![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/n7T7g8yk7QfRDitctwYmrgWDu6JdJtS1R0C6zsHPi2CqZ9RNjN6BBQnT5-QVR1pCoIRVR0NIdYzubLglXEQpi4QTZiEsENmgcnxo2QBiuAJQkv6glwSjZgUJszbfVs-5V6LfWSAB\")
Are you finding clumps of dead grass and debris in your lawn? We’ll teach you how to dethatch your lawn to keep your grass green all season long. This guide contains everything you need to ensure your lawn remains thatch free. Contents: What Is Thatch How To Dethatch Your Lawn What Causes Thatch How To […]
\n","content":"\nAre you finding clumps of dead grass and debris in your lawn? We’ll teach you how to dethatch your lawn to keep your grass green all season long. This guide contains everything you need to ensure your lawn remains thatch free.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThatch is a combination of dead and living material that forms from dead stems, mulch, and plant material and clumps together over time. These clumps usually appear as thick patches on the surface of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThatch has adverse effects on your lawn, attracting pests and harmful bacteria, making your yard less drought-tolerant over time.
\n\n\n\nPower rakes are effective tools for dethatching small lawns. Use a rake with rotating wire tines to cut through clumps of grass.
\n\n\n\nFor larger lawns with a thick layer of thatch, it’s better to use a mower. Vertical mowers contain blades that are perpendicular to the grass. The verticutter will rip through thatch as you go without damaging the grass blades, minimizing the presence of thatch on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou may need to trim your yard down further than you were expecting. If that’s the case, you’ll need to overseed your grass to make up for the thin layer of grass left behind.
\n\n\n\nAeration is an essential part of lawn maintenance. Aerators dig holes into your soil, allowing your grass to breathe. Aerating your lawn reduces clumping and minimizes the presence of thatch.
\n\n\n\nLiquid dethatchers such as Nature’s Biological Dethatcher are easy to use. Simply apply the solution to the surface of your lawn, and it will break up thatch over time.
\n\n\n\nAdd compost or soil over the top of your yard to break down thatch over time and revitalize your grass.
\n\n\n\nTrowels are small hand tools you can use to dig out the thatch. They’re best for small amounts of thatch and soil buildup.
\n\n\n\nYou can save yourself time and work by preventing thatch before it occurs.
\n\n\n\n1. Monitor soil levels: Test your soil frequently for changes in the pH and alkaline levels. High pH levels are often telltale signs of excessive thatch.
\n\n\n\n2. Sensible fertilization: It can be easy for an aspiring green thumb to over-fertilize their lawn. Only use as much fertilizer as you need for a healthy lawn and limit the use of nitrogen-based lawn fertilizers.
\n\n\n\n3. Reduce chemical Use: Using too many chemicals like bug spray can kill the earthworms that naturally control soil compaction. Try to limit the number of chemicals you use on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n4. Water regularly: A well-hydrated lawn prevents soil compaction, which leads to thatch.
\n\n\n\n5. Maintaining a regular lawn care routine: Make sure to mow your lawn regularly and use weed killer to eliminate weeds that can lead to thatch.
\n\n\n\nOne of the main causes of thatch build-up is over-fertilization. Too much nitrogen causes the grass to grow too quickly, often resulting in thatch.
\n\n\n\nThe type of grass in your yard may be a factor too. Some grasses are more prone to thatching, including Kentucky bluegrass, zoysiagrass, creeping red fescue, and creeping bentgrass.
\n\n\n\nDethatching your lawn is a straightforward process and will help promote the overall growth of your lawn. Make sure to include dethatching in your seasonal landscaping routine.
\n\n\n\n1. Which grass types don’t produce as much thatch build-up?
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass and tall fescue tend to bunch up and don’t produce much thatch.
\n\n\n\n2. Do grass clippings produce thatch?
\n\n\n\nNo. Contrary to popular belief, grass clippings do not cause thatch to accumulate on your lawn. In fact, the grass clippings are an excellent fertilizer and will prevent thatch because you won’t have to use a nitrogen-based fertilizer.
\n\n\n\n3. When should I remove thatch?
\n\n\n\nRemove thatch in the cooler months; late spring for warm-season grasses, early spring or late fall for cool-season grass types. Avoid removing thatch when your grass isn’t healthy, such as during a drought, as this can cause lasting damage to the turf.
\n\n\n\n4. Are there certain chemicals to avoid to reduce thatch?
\n\n\n\nYes. Fungicides, pesticides, and insecticides have a detrimental effect on your lawn. They kill microorganisms and earthworms and can promote thatch.
\n\n\n\nNot up for DIY lawn work? We can help you find a lawn care pro near you to dethatch, aerate, and mow your lawn, so you’ll have more time to enjoy it.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Wikimedia | CC0-1.0
\n","title":"How to Dethatch Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4993742177722154,"src":"/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/1789c/rsz_dethatcher2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/107df/rsz_dethatcher2.jpg 320w,\n/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/293e9/rsz_dethatcher2.jpg 500w,\n/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/f2cbb/rsz_dethatcher2.jpg 800w,\n/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/1789c/rsz_dethatcher2.jpg 960w,\n/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/8f507/rsz_dethatcher2.jpg 1198w","srcWebp":"/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/1dd6e/rsz_dethatcher2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/67b76/rsz_dethatcher2.webp 320w,\n/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/8df11/rsz_dethatcher2.webp 500w,\n/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/98a65/rsz_dethatcher2.webp 800w,\n/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/1dd6e/rsz_dethatcher2.webp 960w,\n/static/b5014c321ac828dbd92d7cb6acbc1fac/2a554/rsz_dethatcher2.webp 1198w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Dethatch Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Dethatching a lawn is crucial to its health. We’ll show you how to dethatch your lawn."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"d83f622e-8d9b-5590-8f22-0eca0edf7db0","slug":"lawn-aeration-diy-vs-hiring-professional","path":"/blog/lawn-aeration-diy-vs-hiring-professional/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?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/"},{"id":"bf4daca3-f477-56c4-b0f9-b212905a3b28","name":"Tools, Apps & Accessories","count":6,"path":"/category/garden-accessories/"}],"date":"October 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"The rules of lawn care are pretty simple: Mow and water regularly, spread enough fertilizer to keep it fed, and aerate as needed. The last part, though is tricky. You have to know when and how to aerate and make sure you poke enough holes in your lawn to let it breathe. Should you do […]
\n","content":"\nThe rules of lawn care are pretty simple: Mow and water regularly, spread enough fertilizer to keep it fed, and aerate as needed.
\n\n\n\nThe last part, though is tricky. You have to know when and how to aerate and make sure you poke enough holes in your lawn to let it breathe. Should you do it yourself, or are you better off hiring a professional? Here are the pros and cons of DIY lawn aeration vs. hiring a professional.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn may need to be aerated for any of several reasons. First among them: compaction, when the soil particles are pressed together into a smaller area. Soil compaction leaves less room for air and water to get to the roots.
