outdoor play space for your child with special needs.
\n\n\n\nAccessibility and safety considerations to keep in mind include:
\n\n\n\nBuild or widen walkways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. According to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), pathways should be at least 6 inches wider than a wheelchair, or a total of 36 inches. Entries and gates should be at least 32 inches wide.
\n\n\n\nEmphasize the openness of the outdoors. Even if your child does not use a wheelchair, pathways should be wide to emphasize the feeling of openness and freedom a garden can provide. This is not a place to feel cramped or crowded. It’s an expansive place to explore! Still, paths should have clear boundaries, so your child knows where the walkway ends and the garden begins. If your child is sensitive to light, install non-glare surfaces and make sure they’re smooth and easy to navigate.
\n\n\n\nAdd wheelchair ramps. ADA standards require that the grade for wheelchair accessibility ramps rise no more steeply than 5% — and, at most, 2% at entrances and steps.
\n\n\n\nEliminate surprises. Visual aids and signs can help children with special needs feel secure. If they are nonverbal, a system of pictures can help them feel safe. A child who feels lost can grow anxious and worried, and he won’t feel safe enough to explore and enjoy his backyard wonderland. Make sure they always know where they are and consider creating orientation maps to help them get where they want to go next, easily and directly.
\n\n\n\nInstall handrails or handholds along paths, on decks, and in seating areas. Handrails should be installed on both sides of a pathway. When installing handrails for kids, the ADA calls for heights to be measured at a 90-degree angle from directly above the walking surface. Handrails shouldn’t be more than 28 inches high and should be at least 9 inches apart so kids don’t trap their heads or hands between the uprights.
\n\n\n\nInstall tactile features on or alongside walkways. Tactile features include raised bumps, lines, and patterns. They aren’t to help traction. Instead, they accommodate special needs by helping those with impaired vision know when they’ve entered a new path or they’re about to leave the path they’ve been on.
\n\n\n\nStrive for consistency. Once you’ve created the layout of your backyard, keep it constant. Try not to change the location of a bench, water fountain, or bird feeder, for example, unless it’s necessary for safety or functionally essential reasons. Once a child is familiar with his surroundings, you can make small, incremental changes to challenge them as part of the learning process. Children with special needs feel safer when they know what to expect. They’ll blossom in an environment they know they can count on.
\n\n\n\nCreate transitions. Gradual transitions are much easier for children with special needs to process than abrupt changes. Give them space and time between activities, and provide them with visual and verbal cues to alert them when something new is about to happen. Preparing kids for change helps them accept it and feel safer than springing a new situation or activity on them without warning.
\n\n\n\nEnclose play areas with fencing or railings. It’s important to make your backyard as safe as possible. One study found that nearly half of children on the autism spectrum wander from a safe place at some point. Enclosures can help keep this from occurring. Fences improve safety by keeping children from wandering into an area where they shouldn’t be, like a flowerbed or hedge. They also can help them stay focused on the adventure you’ve created. Fences should be at least 5 feet high and shouldn’t provide handholds that kids can use to climb. Smooth surfaces are best.
\n\n\n\nLabel play areas with Braille or textures to help a child with low vision find the location they’ll be visiting next or the activity you’ve planned for them.
\n\n\n\nFeatures worth adding can include:
\n\n\n\nHazards to avoid:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/unsplash-child-sandbox.jpeg\")
According to the STAR Institute, kids with conditions that hinder them from readily processing sensory input may have a hard time knowing where their body is in space. The results can include poor posture, weakness, motion sickness, awkwardness, and clumsiness. So it’s important to identify the sensory activities that can best help your kids learn, improve their motor skills, and focus on their environment without getting frustrated or distracted. Here are a few sensory play ideas for backyard activities designed to engage your child’s senses:
\n\n\n\nHands-on sensory-based play is one of the best ways to capture a child’s attention and provide much-needed tactile sensory input.
\n\n\n\nSwinging: Nearly all kids love to swing, and the benefits include an enhanced response to proprioception, better coordination and balance, stronger muscles, and a boost in positive mood. A repetitive back-and-forth motion also can be soothing and calming for kids with autism.
\n\n\n\nSadecki, the pediatric occupational therapist, recommends careful attention and assessment to help your child get the most out of swinging: “Swings stimulate the fluid in the inner ear, which activates the vestibular senses. It lets your child know they are moving, and it can also impact the brain’s ability to process and use sensory information in their environment.
\n\n\n\n“However, the amount of vestibular input needed varies by child,” explains Sadecki. “Some crave movement to feel more centered in order to focus and attend to the world around them. Others may be movement-sensitive, which makes things difficult such as riding in a car, so swinging can be used to help desensitize them to movement. Vestibular input as part of a sensory diet should be monitored by an occupational therapist.”
\n\n\n\nWater activities: Water is a versatile element that offers so many hands-on sensory possibilities, limited only by your imagination.
\n\n\n\nPlaying in sand and soil: Who says you need the beach to build sandcastles? With a bag of sand and a little water in a small enclosure, that can happen right in your backyard! Otherwise, your child can enjoy the fun of getting their hands dirty by digging and planting in soil.
\n\n\n\nClouds: Invite your child to lie down in the grass with you and stare up at the clouds as they pass by. What shapes does she see? What do they remind her of?
\n\n\n\nLeaves: Collect fallen leaves with her and point out their different shapes, as well as the colorful reds and golds and oranges they turn in autumn. Look for birds that share their various colors. Study the effects of wind and water after a spring rain.
\n\n\n\nDay and night skies: Take your child out at daybreak to see the sunrise or at dusk to witness the sunset. Make a wish on the first evening star you see. Look up at the night sky and point out the moon, the stars and the constellations. Find out when the next meteor shower is expected and see how many shooting stars you and your child can count.
\n\n\n\nScavenger hunt: For a more-organized activity, consider a scavenger hunt. Remember how much fun you had getting up early on Easter Sunday for an egg hunt? See how many things your child can find in your backyard. Give him a list and accompany him on his quest for specific plants, birds, animals or perhaps for items you have hidden.
\n\n\n\nTreasure hunt: Another possibility is a treasure hunt. Get your child a special treat and hide it in the garden, then make a pirate’s map and help her follow it to discover the secret treasure.
\n\n\n\nBird calls/ insect sounds: Help your child become conscious of sounds we often miss in the background (or take for granted) by listening for bird calls and insect sounds. What does a blue jay sound like? What about a crow, a lark or a sparrow? That high-pitched humming is a cicada; let’s see if we can find it! What’s that rapid rat-a-tat-tat coming from that tree trunk over there. Could it be a woodpecker? Learn about birds and insects yourself. You might want to pick up a book on birdwatching that identifies different species in your area, or listen to recordings of bird calls online. Then point out which birds and insects make which sounds and help your child learn to identify them.
\n\n\n\nGarden flavors: Plant a vegetable garden or fruit trees and let your child taste what you’re growing there. What does a tomato taste like? A strawberry? An apple? You can illustrate the concept of growing food like this: Accompany your kids around your garden and pick samples from vines and trees, showing them the difference between ripe and unripe fruit. Wash the fruit off with then and prepare it as part of a sandwich or simple meal, then make a picnic trip back out to the yard and eat it underneath the tree that shared its fruit with you. Your children will be able to follow the journey of the meal you’ve created from tree to table — or, in this case, picnic basket.
\n\n\n\nNature’s aromas: Help your child learn to recognize the many smells of your yard by getting close to the source of each scent. Let them sniff different flowers and herbs, saying the name for each so they can associate the word with the smell. And this goes for not-so-pleasant outdoor smells, too: Help them find the wild onions, or sniff the recently spread mulch. In other seasons, point out the crisp, clean scent of snow, or that particularly lovely scent in the air just after a spring rain begins.
\n\n\n\nSensory garden: You can engage all your child’s senses by creating a sensory garden. Include plants that will attract wildlife like crickets, buzzing bees, and chirping birds; maybe plant some bamboo stems so your child can hear the sound they make in the wind. Set up a birdbath or birdhouse to attract some feathered friends or a hummingbird feeder for those faster-than-the-eye-can see winged wonders. Water fountains and wind chimes can enhance your child’s auditory experience, too.
\n\n\n\nFind plants with fragrant scents such as gardenia and honeysuckle, as well as those with a variety of tactile sensations, from moss to jade trees to lamb’s ear. (No roses, cacti or other thorny plants, though!). Also, seek out plants with a variety of forms, from creeping vines to woody stems to soft grasses.
\n\n\n\nConsider dividing these sensory-friendly environments into two areas — one for playtime and another for relaxing and unwinding. If you can, put brightly colored flowers with red or yellow petals in one area of the garden, and provide a shaded area in the other. A pergola or shade trees can provide a haven from the bright sun and vivid colors that provide stimulation but can be overstimulating if your child doesn’t have a calm place of refuge in which to retreat.
