{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-post-post-js","path":"/blog/lawnstarter-review/","result":{"pageContext":{"wordpressPost":{"id":"e401ec73-35b8-5c01-9cb8-e0f57b2a3fc2","slug":"lawnstarter-review","path":"/blog/lawnstarter-review/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nick Crawford is a blog writer based in Philadelphia. He enjoys writing just as much as he enjoys reading a good book, cooking, and working out in his spare time.","name":"Nick Crawford","id":"5213edde-9943-5767-a5ae-163493ecfae5","path":"/author/nick-crawford/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7ce3281d49bd9eb99cb1c4f0200247d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"January 20th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>LawnStarter has been called the Uber of lawn care, but is it legit? Short answer? Yes. Longer answer? You’ll find all you need to know in our LawnStarter review of its services, prices, customer reviews, and competitors.&nbsp; Interestingly, LawnStarter’s co-founders don’t want to be likened to Uber, but that moniker has stuck in investment circles. [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>LawnStarter has been called the Uber of lawn care, but is it legit? Short answer? Yes. Longer answer? You’ll find all you need to know in our LawnStarter review of its services, prices, customer reviews, and competitors.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, LawnStarter’s co-founders <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/lawnstarter/lawnstarter-uber-of-x/\" target=\"_blank\">don’t want to be likened to Uber</a>, but that moniker has stuck in investment circles.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>“So many people are trying to make an ‘Uber for X’. There’s only one Uber, and that’s Uber,” LawnStarter co-founder Ryan Farley says. “We’re not an on-demand, real-time company. It makes no sense for lawn care to be that way.”</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/zE1ChS6Og1vxg-VYYe-AZ1xQfxm_SCWMlJridVo3t3SbBRr0-DQ7fGQBOnXXrVIF_-fK13INDU1Eb7DBU4cipmMW9FYqoYrAVjzaIvLsQHn9amuSoHAirxtTuCR9DU0tjJH3713Fmn6txczEN89fuxBUW5_jJeGWs5QC8B8Ie5c362bNQFG9pjBEsnOlVg\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether the company is Uber-like or not, it has become the largest, most popular way for homeowners to care for their lawn, and for good reason.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In this Review:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what\">What is LawnStarter?</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#services\">LawnStarter Services</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#prices\">LawnStarter Prices</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how\">How LawnStarter Works</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#vs\">LawnStarter vs. Competitors</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#pros-vs-cons\">LawnStarter Pros and Cons</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#reviews\">LawnStarter User Reviews</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#win-win\">Win-Win: Go With LawnStarter … or WikiLawn</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Why is Wikilawn reviewing LawnStarter? Wikilawn was created to compete with LawnStarter and similar sites, and our aim is to one day be better than all of them.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is LawnStarter?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>LawnStarter connects you with lawn care and other outdoor services pros in your area.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2KG41896TuXxdLqF8YIT4jhawWKzzJNYCx2kqiPBDVpFnrTveSXyRTdPPIYcfUQ_ObuqYTDFB9orpDAe9SJQ3qXgvZYBnnnQZHMHPGjSW1-KIaQvbK7o5Isq1D7wSPADQBxddUStmD6kYKW4I0TsJHNU2Ws3QN5HhzXtqPh5nfUsk1a0OmI0yfxDChX8NA\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n<p><strong>How it works:</strong> You can get instant quotes for outdoor services by phone, the <a href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LawnStarter</a> website, or by the startup’s app, which likely is how that whole “Uber of lawn care” comparison got started.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Payment is by credit card or debit card, and if your pro did a great job, you can even tip her or him via the app.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LawnStarter history: </strong>LawnStarter started in Austin, Texas, in 2013, as a lawn care service provider. The company has grown and now operates in nearly every major metro across the U.S. and can connect you with pros for all sorts of outdoor services.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LawnStarter Services</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Uber of lawn care is now the Uber of all outdoor services.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Preventive pest control?</strong> LawnStarter offers it.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fertilization and lawn treatment plans?</strong> Order that from LawnStarter.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Want a landscaping makeover?</strong> LawnStarter also checks that box.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Need a fence installed or a roof replaced?</strong> LawnStarter connects you to pros near you who can do the job.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pool service?</strong> LawnStarter will keep you in the swim of things.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/f8VoxgybN4tQceQNQoMpGYckFpKkdxUWLtcfoSiYynu_uDWFceOjRfziA86avkp79KZdJflNCDueAyb2ZGBfbX2CjZ0WHfm2gdro3lL8BGxfgS7z5GRYNKPUkf-OD6sYgTTpuW4J1mwiEecbOyWrPciv1IFbvsEM5rNOnoojSHw5Fm2z_48Shewgf4spRg\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LawnStarter Lawn Care Prices</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>LawnStarter uses local real estate records to calculate the size of your property and then generates a price quote. It often offers a <strong>$19</strong> first-time mowing special for new customers. After that, mowing prices generally start at <strong>$29</strong> per week. Price varies by the size of your yard.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good range for an average, quarter-acre yard is <strong>$29 to $65</strong>. That includes edging and blowing grass clippings off patios and walkways. Generally, LawnStarter’s lawn care pros don’t bag clippings. They may if you request it, but expect to pay slightly more.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Worth Noting:</strong> If your grass is super long, say between 6 and 12 inches, LawnStarter tacks on an additional charge, which can be quite steep.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prices for Other Services</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>LawnStarter offers 20-plus outdoor services. It’s nearly impossible here to quote an average price for each service because the cost varies somewhat depending upon the size of your home or property, the type of work you need done, the region in which you live, and other factors.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you can get free quotes for any kind of work within seconds on the LawnStarter website or on the app.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Or &#8230; Try Wikilawn</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just want your lawn mowed and kept in tip-top shape? Maybe you’ll decide that LawnStarter, with all of its various services, is a non-starter for you. After all, can one site do everything well?&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try us at <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">Wikilawn</a>. You simply choose the lawn care service you want, put in your address, and we put your job out to bid to local yard care professionals.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The price quotes you get back will depend on the size of your yard and other factors, but we cast a really wide net through sites like Lawn Love, HomeAdvisor, and Networx to ensure you get the best price possible.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How LawnStarter Works</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So how do you use LawnStarter?&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/F_Wb07EsZcD87OnSk4go6mMlAV12fhHbrTCo_7hZK9SvfA8oRYI7TWPnv-b22O4pCksryWYZsTMmevIOsekIvXhyk4TM-DuFe0W_GuD8U8_kguJP4_3OY2aEJACul-qQZQjK2sflSXUzmSevEjq3lDMBax2rZozFQEWtZU2AqHsXdzfkYj5kWxKIP7-gRA\" width=\"624\" height=\"251\"></h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visit </strong><a href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>LawnStarter</strong></a><strong> or log onto the mobile app.</strong> Enter your address, name, and phone number into the search bar, and click the “Request Quote” button.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: </strong>LawnStarter’s app offers a more stripped-down menu of services. If you want to book lawn care services, the app works great. If you want other outdoor services, the LawnStarter website is your better option.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Choose one or more services from the menu.</strong> For lawn care, choose your frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly).<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Click “Get Free Quotes”</strong> (after you ensure your contact information is correct, of course).&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>What’s next?</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For lawn care services: </strong>LawnStarter will match you with a lawn care provider near you and your first service will be scheduled.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LawnStarter vs. Competitors</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>LawnStarter offers more services than competitors Lawn Love and GreenPal, but here’s a closer look at how LawnStarter, Lawn Love, GreenPal, and Wikilawn compare.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ydc33opV1-rL95WHorZodYWXsTeFolKwfQalWcPCkWQx14IDTA0P1ssgldltjXteXKtu2rPtS4tPbsP7TpkkER-JXLek74kQv2Rkh5lOGW0ZeO6XOJ3it1i1XeNxlUK9x96rlQppEj5_DfrrZ5yhrU8-7xzoVvxHMuWr1TPc_ACDoJu8Y_TIDkywyy7Okg\" width=\"232\" height=\"32\"></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Metro areas covered</strong></td><td>120+</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Services offered</strong></td><td>20+</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date)</strong></td><td>4.8 out of 5</td></tr><tr><td><strong>How it works</strong></td><td>A LawnStarter pro near you mows your lawn at the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly) you choose.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Ways to book service</strong></td><td>Website, phone, or mobile app</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Basic price</strong></td><td>Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. By visiting the website, you may be offered your first mow for $19.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Year founded</strong></td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Based in</strong></td><td>Austin, Texas</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Better Business Bureau accredited?</strong></td><td>No</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NdWBnc_CMKGsu53lEo6S3m8yjOmvI1qXfg1Gn9zQz-c12dlZ20o8SEhPgbhugL5XM8iLLNVTSXWtPRzmZMuSPdvIMGgEyYZNV7eabwPN0Q7RfY_hk3CVtXZpY8TES-Z7F8nmDFUDyK1EgrtxdG-auo9lhx9BF-wlJMtQ4E_qa8jsNiPn4AETl0PJHm1eAg\" width=\"270\" height=\"39\"></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Metro areas covered</strong></td><td>120+</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Services offered</strong></td><td>10+</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date)</strong></td><td>4.7 out of 5 stars</td></tr><tr><td><strong>How it works</strong></td><td>A Lawn Love pro near you mows your lawn at the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly) you choose.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Ways to book service</strong></td><td>Website or phone</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Basic price</strong></td><td>Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. By visiting the website, you may be offered your first mow for $24.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Year founded</strong></td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Based in</strong></td><td>San Diego</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Better Business Bureau accredited?</strong></td><td>Yes</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/96aKsbY4azkOr7uppJEgLUvkVRI2hEJ-I8tb-X_d_Z8yqght8QC-DHOvipqesRRZXh6p4Tn1rHJ22MPjAUvSAe4nFw82tDfyONMhKrPzuCdn5CLPWP91VN58np0Y4jBaJJMyW9KIzNpZPkxeg8S_nnfS6tuRyo5v7iZ7YHQXZ8dTIh-Al5wMNog3govGew\" width=\"248\" height=\"50\"></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Metro areas covered</strong></td><td>100+</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Services offered</strong></td><td>Lawn care, lawn maintenance, yard cleanups, snow removal</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date)</strong></td><td>4.6 out of 5 stars</td></tr><tr><td><strong>How it works</strong></td><td>Your lawn mowing is put out for bid to lawn care pros near you</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Ways to book service</strong></td><td>Website, app or phone</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Basic price</strong></td><td>You&#8217;ll get multiple lawn mowing quotes from $25 to $45</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Year founded</strong></td><td>2012</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Based in</strong></td><td>Nashville</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Better Business Bureau accredited?</strong></td><td>No</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"66\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rsz_171e64b7d-5080-473b-9793-87d2629a1cca_4_5005_c.jpg\" alt=\"Wikilawn logo\" class=\"wp-image-12035\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Metro areas covered</strong></td><td>Available in most U.S. metro</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Services offered</strong></td><td>Lawn care, gardening, and landscaping</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date)</strong></td><td>No ratings available online</td></tr><tr><td><strong>How it works</strong></td><td>You’ll get a quote in minutes from up to 4 professionals who can tackle your lawn care or other outdoor job.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Ways to book service</strong></td><td>Website</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Basic price</strong></td><td>Depends on services requested and the service providers’ quotes.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Year founded</strong></td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Based in</strong></td><td>Dallas</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LawnStarter Pros and Cons</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No product or service is perfect. Here are what LawnStarter excels and where it needs improvement.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Thousands of lawn care professionals are on the platform</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offers more outdoor services than competitors</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Customer support available 7 days a week</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Satisfaction guaranteed for lawn care service</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Prices increased in 2022</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three-mow minimum is required</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LawnStarter User Reviews</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>LawnStarter does get high marks from customers (as of this writing).&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>4.7 out of 5 stars</strong> on <a href=\"https://www.trustpilot.com/review/lawnstarter.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Trustpilot</a> (2,365 total reviews), and 81% of all reviewers awarded LawnStarter 5 stars.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>4.8 out of 5 stars</strong> on <a href=\"https://www.shopperapproved.com/reviews/lawnstarter.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shopper Approved</a> (1,145 reviews), with more than 86% of reviewers rating LawnStarter with 5 stars.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>3.5 out of 5 stars</strong> on <a href=\"https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/lawnstarter.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sitejabber</a> (1,206 reviews). Sitejabber ranked LawnStarter first among lawn care websites.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few of the customer reviews, both positive and negative:</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Well Done and Thorough: </strong><em>“Good professional work on my large lawn (I am recovering from surgery and cannot push my own lawn machinery around for a number of weeks). Well done, thorough, completes the job. I feel I’ve contracted with a fine lawn service to fill in for me while I’m still unable to do it. … Much appreciated!”</em> &#8211; Steve B.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saved Me a Ton of Grief</strong>: <em>“They have not failed to come out and do a good job for over 2 years. … (LawnStarter) has saved me a ton of grief for arranging services myself.”</em> &#8211; Karl K.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First Time Wasn’t the Charm</strong>: <em>“Our initial (LawnStarter) appointment was missed by the assigned person. After contacting the app, we were assigned a new company and are very happy with them. So far, any issues I have had have been promptly and without any hassle on my part.”</em> &#8211; R. McCann</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Broken Sprinkler Head:</strong> <em>“I had my sprinkler head broken several times during my service. Both times I was given the option to have them replace the item or for me to be reimbursed. Both times I selected to have them replaced and both times was told they could not replace it, only offer me a small credit to replace the item.” –</em> Justin&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Win-Win: Go With LawnStarter … or WikiLawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We at Wikilawn make it easy to hire a lawn care pro to keep your grass green and healthy. It often will cost you less than LawnStarter and the other guys, too, because we cast the biggest net of lawn care pros.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>So before you go somewhere else, you’re already here.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">Wikilawn</a> find a lawn care pro near you to cut your grass and boost your home’s curb appeal.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zYKvKOakIX9l8YnT-rPYa_hqJVssZWRFL9E45BMkrNsYuL8AYV5LgnRAEQYxv0fBZoAllKjSH5NkrS_mDVp5HmPmLfNfSv_Mrfez2OO2rEJlrw8CV05cL-gfLZPLsooafCqv9IBhmtq7DX1kfy7fS4WClSMjVbcgelnybnn1TpCWo5-STXbEo4ePqqP5Gw\" width=\"624\" height=\"308\"></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>But, circling back to the beginning of this review &#8230; Is the Uber of lawn care legit? We think so.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You trust Uber to get you to the airport or to deliver dinner. Uber is ubiquitous. If you want a fancy app to book your lawn care service, sure, go with the so-called Uber of outdoor services – sorry, Mr. Farley.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or you could just book your lawn care through Wikilawn. (Wink-wink, nudge-nudge.)</p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n            \"@context\": \"http://schema.org/\",\n            \"@type\": \"Product\",\n            \"image\": \"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.jpeg\",\n            \"name\": \"LawnStarter\",\n            \"brand\": {\n              \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n              \"name\": \"LawnStarter\"\n            },\n            \"review\": {\n              \"@type\": \"Review\",\n              \"reviewRating\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Rating\",\n                  \"ratingValue\": \"9.8\",\n                \"worstRating\": \"0\",\n                \"bestRating\": \"10\"\n              },\n              \"name\": \"Lawn Love Review\",\n              \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Person\",\n                \"name\": \"Staff Writer\"\n              },\n                \"dateModified\": \"2023-01-2314:46:10-05:00\",\n                \"datePublished\": \"2023-01-236T08:23:49-04:00\",\n              \"reviewBody\": \"LawnStarter has been called the Uber of lawn care, but is it legit? Short answer? Yes. Longer answer? 