\n\n\n\nIt is common in areas that have clay soil, or on new lawns where construction activity tamps down the soil, or any lawn that gets a lot of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nA thick layer of thatch can also be a reason to aerate. Thatch is the natural organic matter between the soil and the green blades of grass. A little thatch is necessary and healthy for your lawn. Too much thatch can lead to pest problems and prevent water and air from getting to the grass roots. If your lawn feels spongy underfoot, you may have too much thatch. Bend low and inspect: If the matted brown layer under your green grass blades is more than a half-inch, you may need to aerate.
\n\n\n\nAeration removes pokes holes in your lawn, allowing precious air and water to get down into the roots. It can also loosen the soil, and encourage the grass roots to grow deeper and spread, making your lawn healthier.
\n\n\n\nAerate during the peak of your lawn’s growing season. Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass should be aerated in the spring, and early fall, but warm-season grasses such as St. Augustinegrass need aerating in the late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nStart with soil that’s not too dry. Aerating the day after a rain, or after watering is best.
\n\n\n\nDon’t clean up the plugs of soil; leave them to break down and return the nutrients to the soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/k-jhjtyFGEXEpnZYMsxHJAP0MvwGNvbruiJLtgNXHdTy7dA6iCG63p4G2fBrzGfnYqwtgt2H81pJTYu34PljU1DA_fPDfSXwcG11H5VYGaT0nT6yrJ2_t3soyyvPGXa_T6spIX--\")
If you do it yourself, you have a choice of aeration techniques. Some are engine-powered machines, some simple tools. All of them share one essential task: poking holes in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nExperts consider core aerators to be superior. Core aeration machines can be purchased or rented for the day or the weekend to get the job done. This will pull out plugs of thatch and soil, allowing oxygen to get down to the roots. Core aeration is also a must in clay soil, where the soil compacts easily. Pulling the plugs out of the ground is the best way to achieve a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nA spike aerator punches holes in your lawn with solid metal tines. You can even find spike aerators that strap onto your shoes. This allows you to march around your lawn, sans machine.
\n\n\n\nThis last point is crucial because it could save you from making an expensive mistake.
\n\n\n\nDr. Kevin Frank with the Michigan State University Extension Department on Crop and Soil Sciences warns, “Also be aware of any other underground lines, e.g., invisible dog fence wire. These lines should be buried deep enough to avoid any trouble, but it never hurts to double-check.”
\n\n\n\nWhether you do it yourself, or you have a lawn service aerate, you will be performing a task vital to your lawn’s health. Every living being on the planet needs oxygen and water to survive, and your grass is no different. Aeration provides the roots of your lawn access to both, leaving your lawn greener, thicker and more beautiful.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Wikimedia, CC 3.0
\n","title":"Lawn Aeration: DIY Vs. Hiring a Professional","featured_media":null,"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Aeration: DIY Vs. Hiring a Professional | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"e6e2bb3c-02a5-5a14-bdff-acff445ad27f","slug":"gardening-without-a-garden-10-ideas-for-your-patio-or-balcony","path":"/home-garden/gardening-without-a-garden-10-ideas-for-your-patio-or-balcony/","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/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"}],"date":"February 19th, 2019","excerpt":"There is no doubt that vegetables and fruits grown in a garden is 100% better than the same vegetables and fruits purchased at the supermarket. But, many people believe they need a home in the country, with a big yard to plant food. This is not true. Plants do not know where they are planted. […]
\n","content":"\nThere is no doubt that vegetables and fruits grown in a garden is 100% better than the same vegetables and fruits purchased at the supermarket. But, many people believe they need a home in the country, with a big yard to plant food. This is not true. Plants do not know where they are planted. As long as there are sunshine and rain, they will deliver delicious food.
\n\n\n\nIn order to have a successful garden in a small area, you need a plan. Measure the area that
\n\n\n\nyour garden will have. Be sure you leave walking space so you can tend to the plants.
![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/pierre-chatel-innocenti-1141208-unsplash.jpg?fit=819%2C1024&ssl=1\")
It can be difficult to know what to plant. Can your plants survive the climate where you live? What is the best soil to buy? What do plant illnesses look like? While your seed vendor can give you a lot of information, he cannot see your garden.
There are many free apps online that are just for you. They can answer many of the questions you have when you see something unexpected. Gardening Companion is a great app and it ranks among the highest by novice gardeners.
\n\n\n\nKnow how much water the plants need. For example, carrots are a great vegetable to plant this time of year. You must make sure the plants stay moist so the roots will not dry out. Know what you are expected to do for your plant. Your app will remind you when it is time to water if you set it up.
\n\n\n\nPests can ruin your crop, especially when you are new to gardening and miss the signs. However, there are certain flowers and herbs that will repel insects. Consider planting a couple of pots of Marigolds. Try adding some Lemongrass, Rosemary, and Basil to your herb section. These plants have a scent that repels insects.
\n\n\n\nStand a 4-foot ladder on your patio or balcony. Place wooden planks on each rung with wider planks at the bottom. This is a great way to take advantage of your vertical space. Some of your plants like pole beans and tomatoes will need a trellis because the plant needs to grow up instead of out. The best way to use these is to place the pots beside the wall. Push the trellis into the plant. As the plant grows it will climb the trellis.
Place herb plants in small pots in a tray. Place gravel in the bottom of the tray so they can drain. Use hanging pots that can be taken inside if need be.
\n\n\n\nMany plants will tolerate sun well. Your seed vendor will help you select the right seeds. However, if you need at least partial shade, consider putting up an awning. If this is not an option, erect a beach umbrella or two. If your garden is on the balcony, be sure you secure the umbrellas well.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to keep your plants as healthy and natural as possible, you can collect rainwater to water the plants. In most places, this is perfectly legal. However, some places have rules against it. Simply place an open barrel or large pot on the patio to collect the rain.
\n\n\n\nYou will need several clay pots that are 8” to 10”. These are for your vegetables and fruits. You will need a few hanging pots for herbs, strawberries, and smaller plants. Then you need potting soils and handheld gardening tools. You will need high-quality and fresh seeds by experts in the field. Click here: https://www.myseedneeds.com/blogs/seed-needs/growing-lemon-mint
\n\n\n\nMany people are surprised at how much produce they grow from a few plants. Spinach, tomatoes, squash, and many other plants, produce plants for a while. Have a plan of what to do with them. Canning, drying, and freezing is good options.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/oQpmlRXkirK9dpmWlOyt4C-KLUolWWRCskd6U3XeEjdbrfqdynqurf0G57uoXtG3ogV1MDPaOboxDFKpnuIlbO7tk5ErAiM_nCGEjQjL3mdTgmAc60qcZb1MDqcXZ4xErKkhnWiz\")
There are many plants that you can grow now. This is just a sample list. We encourage you to expand this list to include your preferences.
As you can see, planting a garden on your patio or balcony is a great way to enjoy nature while feeding your family healthy foods. You can change the plants with each season. Life will be delicious at your house!