\n\n\n\nAnother possibility: an outdoor speaker system that plays soothing background music on occasion. Just don’t leave it on all the time. You want your child to notice the natural sounds all around her in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nTo help your child feel at ease, think about creating a theme for your garden that she’ll enjoy: maybe a fairytale character, a favorite game, or an animal.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pexels-photo-1661818-man-carrying-child.jpg\")
The best outdoor spaces are inclusive, welcoming kids and grown-ups alike with a variety of capabilities, considerations, and objectives. When designing a backyard play space, keep in mind any of your child’s special requirements and build in features to accommodate them. Here are some elements to consider for safe sensory learning environments for kids with different conditions:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-unsplash-dogs-1555897209-208b67f652c5.jpeg\")
Most people think of eloping as running away to get married, but the word literally just means to run, or lope, outward. In the case of children with special needs, it indicates wandering or running away from a caregiving environment — and it’s a common hazard for people on the autism spectrum.
\n\n\n\n“Studies show that 50% of kids with autism spectrum disorder elope, but it is still unclear as to why,” says Sadecki. “Many parents believe that their child simply enjoys running and exploring, but it could also be because they are escaping anxious or overstimulating sensory situations.”
\n\n\n\nThe more strongly children are impacted by autism, the more likely they may be to elope. Parenting styles aren’t a factor; most parents in a survey about the phenomenon said their child just enjoyed running and exploring.
\n\n\n\nThis makes it all the more important to provide plenty of sensory stimuli for children with autism. The more you give them to explore right in their own backyard, the more likely they are to stay focused on the adventures you’re providing — and the less likely they will be to wander off.
\n\n\n\nEven so, it’s important to repair or install continuous fencing, as well as out-of-reach locks or latches on gates and doors to keep your kids inside where they belong. As mentioned before, this is particularly important if you have a pool. Secure fencing and locking gates are important for all young children. Similar gates and fences should be in place around other potentially hazardous areas, such as dog runs, thorny bushes, or rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nStepping in poo is a perfect way to start a meltdown. Minimize the possibility of your child’s coming into contact with pet waste (which is toxic in some cases and unpleasant in all cases) by designating a separate area for your pet, and/or diligently picking up after their bathroom time.
\n\n\n\nPlastic bags and pooper-scoopers can make this odious (and odorous) task a little more painless. There are even high-tech, dog poop vacuums that pull up pet waste, which can then be ejected into a trash bag or toilet.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer can be an irritant — a toxic one, if it contains pesticides or other chemicals. Use fertilizer according to the directions and keep it contained appropriately when not in use. Don’t assume a fertilizer is safe for kids just because it’s labeled as “organic” or “natural.” Also be aware that fertilizers in powder form can drift into other areas on a windy day, so apply them when the air is calm and be sure to sweep any excess away from paths and other areas your child might frequent.
\n\n\n\nStanding water not only invites messes, just waiting for kids to reach or step in, but it also can be a health hazard, depending on the organisms growing in it. If left around long enough, pools of standing water can attract breeding mosquitoes. Take care to empty any uncovered containers with standing water in them. If you find standing water remaining at a low spot in your yard for any length of time, make sure you find a way to drain it away.
\n\n\n\nPrickly or toxic plants can puncture skin with spines, cause rashes with irritating secretions, initiate a sneezing fit with pollen, or poison a person who ingests any part of them. Make sure your outdoor area is free of poison ivy, poison oak, stinging nettle, and other allergenic plants.
\n\n\n\nHow do you recognize toxic plants? Poison ivy and poison oak each have three leaves growing off a main leaf stem (giving rise to the saying, “leaves in three, let it be.”) Their leaves also alternate on the stem or branch, never growing directly across from one another. Stinging nettle leaves are heart-shaped, prickly-looking, and tapered at the end.
\n\n\n\nPlants can be poisonous in two ways: They can irritate the skin if touched, or they can be toxic if ingested. Some very pretty plants, including oleander and monkshood, can be dangerous. Be sure you have a medical kit. You can look up information from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 if you think your child has eaten a toxic plant.
\n\n\n\nAlso be on the lookout for mushrooms, which aren’t technically plants, but fungi. Those with scales, warts or white (not brown) gills are likely to be hazardous. Other red flags: a bulb-shaped base, or a ring around the upper or lower stem. The vast majority of mushrooms aren’t toxic, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you notice mushrooms in your yard, remove them immediately.
\n\n\n\nMove cactus, agave, and other spiny plants out of traffic areas. Keep fencing around rose gardens so kids can’t wander or stumble into their thorns.
\n\n\n\nLoud noises are a potential problem outside, where barking dogs, heavy equipment, or a backfiring car nearby can trigger a child’s noise sensitivity. Creating areas buffered from ambient noise with fences, walls, high bushes, or shrubs can help protect your child from overstimulation by sound.
\n\n\n\nIn an age when kids are often glued to their phones or gaming systems indoors, an outdoor adventure can be (literally) a breath of fresh air. Sadecki says electronics should be limited for all children, especially those with special needs. “There have been lots of recent studies done that have shown the impact of too much electronics on kids. Children who spend more than 2 hours a day on electronics are more likely to have emotional, social, and attention problems. They also develop shorter attention spans because their brain develops the need for constant stimulation by bright, fast-paced programming. It makes it more difficult for them to connect to and focus on people and things in their environment that don’t provide that constant stimulation.”
\n\n\n\nWe as adults often spend most of our days indoors, too, whether we’re working at the office or around the house, and it’s easy to forget how important it can be to get out of the house. The outdoors can be a forgotten resource to check our worries at the back door and enter a land of refreshment and adventure.
\n\n\n\nAdults need a break from highly structured indoor settings, and so do children with special needs. Why not offer them a safe backyard playground with an expansive lawn and fascinating sights, sounds and smells to explore? It will open up a whole new world to them. And that can make a world of difference!
\n\n\n\nAll the tips in this article were reviewed by licensed pediatric occupational therapist Christine Sadecki, OTR/L, owner of Reach for the Stars Therapy Services, LLC, in Lake Worth, FL. The strategies reflect widely accepted therapeutic practices, however, for specific advice, you should always consult a medical professional.
Are you looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to grow a new lawn? Hydroseeding is cheaper than laying sod and more convenient than hand-seeding; as a bonus, it grows faster, too! If you’re ready to get your hands a little dirty, you could hydroseed your own lawn instead of hiring a professional. DIY […]
\n","content":"\nAre you looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to grow a new lawn? Hydroseeding is cheaper than laying sod and more convenient than hand-seeding; as a bonus, it grows faster, too! If you’re ready to get your hands a little dirty, you could hydroseed your own lawn instead of hiring a professional. DIY hydroseeding isn’t too complicated. Let’s go over the steps.
\n\n\nAlso called hydraulic mulch seeding, hydroseeding is simply the process of seeding with a slurry mixture of seeds, water, mulch, and fertilizer. It has a slew of benefits, such as faster seed germination and a more uniform look.
\n\n\n\nThe slurry is sprayed with hydroseeding equipment or a pump. You can also buy a do-it-yourself hydroseeding kit that comes with the slurry ingredients and its own sprayer.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Hydroseeded-lawn-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou need the following tools and materials for your hydroseeding project:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gardener](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/mulchy-copy-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: artursfoto / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nThe very first step is planning out the specifics of your hydroseed slurry: the types of seeds you want to plant and the mulch that you’ll be using.
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to seed grass types that match your area’s climate: cool-season grasses for the North and warm-season grasses down South. With hydroseeding, you can plant multiple types of grass instead of just one. Some people blend Kentucky bluegrass with tall fescue, for example.
\n\n\n\nThere are many types of mulch that homeowners can use in their hydroseed slurries. Each one has its own pros and cons. Here are some of these mulch types:
\n\n\n\nFinding out the condition of your soil before you plant new seeds is a good move; it will tell you if the soil needs any amendments to ensure the most optimal growing conditions for your new grass. A soil test — either from a lab or from a home testing kit — will tell you your soil’s pH level and what nutrients it has.
\n\n\n\nGrass grows best in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. You can add lime if your soil is too acidic; add sulfur if it’s too alkaline. Any number outside of this pH range can cause your grass to grow poorly or even die.
\n\n\n\nUsing the soil test results, you can also determine what fertilizer to add to your hydroseed slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow it’s time to prepare your lawn for hydroseeding. The first step is clearing your lawn, as hydroseeding is most successful when applied to bare soil. Clear your lawn of existing grass (dead or alive), old plants, weeds, rocks, tools, toys, and other debris.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, you should mark any sprinkler heads around your lawn. This is especially important if you’re lugging around a heavy hydroseeding machine.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have a sprinkler system but want to install one, you should do it while you’re prepping your lawn and before spraying the slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"grading](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Grading-lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JulNichols / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nGrading the soil is simply the process of adjusting its slope to prevent rainwater and runoff from getting to your house and other structures. When grading soil, it also gets leveled.