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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":"<p>Lawn fertilizers are one of the key ingredients for good soil because they supply essential nutrients that encourage the healthy development of your grass. But the challenging part is choosing the right lawn fertilizer that will work well for you. For this purpose, you must investigate your lawn’s nutrient requirements and decide which fertilizer will [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Lawn fertilizers are one of the key ingredients for good soil because they supply essential nutrients that encourage the healthy development of your grass. But the challenging part is choosing the right lawn fertilizer that will work well for you. For this purpose, you must investigate your lawn’s nutrient requirements and decide which fertilizer will fulfill your soil’s specific needs.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide provides all the information you need to buy the best fertilizer for your lawn.</p>\n\n\n<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-7ad73a94-ba34-4bdf-9f3d-05997dc007d1\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\"\n                    data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\">\n                    <div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Learn about:</div></div></div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \"><ul><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/#0-how-to-read-the-lawn-fertilizer-label>How to Read the Lawn Fertilizer Label</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/#1-assess-what-nutrients-your-lawn-needs>Assess What Nutrients Your Lawn Needs</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/#2-different-types-of-lawn-fertilizers>Different Types of Lawn Fertilizers</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/#10-faq-about-lawn-fertilizer>FAQ</a><ul><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/#11-is-it-necessary-to-conduct-a-soil-test-before-fertilizing>Is it necessary to conduct a soil test before fertilizing?</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/#12-how-frequently-should-i-fertilize-my-lawn>How frequently should I fertilize my lawn?</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/#13-should-i-use-organic-or-synthetic-fertilizer>Should I use organic or synthetic fertilizer?</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/#14-can-i-use-compost-or-lawn-clippings-as-a-natural-fertilizer>Can I use compost or lawn clippings as a natural fertilizer?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div></div></div>\n\n\n<p>You can give your grass the push it needs to thrive and become the envy of every passerby by choosing the right fertilizer. So, let’s dive into the world of lawn fertilizers and discover the most important aspects to consider while choosing.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-how-to-read-the-lawn-fertilizer-label\">How to Read the Lawn Fertilizer Label</h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/man-reading-fertilizer-bag-in-store.jpg\" alt=\"man reading fertilizer bag in store\" class=\"wp-image-16645\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/man-reading-fertilizer-bag-in-store.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/man-reading-fertilizer-bag-in-store-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/man-reading-fertilizer-bag-in-store-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/man-reading-fertilizer-bag-in-store-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/man-reading-fertilizer-bag-in-store-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAENAr2WhBI-male-buyer-storing-fertilizer-bags-on-trolley-in-hardware-store/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">JackF</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>When exploring lawn fertilizers, you’ll frequently encounter a three-number combination on fertilizer labels known as the NPK ratio. NPK stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are three critical elements for the growth and health of your lawn. The NPK ratio on the fertilizer label represents the relative amounts of these nutrients in the product.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each nutrient has a distinct purpose:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Nitrogen</strong> stimulates leaf and stem growth and promotes a bright green color.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Phosphorus</strong> aids root growth and development.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potassium</strong> boosts overall strength and resilience.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A fertilizer with a ratio of 10-5-5 comprises 10% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. The numbers are always in this order. Multiply the percentages by the amount of fertilizer contained in the package to know how many pounds of each nutrient are in that fertilizer.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, consider a <strong>50-pound bag of fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 15-4-10</strong>. The nutrient calculation will go as follows:</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>15% (0.15) nitrogen x 50 pounds of fertilizer = 7.5 pounds of nitrogen</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>4% (0.04) phosphorous x 50 pounds of fertilizer = 2 pounds of phosphorous</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>10% (0.10) potassium x 50 pounds of fertilizer = 5 pounds of potassium</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the NPK ratio is similar to deciphering a secret code that tells you how much of each essential nutrient your grass will receive. Depending on your lawn’s requirements, you can select a fertilizer with the proper NPK ratio to correct deficiencies and provide the necessary nutrition.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>To know what NPK ratio goes best with your lawn, you must assess your soil and figure out which nutrients it&#8217;s lacking, as well as consider the requirements of your specific grass type.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-assess-what-nutrients-your-lawn-needs\">Assess What Nutrients Your Lawn Needs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Different lawns have different nutritional requirements. Finding out exactly which nutrients will benefit your grass the most is essential when choosing a lawn fertilizer. The main two factors to assess your lawn’s nutritional needs are:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Type of grass:</strong> There are two categories of grasses: <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/\">warm-season grasses</a> and cool-season grasses. Understanding a lawn’s grass type can help you choose the best fertilizer mix for its unique demands. For instance, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass require more nitrogen to thrive than warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass. So, the first step in assessing your lawn&#8217;s needs is identifying your grass type.&nbsp;</li>\n</ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg\" alt=\"cool-season and warm-season grass map\" class=\"wp-image-16643\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you know what type of grass is growing in your yard, you can also figure out the best time of year to fertilize it with our guide, <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/lawn-care/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/lawn-care/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn\">When and How to Fertilize Your Lawn</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Soil condition:</strong> Soil is another essential factor that defines your lawn’s fertilizer needs. Run a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-test-and-improve-your-soil/\">soil test</a> to know what nutrients your soil is lacking. A soil test also helps you assess the soil’s pH level to bring it to favorable fertilization conditions. You can send a soil sample to your <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.nifa.usda.gov/land-grant-colleges-and-universities-partner-website-directory\" target=\"_blank\">local Cooperative Extension office</a> for a more in-depth analysis or buy an at-home test kit for a quicker, cheaper assessment.&nbsp;</li>\n</ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on the soil test results and your grass type, you can choose a fertilizer with the proper nutrient ratios to treat deficiencies and keep your soil healthy. For instance, if the test shows your soil lacks the recommended amount of nitrogen for healthy growth of your grass type, you’ll have to purchase a high-nitrogen fertilizer.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-different-types-of-lawn-fertilizers\">Different Types of Lawn Fertilizers</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various options of lawn fertilizers available on the market, and you have to know what they all are before you can decide which is right for your lawn. Following are the primary different types of lawn fertilizers with their specifications to help you make the right decision.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-granular-fertilizers\">Granular Fertilizers</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-grass-growth-1.jpg\" alt=\"fertilizer for grass growth\" class=\"wp-image-16636\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-grass-growth-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-grass-growth-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-grass-growth-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-grass-growth-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-grass-growth-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MADsWgB9Mpk-fertilizer-for-grass-growth/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RossHelen</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Granular fertilizers are solid, pellet-like fertilizers that are popular among homeowners. They are available in various formulations, including slow-release and quick-release, which provide controlled or quick nutrient delivery. The steady release reduces the risk of overfeeding and helps your grass maintain a consistent growth rate.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Granular fertilizers are beneficial for more extensive areas because you can distribute them evenly across the entire lawn. The granules also <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/how-to-avoid-fertilizer-burn-on-lawns/\">pose less risk of fertilizer burn</a> than liquid fertilizers, and the results last longer because the little specks take longer to break down into the soil. You can apply them using a fertilizer spreader.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-liquid-fertilizers\">Liquid Fertilizers</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c.jpg\" alt=\"hand-held fertilizer sprayer being applied\" class=\"wp-image-11333\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/norbury/14848000106/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jerry Norbury</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-ND 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Liquid fertilizers are available in a concentrated liquid form and must be mixed with water before applying them to the lawn. Many of them come in ready-to-spray bottles that attach directly to the end of your garden hose, so you don&#8217;t have to dilute them yourself.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>These liquid fertilizers are quickly absorbed by the grass roots and foliage, providing a nutrient boost right away. Liquid fertilizers are beneficial for targeted applications or spot treatments, as they let you address specific regions needing extra care. You can also use them for foliar feeding, which involves spraying nutrients directly onto the leaves for rapid absorption.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-organic-fertilizers\">Organic Fertilizers</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-and-soil.jpg\" alt=\"compost and soil\" class=\"wp-image-16642\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-and-soil.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-and-soil-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-and-soil-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-and-soil-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-and-soil-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEby_7zXLU/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">melGreenFR</a> from Pixabay / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials like compost, manure, and plant waste. Because of their sustainable and eco-friendly nature, they have acquired favor among ecologically aware lawn enthusiasts.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organic fertilizers improve your soil’s structure and moisture retention while nourishing it with nutrients. They slowly and steadily release nutrients over time, ensuring a steady supply to your lawn. This mild feeding method eliminates the possibility of nutrient imbalances or burns. Learn more about organic fertilizers by visiting our detailed guide to <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/organic-lawn-fertilizer\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/organic-lawn-fertilizer\">organic lawn fertilizers</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-synthetic-fertilizers\">Synthetic Fertilizers</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/liquid-fertilizer.jpg\" alt=\"liquid fertilizer concentrate\" class=\"wp-image-16644\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/liquid-fertilizer.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/liquid-fertilizer-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/liquid-fertilizer-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/liquid-fertilizer-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/liquid-fertilizer-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAC39gTjfYI-man-measuring-a-dose-of-liquid-fertilizer/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Juan Moyano</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Synthetic fertilizers are chemically prepared and often have higher nutrient concentrations than organic ones. They are designed to give rapid fertilizer release, resulting in immediate benefits for your grass. Synthetic fertilizers are simple to use and provide exact control over nutrient levels, allowing you to adapt the fertilizer to the specific needs of your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, using synthetic fertilizers with caution is critical, as excessive use can result in nutrient runoff, water contamination, and harm to vital soil organisms.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-slow-release-fertilizers\">Slow-Release Fertilizers</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Slow-release fertilizers offer your lawn a gradual and consistent delivery of nutrients over time. They are typically made of coated granules or pellets that degrade slowly and release nutrients in stages as they break down.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This controlled-release mechanism guarantees that your grass receives a consistent supply of nutrients, resulting in even growth and a lower chance of nutrient runoff. Slow-release fertilizers are a fantastic alternative for homeowners looking for ease and consistency. However, they will not have the same immediate effect as quick-release fertilizers.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-quick-release-fertilizers\">Quick-Release Fertilizers</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Quick-release fertilizers provide your grass with a rapid burst of nutrients. They are designed to have an immediate impact and frequently contain higher nutritional concentrations. When you need quick results or want to address specific issues, such as greening up your lawn before an event or correcting nutrient shortages, quick-release fertilizers are a great choice.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, overapplication can result in excessive growth, increased mowing frequency, and probable nutrient runoff. Quick-release fertilizers are also more likely to cause fertilizer burn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-special-fertilizers\">Special Fertilizers</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These fertilizers serve your lawn’s specific needs. Special lawn fertilizers include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Weed and feed</strong> <strong>fertilizers </strong>help you control weeds and provide essential nutrients to your lawn at the same time. They contain pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds from popping out of the soil and/or post-emergent herbicides to kill already-grown weeds.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Starter fertilizers</strong> are rich in phosphorus and help you establish a newly planted lawn. They help young grass plants strengthen their roots and develop rapid growth.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Seasonal lawn fertilizers</strong> are specially designed for different seasons of the year. For example, a summer fertilizer should only be used in summer, and a fall fertilizer should only be used in fall.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-faq-about-lawn-fertilizer\">FAQ About Lawn Fertilizer</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-is-it-necessary-to-conduct-a-soil-test-before-fertilizing\">Is it necessary to conduct a soil test before fertilizing?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While not necessary, testing your soil can provide vital information about your soil’s nutritional content, pH levels, and any deficiencies. A soil test allows you to make more educated fertilizer decisions by addressing particular nutrient imbalances and avoiding over- or under-fertilization.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-how-frequently-should-i-fertilize-my-lawn\">How frequently should I fertilize my lawn?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The frequency of lawn fertilization depends on factors such as grass type, fertilizer type, climate, and general lawn health. Cool-season grasses benefit from fertilization in the early spring and fall, while warm-season grasses may require fertilization throughout the spring and summer.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more informed fertilizer applications, you can follow our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/lawn-fertilizer-schedule/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/lawn-fertilizer-schedule/\">lawn fertilizer schedule</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-should-i-use-organic-or-synthetic-fertilizer\">Should I use organic or synthetic fertilizer?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you choose organic or synthetic fertilizers depends on your preferences and the environment around you. Organic fertilizers are a part of<a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/eco-friendly-lawn-care/\"> eco-friendly lawn care</a> and have natural composition. In contrast, synthetic fertilizers comprise chemical formulation, providing precise nutrition control and immediate effects.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-can-i-use-compost-or-lawn-clippings-as-a-natural-fertilizer\">Can I use compost or lawn clippings as a natural fertilizer?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Absolutely! Lawn clippings and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/benefits-composting-lawn/\">compost</a> are rich in nutrients and are excellent lawn food. After mowing, you can recycle nutrients into the soil by leaving grass clippings on the lawn. You can also use compost generated from yard waste, kitchen leftovers, and other organic materials to fertilize the lawn naturally. Just make sure the compost is well-aged and decomposed before using it.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A beautiful, healthy lawn that makes the rest of the neighborhood jealous takes more than just regular watering and mowing to create that ideal green paradise. Your lawn requires proper fertilization to thrive all year round. Choosing the right fertilizer for your lawn is essential for promoting healthy growth and maintaining a vibrant, lush appearance.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a variety of options available, selecting the best lawn fertilizer can be a daunting task. If you&#8217;d rather leave fertilization in the hands of a professional so you can enjoy your weekends without worrying about the lawn, <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com\">connect with a local lawn care service</a> through WikiLawn today.