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page by clicking here.
\n","title":"Gardening Without A Garden: 10 Ideas For Your Patio or Balcony","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/1789c/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/107df/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/293e9/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/f2cbb/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/1789c/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/356ef/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/1dd6e/vegetables-790022_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/67b76/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/8df11/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/98a65/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/1dd6e/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/93f70/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Gardening Without A Garden: 10 Ideas For Your Patio or Balcony | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"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":"f3cedee9-3f12-5780-b5e8-eb8974ca3926","slug":"diy-hydroseeding","path":"/blog/diy-hydroseeding/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A writer by trade, Janine Caayao graduated from the University of the Philippines. She draws, plays video games, and snuggles with her cats during her free time.","name":"Janine Caayao","id":"eab2e0a9-2863-5dad-b98f-fe06c596c508","path":"/author/janine-caayao/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4577dd58c063fcc8a254c30d035fc354?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":"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":"26ba59cd-d2e7-522a-9533-8adbce1b8714","slug":"how-to-mow-a-lawn","path":"/blog/how-to-mow-a-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 11th, 2022","excerpt":"Knowing how to mow a lawn properly is crucial to the health of your grass. Cutting the grass might seem self-explanatory, but there are some rules and tricks that will ensure your yard is the envy of the neighborhood. We’ve broken down the process into six steps and included some tips for specific grass types. […]
\n","content":"\nKnowing how to mow a lawn properly is crucial to the health of your grass. Cutting the grass might seem self-explanatory, but there are some rules and tricks that will ensure your yard is the envy of the neighborhood. We’ve broken down the process into six steps and included some tips for specific grass types.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot all lawns are alike, and the way you mow your lawn depends on your grass type and the shape and size of your yard. But no matter what kind of lawn you have, following these six steps will keep your grass healthy and thriving:
\n\n\n\nThe time of day you mow is just as important as the season. Mid-morning and late afternoon are the best times to cut your grass.
\n\n\n\nAvoid mowing at daybreak because the morning dew forces the mower to work harder, and the moisture tears the grass blades. Mowing in the evening can be stressful on your grass as it won’t have time to recover.
\n\n\n\nDon’t mow after a rain shower either; wet grass will dull the lawn mower blades and can create ruts, uneven cuts, and clumping on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_800px-electric_lawn_mower_underside_img_5501-1.jpg\")
Sharp blades are essential for a clean and easy cut. Dull blades tear your grass, leading to brown grass and increased disease. Sharp blades that cleanly slice through your grass can help it regrow and repair faster.
\n\n\n\nYou can sharpen the blades on your own or hire a professional. If you decide to sharpen them on your own, always remove the mower’s spark plug before you remove and replace the mower blades.
\n\n\n\n![\"Sticks](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_img_1651-1-1024x768.jpg\")
Remove any sticks, garbage, or forgotten toys. Debris can get caught in the mower and fly out, injuring someone or damaging property. Mowing over sticks and other items will wear down your mower’s blades much faster.
\n\n\n\nDon’t get too close to landscaping elements or children’s play areas. Removing the grass from these locations can be done with an edger or string trimmer. This is much safer and worth the extra time.
\n\n\n\nCutting in the same pattern every time you mow compacts the soil and flattens the grass blades. This prevents the lawn from getting enough water and air, ultimately halting growth.
\n\n\n\nAlternating mowing patterns can be as simple as cutting east to west one week and north to south the next. This is also an opportunity to get creative and stripe your lawn or create a checkerboard pattern and make it look like an MLB playing field.
\n\n\n\nWant the look of a baseball field without all the work? We can help you find a lawn care professional to stripe and design patterns in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nCheck your mower’s height before starting. Place your mower on a flat and firm surface and measure up from the ground to your mower blade. Set the lever to the desired height. You’ll find the desired height for each grass type in the table below.
\n\n\n\nWhen your grass reaches 3-5 inches tall, you should cut it down incrementally instead of all at once. It’s best to cut your grass by a third of its height each time. This is known as the one-third rule.
\n\n\n\nFollowing the one-third rule helps keep your grass green, prevents soil compaction, and increases your lawn’s defense against pests and disease. Cutting to the right height also limits injury to the crown of the grass blades, where nutrients are stored.
\n\n\n\n![\"grass](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_grass_clippings-1024x444.jpg\")
Grass clippings are an excellent mulch for your lawn. The chopped grass blades act as a natural fertilizer and return nitrogen to the soil, so don’t bag them. Contrary to popular belief, grass clippings do not contribute to lawn thatch.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses tend to sprout faster than warm-season grass types, but the mowing frequencies and heights vary according to the species.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses begin to grow as the weather hits 65° and thrive in temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees. These types of grasses grow fastest during the summer.
\n\n\n\nHere’s the recommended height for common warm-season grasses and how often they need mowing.
\n\n\n\n| Warm-Season Grass | Recommended Height | Recommended Mowing Frequency |
| Buffalograss | 2” – 3” | weekly |
| Dichondra | 1.5” – 2” | bi-weekly |
| Centipede Grass | 1” – 1.5” | every 5-7 days |
| Zoysia | 1.5 – 3” | every 7-10 days |
| Bermudagrass | 1” – 1.5” | every 5-7 days |
Cool-season grasses begin to grow as the weather reaches 60° and enjoy temperatures between 60° – 75°. This means the peak growing season is in spring and fall. When growth slows during the summer, you may only need to mow every other week.
\n\n\n\n| Cool-Season Grass | Recommended Height | Recommended Mowing Frequency |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 1.5”- 2.5” | every 5-7 days |
| Tall Fescue | 2” – 3” | every 7-10 days |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2.5“ – 3” | weekly |
| Red Fescue | 3 – 3.5“ | every 7-10 days |
Mowing Tips
\n\n\n\nIn addition to the six steps listed above, these mowing tips will help make sure you mow your lawn properly:
\n\n\n\nFinding the right lawnmower is one of the best ways to make lawn care easier. Consider the amount of money you want to spend, the size of your yard, and specific conveniences you’d like.
\n\n\n\nMost lawns should be mowed once a week, but some should be cut bi-weekly especially cool-season grasses that grow quickly during the spring and fall. Slower growing lawns should be cut every 7 to 10 days. To conserve water, mow less often during a dry spell.
\n\n\n\nThe one-third rule is the best gauge for how often to mow your grass. Frequency is a balance between the health of your grass and the look of your lawn. Grass is a sensitive plant, and mowing too often can diminish its ability to thrive.
\n\n\n\nIt’s tempting to mow new grass as soon as you see it sprout, but that can damage the lawn. Once the new grass hits an inch above the recommended mowing height, you can give your new lawn a cut.
\n\n\n\nIf you wait long enough, that first mow can help you grow a robust and healthy lawn with less risk for soil compaction.