\n\n\n\nTo prepare your lawn for hydroseeding, grade your soil 2 ½ to 3 inches below the final grade you want it to be. The final grade is how high you want your lawn to be. Afterward, fill in holes and level your lawn with a rake and/or a yard leveler.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe next step is adding your soil additives: topsoil, compost, and sulfur or lime (if needed). The first two components stimulate healthy grass growth mainly because they supply your growing grass with nutrients.
\n\n\n\nAdd enough topsoil and compost so that it adds about 3 inches to your lawn’s grade. Then, churn it into the existing soil.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, it’s time to re-grade and level your lawn to the final grade you want it to have. It’s now ready to be hydroseeded!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo you have a hydroseeder? Chances are that the average homeowner doesn’t have one. In that case, you have three options: renting a hydroseeder, making one yourself, or buying a hydroseeding kit in-store or online. Buying a hydroseeding kit is not a bad option if you need to seed a smaller area.
\n\n\n\nYou can rent a hydroseeding machine for covering large areas from equipment rental companies like United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and MacAllister Rentals.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather make your own hydroseeder, this video tutorial will show you how:
\n\n\n\nOnce you have your hydroseeding equipment, it’s time to mix your slurry. If you have a DIY hydroseeding kit, you only need to read the instructions.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow much of each slurry component you need depends heavily on the size of the area you’ll be spraying. Typically, you’ll need 5 to 7 lbs of seed, 40 to 50 lbs of mulch, and 20 lbs of fertilizer for every 1,000 sq. ft. you’ll be hydroseeding. You’ll need enough water to fill your equipment about ¾ of the way. When in doubt, ask your materials supplier for guidance.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHydroseeding machines can vary in how they’re operated; always read the manual for specific instructions. However, you can expect this general process:
\n\n\n\nNow, it’s time to spray your lawn. It’s best to spray when it’s calm and cool outside, but it’s ok if it’s predicted to rain lightly that day. Wear your protective equipment before spraying, as you might be out in the sun for a while.
\n\n\n\nPlan your path ahead of time to prevent you from having to step on the areas you’ve just sprayed. Keep the nozzle at least 3 inches from the ground and spray slowly and evenly throughout your lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou might want to overlap your slurry a little bit while you spray. This ensures there aren’t any gaps that will result in bare patches later on. You can make this easier for yourself if you add lawn-friendly dye to your slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"hydroseeded](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sue Thompson / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCongratulations, you’ve now hydroseeded your lawn! However, this is only the beginning. You’ll need to maintain your new grass for it to grow into a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few hydroseeded lawn maintenance tips:
\n\n\n\nJust like when you’re planting grass seeds the old-fashioned way, the best time to hydroseed is during your chosen grass type’s growing season.
\n\n\n\nFor Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, and other warm-season grasses, you should hydroseed in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass, ryegrasses, and other cool-season grasses should be hydroseeded from late summer to early fall.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can hydroseed in the summer, it can be a bit more challenging as you must keep your new lawn moist for the first few weeks, and water tends to evaporate in the hot summer sun before it can soak into the soil and reach the grass’s roots.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to grow new grass in a larger area, then you should hydroseed. If you’re filling in bare patches, then it’s better to overseed the regular way. The hydroseed slurry can injure or kill your existing grass.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn average, the cost of professional hydroseeding ranges from 8 to 20 cents per square foot. The rate will depend on many factors, including your lawn’s condition and how big it is.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDIY hydroseeding isn’t too complicated and can make for an interesting project to tackle. You could save money on labor, too. However, it can be more beneficial to hire a professional because they have the knowledge and the equipment to hydroseed your lawn already. Besides, a pro will usually be more successful at hydroseeding than the average homeowner.
Wikilawn can connect you with dependable lawn care pros that can hydroseed, fertilize, and mow your lawn for you. Hire a lawn maintenance pro near you today for a lush lawn without all the work.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"DIY Hydroseeding: How to Hydroseed Your Own Lawn in 11 Steps","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/1789c/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/107df/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/293e9/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/f2cbb/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/1789c/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/c26c2/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/1dd6e/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/67b76/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 320w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/8df11/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 500w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/98a65/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 800w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/1dd6e/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 960w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/3cc96/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"DIY Hydroseeding: How to Hydroseed Your Own Lawn in 11 Steps | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Hydroseeding can give you the beautiful and lush lawn of your dreams. You can even do it yourself. Learn how with this DIY hydroseeding guide."}}},{"node":{"id":"56d927f0-5ba1-53a1-8ce5-798a8bdfd772","slug":"organic-lawn-fertilizer","path":"/blog/organic-lawn-fertilizer/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Taha Javed is a freelance writer and business student in Lahore, Pakistan. She loves swimming, reading, and playing with her dog.","name":"Taha Javed","id":"0531d17c-e9c8-5153-a6fb-6e2994f71716","path":"/author/taha-javed/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/877749883781783414fae4d0b98beb69?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"July 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Organic lawn fertilizers are a natural and sustainable way to nourish your lawn while causing the least environmental harm. These fertilizers give essential nutrients to the soil by utilizing organic materials and natural substances, fostering healthy development and sparkling green grass. What are Organic Fertilizers? Photo Credit: melGreenFR from Pixabay / Canva Pro / License […]
\n","content":"\nOrganic lawn fertilizers are a natural and sustainable way to nourish your lawn while causing the least environmental harm. These fertilizers give essential nutrients to the soil by utilizing organic materials and natural substances, fostering healthy development and sparkling green grass.
\n\n\n![\"compost](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-and-soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: melGreenFR from Pixabay / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nOrganic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and are minimally processed. They are often made up of plant material, animal byproducts, or mineral deposits. These materials decompose or compost, producing nutrient-rich substances that can be applied to lawns and gardens to offer necessary nourishment.
\n\n\n\nCompost, animal manure, bone meal, blood meal, fish emulsion, broken shell, and kelp meal are all examples of organic fertilizers. Because of their natural composition and slow-release nature, they provide a more balanced and environmentally conscientious approach to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nThere are a few essential things to consider while looking for organic fertilizers for your lawn, including:
\n\n\n\nConsidering these aspects, you can choose the best organic fertilizer for your lawn and create a healthy, vibrant, and environmentally friendly landscape. You can also get assistance from our guide on choosing lawn fertilizer to make the right choice for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nOrganic fertilizers and synthetic fertilizers both have pros and cons, but how do they stack up against each other? Take a look at our comparison.
\n\n\n\n| Pros of Organic Fertilizer | Pros of Synthetic Fertilizer |
| ✓ Slow-release for longer-lasting, more consistent results ✓ Improves soil composition and microbial health ✓ Don’t pollute the soil or local bodies of water ✓ Fewer health risks than synthetic chemicals | ✓ Immediate release for faster results and quick green-up ✓ Formulated with specific nutrient formulations to compensate for individual soil deficiencies ✓ More affordable than organic options |
| Cons of Organic Fertilizer | Cons of Synthetic Fertilizer |
| ✗ Takes longer to see results ✗ More expensive than synthetic fertilizers | ✗ More likely to cause fertilizer burn or lead to nutrient imbalances ✗ Can harm beneficial microorganisms in the soil ✗ Runoff contributes to water pollution ✗ Results don’t last as long, so more frequent applications are necessary ✗ More dangerous for pets and children who might accidentally consume harmful chemicals |
Organic fertilizers use natural processes to slowly release nutrients and promote soil health gradually. On the other hand, synthetic fertilizers are manufactured chemically, containing concentrated amounts of specific nutrients quickly released into your soil.
\n\n\n\nSynthetic fertilizers provide rapid nutrient availability to plants but can also lead to nutrient imbalances, leach into bodies of water, and cause soil degradation. These fertilizers have the potential to harm beneficial soil organisms and contribute to water pollution, whereas organic fertilizers improve the soil’s structure, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling.
\n\n\n\nOrganic fertilizers are comparatively more expensive than traditional chemical fertilizers and may take longer to give you results. But their long-term benefits and lower environmental impact make them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
\n\n\n\n![\"compost](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-soil-near-vegetation.jpg\")
Photo Credit: schulzie / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nOrganic lawn fertilizers provide multiple benefits, making them an appealing alternative for ecologically conscious lawn owners. Let’s examine the benefits of using organic fertilizers and why going natural is the best option.
\n\n\n\nOrganic lawn fertilizers have varying NPK ratios, representing the percentage of nitrogen (N; encourages leaf growth), phosphorus (P; stimulates root development), and potassium (K; fortifies plant cells and increases disease resistance) they contain. Here are some common NPK ratios you may encounter with organic fertilizers:
\n\n\n\nConsider your lawn’s nutrient requirements when selecting an organic fertilizer, and choose a product with a suitable NPK ratio.