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MADaFLMwKX0-fertilizing-lawn/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">evgenyb</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n","title":"How to Choose Lawn Fertilizer","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/1789c/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/107df/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/293e9/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/f2cbb/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/1789c/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/c26c2/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/1dd6e/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/67b76/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/8df11/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/98a65/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/1dd6e/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4ec88ed585d8ab3b9691840ff7bc3897/3cc96/fertilizer-for-grass-and-soil-1-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Choose Lawn Fertilizer | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Which fertilizer is best for your lawn? Find your answer in this detailed guide on how to choose the right fertilizer for your lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"240ef13d-10c0-55ef-a3ea-abcbbb9a9bc7","slug":"lawn-fertilizer-schedule","path":"/blog/lawn-fertilizer-schedule/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Taha Javed is a freelance writer and business student in Lahore, Pakistan. She loves swimming, reading, and playing with her dog.","name":"Taha Javed","id":"0531d17c-e9c8-5153-a6fb-6e2994f71716","path":"/author/taha-javed/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/877749883781783414fae4d0b98beb69?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"July 27th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Fertilizer is like the fuel that your grass requires to thrive, providing it with essential nutrients to keep it alive and healthy. But fertilizer is only effective if you apply it at the right time of year when your grass is able to absorb those nutrients. Follow this ideal lawn fertilizer schedule to maximize the [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Fertilizer is like the fuel that your grass requires to thrive, providing it with essential nutrients to keep it alive and healthy. But fertilizer is only effective if you apply it at the right time of year when your grass is able to absorb those nutrients. Follow this ideal lawn fertilizer schedule to maximize the benefits of fertilization and enhance your grass&#8217;s growth.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we&#8217;ll walk you through developing the best fertilization schedule for your grass type&#8217;s specific needs. Let&#8217;s get started!</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#grasstypes\">Lawn Fertilizer Schedule for Different Grass Types</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#test\">Test Soil to Optimize Your Fertilizer Schedule</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#select\">Select the Right Lawn Fertilizer</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"grasstypes\">Lawn Fertilizer Schedule for Different Grass Types</h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg\" alt=\"cool-season and warm-season grass map\" class=\"wp-image-16643\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Illustration by Juan Rodriguez</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Different grass species have different development patterns, so you must customize your fertilization schedule accordingly. <strong>Always apply fertilizer during your grass&#8217;s active growth period and never when it&#8217;s dormant. </strong>Dormant grass cannot absorb nutrients, so any fertilizer you apply during dormancy goes straight to the weeds lurking in your lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses grow at different times of the year, so they require different fertilization schedules, which you will find below.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fertilization Schedule for Cool-Season Grasses</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, do best in regions with cold winters and mild summers. They typically grow in the northern third of the US and somewhat in the central portion of the country, known as the transition zone.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>These grasses benefit from a fertilization schedule that includes the following applications:</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Spring:</strong> Early spring, around late March and early April, is an ideal time to apply the first round of fertilizer as cool-season grasses emerge from winter dormancy. Choose a fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen for speedy green-up and healthy root development. Aim for a balanced nitrogen-to-potassium ratio to assist overall growth and stress tolerance.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summer: </strong>Cool-season grasses can experience obstacles such as heat stress and restricted water supply during the hot summer months. To combat drought stress, adjust your watering plan and avoid fertilizing during periods of excessive heat. Consider using a light application of a slow-release or organic-based fertilizer with low nitrogen content in late summer, as the growth period might kick start. If your grass <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/home-and-garden/difference-between-dead-and-dormant-grass/\">goes dormant and turns brown</a> in summer, do not apply fertilizer until it greens up again.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Fall:</strong> As temperatures decrease in the early fall, cool-season grasses enter the period of their most vigorous growth. It is an ideal time for a proper round of fertilization. Use a higher potassium content fertilizer to boost root growth and improve winter hardiness and disease resistance. A balanced nitrogen-to-potassium ratio is still necessary to promote healthy growth during the growing season and prepare the grass for winter.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Late Fall:</strong> Apply a winterizing fertilizer developed specifically for cool-season grasses in late fall, at least six weeks before the first expected frost in your area, around late October or early November. These fertilizers contain a higher potassium content, which helps to strengthen the grass&#8217;s cell walls and increase its resistance to harsh winter conditions. Winterizing fertilizers also aid in the early spring green-up of grass when it emerges from dormancy.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fertilization Schedule for Warm-Season Grasses</h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/\">Warm-season grasses</a> like Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass prefer warmer temperatures and grow most actively in spring and summer. They begin to slow their growth in fall when the temperatures drop, and they enter winter dormancy earlier than cool-season grasses.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because they prefer hot summers, warm-season grasses grow mostly in the South. They can also grow in the transition zone, but they typically struggle in any place with severe winters.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best times to apply lawn fertilizer for warm-season grasses are the following:</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Spring:</strong> Early spring is an excellent time for the first round of fertilization since warm-season grasses emerge from dormancy and begin their active growth phase. To stimulate vigorous growth, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen content. Look for a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer that consistently supplies nutrients over time, assuring the grass&#8217;s continuous nourishment.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Late Spring/Early Summer:</strong> Warm-season grasses grow steadily throughout the summer and may require ample fertilizing to remain lush. However, it is important to be cautious when fertilizing during this time. High temperatures and drought can stress the grass, leaving it more vulnerable to fertilizer burn. To reduce the chance of damage throughout the hot summer, use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer around the end of May or the beginning of June when the heat isn&#8217;t too extreme yet.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Fall:</strong> As summer gives way to fall, warm-season grasses slow their growth. A round of fertilizer application is best done in the early fall, at least 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost in your area. Use a fertilizer with a slightly greater potassium content to increase root growth and improve the grass&#8217;s winter hardiness. This application will aid in the recovery of the grass from any summer pressures and prepare it for the cooler months ahead.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do not fertilize warm-season grass in late fall,</strong> as it is either preparing to enter winter dormancy or has already gone dormant.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about the best lawn fertilizer practices for cool-season and warm-season grass types in our guide: <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn\">When and How to Fertilize Your Lawn</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Fertilizer to Apply Every Year Based on Your Grass Type</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount of fertilizer your grass needs can affect how many times you fertilize throughout the year. Each grass type has its own nutrient requirements, so it&#8217;s important to identify your grass type before trying to make a fertilization schedule.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find the proper amount of nitrogen fertilizer recommended for your grass type in the table below.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Grass Type</strong><strong></strong></td><td><strong>Application Rate Per Year</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Bermudagrass&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>2-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft</td></tr><tr><td>Zoysiagrass&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>2-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft</td></tr><tr><td>Kentucky bluegrass</td><td>2-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft</td></tr><tr><td>Centipedegrass</td><td>1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft</td></tr><tr><td>Tall fescue</td><td>2-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft</td></tr><tr><td>Fine fescue</td><td>1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft</td></tr><tr><td>Ryegrass &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>2-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You should never apply more than 1 pound of nitrogen to your lawn at one time. </strong>So, if your grass type requires 2 pounds of nitrogen every year, you should spread the fertilizer across at least two applications and possibly more applications of less than 1 pound. If your grass type requires 4 pounds of nitrogen annually, you will need to spread it out across four applications of 1 pound each. Don&#8217;t fertilize your lawn more than four times a year.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Base the timing of these applications on the cool-season and warm-season lawn fertilization schedules above.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"test\">Test Soil to Optimize Your Fertilizer Schedule</h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"633\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-19.jpg\" alt=\"A picture showing different nutrients necessary for the soil\" class=\"wp-image-12419\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-19.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-19-300x237.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-19-768x608.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-19-480x380.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAD_5Oeq-gM/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Galeanu Mihai</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soil testing is a valuable tool for optimizing your fertilizer schedule. When it comes to lawn fertilization, more than a one-size-fits-all strategy is needed. Soil testing enables you to identify nutrient deficits or excesses in your soil. It identifies the nutrients your lawn requires for its best growth, allowing you to fine-tune fertilizer selection and application.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>To perform a soil test, buy a DIY soil testing kit or send a soil sample to your <a href=\"https://www.nifa.usda.gov/land-grant-colleges-and-universities-partner-website-directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">local Cooperative Extension office</a> for a more in-depth test.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The soil test results provide essential information regarding your soil&#8217;s nutrient level. You&#8217;ll get a detailed report outlining the levels of primary nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, as well as secondary and micronutrients. The report also contains the pH level of your soil (ideally between 6.0 and 6.5), which is critical for nutrient availability at the grassroots.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on your soil test results, you can choose the right fertilizer for your grass, which will make your fertilization schedule even more effective.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"select\">Select the Right Lawn Fertilizer</h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Close-up-of-Female-Gardeners-Hand-with-Iron-Bucket-of-Granular-Fertilizer.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of Female Gardener's Hand with Iron Bucket of Granular Fertilizer\" class=\"wp-image-16708\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Close-up-of-Female-Gardeners-Hand-with-Iron-Bucket-of-Granular-Fertilizer.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Close-up-of-Female-Gardeners-Hand-with-Iron-Bucket-of-Granular-Fertilizer-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Close-up-of-Female-Gardeners-Hand-with-Iron-Bucket-of-Granular-Fertilizer-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Close-up-of-Female-Gardeners-Hand-with-Iron-Bucket-of-Granular-Fertilizer-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Close-up-of-Female-Gardeners-Hand-with-Iron-Bucket-of-Granular-Fertilizer-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAFkVUNQwJ8-close-up-of-female-gardener-s-hand-with-iron-bucket-of-granular-fertilizer/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Valerii Honcharuk</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Selecting the right fertilizer for your lawn can significantly impact its overall health and look. There are a few crucial aspects to consider while choosing the right fertilizer, including:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>NPK (nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium) ratio</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slow-release vs. immediate-release</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Synthetic vs. organic&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Granular vs. liquid</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about these factors and how they affect your lawn, see our guide to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer/\">choosing lawn fertilizer</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The type of fertilizer you select can impact your fertilization schedule. For instance, immediate-release fertilizers only remain in the soil for 4-6 weeks, so they will need to be applied more often for sustained results, while granular fertilizers remain in the soil for 6-8 weeks and will require fewer applications throughout the year.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Making a Lawn Fertilizer Schedule</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it necessary to water the lawn after fertilization?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is generally recommended that you water your lawn lightly after fertilizing. Watering aids in dissolving fertilizer granules, allowing nutrients to infiltrate the soil and reach the grassroots. However, be careful not to overwater, which might wash out nutrients or lead to runoff. Plan to fertilize when the weather forecast is clear of heavy rainfall for a few days.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I fertilize during the dormant season?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fertilizing during the dormant season, when the grass is not actively growing, is generally discouraged. Fertilizing during this time may result in nutrient runoff and waste. It can also encourage weeds to take over your yard while your grass is not growing. Not to mention, it&#8217;s a waste of your time, energy, and money.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do organic or synthetic fertilizers last longer?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Organic fertilizers have longer-lasting effects on your soil by far. For one, they take longer to break down into the soil, which means nutrients are released gradually over time instead of all at once. The organic content in these fertilizers also improves the soil&#8217;s texture and overall health, whereas synthetic fertilizers can actually damage the soil and kill important microorganisms.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tradeoff is that organic fertilizers take longer to show visible results in your grass, while synthetic fertilizers can offer a quick green-up and boost of growth. So, you have to decide if you&#8217;re more concerned about the long-term or the short-term benefits.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>See our guide to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/organic-lawn-fertilizer/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/organic-lawn-fertilizer/\">organic lawn fertilizers</a> to learn more.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Caring for your lawn means providing the appropriate nutrients at the right time. A well-planned fertilization schedule ensures your grass receives the nutrients it requires all year, supporting healthy growth and vivid greenery.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you tired of doing all this on your own? Don&#8217;t worry; we are here to help. <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com\">Connect with a local lawn care pro</a> through WikiLawn to help you establish a healthy, bright lawn that will make your neighbors envious.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAFJx-UjDns-gardener-with-push-spreader-fertilizing-residential-grass-lawn/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">welcomia</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n","title":"The Ideal Lawn Fertilizer Schedule","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5463917525773196,"src":"/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/1789c/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/107df/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/293e9/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/f2cbb/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/1789c/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/c26c2/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/1dd6e/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/67b76/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/8df11/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/98a65/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/1dd6e/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/3cc96/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Ideal Lawn Fertilizer Schedule | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"What is the right time to fertilize your lawn? Learn all you need to know from our lawn fertilizer schedule, including when and how much to fertilize."}}},{"node":{"id":"90d1e743-1f33-5119-8043-e3d4eeb03789","slug":"50-best-gardening-blogs","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/50-best-gardening-blogs/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Carmen Dexter is a freelance journalist and teacher who enjoys growing her own organic food and recycling as much as possible.","name":"Carmen Dexter","id":"f23ec685-a615-5004-a3fd-c0bfe6b2c9ec","path":"/author/carmen-dexter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e37085a8a22d319f3383613d59d54c5f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"dc5a6fd2-e7cc-55b0-9210-0271a38e33b8","name":"Garden Decor","count":4,"path":"/category/garden-decor/"},{"id":"52e12a37-ef3f-522d-9050-b4638c87aa4e","name":"Garden Design","count":10,"path":"/category/garden-design/"},{"id":"30471fa8-4345-5ffd-ba99-adeaf54ad75b","name":"Garden Dispatch","count":2,"path":"/category/garden-dispatch/"},{"id":"d4fa4848-36b3-57c3-925d-ae36e49e878f","name":"Garden Landscape","count":8,"path":"/category/garden-landscape/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"}],"date":"May 13th, 2020","excerpt":"<p>It takes more than a green thumb to grow a good garden: usually a lot of blisters, calluses, and dirt under the nails. It also helps to rely on the expertise of others — as long as they really are experts. To make things easier, Wikilawn has plucked the best gardening blogs for you. Our [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>It takes more than a green thumb to grow a good garden: usually a lot of blisters, calluses, and dirt under the nails. It also helps to rely on the expertise of others — as long as they really are experts.