\n\n\n\nNearly 7,000 people a year are injured by lawn mowers. These injuries can be avoided by adhering to basic safety rules, including:
\n\n\n\nIt really doesn’t matter. Most people find it best to mow first as it cleans up the majority of growth and makes it easier to see the edging.
\n\n\n\nSome people find it better to edge first, so you have a better view of the landscaping and other obstacles. This can make it easier to avoid them while mowing.
\n\n\n\nTypically you will overlap by a few inches, but it depends on the width of your mower’s deck. Overlap as much as needed to ensure you don’t miss any spots.
\n\n\n\nStart with a string trimmer or weed eater and remove about one-third of the growth. Repeat this process a few days later, and then use a mower to reach the desired height.
\n\n\n\n
Worried about safety, mowing correctly, or finding the right tools? We can help you find a lawn care professional to take care of all your mowing, edging, trimming, and mulching.
Main photo credit: Brenda Stuart | Wikilawn
\n","title":"How to Mow a Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/1789c/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/107df/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/293e9/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/f2cbb/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/1789c/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/a2a79/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/1dd6e/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/67b76/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 320w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/8df11/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 500w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/98a65/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 800w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/1dd6e/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 960w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/7aa54/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Mow a Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Mowing your grass correctly gives you a dense lawn that can fight off disease, weeds, and pests. We’ll show you how to mow a lawn to keep it healthy and green."}}},{"node":{"id":"cbcbc672-7fb2-51a1-a118-834cceeaaa1b","slug":"how-to-use-salt-kill-weeds","path":"/blog/how-to-use-salt-kill-weeds/","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/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Surely there is another way to kill stubborn weeds than using dangerous chemicals or expensive organic herbicides, right? Right. This article discusses how to use salt to kill weeds. It turns out you can get rid of weeds in a way that does not pose a health risk to you and your loved ones. And […]
\n","content":"\nSurely there is another way to kill stubborn weeds than using dangerous chemicals or expensive organic herbicides, right? Right. This article discusses how to use salt to kill weeds. It turns out you can get rid of weeds in a way that does not pose a health risk to you and your loved ones. And it’s right in your kitchen cabinet!
\n\n\n\nKeep reading to learn how to kill weeds with salt instead of toxic chemicals like Roundup.
\n\n\nWho knew sodium chloride, aka regular ole table salt, could be so useful in the yard? Even if all you have is the salt you use to season your food, you can use it to eliminate weeds.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in a location where it gets icy regularly, you may also keep rock salt, the salt placed on the ground to eat away ice in winter, in the house. It can also be used to kill weeds.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"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\nWhat you need:
\n\n\n\nSolutions more concentrated with salt can disrupt the soil composition and hurt other plants you want to keep. So, a 1-to-2 salt-to-water mixture is best in a flower bed or on your lawn. You can start with a 1:3 salt-to-water ratio and increase the salt content daily until it starts killing the weeds.
\n\n\n\nIn areas where soil health preservation is not important, like cracks in the driveway, a 2:1 or 3:1 salt-to-water ratio can be used to kill the weeds more quickly and with fewer applications.
\n\n\n\nAdd a little white vinegar and liquid dish soap to make the salt solution more effective.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"rock](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/rock-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BWFolsom / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWhat you need:
\n\n\n\nThere are a couple of ways to apply rock salt as a post-emergent weed killer.
\n\n\n\nEasy No-Mix Rock Salt Weed Killer: Sprinkle a little rock salt on the ground at the base of the weed. This is a fast method for controlling weeds sprouting in driveways and walkways and between pavers. The pesky plants will die within about a week and a half. Rock salt will also kill grass and other plants and stop anything from growing where it has been sprinkled, giving it a pre-emergent herbicidal quality. Rain will eventually dissipate the effects.
\n\n\n\nRock Salt Spray Recipe: Add 1 cup of rock salt to 1 gallon of hot water. Mix until the salt is dissolved. Put the combination into a spray bottle. This solution is a good way to kill weeds in grass and flower beds because you can spray it directly on weeds and keep it from coming into contact with the plants you want to keep.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"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\nOnce you’ve mixed your salt spray, spray it directly onto the weeds you want to kill. Be careful not to get too much salt water on your grass or ornamental plants. After five days, respray the weeds. Wait another five days and reapply. If there is torrential rain, it could dilute the salt, and you may have to reapply it sooner than five days.
\n\n\n\nYou don’t want to saturate your soil with salt water. It can harm the soil and nearby plants. So, after spraying weeds with salt water, thoroughly water the roots of any nearby vegetation to dilute any salt solution that made contact with grass or ornamentals.
\n\n\n\nOverall, a salt spray is best for small-scale weed problems.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe type of salt used is important. It must be rock salt or sodium chloride to kill weeds. Table salt that is iodized or non-iodized will work. Avoid using sea salt and magnesium sulfate, which is also known as Epsom salt.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalt is so effective at killing weeds that it can kill other plants and disrupt the soil composition so that nothing grows for a few years. As previously stated, this prevention of regrowth gives salt a pre-emergent herbicidal quality.
\n\n\n\nSalt contains acetic acid, which pulls out moisture. The way salt kills weeds is by dehydrating them and disrupting the plant cells’ internal water balance. Weeds absorb this natural weed killer more when water is added to the salt. Salt burns the foliage and prevents the plant from getting sufficient water.
\n\n\n\nWhite vinegar also has acetic acid, so adding a little of it to your salt solution will increase the moisture extraction effects.
\n\n\n\nAdding a little liquid dish soap to your solution can also make the salt more effective because dish soap is a surfactant, meaning it reduces the water’s surface tension, enabling the plant to absorb more of the solution.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"salt](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/salt-being-poured-from-someones-fingers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: taffpix / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nSalt is not toxic like chemical herbicides. However, applying salt as a weed killer does come with advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at some:
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\n✓ Does not cause health risks that herbicidal chemicals containing ingredients like 2,4-D and glyphosate are linked to, such as endocrine disruption and cancer
✓ Cheaper weed killer than commercial herbicides
✓ Children and pets do not have to stay off the grass to avoid toxic exposure
✓ Effectively kills smaller weeds
✓ Can be used near edible plants without exposing them to dangerous chemicals
Cons:
\n\n\n\n✗ Large quantities can change the pH level of the soil and make it sterile
✗ Can kill nearby plants and grass
✗ May not work on salt-tolerant plants
✗ Not as effective on large plants
✗ Should be used for weed killing on a small scale
Salt is not the only homemade weed killer that can effectively replace toxic chemical herbicides.
\n\n\n\nBoiling water has some of the same benefits and disadvantages as a salt solution. Surrounding plants can be damaged if boiling water splashes on them. On the other hand, boiling water will not disturb the chemical composition of the soil and damage it or prevent future growth.
\n\n\n\nVinegar solutions usually include adding salt, but the amount of salt is less. The most effective vinegar mixtures are made with vinegar that is 20% acetic acid, also known as herbicidal vinegar. These weed killers, like salt, can change the soil composition.