\n\n\n\nJust remember that organic fertilizers have lower ratios than synthetic ones because they release nutrients slowly. Understanding the NPK ratio enables you to provide the proper nutrient balance, resulting in a lush and vibrant lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"cool-season](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to applying organic fertilizer, appropriate techniques and timing are essential. Fertilizers are best used in one to two applications for a healthy lawn, but timing differs for cool-season grass and warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nLearn more about the timing of fertilization for different grass types with our ideal lawn fertilizer schedule.
\n\n\n\nCombine organic fertilizer application with proper lawn care procedures for the best results. Mow your lawn at the appropriate height regularly, water it properly, and deal with any weed or pest problems as soon as possible. Follow our detailed guide on when and how to fertilize your lawn to do it correctly.
\n\n\n\n![\"full](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/full-compost-bin.jpg\")
Photo Credit: piotr_malczyk / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nBefore diving into the best organic lawn care practices, let’s get familiar with organic lawn care. Organic lawn care refers to maintaining a healthy green lawn using natural and environmentally friendly methods. It involves avoiding chemicals, such as synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, and instead focusing on organic alternatives.
\n\n\n\nPopular organic lawn care practices to use in tandem with organic lawn fertilizers include:
\n\n\n\nGrow the grasses that thrive in your locality without competition. For instance, cool-season grass is better for regions with cold winters and mild summers, while warm-season grass is better for regions with hot summers and mild winters.
\n\n\n\nFor an even lower maintenance and more eco-friendly lawn, ditch traditional turfgrasses altogether and plant native grasses from your region, such as switchgrass, blue grama, buffalograss, or bushy bluestem. Native grasses thrive with less irrigation, fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide, which is better for your schedule, your wallet, and the environment.
\n\n\n\nEmbrace the power of composting by creating your own compost out of kitchen scraps or purchasing organic compost. Apply a light layer of compost to your lawn yearly to strengthen the soil, increase its ability to retain water, and enrich it with nutrients.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/17218096280_40c673bc1f_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Webster / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTo promote healthy root growth and shade out weeds, raise the height of your mower blades and cut the grass taller. Keep the grass trimmings on the lawn since they serve as an organic mulch and add nutrients to the grass. Taller grass needs less water, which is critical for water conservation.
\n\n\n\nTo promote healthy root development, water deeply but less frequently. This forces your grass’s roots to grow deep into the ground to reach the water, which makes your lawn more drought-tolerant. Drought-tolerant lawns use less water.
\n\n\n\nUse an Integrated Pest Management strategy, which emphasizes avoiding pest problems rather than eliminating them with harmful pesticides. To prevent lawn pests naturally, keep your lawn free of dead leaves, excessive thatch, and other organic matter. It’s also a good idea to attract predatory insects, birds, and other natural predators which feed on those pests.
\n\n\n\nFocus on maintaining a weed-free lawn by regularly watering and mowing at the correct height. Reduce the need for chemical herbicides by pulling weeds by hand or making your own eco-friendly homemade weed killer.
\n\n\n\nOrganic lawn fertilizers may have an upfront price greater than synthetic fertilizers. However, when the long-term benefits of healthy soil, lower environmental impact, and healthier grass growth are considered, investing in organic lawn care can result in cost savings over time.
\n\n\n\nYes, organic lawn fertilizer is suitable for all varieties of grass. Organic fertilizers are available to suit the unique nutrient requirements of both cool-season and warm-season grasses. Simply choose the proper organic fertilizer formulation for your grass type and apply it in the prescribed amounts.
\n\n\n\nYou can make your own natural lawn fertilizer from regular household items and natural ingredients. Kitchen waste, grass clippings, and mulched leaves can all be composted to create nutrient-rich fertilizer for your lawn. You may also produce compost tea by steeping compost in water and use it as a liquid fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nMost homeowners these days are environmental enthusiasts–it’s necessary in a world of climate change and spiking pollution. More and more people want to eliminate chemical-based products like synthetic fertilizers from their lawn care regimen to support their local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nOrganic fertilizers are an important part of any eco-friendly lawn care routine. If you’re one of these newfound eco-warrior lawn enthusiasts, learning everything you can about organic lawn fertilizer is a good first step.
\n\n\n\nIf you find it challenging to schedule fertilizer applications properly or need clarification about picking the right organic fertilizer for your lawn, don’t worry. You can always turn lawn fertilization over to the pros. Find a local lawn care pro who specializes in “green” lawn care on WikiLawn today.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Elena Photo / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"A Guide to Organic Lawn Fertilizer","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/1789c/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/107df/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/293e9/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/f2cbb/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/1789c/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/c26c2/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/1dd6e/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/67b76/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 320w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/8df11/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 500w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/98a65/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 800w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/1dd6e/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 960w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/3cc96/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Guide to Organic Lawn Fertilizer | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"In this guide, you can explore the benefits of organic lawn fertilizer, how to choose the right one, and tips for achieving a lush, chemical-free lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"92f50ab2-818b-5568-95a0-6b1bdfa44cc8","slug":"how-to-make-homemade-weed-killer","path":"/blog/how-to-make-homemade-weed-killer/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Getting rid of weeds doesn’t have to involve toxic chemicals or break the bank. Herbicides pose health risks to humans and the environment and can harm pets. On the other hand, the organic herbicides you can buy at the store and online are expensive. The solution is homemade weed killers! Keep reading to find out […]
\n","content":"\nGetting rid of weeds doesn’t have to involve toxic chemicals or break the bank. Herbicides pose health risks to humans and the environment and can harm pets. On the other hand, the organic herbicides you can buy at the store and online are expensive. The solution is homemade weed killers! Keep reading to find out how to make a homemade weed killer that actually works.
\n\n\n\nThese options kill weeds without exposing you and your loved ones to poisons that can have detrimental effects, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
\n\n\nA vinegar solution is probably the simplest, most effective, and most popular homemade weed killer you can make. Here’s how to do it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/white-vinegar.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NatureFriend from Pixabay / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIngredients:
\n\n\n\n— 1 gallon of white vinegar (make sure it’s at least 5% acetic acid)
— 1 tablespoon of dish soap
— 1 cup of salt
How to Use: Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and add the table salt. Mix them until the salt dissolves. Next, add the dishwashing liquid, which helps the solution stick to the weeds. You can use Castile soap for an all-natural option. Make sure the solution is well-mixed, then spray it directly onto the weeds you want to kill.
\n\n\n\nVinegar and salt can kill any plants, including grass, so be careful not to get the solution on plants you want to keep.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"apple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/apple-cider-vinegar-next-to-apples-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: tylim / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIngredients:
\n\n\n\n— ½ gallon apple cider vinegar
— ¼ cup salt
— 1 teaspoon dish soap
How to Use: Pour the apple cider vinegar into a large spray bottle. Mix in the salt until it dissolves completely, then mix in the dish soap. Apply the mixture directly to the weeds. This vinegar weed killer will destroy other plants, too. So, be careful when targeting weeds in your flower beds or on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe acetic acid in the vinegar breaks down the plant’s foliage by extracting moisture, killing the leaves. This natural weed killer works best on young and small weeds.
\n\n\n\nVegetation with deep taproots, like dandelions, may survive treatment. The top growth of these types of plants may be the only part that is killed. If the plants are very young and the roots undeveloped, the weed killer may work.
\n\n\n\nHerbicidal vinegar, which is 20% acetic acid, is a better solution for larger weeds and perennials. Weeds like crabgrass are better controlled with multiple treatments of herbicidal vinegar. However, herbicidal vinegar can burn your skin and eyes, so be careful when applying it.
\n\n\n\nTable salt also pulls out moisture. It contains acetic acid, too. Adding it to your vinegar solution improves the weed killer’s ability to dry out foliage.
\n\n\n\nLiquid dish soap acts as a surfactant that reduces the surface tension and allows the homemade weed killer to spread more evenly across and stick to the leaves, allowing it to penetrate the plant more effectively.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"using](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/using-spray-to-kill-a-weed-in-mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: killerb10 / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nSpraying during a sunny day helps the acetic acid work more effectively. Spray directly on the targeted weeds. But remember that this solution is non-selective, so in addition to killing most broadleaf weeds, it can also kill other plants. Be careful not to get the solution on your grass or other landscape plants.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the cons of using a homemade vinegar solution are not as severe as using herbicides with harsh chemicals like glyphosate, there are some things to keep in mind. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using a vinegar solution to kill weeds.