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make things easier, Wikilawn has plucked the best gardening blogs for you. Our judges scanned thousands of blogs, looking for innovative ideas, eco-friendly advice, and the quality of writing. To win the Wiki-Wonder Award, the blog also had to have a presence on social media. </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11.png\" alt=\"Wiki Wonder Award\" class=\"wp-image-11021\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11.png 650w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11-300x300.png 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11-150x150.png 150w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11-600x600.png 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11-480x480.png 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the 50 top gardening blogs worthy of the Wiki-Wonder Award:</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gardening Know How</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Heather Rhoades, Staff</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7b06kCuEJAJosJmvL1PQDGkHSJCZHFIo5oQHyPPoCEC5OJx2ZXsF-REnyTSSuhITZIi6_92fzadDkBwrpl7j31SyfxOTdxdTkeywJJPgU-zlcH0xr99FEQ7iNy4rnr-4Nt8bH4o2\" alt=\"Gardening Know How\" width=\"306\" height=\"147\" align=\"right\"></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Gardening Know How started small after gardener Heather Rhoades had trouble finding user-friendly gardener websites and decided to focus on non-technical information that anyone could use. She wants folks to feel comfortable asking for gardening advice and not made to feel incompetent.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/top-of-the-crop/7-veggies-to-grow-for-dogs/\">Dog-Friendly Vegetables: 7 Garden Veggies to Grow for Dogs</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Busy Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Amy Andrychowicz</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gxXjy9Gf2nVIgdKD09lSQ7FPyza85dy3FGBJ3jQRyZErRUjaYS1IF_2kuINRibJOuJL-A_53a8Ny4QeMov0wUMUWQz4u6ZYSrTpZmCJygGcARNNBLhSagLDloc4lAWaX-GQgIfEa\" alt=\"Amy Andrychowicz\" width=\"154\" height=\"201\" align=\"right\" /></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Amy Andrychowicz aims her blog at new gardeners, but Get Busy Gardening also has information for those with an experienced green thumb. Amy’s been gardening most of her life and has grown everything from trees and shrubs to flowers and fruit. If you want to get your hands in the dirt but don’t know where to start, Get Busy Gardening is for you.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://getbusygardening.com/honey-bees-need-our-help/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tips for Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Rant</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Founders: Susan Harris, Elizabeth Licata, Michele Owens, Amy Stewart</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0SQgYqlhLGTuK6GXg4TJmU-1D3gj07qot4xqY0H0iVLc4b0_bY692fBvtR7AdgJvMaDEV1fUMuPqj7TatQLGtavhXNRkkHEwRMIydXGgAyVhN2-J2RxRRLj6J6oSIjrKkKJqeb3_\" alt=\"Garden Rant\" width=\"286\" height=\"185\" align=\"right\"></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Garden Rant isn’t your average, everyday gardening blog. Its writers take the word “rant” seriously! You’re not likely to find how-to’s on this site; instead, they may take a side on a gardening issue and rant or rave about it, usually with humor. Amusing conversations about gardening is what Garden Rant is all about.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.gardenrant.com/2020/04/a-very-rocky-obsession.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Very Rocky Obsession</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant Care Today</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Gary Antosh</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XNySyIWvD1je_a-7wmxIOmt73ra_1qKkST6oTvUdzi-urotVMbsfJfYPFNbwoIx9r7rXLphFXQmoBoX55ANczXZkD-FwDdO9vKmln9rHj0x3IQIvOG-Ic5GQX5p7vGDddpYKepMi\" alt=\"Plant Care Today\" width=\"144\" height=\"161\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Gary’s blog has been online for nearly eight years, but his journey into the world of plants started 47 years ago. Growing rare plants is his specialty. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced gardener, Gary says you’ll always find something to learn and something to share on Plant Care Today.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://plantcaretoday.com/8-mistakes-tomato-growers-make-when-planting.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8 Mistakes Tomato Growers Make That Cause Problems</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urban Organic Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Various Garden Experts</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Xv0hwYDfraZtMLC-wmgv4CTEeH4yXq7dx-Xxi5aE2aY7BTiMKBR9OA_ZHLtWkmVGafoUq0KDoSJDZrzMomkyYANgMUNr8zLduS9Oi4Va_9_3aJiGhq3URbod8w24lcatcA5e2ysI\" alt=\"Urban Organic Gardener\" width=\"326\" height=\"157\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Interested in growing your own food? Urban Organic Gardener’s got you covered. These experts help you grow an organic, non-GMO garden year-round. UOG promises to get your hands in the soil and get you reconnecting with nature.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/2020/04/kids-will-love/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gardening Projects Kids Will Love</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Way to Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Margaret Roach</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/J9u7ido4f4QaBTwOAet7HlNRJJ2jGnSOIXnf3oQNDKbZc1QO7f5qECNe5IjI99S1bsV8PH9fZZrIfIaKu76wOLaoWiFyUlwplF9_2E18F0nmOj26FUf84Qt5gBRlUS2qec3DoQ_O\" alt=\"A Way to Garden's Margaret Roach\" width=\"193\" height=\"166\"/ hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" ALIGn=\"right\"></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Margaret Roach named her blog after a book she wrote early in her gardening career. She’s a retired newspaper and magazine garden editor, an organic-style gardener, and a vegetarian. According to Margaret, you should “always say no to chemicals and yes to great plants.”&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://awaytogarden.com/growing-potatoes-organically-when-and-how-to-plant-hill-and-harvest/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Growing Potatoes Organically: When and How to Plant, Hill and Harvest</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Ambition</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Lucy M. Clark</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dEqoN9gPvVJCqT1EsP8bXdPGdg1BSoKSfv27cf_I-IcFh6GSuajKI4ZDTnQ5s1hAT51v8bpTZDOay9pxKTdWLJjrLEe7MO4ktR_EfjT4FYXukJbQ9-qcVm7aXAo6uAX2gXHKXkt_\" alt=\"Garden Ambition\"/ hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" ALIGN=\"right\"></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>When Lucy started gardening about 14 years ago, she says she had no idea what she was doing! She spent a lot of time speaking to successful gardeners face-to-face. She hopes her blog allows you the same opportunities online. Garden Ambition is for wannabe gardeners who aren&#8217;t sure where to start.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://gardenambition.com/how-to-get-rid-of-clover-naturally/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8 Tips on How to Get Rid of Clover Naturally</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grow a Good Life</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Rachel</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fuP7w6hsGHxJmTNFXE9KRLH7MkywUd6rwDKAQFWJq_W8ZIWMIj28pXqn8NOJ97jumfd3D0iiD1XaP06_DmnNJ_V8cJN3M5pPmzGnr0iI3sOtcEKvHl5Nr8NTotPIGbNPWaPpgwVV\" alt=\"Grow a Good Life\" width=\"190\" height=\"190\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" ALIGn=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to make some big changes in your life but not sure where to start? Rachel, creator of Grow a Good Life, says get back to basics: Grow organic food, preserve the harvest, and make delicious meals from fresh ingredients. Learn how to use a mix of sustainable gardening methods, end your reliance on grocery store produce and preserve what your grow, so you can eat it year-round.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://growagoodlife.com/crop-rotation/\" target=\"_blank\">Benefits of Crop Rotation for Your Vegetable Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Espoma Organic</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Various Writers</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/nQ1kWKz1kdaAixmA8zCyxtBgUHLyChZFIHg58mIonglp3PiPh8x0HnEeEcxauo8N_l0m1s53H7rQtWEanJ-W_zX45SWbxgHiUOxeCL9yBOagvcpJDb5ZAFVrcpY627CiUQTKh1UG\"  hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" ALIGn=\"right\" alt=\"Espoma Organic\"/ width=\"257\" height=\"146\"></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The family-run Espoma Company’s been around for nearly 100 years and is the leading provider of organic fertilizers for the lawn and garden industry. The Espoma blog hasn’t been around nearly as long, but it’s quite popular, with more than a quarter-million followers on Facebook. You’ll find tips and information on flowers, plants, and mulching.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.espoma.com/gardening/indoor-gardening/gothic-gardening-the-darkest-plants/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gothic Gardening — The Darkest Plants</a>&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gardener’s Path</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1zwxnQQS97E7KuM8z3FTR2cxwdmu4uRjDnrBAcSSdVHbk-ubR_Pi0doH-xMF8CCTopTMKS1EkzDSUxGwBJ_Paot6Nynvs0ni6HrEoO9f3BcriwFzUB57azcR9ek-R5JNtaOmlQeU\" alt=\"Gothic Gardening\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Writers and photographers for Gardener’s Path come from across the globe, bringing advice, troubleshooting tips, and in-depth reviews to its readers. You’ll find posts on a variety of plants, from annuals to edibles to ornamental. Gardener’s Path hopes to help you take your gardening skills to the next level.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit-trees/grow-olive-trees/\" target=\"_blank\">How to Grow </a><a href=\"https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit-trees/grow-olive-trees/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a</a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit-trees/grow-olive-trees/\" target=\"_blank\">nd Care for Olive Trees</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Epic Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kevin Espiritu</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3-aSrVXRMGZlftqAAT_JNXWHYFem8WwGfoklP2-5bSKFesBE11aYVqFveaDuqdKtvq8qnfAGBqLGMtRT-AuP_QXbnHPk2dNMBxMyh0LZkvc7GBsSvujPm6P-et4NQStFKfpCNOZF\" alt=\"Epic Gardening\" width=\"167\" height=\"167\"/ hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" ></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kevin Espiritu gets straight to the point when it comes to the goal of Epic Gardening. He wants to help 10 million people around the world learn how to grow plants. His blog blends science and nature to bring you the best information on growing your own food, preventing garden pests and diseases, and creative gardening techniques like hydroponics!&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.epicgardening.com/regrow-green-onions/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Regrown Green Onions and Sprouted Onions</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Survival Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: David The Good</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sjcWD4el9LFWKI5cBgXcNKTjDB0dzKQOronQuPElbwjBs4vt9CGkDbNYmACgnYGayssz1rOY273H5z7Ks5_h6mN4QmF8PLSaDCN9SK0ZsoowaqJaR2f7nx6_QmpH1KbB0nmCPstM\" alt=\"The Survival Gardener\" width=\"160\" height=\"166\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>With more than 30 years of gardening experience, David The Good is about growing the most food with the least amount of work. He started his site eight years ago in Florida and has since gone international. The Survival Gardener focuses on old fashioned farming, natural ecosystems, and “lots” of experimentation.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://www.thesurvivalgardener.com/watermelons-growing-sand/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Watermelons Growing in Sand</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Big Blog of Gardening</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Todd Heft</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RwJ5TV3BgA-4XIXScG-9jfslcVFWGtQ84-dTFzZ9fsu12uS8XqwtAmCvUxQ_odGrOWLxLl4ptSPeJOGhdIEdDLiQy7AfdkH3klSsCDibAhzYN_r4s2BkZ2poFeQ69d69TRbe6Sq\" alt=\"Big Blog of Gardening\"  hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"  width=\"151\" height=\"128\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Flower gardens, vegetable gardens, lawns; you can find advice and information about all of them at Big Blog of Gardening. Founded 11 years ago by Todd Heft, the site centers around organic/sustainable gardening. Or, as Todd calls it, gardening and landscaping.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.bigblogofgardening.com/a-short-history-of-the-american-lawn/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Short History of the American Lawn</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Therapy</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Stephanie</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IDYe1TCroe4rNFFXsIh5Jn2tv5lg_Ifw3AIpEZDEtn6OUZAPallxyDDyHZwxrqghNBQWqh4nssMG84T_NNloCPEdG4fpRln6bFJbPBWTpIl2PYv2UXS554saHwH2Yn_P0VtluZV-\" align=\"right\" alt=\"Garden Therapy\" width=\"155\" height=\"155\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>After illness kept her in bed for a year-and-a-half, Stephanie discovered gardening as a way to restore both her physical and mental health. Soon she was growing flowers and, after that, vegetables for food. She uses her blog to connect with others who spend time in the garden to heal.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://gardentherapy.ca/easy-way-to-start-a-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Start a Garden From Scratch Without Breaking the Bank</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Impatient Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Erin</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jo6M0-qNkGh7trg0mEPw_6r3TyCqoE28jJKmrQNssWfnoEeH3sQOgwg1_k3Pe8uNXmI5sZJmxJqNF3bFmnZZSxujVnxKxc5NeIRhWuzFdMEtSB8npPfLqMAvuh6yPio8c3N30Dki\" alt=\"The Impatient Gardener\" width=\"175\" height=\"174\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Erin started gardening when she was a toddler, at least according to family photos. Fast-forward to adulthood, where she filled an apartment patio with so many plants, no one could see or walk through it. That led to her buying a house with enough room for three gardens. The Impatient Gardener leads you through real-life gardening; the good, the bad, and the funny!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.theimpatientgardener.com/compost/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Compost 101 (Just Do It)</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gardenerd</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Christy Wilhelmi</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jgiTChaJlOX15OBAHJnAKlcSp2eWDqEPLWJDkYwlJv3f2Ws_gHg_3CS6foQlK1ghk-kjoswLxeBBetAZO7UwVN7pI3b67yf0on5RcAkXopnCoCLGzLcoJn4NIJJTvAkYAwHgTBLJ\" alt=\"'Gardenerd' Christy Wilhelmi\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"136\" height=\"147\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you obsessed with gardening? Christy Wilhelmi wants you to visit her blog. Gardenerd offers up organic gardening advice such as how to turn land into a productive vegetable garden. Christy is convinced gardening combines physical activity and healthy food choices to provide “a grounding spiritual and creative outlet.”&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://gardenerd.com/blog/recipe-intro-to-aquafaba/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Recipe: Intro to Aquafaba</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cold Climate Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kathy Purdy</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LwstR5tLZR-M7bQjSfueVp98CQBoCbS6Qqe9MXP02e4HEfKU2g7FpHbNLPzF1TWM53Rrgfd8upohqoWxxriTgUh16kLw-7YIBqkGhEQjYd3akSLMwDn8a6QIhyjinoJFHixoDdvm\" alt=\"Cold Climate Gardening's Kathy Purdi\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Living in a cold climate may not seem to lend itself to gardening. The trick, says Kathy Purdy, is to choose plants suited to the temperatures and the soil. Cold Climate Gardening is your site to find information on plants that survive the cold, particularly in upstate New York, where she’s gardened for more than 25 years. You&#8217;ll also learn how to grow climate-friendly vegetables, garden design, and hardscaping.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://www.coldclimategardening.com/2020/01/04/worried-for-your-plants-with-this-weather/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Worried for Your Plants With This Weather?</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Park Seed</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mHqsPwxdau2WQUWdBieMqgw8PZcOqwwIASLqmjntzsj20q_bOtpmCdXtO3Gdl8ec8cLBFb6eFxUMOIQUaOJvNLIzN7-wmNaxUPgb8bcOkmD5VW_sEjQiKSkeAIkpJ_69hXtw5Dbt\" alt=\"Park Seed\" width=\"277\" height=\"83\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The blog is an offshoot of the Park Seed Company, which dates back to 1868. There have been a lot of advances in gardening since then and the blog reflects that. You’ll find posts on vegetables, herbs, flowers, germinating seeds, and tips on protecting your garden from predators. Park Seed is one of American’s oldest mail-order seed and plant companies and you’ll find info on pretty much all things gardening on their blog.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://blog.parkseed.com/2020/02/20/rascally-rabbits-how-to-stop-rabbits-from-eating-plants/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rascally Rabbits: How to Stop Rabbits From Eating Plants</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Harvest to Table</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Steve Albert</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/pcK8a38Eyckc8swCl7F6Eai1A53MTcj9CITn8ybLHbbZfAGMLYKT8zJnnpUcUPU9gbrHA8qi7HnTeGXyB_nkjz4rb5slo7mX-bHeFONxsiAaZrJWHiCJD7dw5IdFVlI1xqc7CHyP\" alt=\"Harvest to Table\" width=\"134\" height=\"177\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Steve writes his blog from his utility room with the door to the kitchen on one side and the door to the garden on the other. Appropriate, as he cooks and eats what he grows (and gives plenty away, too). Harvest to Table is for gardeners of all levels. The goal is to find easy solutions to common garden problems. </p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://harvesttotable.com/companion_planting_in_the_vege/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden</a>&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seed Money</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mL5mz25ByVjTiawr2LE-wt4W1OjQOuyr9ErkN0oISRtAVNsFiM2YKlP1DC3c4n1l2ioNo61p7ZrDpEtJTwGcIR1WwWVlMClk1pK_asChfUEHdhzwdiiWATZ7PeevZDqZonFANUMx\" alt=\"Seed Money\" width=\"239\" height=\"133\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This site originally focused on helping home gardeners. Today, it centers around supporting and helping finance public garden projects such as school, community, and homeless shelter gardens. Look for pieces on the value of home gardens, some how-tos on planting, and documentation of the projects Seed Money has worked on.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://seedmoney.org/blog/update/roosevelt-high-school-urban-farm-three-sisters-culinary-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roosevelt High School Urban Farm, Three Sisters Culinary Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You Grow Girl</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Gayla Trail</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wwMq5AbTldIVT_EDfrDvLr6z7XDfTc5x56XA-wmVCNgWE2q2QZ1Jh0Sfk7-DYCE-x96c4UdBnnMXXXFGO4GKAGU1zbrpmnBhLydoNjaR_i93Rm4d0YScagixLhVzKftMahcO4mmd\" alt=\"You Grow Girl\" width=\"130\" height=\"195\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s been 20 years since Gayla launched her blog. It has grown into a site that seeks to change our relationship to plants. You Grow Girl takes a laid-back approach to organic gardening, looking at affordability, environmentalism and style. Gayla says her blog is for everyone from gardeners to cooks, to creators, to the just plain curious.