\n\n\n\nUltimately, the decision of which homemade weed-killing method to use is up to you. To salt or not to salt? That is the question. All of these non-toxic herbicides are safer for pets and humans than their commercial herbicide counterparts.
\n\n\n\nIt typically takes about 10 days for a salt and water solution to kill existing weeds.
Practicing good lawn care management regularly will help prevent weeds in the first place. It is difficult for unwanted plants to sprout in a well-kept lawn or garden. Here are some tips for preventing weeds in your landscape:
● Use mulch in gardens and on the lawn. Mulch stops weed growth. Apply organic mulch to decrease weed germination. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing is a natural way to fertilize the grass and suppress weeds. However, leaving clippings when you have lawn weeds will spread the seeds.
● Check for weeds regularly so you can eliminate them when they are young and few.
● Plant grass seed adapted to your area, which will thrive in your climate and more easily outcompete local weeds.
● Mow, water, and fertilize the grass as recommended for your grass type. See recommendations for cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses in our guides.
● Treat the lawn for diseases and insects to keep the grass healthy and weed-resistant.
● Pull up weeds with a tool or by hand and remove the taproot to prevent regrowth.
● Plant ground cover. These ornamentals spread quickly, providing a dense carpet that smothers and suppresses weeds.
Pulling weeds by hand or with a tool is an eco-friendly method that doesn’t affect the soil or other plants. It is easier to manage weeds this way when there are only a few of them and they are young. Wet the soil to remove weeds more easily. Ensure you have removed the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
Having a way to manage weeds that is cheaper and more convenient than commercial herbicides is nice. Having a way to manage weeds that is safer for your family, fur babies, and the environment is priceless. Salt is both!
\n\n\n\n
But if you need a break from DIY landscape maintenance, there is a way you can have your cake and eat it, too. Enjoy a beautiful, thriving yard and some leisure time by connecting with qualified lawn care professionals in your area to do all the work while you chill.
Main Photo Credit: ac_bnphotos / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"How to Use Salt to Kill Weeds","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/1789c/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/107df/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/293e9/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/f2cbb/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/1789c/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/c26c2/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/1dd6e/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/67b76/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 320w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/8df11/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 500w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/98a65/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 800w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/1dd6e/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 960w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/3cc96/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Use Salt to Kill Weeds | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Did you know you have an ingredient in your kitchen that can kill weeds? Learn how to use salt to kill weeds instead of dangerous herbicides."}}},{"node":{"id":"4ffe5de5-d22a-50e4-9c09-43d605c75e25","slug":"6-organizing-tips-to-tidy-up-your-yard","path":"/blog/landscaping/6-organizing-tips-to-tidy-up-your-yard/","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/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2019","excerpt":"What is a backyard if not an extension of one’s soul? Okay, that may be a bit dramatic, but what’s the point of having that yard if you don’t maintain it well? Your lawn is a part of your property strangers can often look into without having to be welcomed into your home, so keeping […]
\n","content":"\nWhat is a backyard if not an extension of one’s soul? Okay, that may be a bit dramatic, but what’s the point of having that yard if you don’t maintain it well? Your lawn is a part of your property strangers can often look into without having to be welcomed into your home, so keeping it organized is crucial to maintaining the right appearances in your neighborhood. It is one of many ways to improve your all-important curb appeal. Though there is a lot of open space in the typical yard, keeping the rest well organized does take some effort and wise thinking. Try these tips to keep your backyard items well maintained and stored correctly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/lawnmowers-yelloe.jpg\")
It’s possible to store most lawn care products and other backyard items without much maintenance. The main exception would be lawnmowers or other motorized lawn equipment. Drain any fuel or other fluids put inside these tools before they are stored long-term. In the winter, make sure to empty the fuel tank of the mower before putting it away in the garage or shed. If the items are stored outdoors, try to keep them above ground to prevent snow and water from getting to them.
\n\n\n\nRead more: Here Are the Best Push Lawn Mowers of 2019
\n\n\n\nOutdoor grills can get dirty during a busy summer, so cleaning a grill before putting it in storage is always wise. A grill brush can be a big help with the job. Weber Grills has a helpful guide on their site that helps walk through the steps owners of each kind of grill should take before storing their grills. Whatever grill you have, it can be stored indoors or outdoors during the winter, but a propane tank should always be stored outside. If you choose to store your grill outdoors, a grill cover can help protect its exterior from the elements.
\n\n\n\nMost items that kids love to play with at the pool are pretty low maintenance, but it always helps to break down these pool toys and accessories to their smallest components. That means disassembling the pool basketball hoop, deflating the floating pool toys, and folding all the towels.
\n\n\n\nThere’s always an item or two that can be removed to create extra space in any outdoor space. Many people don’t refresh their lawn decorations or leave some out far too long. Others keep broken or worn down lawn equipment, flower pots or watering instruments around as it can be difficult to throw them out.
\n\n\n\nThe shed or garage close to your outdoor space can often become the place where items to be sold, donated, or thrown out are put. It generally feels easier to move these items temporarily than it is actually to get rid of them. Determine a workflow to assess which of these seeming superfluous items are worth keeping, and figure out what to do with the rest (selling, donating, dumping) that makes the most sense.
\n\n\n\nDecluttering your backyard makes the outdoor living space more inviting and more functional for your friends and family… or neighbors. When you have too much stuff just lying around and taking up space in your yard, the point this summer should be to declutter it. The golden rule is the less you have, the less you need to store. Just like when you’re looking at renting a storage space or preparing for a long distance move, throwing away or donating items means fewer things for you to worry about.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/4757379661_316dfa218f_z.jpg\")
Need more space to store things in and around your yard? There are a few convenient yard storage solutions. Add storage racks or buy shelves to go alongside the walls of the garage, and you’ll make more use out of the space right next to your yard. In the yard, a storage shed or deck box can make an unassuming place to put some items that belong in the yard but aren’t always being used. The deck box or shed can blend into a yard much like an ottomans blend into a living room. A wine rack as a holder for clean – rolled-up towels and a water-proof coat rack is a great solution for hanging wet towels to dry.