\n\n\n\n| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Less harmful to humans and pets than commercial herbicides. | ✗ Vinegar with 11% or more acetic acid can burn the skin and cause severe eye injuries, including blindness. |
| ✓ Effective on most young broadleaf weeds. | ✗ Kills any plant it makes contact with. |
| ✓ If organic dish soap (i.e. Castile soap) is used, the solution has no synthetic chemicals. | ✗ Some dish soaps have synthetic ingredients that are harmful to the environment. |
| ✓ Acetic acid is biodegradable. | ✗ The typical 5% acetic acid concentration may not kill larger or more established weeds. |
| ✓ Very effective for weed control on patios, gravel, and sidewalks. | ✗ Multiple applications are typically needed. |
| ✓ You most likely already have all the required ingredients and won’t need to spend any additional money. | ✗ Only kills the foliage it is sprayed on and not the roots, meaning new weeds can sprout again unless you manually remove the roots. |
![\"table](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/table-salt-spilled-out-on-a-table.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sebalos / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nHere are some other natural weed killers you can make using ingredients you have in your home already or can easily purchase at the grocery store.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalt can kill weeds on its own or in a spray solution with water. You can use either table salt or rock salt. Learn how in our article on how to use salt to kill weeds.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPut a pot of water on the stove, let it boil, pour it into something with a spout – like a teapot – and soak the weeds you want to kill. Apply it to the leaves of the offending weeds and allow it to soak into the roots.
\n\n\n\nIf you have to pour the boiling water from a container without a spout, pour it on weeds in areas away from other plants, like walkways or cracks. That way, if the boiling water splashes or lands in a wider area than on the weeds, you will not damage other plants.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUse a ratio of 2 tablespoons of alcohol to 1 quart of water and put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spot-treat the problem plants by spraying the mixture directly on the weeds. The solution kills the plant by draining moisture from the foliage, much like vinegar and salt.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Hands](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sergii Petruk / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIf you get to the weeds when they are young and there are just a few of them, you can avoid the use of any weed killer. Except, of course, yourself. You can pull up weeds when they have just a few leaves and small root systems.
\n\n\n\nWeeds are easier to remove manually if the soil is wet, so water the lawn or garden before weeding or wait for a rainy day. When the soil is moist, use your hand, a weeding tool, or a garden trowel to pull up as much of the root system as possible. If you don’t get all the roots, the weeds can grow back.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCan you use homemade weed killers on weeds in grass?
\n\n\n\nYes, you can use homemade weed killers to kill weeds in grass, but you have to apply them carefully. DIY weed killers are non-selective, meaning they kill all plants they come in contact with, not just weeds. When applying homemade weed killers to lawn weeds, use a spray bottle to target the weeds directly, and get as little of it on your grass as possible.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAre homemade weed killers safe for pets?
\n\n\n\nYes, the homemade weed killers on this list are safe to use around pets and kids, too. See our list of the best pet-safe weed killers and our article on how to choose pet-safe weed killers to learn which commercial herbicides are also safe for pets.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs there a DIY weed and feed?
\n\n\n\nCorn gluten meal is an organic alternative to weed and feed, although most homeowners won’t have this ingredient readily on hand.
You can buy organic herbicides that contain corn gluten meal as an active ingredient, or you can purchase corn gluten meal on its own. It acts as a pre-emergent and keeps weed seeds from germinating. It also contains nitrogen to fertilize the lawn. Corn gluten meal must be applied before seeds germinate, or it can cause the weeds to grow. Use the meal when it is going to be dry for at least two days. Multiple applications are typically required.
Commercial herbicides like Roundup contain dangerous chemicals. You can protect yourself, your family, your pets, the environment, and your grass and garden with safer homemade weed killer solutions. Of course, prevention is the best option. Practicing good seasonal lawn care and garden maintenance habits can help keep weeds at bay.
Whether you are using chemicals or DIY options, weed-killing and lawn maintenance is time-consuming and takes planning to be effective. Connect with a local lawn care professional who can help you manage weeds and keep your lawn and landscape healthy.
Main Photo Credit: AprylRED / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"How to Make Homemade Weed Killer","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/1789c/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/107df/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/293e9/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/f2cbb/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/1789c/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/c26c2/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/1dd6e/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/67b76/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.webp 320w,\n/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/8df11/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.webp 500w,\n/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/98a65/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.webp 800w,\n/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/1dd6e/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.webp 960w,\n/static/617039f0a74add35e0831e9f6186a6ea/3cc96/person-spraying-weeds-on-a-fence-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Make Homemade Weed Killer | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want an effective weed killer but not the poisons they contain? Learn how to make homemade weed killer that's safer for your loved ones and the environment."}}},{"node":{"id":"84e8c378-4369-5dc9-982c-0b7dbc24facb","slug":"the-12-metro-areas-that-are-the-most-revved-up-about-cars","path":"/blog/the-12-metro-areas-that-are-the-most-revved-up-about-cars/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"April 13th, 2019","excerpt":"By John Egan The more than 4.5 million residents of the Riverside-San Bernardino, CA, metro area are driven to drive. A WikiLawn review of U.S. Census Bureau data shifts Southern California’s Riverside-San Bernardino metro area into the highest gear when it comes to major metro areas that are the most revved up about cars. Now, […]
\n","content":"\nBy John Egan
\n\n\n\nThe more than 4.5 million residents of the Riverside-San Bernardino, CA, metro area are driven to drive.
A WikiLawn review of U.S. Census Bureau data shifts Southern California’s Riverside-San Bernardino metro area into the highest gear when it comes to major metro areas that are the most revved up about cars.
Now, you might be wondering why we care about cars so much. Well, as a lawn care company, we’re a little curious about which metro areas have garages crammed with cars rather than lawn care equipment.
To come up with this ranking, we looked under the hood at data from the the Census Bureau’s 2013-2017 American Community Survey. Once there, we crunched data for the 50 largest U.S. metro areas in two categories:
We then figured out the percentage of occupied housing units that have at least three vehicles, defined by the Census Bureau as cars, pickup trucks, SUVs or vans. Riverside-San Bernardino — known as the Inland Empire — parked in the No. 1 spot, with nearly 28.4 percent of occupied housing units (mainly houses, apartments and condos) having at least three vehicles.
We limited our analysis to the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S.
Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor at Irvine, CA-based automotive valuation and research company Kelley Blue Book, attributes Riverside-San Bernardino’s place atop the ranking, at least in part, to its location between the sprawling Los Angeles metro area and the mountains and deserts of Southern California.
“People in this area most likely have a lot of toys, ranging from off-road vehicles and motorcycles to boats and campers,” DeLorenzo says. “So they need vehicles for towing or getting to their preferred weekend activities.”
As for five of our top 12 being in California, DeLorenzo offers a one-word explanation: geography.
“California has big urban areas that are somewhat served by mass transit, but the main people movers are cars, trucks and SUVs,” he says.
In 2017, nearly 25.5 million automobiles were registered in California, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Almost 2 million cars and pickup trucks were expected to have been sold throughout the state in 2018, the California New Car Dealers Association says.
A 2003 article in the New York Times noted that California reigns as the No. 1 automotive market in the state, considering that it’s also the biggest state in terms of population.
California’s car culture has been cultivated since the 1950s, the article said.
“Californians do not cruise much anymore, nor do they hang out at drive-ins, and parking is generally not allowed on the beaches,” the article pointed out. “Still, the car culture persists because drivers continue to spend a lot of time sitting on freeway on-ramps, imagining they could be doing these things instead of waiting … to join the herd on Interstate 5.”
With Riverside-San Bernardino racing to the lead position, here’s our ranking of the 12 Metro Areas That Are Most Revved Up About Cars.
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/San-Bernardino-CA.jpg\")
Occupied housing units: 1,335,366
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 378,794
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 28.37%
![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/San-Jose-CA.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1\")
Occupied housing units: 647,891
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 174,268
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 26.90%
![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Richmond-VA.jpg?fit=1024%2C639&ssl=1\")
Occupied housing units: 479,256
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 123,195
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 25.71%
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Salt-Lake-City-UT.jpg\")
Occupied housing units: 382,620
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 98,057
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 25.63%
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Nashville-TN.jpg\")
Occupied housing units: 691,266
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 164,594
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 23.81%
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Birmingham-Alabama.jpg\")
Occupied housing units: 440,261
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 104,514
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 23.74%
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/San-Diego-CA-.jpg\")
Occupied housing units: 1,111,739
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 260,552
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 23.44%
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Sacramento-CA.jpg\")
Occupied housing units: 811,543
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 187,149
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 23.06%
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Denver-CO.jpg\")
Occupied housing units: 1,075,807
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 244,836
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 22.76%
![\"\"](\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Virginia-Beach-VA.jpg?fit=1024%2C615&ssl=1\")
Occupied housing units: 638,027
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 145,090
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 22.74%
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Charlotte-North-Carolina.jpg\")
Occupied housing units: 906,355
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 202,932
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 22.39%
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Los-Angeles-California.jpg\")
Occupied housing units: 4,320,174
\n\n\n\nOccupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 966,163
\n\n\n\n% of occupied housing units with 3+ vehicles: 22.36%
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/The-12-Metro-Areas-That-Are-the-Most-Revved-Up-About-Cars-v2.png\")
Top Photo: Flickr // Kelly Hobbs
\n\n\n\nAuthor Bio: John Egan is a freelance writer who covers everything from personal finance to lawn care. His masterful work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Forbes, and The Guardian.