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://yougrowgirl.com/the-first-leafy-greens-harvest-of-the-season/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The First Leafy Greens Harvest Of The Season</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Betty</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Linda Ly</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wgn8RociLOayNAdJte6UubQUjVvvILupzqIQxm_k6Fxh0N-LBmgod0eF-MbLVXi1WbMPwp3Tu1y4eEyBXewGKcJnd-k1uJpK9fPiCdGeDjSo_H-CtBX5KPxZixUxHq8MhR5qQNQT\" alt=\"Garden Betty\" width=\"138\" height=\"183\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Linda Ly started her site as a personal blog but it&#8217;s now one of the leading resources on gardening. The focal points of Garden Betty are modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring. Linda is also the author of the “No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook,” finding ways to use up all the veggies we grow or buy.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.gardenbetty.com/defending-the-dandelion-its-not-just-another-weed/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Defending the Dandelion: It’s Not Just Another Weed</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bee Better Naturally</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Helen Yoest</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/0LtPSUFdDw4sI9nP-rN-0sGIX0jTwkJy0Pm87UI45sraOv9Ivx16eLNmK275N0i-VuV0KARC8uz7CREuRncRzoK3LI3mtbs-BNn0z1nRjwSbF6s97f3jghS9V_FTgIn6ZxgJfME0\" alt=\"Bee Better Naturally\" width=\"119\" height=\"170\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Helen Yoest wants to better the world, one garden at a time, by giving wildlife what it needs to survive. Bee Better Naturally teaches you how to select the best plants to sustain our birds, bees, and butterflies over their lifecycle. Linda emphasizes being pesticide-free, even from organic pesticides. You’ll learn to accept that there will be damage done to plants that host insects, and that’s OK.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Favorite Post 2020: <a href=\"https://www.beebetternaturally.com/blog/2020/3/31/14-days-during-2020-pandemic-the-garden-never-looked-better\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">XX Days Lockdown During 2020 Pandemic: The Garden Never Looked Better!</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Morning Chores</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/rhwfNl8SFX0KXLjmCsAyHQeWGgceaTRJ5C_JtAMrNGdd5hDVKwZesqLwaCP9jEXzrpniLeLjwz9IxevHT_dCH0l_sC-DIWAwLSMTqDr1MA3OyKZ183RudVMi4toB5yXDgQWT-x56\" alt=\"Morning Chores\" width=\"178\" height=\"178\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Created with the premise that it’s hard to find gardening guides you can trust, Morning Chores aims to bring you information and stories that help you grow a thriving garden, learn new skills, and save money. The writing team is scattered across the U.S. and around the world. The one thing they all have in common? Each one has experience in gardening, so they know their plants.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://morningchores.com/ingredient-substitutions/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">15 Easy Ingredient Substitutions if You Can’t Get to the Store</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Collage</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LaZrmDDpotUTWFd7cL-pGa40MPL0Jw4Z2bwiQxlhu6DJx6Y5iOWcwlaeqYU5lGE-DZ-ZJJlCMiQyYUeqrbMr_Bwndia4ZzqBKrMBKlxlRvCk-dk-J9DB8wTUsN8DTdDZ8zxUFJ7B\" alt=\"Garden Collage\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"129\" height=\"129\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This contemporary look at natural living with posts on herbal healing, seasonal foods, and the stories plants can tell. You’ll find categories such as “Nourish,” “Heal,” “Change,” and “Inspire.” With a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and hundreds of thousands of followers, Garden Collage uses influencers to bring their stories to social media.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://gardencollage.com/gallery/five-classic-fairytale-love-stories-plants/0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 Classic Fairytale Love Stories About Plants</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Digging</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Pam Penick</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/qEYg9qxfGJ9PlhKziCufOyd9zc2Sl97wx8EHzG2TO4teVsxgVtqvgVPExtNFUED5XiZdk4oI6yGSgu99j9fvQlSbcIHGaOB1umV7YQoi39_CLiyfdJXK1gswiBNwpCU4L9bS60XH\" alt=\"Digging\" width=\"138\" height=\"140\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Pam Penick is a Texan with a penchant for getting dirt under her nails. Digging is for folks who want to feel connected to nature, through real-life plant info, garden design, and virtual garden tours. Like Pam says, it’s for “dirt-under-the-nails types and armchair gardeners alike.”</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.penick.net/digging/?p=69543\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grapey Gorgeous Texas Mountain Laurel</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gardening Gone Wild</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Fran Sorin</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/SgZRF9ZYeP8-m0ApjlVnRXC5pWlkMYWnJASbmr1bnJU-E-jbweJB3eKA1J3P3-JQhhwsp5Rr1UFqd2IPJiUdzaI6atEEHWlBeyWB1Mn0ox7LeC0jIDbhcxjQl2RYwjr1qLQoijvM\" alt=\"Gardening Gone Wild\" width=\"175\" height=\"116\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Fran Sorin started her blog back in 2007, with an emphasis on how to create bold, organic, low maintenance and drought-resistant gardens. These days, you’ll still find those types of posts, along with more. Want to know how to effectively use color in your garden? Gardening Gone Wild’s got you covered. How about amazing photos of unique plants and flowers? Covered. You&#8217;ll also learn why gardening’s good for your health.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://gardeninggonewild.com/can-landscaping-protect-a-home-from-wildfire/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can Landscaping Protect a Home From Fire?</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mother Earth News</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/72SJ1aXi6J6Bsom6EEdNV2mJDjupct9zoYNEk1slOC3_WxBK7hoyLkKgwTc1n5X9ZZXxM49waxcRlNVKjHGnRP2yHIDrxIm7ap4FOBSe_qhgptaSS3UAJ_mQqpYpBzShLzuBQ-hB\" alt=\"Mother Earth News\" width=\"253\" height=\"113\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Living green is what it’s all about at Mother Earth News. It’s the longest-running sustainable-lifestyle magazine, and the advice on the pages carries over to the online posts. Organic foods, country living, green transportation, and natural health are some of the topics you’ll find. And if you’re wondering what to do with the veggies you just picked, Mother Earth News has recipes, as well.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/canning/home-canning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Home Canning Guide: Learn How to Can Your Own Food</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urban Gardeners Republic</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/1YdhRfn3JZfb1ENkT_U1y5dygdYsRKWi1xFfFN4ljjRV0jUsMLbP0lrds5HzUJ_lN_QnYzv5EXeVGeFoqJ_ahVF7TF5a1RVuGVLeZRG1cvCgNKy1neOXGe7gXOM7d9cI1uSO_247\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" alt=\"Urban Gardener's Republic\" width=\"223\" height=\"127\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>City living doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden. Urban Gardeners Republic’s mission is to create 1000 gardens in 100 cities around the world over the next five years. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this blog aims to encourage you to grow your own food, teach your kids how to garden, and build a green space at home.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://urbangardenersrepublic.com/indoor-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indoor Garden Tips and Ideas For All Gardeners</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Serenity in the Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jan Johnsen</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/iDOudVnzwQg8Tkbb8Z1oszcAX5ihoNwhVvQQg8mA4DBHf8kRRMss9V2cGBsku4E1hrERwZNFgYYCtyDuRuwm6Frn7VOcKEQp8rAkUBfm1L0gU_5PFdmIGMw8TfcHiNZCQ8DnES_A\" alt=\"Serenity in the Garden\" width=\"122\" height=\"170\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Going green is what it’s all about for Jan, who designs landscapes and pools and writes books, including “Heaven Is a Garden &#8211; Designing Serene Outdoor Spaces for Inspiration and Reflection.” Serenity In The Garden aims to show you how to use a garden to enhance your wellbeing.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://serenityinthegarden.blogspot.com/2015/04/milk-carton-gardening-build-those.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Milk Carton Gardens</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Savvy Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Authors: Jessica Walliser, Niki Jabbour, Tara Nolan</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cRgPvzckrdTayxUnETWe5BJEvAzPvv4H2isFq1C5mp6b4WhMb9zHxA6Gx_fUL3UawdXsq40OjQlVg9uE-CL4h6P_TH7mxvtt1WDtj9dh4oSi0hsCCb6kWm8h80GMcALh0xLNbJP7\" alt=\"Savvy Gardening\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Three voices of gardening expertise make up Savvy Gardening. Jessica, Niki and Tara want you to get out in your garden and experiment. The blog offers information on food, interactions between insects and plants, and ways to reconnect with nature.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://savvygardening.com/landscape-borders/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Landscape Borders: Eye-Catching Edging Ideas</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Washington Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kathy Jantz</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-roubdCJ8Dh9oQzQF_OEdYK0gcgQYsuRX1eVXixOwHG7B2lm3ksQk0UmH_AZnCLs95NRXITB4cAuVJ1UrGu0YEfFx0K6Ra0BK8VXYgH6BE1pwymv9wPZvo6J22pWEJ0On-2IwGLy\" alt=\"Washington Gardener\" width=\"92\" height=\"140\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kathy is determined to leave a very small environmental footprint behind and is committed to doing all she can to protect the planet. At Washington Gardener, they source 100% wind power and use vegetable-based inks and recycled paper for printing. In this blog, look for tips on building a garden, safety, and transitioning the kitchen garden from spring into early summer.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/03/plant-profile-carex.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant Profile: Carex</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family Food Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Isis Loran</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Y2og6TXrWkJuE31xPeHQkf50s0MJkIUxXzvoXY6_oHRzVmRI0wkbcxXwqSGITLzQGow9PwvK80k51ToxM1tncyhJMWxOl9x4Oi0euVhpUJH4-m_YjzBNfvDd6OR-FZops6pMy4zW\" alt=\"Family Food Garden\" width=\"208\" height=\"156\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>When you grow your own food, you can control what you put into your body, whether it’s tea, herbs, wild foraged food, or fruits and vegetables. Isis loves growing heirlooms and experimenting with plants. Family Food Garden covers garden planning, homesteading and permaculture, such as growing a pollinator garden.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.familyfoodgarden.com/how-to-keep-your-greenhouse-cool-in-the-summer/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Keep Your Greenhouse Cool in the Summer</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Home Garden Joy</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jeanne Grunert</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/7lxZO7nsKlhibmJSY16WRa2dqHSUFwP6vIeYbxbza_zQVnmiBPOzTkgjHsXvLkAUIVQ1ihNdL-oZPrwne2kvYf1eSmOcgwo-UQKm1q6iML7nEkBHl8we82KraMoe_98PcHcLUFfk\" alt=\"Home Garden Joy\" width=\"112\" height=\"168\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>On her voyage from a city slicker to farm girl, Jeanne moved from New York City to Farmersville, Va. Regardless of where she was living, plants and gardening were her thing. Home Garden Joy shares posts on how to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs plus some surprising info like how to make a bee water station with things you find at the dollar store.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://homegardenjoy.com/site/2020/05/murder-hornets.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Asian Murder Hornets: What Gardeners Need to Know</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tilly’s Nest</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Melissa Caughey</strong><br></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3QBjGjCCvwKxsTNKIobyMk4a3KiEQjX7Ep8PLmKucaCadV3BX--2gmA6gRkxwvuObZ8YtApmTkOHJhTHWW8UcZtguH68EBHf4J8xxv6OGZq4R8rmVlEHnPA9IWBYNeWjFXHsnB-U\" alt=\"Tilly's Nest\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing you notice about Tilly’s Nest is chickens. Lots of chickens. A second to the fowl is gardening. Melissa lives by the New England seaside and keeps you updated on chickens, gardening, bees, art, and food.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.tillysnest.com/2019/05/spring-awakenings-delights-season/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spring Awakenings: Delights of the Season</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Small Town Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Marianne Willburn</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/71JejNFhVzmdKqSpv3218elWFjVAcz_I4a05i81wrRVlu7y5EuERscFU9bovKJx3xwrBjgLZKlHcElAG6rIN-m7g-wYn08rvYeuHl4w04bk30jPxO-tiytVoVVg1YQ01-OjW0CIF\" alt=\"Small Town Gardener\" width=\"128\" height=\"192\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing plants reminds Marianne how fulfilling it is to work with your hands. These days of digital living find some gardeners glued to Pinterest and other sites, collecting information but forgetting to do anything with it. Small Town Gardener helps you reconnect with the actual garden, whether it’s on your balcony, in your backyard, or on ten acres in your field.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://smalltowngardener.com/smallscalevegetablegardening/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vegetable Gardening on a Smaller Scale</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Red Dirt Ramblings</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Dee Nash</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/H34Ltk9U2G5UJ-ffRQOKNXYzNWEOnjb3--5ybs0eEpnezw2x8h1gp4rOk7flih1NjiWrnEIfM_h66vkUTLMZm52LBx4WyzYEezM62Fz5dBgyKsC_21SPs_fyElRb4VvWY8HsWzC0\" alt=\"Red Dirt Ramblings\" width=\"255\" height=\"128\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Dee once grew 90 rose bushes and more than 200 daylilies. You might say she’s garden-obsessed. Oklahoma born and raised, she loves getting her hands in the red dirt. Her blog offers tips on how to grow your own transplants from seed, when to buy bulbs for spring flowers, and the basics of container gardening.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite </strong><a href=\"https://reddirtramblings.com/heart-shaped-plants/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Post 2020: Heart-Shaped Plants</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Green Talk</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Anna Hackman</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ORWxmwN3NWaxsVcCgYLXDIidwS0bfl2lzqybJ5kqtXmdwAAh7cWQLPLIMoE_pTIUFOCwHDcKLvmSpO6IBTEuk9iZX_B6OIOrWW5qwqmS_Xm56D5Ly3EJ2kPmPKXc1gS23wthHcNY\" alt=\"Green Talk\" width=\"174\" height=\"125\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Green Talk began as a blog about green building, as Anna had just finished building an eco-friendly house. It’s evolved into a site about gardening, herbs, and food preservation, with some green living still sprinkled in. Anna promotes health, hope, and happiness, which she says you can achieve by growing and preserving your own food.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.green-talk.com/lighting-to-grow-seeds-indoors/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Successfully Grow Indoor Seedlings Using the Right Light</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Horticult</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Authors: Chantal Aida Gordon, Ryan Benoit</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_5ekLkx2ab5SD9wfVqNRSLm-81FhpWfPcObZvj64EthlW3tcJqrZYvcnnC9e_7zF5BTfvXIW9Y8v564UQ125Yr_we_zhuMW8uRpdWIfiCOnit2U3RzBP7wDnT0U5CjbpjrZj5rqQ\" alt=\"The Horticult\" width=\"256\" height=\"144\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Chantal and Ryan created their blog seven years ago as newbies to gardening. As they experimented with plants and interviewed the experts, they shared everything they learned with their readers. Now, accomplished gardeners, they bring to The Horticult a guide to enjoying a plant-infused lifestyle, including how to serve up herb-garnished cocktails.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://thehorticult.com/show-thyme-how-to-build-an-outdoor-theater-in-your-garden/\">Show Thyme: How to Build an Outdoor Theater in Your Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">May Dreams Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Carol Michel</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HtdGPwH6rboWOIrAnOHk5-kMiQTlEBRN_G0WVLc_mFvl0s-NgEsoueOcQ0tYGGDlmfPs6yWLNz3qj_AEMRMohPg93y_wwV-bNAWJFUKyWfS7yGYGtgqBgA6KYTVX0KO9m5JqKMpL\" alt=\"May Dreams Gardens\" width=\"157\" height=\"157\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Carol calls herself an eccentric gardening geek. This Indiana gardener writes about how to select and use the right tools, gardening clubs you may want to join and, of course, house plants, outdoor plants, and colorful blossoms. May Dreams Gardens also encourages you to keep a garden diary. Who knows? Maybe you’ll start your own garden blog.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2020/05/the-garden-fairies-may-need-to-defend.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Garden Fairies May Need to Defend Themselves</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My Desired Home</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Eva</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/izvZvsAW5ZIggPNfRfAXlNzFF_-E7Ib0veYr75OfP_44-Zukm0qzelZ3k4ZFCSTYbipr-z8RxJu1u4CK7SaoVgRwcWjtsuKOgHAvQZOdjfZyrd3WkKJiarZcleNiVPC5mTUxRhoN\" alt=\"My Desired Home\" width=\"155\" height=\"155\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>My Desired Home describes itself as the place to go when home deco and DIY need inspiration, but the blog also focuses on gardening. Want to know the secret to growing tasty tomatoes in pots? Learn why bamboo is the new trend for your garden. Or read about DIY ideas to transform a tree trunk into a beautiful garden decoration.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://mydesiredhome.com/dipladenia-the-amazing-brazilian-jasmine-in-your-pot-and-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dipladenia, the Amazing Brazilian Jasmine in Your Pot and Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 104 Homestead</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jessica Lane</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/3PyptlLBYdTWVbuIL0sQYlDXyWgoDSIfpTDoYktHTuzfLMYmWlPAZ_KWfhLGIpCb4CISwCq2KQOWb928hYODCKDwqNGYaCKE_5yz24QxISpxKiACwwsuWB4wpCGM99q0FwU6VYE5\" alt=\"The 104 Homestead\" width=\"146\" height=\"146\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Jessica lives a nearly self-sufficient life with her three kids in Maine. She grows as much food as she can and what she can’t grow, she barters for. The 104 Homestead follows her journey into homesteading. If you want to be more self-sufficient but don’t know where to start, you’ll find the answers on this blog.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://104homestead.com/growing-food/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">There’s No Reason Not to Grow Your Own Food</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bees and Roses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jenny</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/i7pELAdyVkTwDzgnEMXvz9XIOEVHWAZxc_tpPj6RM2NL9mbJ14h77aW5NAycFa3yGbLRFCJHwacr6B3TdLmLIR1mCChkZfTAqQ6euuA_dzGdim8-VOVEIhnpLRyoJq-NSUgAFgrE\" alt=\"Bees and Roses\" width=\"205\" height=\"95\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>A certified master gardener, Jenny wants to tell you all she can about outdoor living. Whether it’s landscaping, planting trees, or flowers, Bees and Roses has what you need to be successful in the garden. Jenny’s posts include advice on creating permaculture designs for your backyard and tips for growing tomatoes upside down. That’s right. Upside down!