\n\n\n\nThe elements are always a concern in the yard, so patio and other outdoor furniture should have covers that can be put on them upon notice of inclement weather. Clearing debris from the lawn can help prevent damage in cases of inclement weather too; don’t let a strong breeze cause one of your items to be dented. Cleaning your metal yard equipment like lawnmowers, grills, and gardening tools will help keep them from rusting and help them maintain their top effectiveness. Having a landscape layout that’s fit for your home is often about yard maintenance. But the reward of a photogenic and welcoming exterior on your property is worth it.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Earthworm
\n","title":"Here Are 6 Organizing Tips to Tidy Up Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/1789c/backyard-clutter.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/107df/backyard-clutter.jpg 320w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/293e9/backyard-clutter.jpg 500w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/f2cbb/backyard-clutter.jpg 800w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/1789c/backyard-clutter.jpg 960w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/a2a79/backyard-clutter.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/1dd6e/backyard-clutter.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/67b76/backyard-clutter.webp 320w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/8df11/backyard-clutter.webp 500w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/98a65/backyard-clutter.webp 800w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/1dd6e/backyard-clutter.webp 960w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/7aa54/backyard-clutter.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Here Are 6 Organizing Tips to Tidy Up Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"0f0be98b-9879-5e0b-8848-40350eef9b40","slug":"pampas-grass-when-to-plant-it","path":"/blog/pampas-grass-when-to-plant-it/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Sara Pali","id":"4d4f2af5-a178-5520-b6e1-404b933024b2","path":"/author/sara-pali/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/dfe0834fb23b5aba6b496b1b6a9774d7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2022","excerpt":"Pampas grass is an ornamental grass with dramatic foliage that produces beautiful showstoppers in landscapes and floral arrangements. Before learning how to plant and grow pampas grass, you need to understand the plant’s needs and when to plant it. This article will show you: When to plant pampas grass How to plant pampas grass […]
\n","content":"\nPampas grass is an ornamental grass with dramatic foliage that produces beautiful showstoppers in landscapes and floral arrangements. Before learning how to plant and grow pampas grass, you need to understand the plant’s needs and when to plant it.
\n\n\n\nThis article will show you:
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant pampas grass is in early spring, between March and May. This warm-season ornamental grass grows best at temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nYou can grow pampas grass from seed in three easy steps.
\n\n\n\nIt takes 2 to 3 years from planting the pampas grass seeds until their feathery plumes form. If you don’t want to wait, garden nurseries and hardware stores often sell more mature plants in 1-gallon and 3-gallon containers.
\n\n\n\nPampas grass grows best in full sun. It tolerates partial shade, so climates in the USDA zones 7-11 are ideal. You’ll find it along the coast of California, the Central Valley, Western Transverse Ranges, and the Mojave Desert. Pampas grass prefers moist, well-draining soil preferring temperatures 75 degrees or higher and high humidity levels.
\n\n\n\nPampas grass tolerates salt spray and high winds, often growing as high as 6 feet in one year. When growing pampas grass from seed, the plant will take from 2 to 4 years to reach full maturity. Because of its size, it needs a lot of space. If creating a hedge, leave 6 to 8 feet between each plant.
\n\n\n\nYou will need to water occasionally if planting pampas grass in a container, but once in the ground, pampas grass is low maintenance. No need for additional watering since it thrives on natural rainfall. Applying mulch around the root zones should keep out weeds and keep the soil moist.
\n\n\n\nPampas grass requires yearly pruning in late winter. Use shears to cut the plant as close to ground level as possible.
\n\n\n\nOver time pampas grass becomes overcrowded, and the center of the plant dies. Propagation keeps the grass healthy and grows new plants. You can do this in the spring by slicing clumps of grass and planting them in another location.
\n\n\n\nPampas grass prevents soil erosion with its strong root system. Once established, it has very few pest problems, and deer don’t find it appealing. Since it’s drought-tolerant, it makes an excellent grass alternative.
\n\n\n\nLike all plants, pampas has its downsides.
\n\n\n\nPampas grass has grass-like foliage and feathery plumes that come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, lavender, and pink. This ornamental grass also comes in several varieties.
\n\n\n\nDwarf varieties of pampas grass are the smallest and shortest of the species. Reaching a height of 3 to 6 feet and a width of 3 to 4 feet, dwarf pampas grass grows in zones 6 to 10. It has green foliage and white, feathery plumes.
\n\n\n\nGold band pampas grass grows in zones 7 to 11. It grows 6 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Its foliage is green with a lengthwise yellow stripe, and its feathery plume is white.
\n\n\n\nAndes silver pampas grass grows 5 to 7 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Grown in zones 6 to 10, it has a silvery-white, feathery plume and gray-green foliage.
\n\n\n\nSilver comet pampas grass has a creamy-white, feathery plume. Its foliage is green with two white stripes on each blade’s edges. Grown in zones 7 to 10, silver comet pampas grass grows to a height and width of 4 to 6 feet.
\n\n\n\nPurple pampas grass is also known as Andean pampas grass. It’s the tallest and largest on this list, growing to heights of 15 to 20 feet tall and up to 19 feet wide. With deep green foliage and purple or pink feathery plumes, purple pampas grass grows in zones 7 to 11.
\n\n\n\nMale and female flowers differ in pampas grass, with the female plants displaying more color. Male plants lack the silky hairs that cover the flowers and make pampas grass so dramatic. Pampas grass is often propagated by separating the female and male clumps.
\n\n\n\n1. Does pampas grass come back every year?
\n\n\n\nYes. Pampas grass is a perennial plant that grows from spring through fall. It goes dormant in the winter.
\n\n\n\n2. Is pampas grass poisonous to dogs?
\n\n\n\nNo. According to the ASPCA, pampas grass is non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, but the sharp edges can sometimes cut their paws.
\n\n\n\n3. When does pampas grass bloom?
\n\n\n\nPampas grass blooms in late summer through early fall. In warmer climates, it can bloom throughout the winter.
\n\n\n\n4. How do I dry pampas grass to use in a floral arrangement?
\n\n\n\nWrap the stems together with some string and hang them upside down in a dry place for about three weeks. Use care when handling the dry stems to keep the plumes from shedding.
\n\n\n\n5. How do I care for pampas grass in a floral arrangement?
\n\n\n\nYou’ll need to cut pampas grass’s feathery plumes when they become fluffy before they begin to shed. Inspect plumes for insects and lightly shake to remove. To prevent further shedding once cut, lightly spray with aerosol hairspray. Hang to dry.
\n\n\n\nWhen indoors, keep pampas grass plumes away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Pampas grass’s feathery plumes last up to 2 years when dried.
\n\n\n\n6. How do I remove pampas grass?
\n\n\n\nRemoving pampas grass can be labor-intensive. UC Master Gardeners of Napa County recommends removing the plant by hand when the soil is moist, before its feathery plumes bloom. You’ll need to remove the roots as well.
\n\n\n\n
If you love the feathery plumes but don’t want to deal with pampas grass’s sharp blades, we can help you find a landscaping professional near you who will plant and prune your plants.
Main Photo Credit: Moshe Harosh | Pixabay
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\n","content":"\nI firmly believe any plant can be considered a weed if it’s growing somewhere it isn’t wanted. This includes even turfgrass like Bahiagrass. Some homeowners adore the low-maintenance needs of Bahiagrass when grown for a lawn, and others absolutely despise it when rogue rhizomes creep out of neighboring pastures into their yards.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re firmly in the Bahiagrass-grass-is-trash camp, let’s dive into different ways to get rid of Bahiagrass in your landscape!
\n\n\n\nWhether it’s in your lawn or taking up residence in your vegetable garden or flower beds, we’ve got options for you. I will also offer non-chemical approaches to get rid of Bahiagrass if you’re looking for sustainable solutions.