\n","title":"The 12 Metro Areas That Are the Most Revved Up About Cars","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.502202643171806,"src":"/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/1789c/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.jpg","srcSet":"/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/107df/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.jpg 320w,\n/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/293e9/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.jpg 500w,\n/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/f2cbb/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.jpg 800w,\n/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/1789c/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.jpg 960w,\n/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/8e61a/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.jpg 1023w","srcWebp":"/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/1dd6e/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/67b76/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.webp 320w,\n/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/8df11/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.webp 500w,\n/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/98a65/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.webp 800w,\n/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/1dd6e/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.webp 960w,\n/static/da110be3c54c1aa02585d31db38898b7/0cf9f/Hero-Long-Exposure-Traffic.webp 1023w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 12 Metro Areas That Are the Most Revved Up About Cars | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"aa1f8a5e-a3cc-513e-bc2b-c928c3b74445","slug":"when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn","path":"/blog/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Taha Javed is a freelance writer and business student in Lahore, Pakistan. She loves swimming, reading, and playing with her dog.","name":"Taha Javed","id":"0531d17c-e9c8-5153-a6fb-6e2994f71716","path":"/author/taha-javed/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/877749883781783414fae4d0b98beb69?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"July 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Maintaining a healthy, green lawn is a top concern for many homeowners, and fertilization is key to achieving this. Like any living thing, your grass requires nutrients to grow and thrive. Fertilizers are specifically developed to replenish these nutrients. But it’s important to know when and how to fertilize your lawn to make the most […]
\n","content":"\nMaintaining a healthy, green lawn is a top concern for many homeowners, and fertilization is key to achieving this. Like any living thing, your grass requires nutrients to grow and thrive. Fertilizers are specifically developed to replenish these nutrients. But it’s important to know when and how to fertilize your lawn to make the most of it.
\n\n\n![\"Fertilizers](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_14457202926_6d52aae30a_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jerry Norbury / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to fertilizing your lawn, timing is everything. The answer to the “when” question depends on the following:
\n\n\n\nBut there is one general rule: Don’t feed the lawn during periods of dormancy – only fertilize your grass at the time of year when it grows actively.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of grasses: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses, and both have different growth and fertilization requirements. You have cool-season grass if you live in the northern third of the country and warm-season grass if you live in the southern third. If you live in the middle of the US, you may have either or both types of grass.
\n\n\n\nBut what is the right time to fertilize either of them? Here is the answer:
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass grow actively in cooler months. Usually, the grass grows most actively in fall, so the best time to fertilize your lawn is once in early fall and once in late fall, at least 6 weeks before the expected first frost. During these times, the grass is actively developing and can best use the fertilizer’s nutrients.
\n\n\n\nYou can also apply fertilizer to your lawn in early spring because it’s the time when the grass greens up after winter dormancy and has a brief period of growth before the heat of summer sets in. It is the optimal time if you want to apply a third application of fertilizer to your lawn in addition to those done in fall.
\n\n\n![\"Cool](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone-1024x709.jpg\")
Illustration by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, or Zoysiagrass, have totally different fertilization times. Because they actively grow in the warmer months, late spring and early summer is usually the best time to apply fertilizer. This helps the grass to receive nutrients during its active development phase while remaining lush throughout the summer.
\n\n\n\nIf you want a fall fertilizer application, early fall, at least 6-8 weeks before the first frost, is also suitable for your warm-season lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou can read our guide to the ideal lawn fertilizer schedule to learn more about when to fertilize your lawn.
\n\n\n\nGenerally, apply fertilizer to your lawn two to four times per year. The frequency might vary depending on the type of grass, the makeup of your soil, the local climate of your area, and the type of fertilizer used. Slow-release fertilizers remain in the soil for 6-8 weeks, so you should wait at least 6 weeks between applications. Immediate-release fertilizers need to be applied more often to remain effective, about every 4-6 weeks.
\n\n\n\nThe most common frequency recommendation for lawn fertilizer application is:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’re sure you’ve got the timing right, follow these steps to fertilize your lawn in the best and most efficient way possible.
\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nBefore applying fertilizer to your lawn, you should do a few things to ensure the best results and minimize any potential harm to your grass or the environment. Preparing your lawn ahead of time will set up the foundation for successful fertilization.
\n\n\n\nSoil tests are like bloodwork for your soil. They describe the type of soil, the level of plant nutrients, and the soil pH, among other things. Get your soil tested by sending a sample to your local county Cooperative Extension office or buy an at-home test kit for quicker but less detailed results.
\n\n\n\nBased on the soil test results, amend your soil to make it adaptable for the turfgrass and fertilizer. Adjust the soil’s pH so that it’s between 6.5 to 7 (ideal for most grass types) by adding lime for lawns to increase the pH or sulfur to decrease the pH.
\n\n\n\nRemove any lawn weeds, moss, or excessive thatch growth in your lawn before fertilizing. Obstacles like these can prevent fertilizer from reaching the soil, which is where it needs to be for your grass to absorb its nutrients.
\n\n\n\nIdeally, you should mow the grass slightly lower than its typical maintenance height before fertilizing. Shorter grass permits the fertilizer to reach the soil more effectively and reduces the possibility of the fertilizer sitting on top of tall blades and causing burn or uneven distribution.
\n\n\n\nWater your lawn well for at least three to four days before fertilizing it. Moist soil improves nitrogen uptake and reduces the risk of fertilizer burn. Overwatering, on the other hand, can cause the fertilizer to seep away or become less effective.
\n\n\n\n![\"hand-held](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jerry Norbury / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nIt is essential to apply lawn fertilizer carefully to ensure nutrients reach the plant roots and deliver maximum benefits.
\n\n\n\nFirst, choose the right tool according to your lawn’s area and fertilizer type. There are various kinds of fertilizer spreaders, including:
\n\n\n\nFill your chosen tool with fertilizer on a non-grassy, hard surface like a driveway or sidewalk. This keeps spills or excess fertilizer from reaching the grass before you begin, which again reduces the risk of fertilizer burn.
\n\n\n\nStart Applying the Fertilizer: Begin walking across your lawn at a slow, steady pace, pushing the spreader consistently. If you’re using a sprayer, spray a wide arc in front of you, from side to side, as you walk. Then turn around and walk the other way in a line parallel to your first pass. Continue walking back and forth across the lawn in parallel lines until you’ve covered the whole area.
\n\n\n\nTo achieve thorough coverage and eliminate missed spots, overlap each pass slightly. If you’re using a granular fertilizer, check the grass for any prominent clumps or heaps of granules once you’ve finished applying it. Use a sweep or rake to disperse these clumps to ensure even dispersion.
\n\n\n\nNote: After each usage, properly clean your spreader or sprayer. Rinse it with water to remove any residual fertilizer, which can damage the equipment if not removed.
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_150456484_cef7d54b8f_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shaylor / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nWatering your lawn after fertilizing is essential for activating the nutrients in the fertilizer and ensuring optimum absorption by the grass’s roots. It is best to water your grass immediately after fertilizing it. This reduces the risk of burn from concentrated nutrients lingering on the grass blades.
\n\n\n\nUse an in-ground sprinkler system or a hose with a sprinkler attachment for even coverage. To avoid overwatering certain areas and underwatering others, make sure the water is distributed evenly across the lawn.
\n\n\n\nNote: If you use liquid fertilizer, wait two to four hours for the fertilizer to dry, and then water your lawn. Don’t water immediately after applying liquid fertilizer because it will wash the fertilizer away before it’s had time to soak into the soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"broom](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/broom-for-sweeping-sidewalk-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: undefined undefined / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIn addition to cleaning your spreader or sprayer, it’s important to clean excess fertilizer off impervious surfaces near your grass, such as a driveway or patio. For granular fertilizers, sweep off any granules that may have landed on sidewalks or driveways to prevent runoff into nearby bodies of water. Fertilizer runoff can cause water pollution and harmful algae blooms.
\n\n\n\nBe especially diligent about sweeping up excess fertilizer if you have curious pets or small children in your family who might try to play with or even eat the tiny granules.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the right fertilizer for your lawn is critical. First of all, check your soil’s nutrient requirements through your soil test. Then select a fertilizer with a suitable nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus ratio according to your soil’s needs.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to finding a lawn fertilizer with the right nutrient blend, you’ll need to decide what type of fertilizer is best for your lawn. You’ll have to choose between slow-release and immediate-release fertilizers, synthetic and organic fertilizers, and liquid and granular fertilizers.
\n\n\n\nTo learn more about each of these options and figure out which one is best for you, see our guide on How to Choose Lawn Fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYes, organic fertilizers are an excellent choice for lawn care. They come from natural sources and provide slow-release nutrients that improve soil health and microbial activity. Organic fertilizers are less harmful to the environment and contribute towards eco-friendly lawn care.