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://beesandroses.com/2020/04/29/victory-gardens-a-blast-from-the-past/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Victory Gardens: a Blast From the Past</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Real Men Sow</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jono Stevens</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LfSInuEAxob-dUj2oH-fCpXQzWFK71OthYXJW2IkCoVCLzC0znpKOBo4hzBJvTWOhcPEF4iqMDLhy9YKppqLedqF7H8dnVWyeSrSq_-UdsP7rH_FaOlCXPpH00RF3SV0yNulBa_r\" alt=\"Real Men Sow\" width=\"133\" height=\"147\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Thirteen years ago, Jono took up gardening with his mom. He says a steady stream of tasty fruits and veggies have made their way to his kitchen ever since. You’ll find advice for beginning gardeners and tips for buying cheap seeds. Jono hopes his blog captures the joy of growing your own food and living within the seasons.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://www.realmensow.co.uk/?p=4707\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6 Tips for Composting Down Your Spent Crops</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shawna Coronado</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Shawna Coronado</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8uTZUK5M5Wx8a9F4k8-nF5DHUlKBIgMEdBkxOW1Josr5E58tU1WyZqZlnGAItNEFj2I5tikhmCi9I0-8nMWrS1hUuViUDXnZnZIBASm-J1mXNK4-5acVSMpmsPcdRV1C5ZIlhLA_\" alt=\"Shawna Coronado\" width=\"135\" height=\"135\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>When Shawna was diagnosed with a debilitating disease, she set out to find ways to decrease the pain. Focusing on growing organic produce and plants for food, while also sharing anti-inflammatory recipes, Shawna has a “make a difference” passion, zeroing in on wellness.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://shawnacoronado.com/purple-basil-great-ornamental-edible/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Purple Basil Is a Great Ornamental Edible</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High Altitude Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kate</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zh9QZTBjxQVjs-y9fQlPvIcXFzKPekUDHAzS7Rxx1wlEmGnj6XqZpHRFN347Q7kX73SN-s7G1cOCRC3FdNacshfvNLmwpn2dmc2T14bmYdiziDoEpy11vz3XeIUdKDHqDBWJlBxX\" alt=\"High Altitude Gardening\" width=\"167\" height=\"136\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kate gardens in a high-plain desert at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Sound challenging? It is. This Utah blogger is a certified master gardener who plants native flowers to adapt to the dry, harsh conditions. High Altitude Gardening offers advice on which seeds to buy and which vegetables to plant.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://highaltitudegardening.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-divine-inspiration-of-onions.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Divine Inspiration of … Onions?</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skippy’s Vegetable Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kathy</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wuw6jUzkv0WCYxMXMzW6Yj5VdRddFA_fgfNxZ3H7xlxB8J9IpPK696cPq4bA0I0atSzFW5bwSnPSgB9BknWUEFFX7XxoyXrKk9Bc0kNeRaomNDNEZkd73oWIeO7rsu5yvs36qHHB\" alt=\"Skippy's Vegetable Garden\" width=\"170\" height=\"147\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kathy is a biochemist who gardens as a hobby. The blog is named after Skippy, her first dog who followed her through the garden. Though Skippy is no longer here, his memory lives on through the blog. Kathy shares advice from expert gardeners, including gardening projects you can do in your kitchen and templates for garden plans.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://skippysgarden.com/2020/03/growing-sprouts-and-microgreens.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Growing Sprouts and Microgreens</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urban Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Robin Plaskoff Horton</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/LCtPsh06n9u638ddxmBxHJ3swQYu6NgsT8lYlLBvjEijXcf3ulshPDsG1C9R4npM4WVSawfbl2oBFXOkpmLwkBLD_-G_sfL-vrLT6ygegn3VwsTLBPXbktbhOK0luv1roirakUdC\" alt=\"Urban Gardens\" width=\"160\" height=\"155\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Urban Gardens starts at the beginning, from planting and cultivating to harvesting. The blog combines urban style, design, sustainable living, and travel. Robin grew up in several countries and uses her experience on her blog, scouting the world for food and design trends.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.urbangardensweb.com/2020/01/14/horticultural-therapy-cultivates-healing-and-hope-for-seniors/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Horticulture Therapy Cultivates Healing and Hope for Seniors</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Veg Plotting</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Michelle</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZnCnOGVWTmpffLBoYB427OJ7KaCcK6ktwgkK656ZPEqxFs_eVgBugWBNtyompLAyYqffnTLQ4W7o-OeBbwV_ejHiq_w2mhAmu_U-GQgI48yvhs0WIQvqKJqiuYC0UFO0UISD3KHD\" alt=\"Veg Plotting\" width=\"204\" height=\"152\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Michelle doesn’t claim to be an expert gardener but she hopes you’ll find useful information in Veg Plotting. She writes about discovering things about gardening, cooking what you grow, and spotting spring flowers. The gardening bug didn’t really bite her until she was an adult, but she’s making up for lost time.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://vegplotting.blogspot.com/2020/05/it-started-with-lemon.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">It Started With a Lemon</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Landscape Design By Lee</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Lee Miller</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RgA6MJ4vnacjGsa0mpHWfs6ky3sksbFQtzdO0ux0JVu-pKA6DhXTteiQgKz5p91SvzuHenx_efXbUbrmC1ArjEHUD4CBDIdUI8I6r_a5GA5jApjhzt38tKGU67maDibhdyjm9nO3\" alt=\"Landscape Design by Lee\" width=\"186\" height=\"140\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>ee says she’s had a shovel in her hand since age 5. She’s a lifetime gardener, book author and now a landscape designer. Lee stays current with horticulture practices and shares what she learns on her blog. You’ll also find gorgeous pictures of flowers and plants on her page.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://landscapedesignbylee.blogspot.com/2020/03/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-foliage.html#.XrXCoWg3nIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Garden Bloggers Bloom Day &amp; Foliage Follow</a></p>\n","title":"50 Best Gardening Blogs of 2020","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5515151515151515,"src":"/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/1789c/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/107df/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/293e9/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/f2cbb/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/1789c/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/a2a79/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/1dd6e/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/67b76/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/8df11/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/98a65/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/1dd6e/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/7aa54/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"50 Best Gardening Blogs of 2020 | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"0cae6c7f-d05a-55a4-9bf8-5213acbf89bd","slug":"victory-garden","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/victory-garden/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Brenda Stuart is a radio journalist and content manager whose goal is to have the greenest lawn and prettiest garden on the block.","name":"Brenda Stuart","id":"fcad9a7b-532b-583f-832f-0cffbbcfa0a3","path":"/author/brendastuartryangmail-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5e5ae7b8ac8b21db046b4f507fbec2aa?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"}],"date":"April 14th, 2020","excerpt":"<p>How a Modern-Day ‘Victory Garden’ Can Help You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic As the coronavirus pandemic progresses, a growing number of state governments are requiring people to stay at home and make only minimal trips to stores for necessities. Besides making sure their households have enough hand soap and sanitizer, people are also trying to [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>How a Modern-Day ‘Victory Garden’ Can Help You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As the coronavirus pandemic progresses, a growing number of state governments are requiring people to stay at home and make only minimal trips to stores for necessities. Besides making sure their households have enough hand soap and sanitizer, people are also trying to lay in enough food, water, medicine, disinfectants, and other supplies to last for several weeks of self-isolation.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>During uncertain times like these, it’s natural to wonder whether you could practice social distancing and simultaneously minimize your long-term dependency on the grocery store by growing food and natural remedies in your own backyard. The answer is yes — with plenty of planning, effort, and time (which, if you’re stuck at home, you’ll have more of than usual). Here are things to think about, plus tips for preparing, planting, and maintaining a garden that can help you survive an emergency.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Survival Gardening: What Is It? Why Is It a Good Idea?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don’t have to become a full-blown prepper or try to survive exclusively off the land. Think of it more like the <a href=\"https://www.history.com/news/americas-patriotic-victory-gardens\">victory gardens</a> your grandparents or great-grandparents may have planted. You can grow some herbs and vegetables in pots on a balcony or convert a large portion of your yard to staple crops, or anything in between. Either way:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You can save money and unnecessary trips to the grocery store by supplementing your food supply with healthy, homegrown produce. And you’ll also have food you enjoy in case there are shortages.</li><li>You can grow and make your own home remedies in case over-the-counter medicines become scarce or you’d rather not venture out to procure them.&nbsp;</li><li>Social distancing is easier when you don’t need to go out and encounter people as often.</li><li>There are psychological and physical benefits to getting outdoors for family members of all ages.</li><li>Gardening is a great way to spend lockdown time that might otherwise make you stir-crazy. Enlist your kids in the project and take the opportunity to help them work off some pent-up energy — while introducing some homeschool-type lessons on topics ranging from geometry to physical education to biology.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Can Make a ‘Survival’ or ‘Victory’ Garden?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Anyone! </strong>Obviously, the space you have and the time you’re willing to spend will determine the scale. Few people can completely support themselves, especially right away — but anything you grow helps your budget and saves a trip to the store.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially if you’re new to the gardening game, it can help to:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Set realistic expectations</strong> for your time, space, and other resources. Ask yourself: Should this be a small, medium, or large operation? How much space do I have? How much time and energy can I spend on planning, planting, watering, weeding, etc.?</li><li><strong>Start small.</strong> First-time gardening involves a learning curve, so take baby steps if you’ve never gardened before. Begin with a potted herb like basil or mint, or a medicinal plant such as aloe or marigolds. Definitely plant a few easy-to-grow vegetables, including green beans or potatoes. From there, add new crops as you wish.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ajPU9FrhuAjKC-fQLjorDE1Vor0MHxPQqBa8Q9l0T-sG2jnvW9tG5b3pS30SEzuT-nwjcTJXJgAGF5p5JAmmpFgm--1oJFdPCXGymEU8A6Csz8DBImQLpd7cyF1LONqtRLpJ8uJZ\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Growing Your Own Food: 6 Things You Need to Get Started</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1) A plan</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want good results, you can’t just start sticking plants in the ground. Gardening depends on a lot of factors, and you need to consider them first. (THEN you can start sticking plants in the ground!)&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>What vegetables you actually like to eat that grow well in your climate, as well as the calorie, protein, and vitamin content of those choices.&nbsp;</li><li>How many people you hope to feed and what you’ll be able to store or preserve.&nbsp;</li><li>Which medicinal herbs and other useful plants you want to grow.</li><li>How and where you’ll grow it all. Indoors or outdoors? in containers, <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/gardening/growing-vegetables-on-hills-rows-or-raised-beds/\">hills, rows, or raised beds</a>? In a greenhouse? Maybe even a hidden garden?&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Space</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The country’s <a href=\"https://garden.org/special/pdf/2014-NGA-Garden-to-Table.pdf\">median garden size</a> is about 96 square feet (8 feet by 12 feet). That’s very close to 100 square feet — the ideal size for a <a href=\"https://todayshomeowner.com/choosing-the-right-size-vegetable-garden/\">summer vegetable garden</a> that can fill the needs of one person.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how much food can a space like that yield? One gardener writing for <a href=\"https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/edible-landscaping-zmaz09djzraw\">Mother Earth News</a> calculated her 100-square-foot plot’s annual yield at 77.5 pounds of tomatoes, 15.5 pounds of bell peppers, 14.3 pounds of lettuce, 2.5 pounds of basil, and 126 pounds of zucchini!&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also pay attention to the amount of sun and shade your intended plot will get, so you can decide which plants should go where. Lots of gardening websites offer <a href=\"https://gardenplanner.motherearthnews.com/\">garden planners</a> to help you visualize and design your plot.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Water</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A clean water supply is important, of course. Unless your area gets a lot of rainfall, you’ll probably be watering from your household water supply by hand, hose, or sprinkler. It’s easy to install a water filter to prevent chlorine, salts, and other chemicals from getting into your soil and your food — there are filters that screw right onto your garden hose!</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4) Soil</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll also need fertile soil that’s been tilled or loosened and is free of rocks and debris. If you’re converting a yard from turf, turning the soil for the first time will be one of the most time- and labor-intensive steps in the process. Prepare yourself now!</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can learn things about your soil in the process, including its history of pesticide, herbicide, or fertilizer use. You’ll also get to know the consistency of the soil texture — what <a href=\"https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/what-type-of-soil-do-you-have/9120.html\">proportions of sand, silt, clay, or loam</a> it contains — plus how much rock you’ll need to remove.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5) Time</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A garden will take up as much time as you give it, but most sources seem to agree that once plants are in the ground and growing, you’ll devote at minimum 5-10 hours per week to planting, watering, weeding, fertilizing, etc.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, when starting a survival garden, you probably want the period from planting to harvest to take as little time as possible, so consider sowing some fast-growing plants in your first crop. (See <strong>17 Fastest-Growing Backyard Crops</strong>, below, for suggestions.)<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6) <strong>Tools</strong>&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some basic <a href=\"https://www.gardendesign.com/how-to/tools.html\">tools every backyard gardener needs</a> to begin with, including:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Gardening gloves.</strong> They should fit snugly and be thick enough to prevent calluses and protect from thorns.</li><li><strong>Shovel and/or spade</strong>. Try breaking ground and digging into soil without them. You won’t like it.</li><li><strong>Trowel. </strong>&nbsp;Use this handheld version of a shovel for digging and scooping soil.</li><li><strong>Cultivator. </strong>Also called a garden fork or hand rake, use it to break up soil.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Shears.</strong> These small, handheld “garden scissors” are used to cut stems, twigs, vines, etc.</li><li><strong>Rake.</strong> It can’t be beat for gathering cuttings and debris, clearing topsoil, etc.</li><li><strong>Garden hose and nozzle.</strong> A nozzle helps spread and regulate water flow.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Watering can.</strong> Used for watering in places the hose won’t reach.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your garden starts growing and you get a little deeper in, you also might need:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Loppers.</strong> A long-handled tool with scissor-like blades that cuts branches, vines, etc.</li><li><strong>Hoe</strong>. This long-handled tool with a flat blade is used for cutting weeds, turning soil.</li><li><strong>Pitchfork.</strong> Spread straw or other ground cover with this tined tool.</li><li><strong>Axe and/or hatchet.</strong> Cut branches and trunks of larger plants.</li><li><strong>Pruning saw.</strong> With this serrated metal blade you can saw off stems, shoots, etc.</li><li><strong>Wheelbarrow</strong> Transport soil, plants, tools, and everything else.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FCQrAn04mB_snbI5J9SjwmYuTLmEicgYhZF9N0T6y1cl_h2p4XyTEf-acUONsMvrIsACQPGYgYJ4s6K_if6UsVvKi3QNmBLrONRS3rdQp_N7JFdA-zW_2Mo9ThUqh4iTc4bWeAN2\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Growing Food: Start With Staples&nbsp;</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to selecting crops for a survival garden, everybody has different needs and tastes. Here’s a basic example of the types of staple crops you can plant:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Root vegetables: </strong>beets, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, sweet potatoes.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Leafy greens:</strong> chard, collards, kale, lettuce, spinach.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Crucifers:</strong> bok choy, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower.</li><li><strong>Legumes:</strong> beans or peas, <strong>which grow well with</strong> corn, squash, zucchini.</li><li>And <strong>tomatoes: </strong>of course! They’re everybody’s favorite vegetable (that’s really a fruit).</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These veggies have <a href=\"https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/succession-planting/5016.html\">different growing seasons</a>, which can allow you to start a few kinds of plants at a time and focus on establishing them before it’s time to get the next crop going. (Just make sure to plan your garden layout with enough room for everybody.) This also means there should be something new that’s ready to harvest throughout most of the year.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of different lenses to help you focus your plant choices. You can consider growing time; ease of cultivation; protein, calorie or vitamin content. Luckily, many plants show up on multiple lists and grow well in your area. If you like to eat them (and bonus: if your kids like to eat them), then give them a try in your victory garden!</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>17 Fastest-Growing Backyard Crops&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember growing bean sprouts in school? There’s a reason kindergarten teachers everywhere choose them: The seeds sprout and turn in visible results in almost no time.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Food</strong></td><td><strong>Average days from </strong><strong><br></strong><strong>sowing to harvest</strong></td></tr><tr><td>green onions</td><td>20-30 days</td></tr><tr><td>radishes</td><td>25 days</td></tr><tr><td>spinach</td><td>30 days</td></tr><tr><td>arugula</td><td>30 days</td></tr><tr><td>carrots</td><td>30-50 days</td></tr><tr><td>lettuce</td><td>30-45 days</td></tr><tr><td>summer squash/ zucchini</td><td>35 days</td></tr><tr><td>bush beans</td><td>60 days</td></tr><tr><td>bok choy</td><td>45-60 days</td></tr><tr><td>cucumbers</td><td>50 days</td></tr><tr><td>beets</td><td>greens: 30 days / roots: 50 days</td></tr><tr><td>okra</td><td>50-55 days</td></tr><tr><td>kale</td><td>50-65 days</td></tr><tr><td>snow peas</td><td>60 days</td></tr><tr><td>broccoli</td><td>60 days</td></tr><tr><td>turnips</td><td>greens: 40 days / roots: 60 days</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Start your first survival garden season with some of these fast-growing crops, and you could be harvesting dinner within a few months.