\n\n\nWhen you see Bahiagrass in your lawn or flower beds, the first instinct is to grab ahold of it and yank it out by hand. Manually pulling it out may work, but remember that it reproduces via rhizomes, so you have to remove the entire underground part of the plant, too. If you only hand-pull the top off, the rhizomes continue reproducing, sending out new grass shoots.
\n\n\n\nSo, with this in mind, you should attack Bahiagrass with a multi-pronged approach, employing cultural practices and chemical or natural herbicides.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Untitled-design-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: eleonimages / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nI understand if you’ve ever stood in the lawn chemical aisle at your local hardware or big box store feeling overwhelmed and dizzy by all the choices. There are shelves of different products claiming to control various weeds. And it is essential to pick the right one for the task.
\n\n\n\nBefore we get into specific products, let’s talk about two types of weed killers and what sets them apart from one another: pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nI try to use pre-emergent herbicides whenever possible, as it’s easier to stop weeds from germinating (and yes, I’m going to classify Bahia as a weed in this situation) than it is to get rid of them once they sprout. You have limited pre-emergent options if you have Bahia growing on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nPlease note that it’s imperative to read the product label thoroughly. Only use herbicide you know is safe for your grass type.
\n\n\n\nCompared to pre-emergent products, you have many more options for post-emergent herbicides. However, care must still be taken to ensure you don’t harm your lawn. And be forewarned that you may need to apply these products more than once to control Bahia because of its deep rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nThe following selective herbicides are labeled for use on specific turf types, so they won’t harm the intended grass but should tackle the Bahia infestation. Plus, they’ll likely also get rid of crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is a little easier to control in flower beds or garden plots. While there is controversy surrounding glyphosate (commonly sold as RoundUp), it is an effective weed killer and works well when you are looking for something for spot treatment. Glyphosate is non-selective, killing anything it touches; be careful not to spray it when it’s windy or when the Bahia is close to other desired plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bahiagrass-lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBeyond chemical treatment methods, you can implement some essential lawn care practices for the control of Bahiagrass.
\n\n\n\nEncouraging a healthy, lush lawn is the best way to prevent unwanted grasses and weeds. A thick, dense carpet of grass will naturally choke out unwanted Bahia trying to take hold.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn on a regular schedule based on the type of grass you’re growing. For most grasses, this will be at least twice per year. Bahiagrass has low nutrient needs, so regular lawn fertilization will hinder its growth and keep it from returning.
\n\n\n\nBahia spreads primarily through underground rhizomes but also puts out distinctive, Y-shaped seed heads. These seed heads disperse and further spread the unwanted grass when left alone. Mowing your lawn consistently—at the appropriate lawn mower height for your turf type—helps prevent any Bahia in your grass from going to seed and spreading.
\n\n\n\nWhen dealing with Bahia that has gone to seed, you should bag and dispose of your grass clippings versus letting them fall back on the grass.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your lawn so it isn’t too dry is a fantastic way to discourage Bahia from growing. Bahia is revered for its drought tolerance and will quickly move into established turf if the soil is too dry and the existing grass is stressed.
\n\n\n\nWater your grass deeply, yet infrequently, several times a week. Aim to give it about one inch of water (total) over the course of a week, but this amount varies slightly based on the grass you’re growing and the soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is opportunistic and will take over empty space, including the bare spots in your St. Augustine or Bermudagrass lawn. To help prevent it from sneaking its way in, anytime you see bare spots in your grass, sow grass seed quickly and cover the soil with a layer of mulch. Growing new grass as soon as possible will help keep Bahia at bay.
\n\n\n\n![\"sparse](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sparse-Bahiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFor those who want to veer away from traditional chemical control methods, you have a couple of options that may work. A quick caveat though: these methods typically have a lower success rate and take much longer to see results.
\n\n\n\nSome people swear by using vinegar (scientifically known as acetic acid) as a weed killer. Mix one cup of white distilled vinegar, one cup of water, and a few drops of dish soap from under your kitchen sink. Shake the ingredients together and spray or pour it directly on the Bahiagrass.
\n\n\n\nThe vinegar pulls water out of the plant, drying out the leaves and ultimately (hopefully) killing whatever you pour it on. This is why it’s essential only to spray it on weeds, making sure it doesn’t get on anything you want to keep.
\n\n\n\nI’ve tried this method myself and have gotten mixed results. I’ve found it works best if you apply it on hot, sunny days and then repeat it every five days or so.
\n\n\n\nIf you have large Bahiagrass patches in your lawn or garden you want to get rid of, an effective way to tackle them naturally is to deprive the entire section of sunlight. Cover the Bahia with black plastic sheeting or large garbage bags, securing the corners so the covering stays in place. After a couple of weeks, everything under the plastic should be smothered out and dead.
\n\n\n\nPersonally, I think this method is best for your garden and flower beds. If you use it on your lawn, you’ll also kill any other grass in the area.
\n\n\n\nLastly, if you’re looking for an alternative pre-emergent method, you can apply corn gluten meal to your lawn. Use about 20 pounds of it per 1,000 square feet of grass for the best results.
\n\n\n\nCorn gluten meal has been used as an organic, natural pre-emergent herbicide for many years. Researchers at Iowa State University unintentionally discovered its pre-emergent properties in the early 1990s. When applied to the soil, it releases dipeptides, organic compounds that dry out seeds, so they have trouble sprouting.
\n\n\n\nIf you are looking for a chemical control option, you must carefully choose a product that considers Bahia a “weed” and kills it without damaging your turf. Some commonly used post-emergent herbicides include metsulfuron-methyl, sethoxydim, and imazaquin. Always read the product label and double-check that the herbicide is safe for the type of grass you’re growing.
The biggest problem with leaving Bahiagrass mixed in your turfgrass is its potential to spread and take over. If left unchecked, it could push out your desired turf, whether St. Augustine, Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, etc. Plus, Bahia seed heads are unsightly and pop up quickly when left unmowed.
Centipedegrass is the best choice if you’re looking for a warm-season turf that naturally keeps Bahiagrass out. It forms a dense, thick carpet of lawn that will usually keep Bahiagrass from creeping in or choke out any existing plants.
Hopefully, these ideas will help get rid of any unwanted Bahiagrass in your lawn. Once you’ve removed it, we’ve got plenty of resources online to help you with grass and lawn care to keep it from returning. And if you ever need help with lawn weed control, lawn care experts are only a click away!