\n\n\n\nLook for organic fertilizers designed exclusively for lawns in our guide to organic lawn fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nIt’s critical to act quickly if you mistakenly over-fertilize. Thoroughly water the lawn to help dilute and flush out extra nitrogen and other nutrients. Mow as little as possible until the grass recovers, and consider skipping the next scheduled fertilization to let the grass rebalance. If extensive damage develops, such as the grass turning brown, your grass may be dead. Seek the advice of a lawn care specialist to figure out the best path forward.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to avoid fertilizing during periods of excessive heat or drought. High heat and dry weather can cause stress on the grass, and fertilization during this time may worsen the stress.
\n\n\n\nRegular fertilization not only improves the general health and appearance of your lawn, but it also increases its resistance to external stressors like severe temperatures and foot traffic. It’s an essential technique contributing to a beautiful, healthy lawn you can enjoy all year. For help keeping up with a regular fertilization schedule, connect with a local lawn care pro on WikiLawn today.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: SVproduction / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"When and How To Fertilize Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/1789c/beautiful-green-lawn-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/107df/beautiful-green-lawn-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/293e9/beautiful-green-lawn-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/f2cbb/beautiful-green-lawn-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/1789c/beautiful-green-lawn-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/c26c2/beautiful-green-lawn-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/1dd6e/beautiful-green-lawn-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/67b76/beautiful-green-lawn-1.webp 320w,\n/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/8df11/beautiful-green-lawn-1.webp 500w,\n/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/98a65/beautiful-green-lawn-1.webp 800w,\n/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/1dd6e/beautiful-green-lawn-1.webp 960w,\n/static/07637c07f2782bb7524931b2cb73d1cd/3cc96/beautiful-green-lawn-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When and How To Fertilize Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"In this guide, learn when and how to fertilize your lawn the right way so you can have a lush, beautiful lawn all year-round."}}},{"node":{"id":"d85de7c5-0eb0-57b5-97c4-327bb343fd1c","slug":"how-to-keep-water-from-pooling-in-yard","path":"/blog/how-to-keep-water-from-pooling-in-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as \"half-feral but mostly harmless\", Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.","name":"Raven Wisdom","id":"4fb83156-96f1-58f1-8074-4a6c5c50eaaa","path":"/author/raven-wisdom/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2813f63a6af9d07a7a5bb212b5645db?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"August 17th, 2022","excerpt":"Does your yard look more like a lake than a lawn? You could have some serious drainage issues. We’ll tell you what’s causing the problem and how to keep water from pooling in your yard. Contents: Why is Water Pooling in Your Yard? (And How to Fix It) How to Redirect Pooling Water FAQ About […]
\n","content":"\nDoes your yard look more like a lake than a lawn? You could have some serious drainage issues. We’ll tell you what’s causing the problem and how to keep water from pooling in your yard.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nTo stop water from pooling in your yard, you have to find the cause. Here are the most common causes of standing water and what you can do to correct them.
\n\n\n\nToo much water inhibits the growth of grassroots and suffocates your lawn. Even worse? Standing water can cause an imbalance in the soil and may lead to grass fungus.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Change the way you water your lawn.
\n\n\n\nClogged gutters cause water to back up and overflow, sending large amounts of water onto your lawn all at once.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Clean out downspouts and gutters in the fall and spring to allow water to flow.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a layer of organic material that builds up around the base of your grass. Warm weather causes thick thatch to dry out and repel the water, so the ground can no longer absorb it.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Get rid of heavy thatch using a thatching rake, a power rake, or even a garden rake. Go a step further by aerating your lawn. This will break up the compacted soil and allow your lawn to absorb more water.
\n\n\n\nIf your land doesn’t slope properly, water may collect on your lawn faster than it can drain. Improper grading and poor drainage will make the low spots in your yard even worse with each rainfall.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Regrade your lawn so it slopes away from your house.
\n\n\n\nSoil composed of thick clay is less absorbent and causes drainage problems.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Change the makeup of your soil.
\n\n\n\nWater tables can rise when they collect more water than they’re able to drain away often due to heavy rains.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Work around the water table.
\n\n\n\nTry to pinpoint the issue causing water to pool in your yard. If you’re unsure what’s causing the excess water, we can help you find a landscaping pro near you to diagnose your pooling water problem.
\n\n\n\nAnother way to get rid of water pooling in your yard is to give it somewhere to go. You can do this by installing extra drainage. Hire a pro or build these DIY hardscaping features to improve your yard’s drainage and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nBefore you get started, call 811 and have the city mark out any potential underground utilities.
\n\n\n\nA French drain consists of perforated drain pipes buried underground. Stormwater flows into the pipes and out in a more suitable area. You’ll need to direct it toward a storm drain or an appropriate section of the landscape, like near a tree or a rain garden.
\n\n\n\nYou can build your own French drain or hire a professional. Check with your local municipality to see if they require a permit for this project.
\n\n\n\nA dry well is a lined hole in the earth that works as a catch basin. It temporarily holds collected water that will slowly seep back into the soil. Dry wells should be big enough to hold runoff without spilling over during average rainstorms.
\n\n\n\nDry wells range from low-cost hand-dug pits filled with rocks and permeable landscaping fabric to pricey perforated concrete or polyethylene tanks. Regardless of the design, you can conceal a dry well with turf for cover or an open grate for simple monitoring.
\n\n\n\nA dry creek bed is an appealing hardscaping feature that requires very little upkeep and is an efficient drainage solution. Once the dry creek bed is set up, you can add plants to the edges to improve its appearance and give the stone elements some balance.
\n\n\n\nA rain garden is nothing more than a planting space you install in a low part of your yard. A rain garden will direct gutter runoff into a lovely planting area. This acts as a natural filter and sponge to purify the water as it seeps into the surrounding soil.
\n\n\n\nWhen designing a rain garden, make sure the garden is at least 10 feet from any foundation and sloping away from your home.
\n\n\n\nInstalling a French drain or swale is the easiest way to channel runoff away from your driveway. A swale is a gravel-lined open trench with sloping sides.
\n\n\n\nSand, garden compost, leaf mold, and compost additions will loosen up soil that doesn’t absorb water very well. For hardpan soil, you’ll need a shovel to break it up.
\n\n\n\nYes. Rocks are great components of a yard’s drainage system since they do not compact or deteriorate over time and do not need ongoing maintenance.
\n\n\n\nDon’t ignore standing water in your yard. The longer you wait, the more it will cost to fix. We can help you find a lawn care professional to solve your pooling water problem.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Wikimedia | CC-BY-SA-4.0
\n","title":"How to Keep Water From Pooling in Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/1789c/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg","srcSet":"/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/107df/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 320w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/293e9/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 500w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/f2cbb/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 800w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/1789c/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 960w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/c26c2/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/1dd6e/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/67b76/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 320w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/8df11/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 500w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/98a65/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 800w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/1dd6e/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 960w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/3cc96/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Keep Water From Pooling in Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When you see water pooling in your yard, don't panic! Here are a few techniques to keep the excess water flowing from your yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"3dfa6e5c-df1e-5ed7-8606-0a7e6a31e947","slug":"hardscaping-guide","path":"/blog/landscaping/hardscaping-guide/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2019","excerpt":"What is Known as ‘Hardscaping’ in Landscape Design? Landscape Architects and others in the field of landscape design often use the terms “softscape” and “hardscape” to distinguish between plants (soft) and rock or soil work and all the other “hard” elements of landscaping. A simple definition of “hardscape” is anything in the landscape that is […]
\n","content":"\nLandscape Architects and others in the field of landscape design often use the terms “softscape” and “hardscape” to distinguish between plants (soft) and rock or soil work and all the other “hard” elements of landscaping. A simple definition of “hardscape” is anything in the landscape that is not plantings, soils, or earth works.
\n\n\n\nAt first thought, it might seem counterintuitive to think of ‘hard’scaping as a wanted element in an environment designers often take great pains to keep natural and soft. So, why would this seemingly contradictory intrusion into the world of soft and floral be a critical part of any landscape design?
\n\n\n\nHardscaping provides many added benefits beyond what plant and soil materials can accomplish on their own. Here are just a few of those reasons:
\n\n\n\nHardscaping can be thought of as the bones, or framework, of a garden. It could be sleek flagstone patios, pebble mosaics, brick or rustic gravel walkways; perhaps a uniquely shaped boulder placed as a focal point in the garden or near a building to highlight architectural features. Natural stone, retaining walls, benches, seats, and sculptural landscape features, create the immovable structure through which designers (or handy diy homeowners) can easily weave in combinations of trees, plants, and shrubs into the garden tapestry.\t
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/vI5P4UK5F84BcIDNhjLqQ6YAtkz4edCDUKLCUqtxAx9HusAf638NFDYCWcejX9XyhgWiEm8_fgDbGREno7GdUyu_5C3xtuk5oRkfclVXuBmyxx4fh-SJBUiBUTGwC0SPSkpNSC2iKFvhFzSQpg\")
Just as any good landscape designer should draw plant choices from the natural surrounding landscape, hardscape selection should also relate to the native environment as well as the style of house. For example, a colonial or Georgian house would benefit from the addition of brick or cut stone to add formality. A farmhouse in the countryside would combine well with fieldstone walls and paths of flagstone or flat river stones set in gravel. A Craftsman-style house in the city might call for a pattern of square and rectangular stones, and walls of cut or ashlar stone, or brick.