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Hardest and Easiest Crops to Grow at Home</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some crops are just easier than others. First-timer? You might want to stick with the crops easiest to grow in your area. Got some dirt under your nails? Go for the more finicky varieties.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Easier-to-grow crops</strong></td><td><strong>Harder-to-grow crops</strong></td></tr><tr><td>cucumbers</td><td>arugula</td></tr><tr><td>garlic</td><td>bok choy</td></tr><tr><td>green beans</td><td>broccoli</td></tr><tr><td>kale</td><td>cauliflower</td></tr><tr><td>lettuce</td><td>eggplant</td></tr><tr><td>peas</td><td>mustard greens</td></tr><tr><td>potatoes</td><td>onions</td></tr><tr><td>radishes*</td><td>radishes*</td></tr><tr><td>summer squash/ zucchini</td><td>spinach</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*Wondering why radishes show up on both the easy-to-grow and hard-to-grow lists? Because it’s easy to get radishes sprouted and growing, but not always easy to keep this cool-weather plant from <strong>bolting</strong> (prematurely flowering and going to seed before producing food) in warm weather. The same is true for many on the hard-to-grow list.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7Yq5PyMIaG19xvaGbAMWwzljZf_L_koSskCafJvn8meFWXnRMFxb0edNXNBihTTJW1xyEGBoMtLgMgnN88fiY6iGmKuroL_LpaSULhzy8WrKYPzC1Dz2pvOe9cD4-PU8MBa6s8Mn\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8 Calorie-Rich Survival Garden Crops</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re trying to keep your family fed in a crisis situation, calories (<em>boosting them</em>, that is — not cutting them down!) may become more important than you ever thought possible. These are among the most calorie-dense crops you can plant.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Food</strong></td><td><strong>Average calories</strong></td></tr><tr><td>sunflower seeds&nbsp;</td><td>700 kcals per cup (shelled)</td></tr><tr><td>avocado&nbsp;</td><td>370 kcals per cup (puréed)</td></tr><tr><td>soybeans</td><td>300 kcals per cup</td></tr><tr><td>potatoes</td><td>260 kcals each (medium)</td></tr><tr><td>lima beans</td><td>210 kcals per cup</td></tr><tr><td>corn</td><td>130 kcals per ear</td></tr><tr><td>sweet potatoes</td><td>130 kcals each (medium)</td></tr><tr><td>pinto beans&nbsp;</td><td>80 kcals per cup</td></tr><tr><td>Source: <a href=\"https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/\">USDA Food Data Central</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8 High-Protein Backyard Crops</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein is also important for maintaining proper health. There are plenty of ways to get protein into your garden and onto your plate.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Food</strong></td><td><strong>Average protein per cup</strong></td></tr><tr><td>soybeans</td><td>68 grams</td></tr><tr><td>pumpkin seeds</td><td>36 grams</td></tr><tr><td>pinto beans</td><td>28 grams</td></tr><tr><td>quinoa</td><td>24 grams</td></tr><tr><td>buckwheat</td><td>22 grams</td></tr><tr><td>peanuts</td><td>16 grams</td></tr><tr><td>chickpeas</td><td>14 grams</td></tr><tr><td>broccoli</td><td>2.5 grams</td></tr><tr><td>Source: <a href=\"https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/\">USDA Food Data Central</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides legumes and grains, many green veggies are high in protein — such as broccoli, which contains <a href=\"https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/tips-and-ideas/archive/yes-plants-have-protein\">more protein per calorie than steak</a>. (You’d just have to eat <em>many</em> more mouthfuls of greens to get the same number of calories as you’d get from the animal products.)<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>17 Foods You Can Regrow From Kitchen Scraps</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A smart way to reduce food waste and get more of the crops you already like to eat is to regrow food from cuttings. This also saves unnecessary trips to the store or garden center. If you’ve never done this before, now is a great time to start. Here are some foods you can regrow.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"424\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/foods-grow-from-cuttings-424x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10985\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/y3g3ijCjNGPvHrh4BSQpVnskWjnV4j85j1X7lgbPoC-vgSwK_MwmBaOl4IP53eiGu8hBPZhcrGx_RW2KUFt1aGmOGdgsxLiV-GaYCIJbtpPFAPpQyyH8fM8kgdJ2rZlnDTlybKUp\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Growing Medicine</strong>: <strong>Backyard Plants</strong><strong> </strong><strong>With Healing Properties</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both in the soil and in your home, vegetables in your survival garden will be complemented by other plants. <a href=\"https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/conditions/medicinal-herbs-can-grow/\">Medicinal herbs</a> can replace store-bought supplements or pharmaceuticals in healing injury and relieving illnesses, and other plants can help you replace household items.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conditions You Can Treat With Backyard Plants</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Self-sufficiency is always a great feeling, but it’s of much greater importance during a crisis. If store-bought pharmaceuticals are unavailable, you might be able to harvest something from the garden to help relieve an injury or malady. These are some conditions that have been treated using medicinal herbs:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>scrapes&nbsp;</li><li>cuts&nbsp;</li><li>bruises&nbsp;</li><li>burns&nbsp;</li><li>insect bites&nbsp;</li><li>itching or irritation&nbsp;</li><li>infection&nbsp;</li><li>swelling/ inflammation&nbsp;</li><li>aches&nbsp;</li><li>pains</li><li>cramps&nbsp;</li><li>fever&nbsp;</li><li>headache&nbsp;</li><li>stomachache&nbsp;</li><li>indigestion&nbsp;</li><li>diarrhea&nbsp;</li><li>sore throat&nbsp;</li><li>cough&nbsp;</li><li>congestion&nbsp;</li><li>trouble breathing&nbsp;<br></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8 Healing Plants You Might Already Have in Your Garden</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"515\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/medicinal-gardening-plants-515x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10987\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/medicinal-gardening-plants-515x1024.png 515w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/medicinal-gardening-plants-480x954.png 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 515px, 100vw\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12 Plants to Make Into a Tea&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For centuries, people have made tea from the leaves of various plants to relieve certain ailments. Here are some plants that make herbal teas believed to offer health benefits:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>blackberry leaf&nbsp;</li><li>chamomile&nbsp;</li><li>clove&nbsp;</li><li>dandelion</li><li>echinacea&nbsp;</li><li>elderberry&nbsp;</li><li>feverfew&nbsp;</li><li>ginger</li><li>lemon balm&nbsp;</li><li>lemongrass&nbsp;</li><li>mint&nbsp;</li><li>rosehips&nbsp;<br></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6 Plants to Make Into Topical Salves</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of their natural antiseptic and pain-relieving benefits, these plants can be made into topical applications — oils, ointments, washes, poultices, or salves — to relieve skin irritation, inflammation, or muscular pain, as well as heal cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>aloe&nbsp;</li><li>arnica</li><li>calendula&nbsp;</li><li>chamomile</li><li>lavender&nbsp;</li><li>witch hazel</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11 Poisonous Plants to Be Careful About&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some medicinal plants look like other plants that can be toxic or even deadly, so make sure you pay attention. (And remember: This is by no means a comprehensive list!)</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>blue cohosh&nbsp;</li><li>calla lily&nbsp;</li><li>castor bean plant</li><li>belladonna (aka deadly nightshade)&nbsp;</li><li>foxglove&nbsp;</li><li>hemlock&nbsp;</li><li>oleander&nbsp;</li><li>pokeweed&nbsp;</li><li>rosary pea&nbsp;</li><li>white snakeroot&nbsp;</li><li>wolfsbane&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, some plants have similar names. For example, don’t confuse <strong>black cohosh</strong> — used for easing menstrual cramps and hot flashes — with <strong>blue cohosh</strong>, which can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. The raw berries also can cause vomiting and diarrhea in children if ingested.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9 Plants Whose Leaves You Can Use Instead of Toilet Paper</strong><a href=\"https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-plant-experts-leaves-toilet-paper-a4383856.html\"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hopefully, you won’t run out of toilet paper or any of the next-most-useful replacements like tissues, napkins, or paper towels. But if you get to the point of looking for rugged, old-school solutions, leaves are your best bet. Check your backyard. The following trees and plants are good candidates because of the size, softness, thickness, and durability of their leaves. As a bonus, they also generally don’t contain any skin-irritating chemicals.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"530\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/leaves-toilet-paper-530x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10986\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/leaves-toilet-paper-530x1024.png 530w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/leaves-toilet-paper-480x928.png 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 530px, 100vw\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don’t already have access to any of these, it might not be a bad idea to plant a few — just in case. Mullein, mallow, lamb’s ear, and asters do well in gardens across the U.S. Corn lily and thimbleberry are mountainous and grow best at higher altitudes. (Remember: It’s important to make sure you know exactly what a plant is before you use it on any part of your body.)<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5 Plants You Can Use to Make Rope</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course you’ve stocked plenty of rope among your supplies. But what happens if it gets lost, stolen, or somehow compromised? You make your own rope, of course —&nbsp;armed with know-how, plenty of time, immense patience, no small amount of labor, and any of these plants.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/plants-to-use-for-rope-792x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10988\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/plants-to-use-for-rope-792x1024.png 792w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/plants-to-use-for-rope-480x620.png 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 792px, 100vw\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of these fibrous plants will work better than others in your garden. Milkweed complements mainstream garden life, encouraging butterflies that help with pollination. Conversely, because of their unfriendly properties, dogbane and stinging nettle require a more out-of-the-way spot.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Be Zone-Savvy: Set Yourself Up for Success by Knowing Your Hardiness Zone</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The United States is immense, so there’s no single typical growing season or harvest period. Instead, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has designated “<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">plant hardiness zones</a>” to guide planting all across the country. The zones are determined by the lowest winter temperatures (historically averaged) as they occur across the geographic areas of the U.S.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HQQYKeGK6GIU9sUn_w4EXbso5sQmYqCPfoOlFyo9Mrdbcdq9nkiAHy5FYKOjtyyqKW_7BIexOk_bETF1_Iz7Obdrki04UicfuEG07ykbCRvc2TgpT4-5lyMpf0C1Wxf8Nazx10r-\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.backyardgardener.com/garden-forum-education/hardiness-zones/plant-hardiness-zone-map/\">Hardiness zone maps</a> are also accessible by state or by region. Using them to figure out the specific temperature range for your area can help you gauge which plants will grow best and last longest.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you know your zone, you can begin to figure out a timetable that will work for gardening in your area. Several websites provide a <a href=\"https://veggieharvest.com/calendars/\">planting and harvest calendar</a> for each zone, as well as suggestions for vegetables and general planting advice.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Preparing the Soil</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you’ve decided <em>what</em> to grow and planned <em>where</em> and <em>when</em> to grow it, it’s finally time for the <em>how</em>: Get your hands dirty and dig into the soil!&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Designing Your Dirt&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Raised beds</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common gardening methods, <a href=\"https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/raised-bed-basics/8565.html\">planting in raised beds</a> involves turning the bed soil, then adding more soil and compost on top. Beds can be contained in boxes where the entire surface is raised, or soil can be formed into mounds or rows above the original surface. A raised-bed design can offer several advantages:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>improved drainage</strong> – Gravity draws and spreads water and nutrients down into the soil, where roots can make use of them (rather than letting water pool, which can cause rot).&nbsp;</li><li><strong>warmer temperatures</strong> – Soil on top heats up faster, allowing for earlier planting, which is especially great for cooler growing zones.</li><li><strong>better airflow</strong> – Looser, fluffier soil lets air in to enhance root growth.</li><li><strong>improved soil composition</strong> – Even if your soil quality is poor to begin with, you can add organic soil and compost to make a fine growing medium.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>easier weed control</strong> – Tightly spaced plants leave less room for weeds, and looser soil makes them easier to pull.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>bigger yields</strong> – Plants in raised beds can be planted closer together, taking advantage of succession planting (different crops throughout the year) and vertical space (see hills, below) to yield more food in a smaller space.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hills</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ve heard the expression “doesn’t amount to a hill of beans?” Yep, beans grow best in hills. Planting in hills (or mounds) works well for vining plants like beans, squash, cucumbers, and melons. Often they’re planted with a vertical frame for the vines to climb.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rows</strong>&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional gardens planted in rows can be especially useful for supporting large crops like corn, canning tomatoes, potatoes and other produce that takes up a lot of room.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Improving Soil Quality</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When your food is coming from it, you want to make sure your soil is as clean, chemical-free, and nutritious as possible. If you or previous land occupants have used pesticides or herbicides in the bed soil, you’ll probably want to make raised beds and add organic soil and compost. After that, adding an annual layer of compost adds nutrients and continually improves the soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fertilizers From the Kitchen</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’re also probably looking for a shorter timeline than it takes for a compost pile to “ripen” for use, so meanwhile, you can divert these classic compost ingredients directly into the soil as DIY fertilizers:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"696\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things-to-add-to-soil-compost.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10990\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things-to-add-to-soil-compost.png 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things-to-add-to-soil-compost-480x418.png 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Planting: Should You Use Seeds or Seedlings?</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vegetables and other plants vary in the forms they best grow from: seeds or seedlings. Here’s an overview of each type, plus some advice on getting them started:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Foods That Grow Easily From Seeds&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To grow some vegetables, you can just stick a seed in the ground, let it germinate, and cultivate it from there. Easier than cuttings, and cheaper than seedlings! These plants include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>arugula&nbsp;</li><li>beans&nbsp;</li><li>beets&nbsp;</li><li>carrots&nbsp;</li><li>corn&nbsp;</li><li>cucumber&nbsp;</li><li>lettuce&nbsp;</li><li>peas</li><li>pumpkins&nbsp;</li><li>radishes&nbsp;</li><li>spinach&nbsp;</li><li>squash</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://homeguides.sfgate.com/basics-planting-seeds-64807.html\">basics of planting seeds</a>, of course, are the much the same as for any type of planting:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Begin with rich soil that’s not too wet or dry.&nbsp;</li><li>Choose a plot (or pot) that receives adequate sunlight for the seeds you plant (corn, tomatoes, and peppers need full sun, but spinach, lettuce, and other greens like fewer sunny hours).&nbsp;</li><li>Pay attention to the specifications for depth and space that your seeds are known to like. Too deep, and they won’t reach the surface; too shallow, and they won’t stay anchored.</li><li>Water regularly enough to keep the soil moist, but not so much that it feels soppy or looks flooded.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Creative planting tip: Did you know you can </strong><a href=\"https://www.southernliving.com/garden/flowers/how-to-start-seeds-in-eggshells-video\"><strong>sprout seeds in eggshells</strong></a><strong>?</strong> Simply take several clean, empty shells, carefully poke a drainage hole in the bottom of each, then set into an egg carton. Fill each shell with some potting soil, sprinkle a few seeds of your choice, then lightly rake a little soil over them. Set in a sunny spot and keep moist with a mister until leaves sprout. Then, you can plant the entire thing into a pot, and the eggshell will fertilize the plant it helped sprout! This can also be done with hollowed-out citrus peels.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Plants That Start Best From Seedlings&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some plants are notoriously hard to germinate from seeds and/or keep alive. Seedlings are more mature and stronger (as well as more pest-resistant) when they’re transplanted, so you’re less likely to lose plants at the beginning. Plants grown from seedlings also mature faster, getting you to harvest sooner.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>basil&nbsp;</li><li>broccoli</li><li>Brussels sprouts&nbsp;</li><li>cabbage&nbsp;</li><li>cauliflower&nbsp;</li><li>celery&nbsp;</li><li>chives</li><li>collards</li><li>eggplant</li><li>kale</li><li>kohlrabi</li><li>leeks</li><li>mustard greens</li><li>peppers</li><li>parsley</li><li>tomatoes</li><li>zucchini</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/EvElFSghgX6CRJsBbzhdgW8IBwqB2VQdCWHX82pxMRbEMLUZ2xKkrbPyO2RRH-sP__hp1iw3HS_ZOS7aPx0QSCPsHKlOHY6dJsT5IZ8DMPUoLv0VOF574z4yYHiaZ6YAFFyAi6aU\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Growing and Tending: Creative Victory Garden Hacks</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once they’re in the ground and doing their thing, your job is to keep watch over your plants and protect them from all the things that can cause them harm. Fortunately, there are several creative gardening hacks to help you tend your plants and help them grow. Here are just a few.