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Harry Rose / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"How to Get Rid of Bahiagrass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/1789c/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/107df/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/293e9/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/f2cbb/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/1789c/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/c26c2/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/1dd6e/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/67b76/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.webp 320w,\n/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/8df11/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.webp 500w,\n/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/98a65/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.webp 800w,\n/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/1dd6e/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.webp 960w,\n/static/672c3bc3a550b534a4a7011678f04f3c/3cc96/1280px-Paspalum_notatum_habit3_7391321372-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Get Rid of Bahiagrass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Here are some of the best ways to get rid of weedy Bahiagrass in your landscape without damaging your lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"c8821141-6409-59b1-9d5a-5a8360c22227","slug":"how-to-test-and-improve-your-soil","path":"/blog/how-to-test-and-improve-your-soil/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?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":"March 11th, 2023","excerpt":"A great-looking lawn begins with great soil. Testing the acidity and composition of your soil is an easy process. Let’s break down why and how to test and improve your soil, as well as the soil amendments you’ll want to consider. In this article, we’ll cover: Why You Need to Test and Improve Your Soil […]
\n","content":"\nA great-looking lawn begins with great soil. Testing the acidity and composition of your soil is an easy process. Let’s break down why and how to test and improve your soil, as well as the soil amendments you’ll want to consider.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nPlant growth is impacted by the pH balance of the soil. Grass and plants can’t survive in soil that’s too acidic or has too much alkaline. The pH number ranges from 1 to 14. A level below 7 is considered acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. A measurement of 7 is neutral.
\n\n\n\nKnowing the pH of soil lets you decide what to plant and where. The results of a soil test will also indicate how you can improve plant quality. This includes adding fertilizers and other amendments.
\n\n\n\nYou can buy a soil test kit at any home improvement or lawn and garden store. Choose a kit based on what you want to learn about your soil. These kits will come with detailed instructions from the manufacturer.
\n\n\n\nAt-home testing kits are accurate enough for the casual gardener and lawn enthusiast. If you’re looking for something more specific, you should consider a full nutrient analysis. Your local cooperative extension office can provide you with the soil testing kit and perform the analysis.
\n\n\n\nThe testing process will vary slightly depending on the kit you purchase, but the general process will be the same.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: If your sample has lots of earthworms wiggling about, this means your soil already has a strong composition of organic matter.
\n\n\n\nA soil amendment is anything added to the soil to improve nutrients, water retention, pH levels, air intake, and absorption. The goal of mixing amendments into your soil is to improve the environment for healthy root growth.
\n\n\n\nThere are two categories of soil amendments:
\n\n\n\nWhile mulch can be used to improve soil properties, it is not considered an amendment since it sits atop the soil.
\n\n\n\nThere are many options for amendments depending on what your soil test indicates. Cover crops and composted manure are great options, but not always necessary for home gardeners.
\n\n\n\nMost residential soils will benefit from one of the following common amendments:
\n\n\n\nSome gardens will require very specific adjustments and might require one of the following:
\n\n\n\nThere are three broad classifications of soil based on the rock particles it contains. Texture can be amended by adding organic matter such as compost or plant material.
\n\n\n\nGarden soil should be about 5% organic matter. Organic matter ensures the release of nitrogen is adequate to support your lawn and plants without additional fertilizers.
\n\n\n\nWhen should you add soil amendments?
\n\n\n\nAdd organic amendments in the fall, allowing earthworms to work it deeper into the ground by spring.
\n\n\n\nIf you need to amend in the spring, do so as soon as the soil is dry enough to work with.
\n\n\n\nHealthy soil is the first step to healthy and lower maintenance gardens.
\n\n\n\nWhat elements should I keep in mind when amending my soil?
\n\n\n\nFrequent testing will help you determine if your amendments are working. Once you get the soil where you want it, you only need to test every couple of years.
\n\n\n\nSamples should come from near the plant roots. This could be a specific garden bed or a tree’s root system. To assess the soil quality in your lawn, take samples from different areas based on conditions.
\n\n\n\nPhosphorus: Promotes root growth, plant maturity, and winter hardiness.
\n\n\n\nPotassium: Disease resistance, drought tolerance, and plant strength.
\n\n\n\nCalcium: Improves soil structure, aeration, and water retention.
\n\n\n\nMagnesium: Improves plant growth and chlorophyll production.
\n\n\n\n
While testing the soil in your yard might not be an overwhelming task, amending it might. If you find yourself short on time, patience, or ideas, consider calling on a local lawn care professional. The pros know just what to do to keep your soil healthy and when to do it, allowing you to simply enjoy the outcome.
Main photo credit: Rawpixel | CC0 1.0
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\n","content":"\nCats and dogs are curious by nature and will sniff or lick the chemicals you spray on your lawn. That’s why you need to know how to choose pet-safe weed killers.
\n\n\n\nRather than worry about an emergency trip to the vet, we’ll tell you how to select the safest weed killers for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nMany weed and grass killers contain toxic chemicals, which can cause serious harm to your pet. Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine found that using lawn chemicals, like glyphosate, increases a dog’s chance of developing cancer by up to 70%.
\n\n\n\nWhen looking for a pet-safe weed killer, pay close attention to the labels and check the active ingredients, certifications, types of weeds the product treats, and whether it’s a weed killer or weed preventer. Even if a product is labeled as “organic” or “pet-safe,” you still need to check what’s in it.
\n\n\n\nSome ingredients commonly found in animal-friendly herbicides include:
\n\n\n\nIf a product says it’s certified, do a little research and verify the organization or governing body that issued the certification. Some reputable organizations include Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), which are private, non-profit groups.
\n\n\n\nYou should avoid using any chemical weed killers containing:
\n\n\n\nSeveral companies like Get Sunday, Preen, Green Gobbler, and Dr. Kirchner specialize in effective pet-safe weed killers that won’t harm your grass or flowers.
\n\n\n\nYou can make several homemade weed killers and avoid exposing your dog or cat to harsh chemicals. Make sure your homemade weed killer doesn’t contain anything that could harm your pet. Safe options include:
\n\n\n\n1. What are the symptoms of weed killer poisoning in pets?
\n\n\n\nThe signs to watch for include:
\n\n\n\nIf your pet displays these symptoms and you suspect they were exposed to toxic chemicals, contact your vet immediately.
\n\n\n\n2. How long should I wait to let my dogs on the lawn after applying a weed killer?
\n\n\n\nWait at least 24 hours to make sure the product has completely dried before letting your kids, cats, and dogs play on it. Watering your lawn the next day will help the products dissipate.
\n\n\n\n3. What do I do after spraying weed killer to keep my pet safe?
\n\n\n\nWait a couple of days and pull up the pesky weeds. Make sure you get the root. If the roots are intact, the weeds can grow back. Wait at least two days after applying weed killer to mow.
\n\n\n\n4. Are there any downsides to pet-friendly weed killers?
\n\n\n\nYes. They don’t work as quickly, can be less effective on certain weeds, and vinegar-based solutions can increase the salt levels in your soil.
\n\n\n\n5. How do pet-safe weed killers work?
\n\n\n\nMost ingredients like vinegar, salt, and soap, dry out the plant, and corn gluten meal prevents seeds from sprouting.
Got a yard full of weeds but little time to get rid of them? We can help you find an eco-garden pro or lawn care professional who can handle the problem while you and your furry friend relax.
Main photo credit: Pxhere
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