\n\n\n\nArcheticulally speaking, a good hardscape plan can help you divide the landscape into a collection of “rooms” or sequence of gardens. This is a timeless method of design as it provides separate spaces for different activities and a sense of surprise and thrill of discovery in moving from ‘room to room’. Stone walls and hedges act as room dividers, and steps and paths act as transitions between these rooms, as well as the necessary means of moving between them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PjLwfGpF64k02uPCOeQV1swJX_fW93HGpyXz5gVRb3MrDevpvdLtAfkdak97rmwql0_onwcMl8cRMUvhIEnEGtcdlXZ1Tl8agxeqN1FCzziGcZSTA_j5_waIvQWSGm8a99tRAJh9pvElObm4jA\")
How a patio or terrace will be used in part should dictate your choice of paving material. Flat stones with mortared joints or sand-set brick are preferable for areas to close into the house, entries, and higher traffic areas. Irregular, dry-laid stones, crushed rock or packed decomposed granite are great for garden paths and casual areas. Dining areas or a seating terrace can be on stone, gravel or crushed rock, or wooden decking, depending in part on the furniture chosen for that use.
\n\n\n\nBesides needing to harmonious with the colors found in the landscape plantings and architectural features, the color of your hardscape elements can play an important role. Light colored stone may help to brighten a shady corner but could also create glare in a sunnier spot. Dark stone materials might absorb too much heat for nearby planting materials.
\n\n\n\nThe level of permeability a material has may matter more in some locations than others. A lava rock boulder, with its open honeycomb-like surface, would collect every fallen leaf and flower blossom if it were placed below a flowering ornamental tree. This might not be a bad thing, depending on what aesthetic you are going for or what level of garden maintenance you are willing to put into your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMuch like the porosity of stone materials, the finish can greatly affect the look, feel, and functionality of an outdoor area. Rough cut or chopped limestone blocks offer a rustic, natural feel while the same stone with a saw cut finished edge can transform a wall face or column top to a modern, sleek reveal. Additionally, when dealing with patio or walkway hardscape choices, consider how slick the stone finish will become during periods of precipitation or with a layer of snow or ice.
\n\n\n\nPaths need to be stable, easy to walk on, and preferably look like they belong. Again, a sense of fitting in with the natural landscape is important. Gravel, crushed rock and decomposed granite paths should ideally be edged, either with metal edging, wood timbers, or smaller brick or stone pieces. Dry-set paths of flagstone should use thicker stones 2” – 6”. Stone steps need to be set in concrete for stability, unless they are fairly massive (5-6” thick).
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Lnn5Z38LXNcMGHS4Eczmdvp9L_d985SC9C4g9ZCQTJ9uChaNFckL-0k0fRv8fI2YnXpZYMngKqMm8lKJA-kvjW_D8kXS2LOVdwidZ0zXbe1nlXADqvdcbWooXFSSUqryOPhPi2tzwZayHAsMJQ\")
The use of large, natural stones or boulders as pure design elements in the garden can help lift an ordinary planting plant to a new level of visual interest. Enormous granite boulders flecked with sparkly quartz, limestone or sandstone outcroppings that mimic those found in nature, large half-buried mossy fieldstones, or even a special grouping of uniquely shaped beach stones you found on your last vacation can help add a truly one of a kind feel to your landscape and make them “pop” with unusual interest.
\n\n\n\nSo, if you’re designing a new garden, or looking to rehabilitate a portion of one already in existence, think of the hardscape components just as carefully as you consider what trees, shrubs, and plants you want to put where. In the end, you’ll have a more integrated, harmonious design, less maintenance, and a more interesting garden!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PZEdM3YTIs88s5BNsjKaFNlBC_00OT-5jOLe-MmTDcMOL8n20xfpgJPPJ8Om3dqfEG81ZyZmPz_w5NMby2-cACKhHG3VhR6S9kBskkdlEN8txf4_GREewQG1Oax9HhfG56V0Yu_yW3susT-1sw\")
While the reasons to add stone and hardscape elements to your landscape design might be numerous and easy to define, setting a price to this addition is not as clear. The cost of stone varies considerably depending on its weight, smoothness or texture, style, and thickness. Another variable is the process of installation, or how much labor will be required to complete the installation and how easily accessible is the final location of the stone or brick. Also, using stone sourced near a quarry will be more economical (not to mention contextually relevant to your natural surroundings). This means if you live in an area naturally rich in stone, like Texas, then getting limestone will be easier on the budget compared to shipping in a Canadian granite.
\n\n\n\nAll of those variables aside, the average cost to install a flagstone patio will range somewhere from $15 to $30 per square foot. Natural boulders are usually sold by the pound or ton depending on how big they are. Be sure to account for heavy equipment needed to deliver and set these elements. River rock or other small stone aggregate is sold by the cubic yard (1).
\n\n\n\nIf this all seems overwhelming, do not be discouraged. In the world of landscape design, pricing and product availability is often changing. The best solution is to work with a local landscape architect that knows the most sound solutions for your specific climate, native plantings, and natural resources.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/OFnLC5KZjapS6M2mXMtD4cBe6rAhCuWZVy6AnZ5f03wuHI4nKAX79ZbJvZwjZ-p3SfsGX4VzUerOtQxn1SBTmP_RapHwrSFkfmbzmqIMKzPWciVqC1p1CriR1RYLb_VHUh0GdRNHzASUGkU6TQ\")
Stone connects the garden to the land, since stone is literally of the earth. It is a natural material that complements plants, lasts forever, and is intrinsically beautiful. Flagstone terraces, high walls combining large, vertical granite stones with small fieldstones, low traditional dry-laid walls, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, fountains and waterfalls, rock paths and walkways—all woven together create a wonderful weft for the warp of landscape of plants, and work to further enhance natural elements such as wooden pergolas, woven branch fences and antique ornaments or placed artistic objects.
\n\n\n\n1. http://paverscostguide.com
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Redi-Rock International
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\n","content":"\nIf lawn care’s got you down, consider artificial grass. There are a number of reasons to switch to artificial grass. It conserves water, it’s durable and may be more cost-effective over time.
\n\n\n\nIn this article we’ll highlight four reasons to switch to artificial grass – and some of the drawbacks of manufactured or fake turf.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSynthetic turf is made from stronger materials today than it was 30 years ago. Manufacturers attach the individual blades to a backing, much like a carpet that you roll out over a prepared yard space. Artificial grass has vastly improved and looks more like the real thing these days.
\n\n\n\nAside from saving you hours of yard work, there are numerous benefits of switching to artificial turf.
\n\n\n\nWith synthetic grass, you don’t have to worry about sprinklers. You’ll help the planet and significantly reduce your water bill.
\n\n\n\nOne-third of the country is suffering from drought right now. The government estimates Americans use 9 billion gallons a day watering our lawns. We waste much of it due to wind, evaporation, and runoff.
\n\n\n\nYou can get rid of the mower, weedeater, and edger. With artificial turf, you’ll never have to worry about lawn care.
\n\n\n\nHowever low-maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. You’ll want to keep your garden hose handy, especially if you have pets. You will have to spend about 15 minutes a week keeping it clean with a few minimal chores.
\n\n\n\nIf you can afford the initial cost to switch to fake grass, landscapers estimate it will pay for itself in 2-5 years.
\n\n\n\nMaintaining natural grass is a constant expense; mowing, seeding, fertilizing, weeding, and more. Artificial turf requires a significant investment upfront for installation but costs very little to maintain.
\n\n\n\nOnce installed, synthetic grass requires only a regular hosing down. If you have an incident where part of the turf is damaged, you can replace just a section.
\n\n\n\n1. Does fake grass get warmer than natural grass?
\n\n\n\nYes. Artificial turf gets on average 5-10 degrees hotter than natural grass on a hot day. You can compensate for this by making sure sections of the synthetic lawn are in the shade.
\n\n\n\n2. Is artificial grass flammable?
\n\n\n\nNo! While the blades of fake grass can and will melt from sparks from a fire pit or grill, synthetic turf is not flammable and will not burst into flames. If a small section of the lawn gets damaged by excessive heat, you can easily replace it.
\n\n\n\n3. Can I install artificial grass on top of my existing lawn?
\n\n\n\nNo. In order to have a lawn that drains well when it rains or snows, you should install fake grass over rocks or stones on the ground after removing existing natural grass has been dug out.
\n\n\n\n4. Can I have artificial grass in snowy areas?
\n\n\n\nYes, freezing temperatures and snow don’t affect fake grass. Allow snow to melt naturally and drain through your synthetic lawn’s drainage system.
\n\n\n\nDon’t have the time or energy to install an artificial lawn? We can find a landscaping pro near you to install it for you.
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