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Line flower pots with coffee filters</strong> to hold moisture in and prevent excess drainage.</li><li><strong>For sweeter tomatoes</strong>, sprinkle some baking soda on the soil.</li><li><strong>Snip basil blossoms before they flower.</strong> This will keep the plant from going to seed, instead extending its growing season and giving you a bigger harvest of its leaves.</li><li><strong>Let worms help you cultivate</strong>. As they plow through soil, worms break down organic matter into nutrients, increase the amount of air and water that gets into the soil, and leave behind a very valuable type of fertilizer.</li><li><strong>Stick plastic forks in the ground</strong> around tender young plants; the sharp tines will keep away curious critters like cats, rabbits, or mice.</li><li><strong>Plant batches of lettuce and other short-lived items a week apart </strong>so they don’t all mature at the same time and you have a steady supply of fresh produce.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Grows Best Around The U.S.?&nbsp;</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the planting seasons for vegetables, some fruits, and herbs in different parts of the country.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>What and When to Plant in the U.S.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Region</strong></td><td><strong>Spring (March-May)</strong></td><td><strong>Summer (June-Aug)</strong></td><td><strong>Fall </strong><strong><br></strong><strong>(Sept-Nov)</strong></td><td><strong>Winter (Dec-Feb)</strong></td></tr><tr><td><br><br><strong>Pacific Northwest</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 4b-9a</a>)</td><td>apples, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, collards, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parsnips, peas, pears, pole beans, potatoes, pumpkins, raspberries, radishes, scallions, shallots, snap peas, snow peas, strawberries, spinach, sorrel</td><td>bush beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, eggplants, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, peppers, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips, winter squash, parsley, rhubarb</td><td>fava beans, garlic, mustard greens, peas, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips, chives</td><td><br></td></tr><tr><td><br><br><strong>West Coast</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 4b-9a</a>)</td><td>beans, beets, blackberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, green beans, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, strawberries, tomatoes, turnips, basil, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary</td><td>beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, corn, cucumbers, onions, peppers, radishes, squash, tomatoes</td><td>beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach, squash</td><td><br></td></tr><tr><td><br><br><strong>South Central and Southwest</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 3b-11a</a>)</td><td>asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, bok choy, cantaloupes, carrots, chard, collards, corn, cucumbers, figs, garlic, cherry tomatoes, melons, okra, onions, peanuts, peas, peppers, potatoes, radishes, scallions, snap peas, spinach, tomatoes, watermelons, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley</td><td>beans, beets, cantaloupes, chard, collards, corn, cucumbers, gourds, kale, lettuce, melons, mustard greens, okra, peanuts, peas, tomatoes, tomatillos, turnips, beans, sweet peppers, hot peppers, watermelon, basil, cilantro, dill</td><td>arugula, beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, collards, garlic, kale, leek, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, parsnips, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips, cilantro, dill, parsley</td><td>beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, collards, lettuce,snow peas, potatoes, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley</td></tr><tr><td><br><br><strong>Midwest</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-7b</a>)</td><td>apples, arugula, beans, beets, blackberries, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, carrots, chard, cherries, corn, cucumber, edamame, endive, fava beans, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, lima beans, parsnips, peaches, peas, pears, persimmons, potatoes, radishes, radicchio, scallions, spinach, squash (summer and winter), strawberries, turnips, watermelon, basil, chives, cilantro, fennel, parsley, sorrel, summer savory, witch hazel</td><td>arugula, beans, beets, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, collards, corn, cucumber, edamame, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, okra, parsnips, radishes, rutabaga, peas, pumpkin, scallions, squash (summer and winter), turnips, watermelon, basil, cilantro, parsley, sorrel</td><td>arugula, broccoli, cabbage, collards, endive, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, peas, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips</td><td><br></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Southeast</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 5b-11a</a>)</td><td>broccoli, blackberries, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, collards, corn, eggplant, figs, lettuce, okra, onions, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, strawberries, sweet potatoes, basil, cilantro, dill, lavender, oregano, thyme, witch hazel</td><td>beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, kale, lima beans, pole beans, tomatoes, watermelon, winter squash</td><td>chard, kale, onions, pumpkins, rosemary, turnips</td><td><br></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Northeast</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-8a</a>)</td><td>beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, melons, sweet peppers, snap peas, squash, tomatoes, watermelons, zucchini, basil, chamomile, ginger, mint, parsley, witch hazel</td><td>beets, bok choy, broccoli, cantaloupe, cabbage, carrots, chard, corn, greens, cucumbers, lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, pole beans, snap beans, snap peas, snow peas, spinach, squash, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelons, zucchini, arnica, basil, borage, chamomile, dill, fennel, marshmallow, oregano, parsley, purslane, skullcap, thyme</td><td>arugula, beets, broccoli, garlic, greens (mesclun, rapini, mache, frisee, etc.), kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips,cilantro, chamomile, echinacea, holy basil, lemon balm, oregano, purslane, skullcap, sorrel, thyme</td><td>arugula, kale, lettuce, basil, cilantro, dill(start indoors in pots)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gardening Glossary</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aerating</strong> &#8211; Loosening soil or compost to allow air to circulate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Annuals</strong> &#8211; Varieties that complete their life cycle in one year or less, requiring sowing every year. Annual flower varieties often bloom profusely and over a long period of time.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biennials</strong> &#8211; Varieties, both flowers and vegetables, that complete their life cycle in two years, usually just showing only leaf growth the first year, and flowers the next</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Companion planting </strong>&#8211; Planting different plants together that benefit one another. For example, sowing a plant that attracts pollinators next to a plant that requires pollination; corn, squash, and beans are common companions.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cutting </strong>&#8211; Developing a new plant by cutting a piece of leaf, stem, root, or bud from a parent plant, then inserting it into a growing medium (water or soil) to form roots</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Composting</strong> &#8211; Using decomposed plant material to replenish soil nutrients while reducing landfill waste</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fertilizing</strong> &#8211; Adding organic or synthetic material to soil or plant to improve the nutrient value and help plants grow stronger&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Germination</strong> &#8211; The moment when a seed begins to grow</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hydroponics</strong> &#8211; Growing plants in water instead of soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Planting/ sowing </strong>&#8211; Putting seeds in soil and allowing them to germinate and grow&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Perennials</strong> &#8211; Varieties that grow and flower for two or more years. These can be evergreen or may die back to the ground but will grow again the following season.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pollination</strong> &#8211; The fertilization of a flower by wind, insect, birds, etc., resulting in a seed, sometimes surrounded by an edible fruit&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Seedling</strong> &#8211; Tiny plant developing from a germinated seed, ready for planting</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thinning</strong> &#8211; Reducing the number of seedlings so remaining plants are spaced properly to grow</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Transplanting</strong> &#8211; Transferring a plant to a different growing space or medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA hardiness zones</strong> &#8211; Zones designated for planting as determined by the historical, average, lowest winter temperature in specified geographic areas of the U.S.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Variety</strong> &#8211; A species that has naturally formed a unique characteristic distinguishing it from similar plants (For example, kale and kohlrabi each adapted unique characteristics that differ from cabbage, the original species from which they came.)</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n","title":"Social Distancing in Your Backyard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5086792452830189,"src":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1789c/social-distancing-backyard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/107df/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 320w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/293e9/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 500w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/f2cbb/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 800w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1789c/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 960w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/19c60/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 1999w","srcWebp":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1dd6e/social-distancing-backyard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/67b76/social-distancing-backyard.webp 320w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/8df11/social-distancing-backyard.webp 500w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/98a65/social-distancing-backyard.webp 800w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1dd6e/social-distancing-backyard.webp 960w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/acfdf/social-distancing-backyard.webp 1999w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Social Distancing in Your Backyard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"fdce3bbd-95d6-5a64-b3f5-8251b5297d04","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms","path":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Brenda Stuart is a radio journalist and content manager whose goal is to have the greenest lawn and prettiest garden on the block.","name":"Brenda Stuart","id":"fcad9a7b-532b-583f-832f-0cffbbcfa0a3","path":"/author/brendastuartryangmail-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5e5ae7b8ac8b21db046b4f507fbec2aa?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 16th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Armyworms can turn your lawn into their own private mess hall in no time. They travel in platoons like soldiers and can devour a golf course, playing field, or your yard in just two or three days. We will show you how to get rid of armyworms before they destroy your lawn.&nbsp; In this article, [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Armyworms can turn your lawn into their own private mess hall in no time. They travel in platoons like soldiers and can devour a golf course, playing field, or your yard in just two or three days. We will show you how to get rid of armyworms before they destroy your lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we’ll explore:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#identify\">How to Identify Armyworms</a></li><li><a href=\"#get-rid\">How to Get Rid of Armyworms Naturally</a></li><li><a href=\"#insecticides\">Insecticides That Kill Armyworms</a></li><li><a href=\"#prevent\">How to Prevent Armyworms</a></li><li><a href=\"#determine\">How to Determine if Armyworms are the Problem</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Armyworms</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"identify\">How to Identify Armyworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s not the adult armyworms you need to worry about, but the infantry. Yes, the worm in its infant or larva stage devours grass and leaves to grow to adulthood. You can win the battle against this army if you know how to identify the youngest members.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Armyworm Larva</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"456\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1young_-_fall_armyworm_in_oats002.jpg\" alt=\"Armyworm Larva\" class=\"wp-image-11925\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1young_-_fall_armyworm_in_oats002.jpg 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1young_-_fall_armyworm_in_oats002-480x274.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo courtesy: <a href=\"https://bygl.osu.edu/sites/default/files/inline-images/YOUNG%20-%20fall_Armyworm_in_oats002.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OSU extension</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The larvae range from dark green and brown to black. They’re only about an inch and a half long, so it might be tough to see the white, orange, and dark brown stripes along the caterpillar’s sides. However, its red or yellowish-capped head is a dead giveaway.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Armyworm Moths</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"610\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_fall_armyworm_moth_14862753532.jpg\" alt=\"Armyworm Moths\" class=\"wp-image-11927\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_fall_armyworm_moth_14862753532.jpg 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_fall_armyworm_moth_14862753532-480x366.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:-_9666_%E2%80%93_Spodoptera_frugiperda_%E2%80%93_Fall_Armyworm_Moth_%2814862753532%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Wikimedia Commons</a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the armyworm caterpillar is the grass-eating culprit, it’s the adult moths who lay the eggs – thousands of them at a time. Get rid of moths, and you get rid of the armyworms.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can identify armyworm moths by their inch-and-a-half wingspans. Their underwings are white, and their upper wings are light tan to brown with white specks.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moths are attracted to lights and will lay their white, round eggs on the underside of leaves, grass blades, and structures near turf.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"get-rid\">How to Get Rid of Armyworms Naturally</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is armyworms cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees. The bad news? Many species will fly to Florida or South Texas for the winter. There are several ways to get rid of armyworms without using chemicals.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Mow Your Lawn Often</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to running over the caterpillars, the shorter turf leaves survivors to die from exposure to the sun. Even if you plan to use insecticides, a shorter lawn will enable the chemicals to penetrate the soil.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Attract Armyworm Predators to Your Yard</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Birds, ants, spiders, flies, ground beetles, and other <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/pests-that-are-good-for-your-garden/\">beneficial insects</a> feed on armyworms. Don’t be so quick to shoo away the wasps. Their next meal could save your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Add Beneficial Nematodes to Your Soil</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These microscopic organisms feed on armyworm larvae, grubs, and hundreds of other garden pests. <a href=\"https://www.nematodes.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nematodes</a> won’t harm you, your plants, or the pollinators your plants depend on. Make sure you read the package directions and buy a species that targets armyworms.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Plant Armyworm-Repelling Plants</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Aloe and marigolds produce a scent that armyworms find unappealing. Farmers will often plant tick clover or <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmodium\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">desmodium</a> in their corn fields to keep the armyworms away.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Neem Oil&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A light spray of neem oil on your plants and lawn will kill the armyworm caterpillars within three days. This biological solution is perfectly safe for wasps, flies, and other armyworm predators.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Bacillus thuringiensis</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that’s toxic to armyworm larvae. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/btgen.html\" target=\"_blank\">Bt occurs naturally in soil</a>, so it has no adverse effects on the environment. You can buy Bt in dust form, pellets, or sprays and apply it to your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"insecticides\">Insecticides That Kill Armyworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the armyworm population in your yard is out of control, you may have no choice but to resort to an insecticide. Ortho and Spectracide offer several insect-killing lawn products that you can apply directly to your grass. ​​</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before buying an insecticide, make sure it contains one of these ingredients to get rid of armyworms:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Bifenthrin</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This highly toxic chemical will kill armyworms, but it’s also toxic to people, pets, bees, and fish. Be careful that you don’t use so much that it runs off into nearby waterways.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Deltamethrin</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This pyrethroid comes in granular form. It kills armyworms and other grass-munching bugs by disrupting the nervous system. It won’t kill earthworms or birds, but it is toxic to fish and bees.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Permethrin</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another man-made insecticide, permethrin comes in granular and spray forms. Use with extreme caution as permethrin is also poisonous to people.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Spinosad</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This soil bacteria controls a wide variety of lawn pests and usually works within two days. The chemicals break down quickly in the soil and don’t contaminate groundwater. Most products containing spinosad are approved for organic agriculture.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and How to Apply Pesticides for Armyworms</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since armyworm caterpillars are most active at night, it’s best to treat your lawn at sundown. Use a heavier dose if the grass is thick or the armyworm population is extremely high.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before applying an insecticide, water the area well. The moisture will bring the armyworm larvae to the surface.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prevent\">How to Prevent Armyworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The fall armyworm is <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/va/richmond/worst-backyard-pests-in-richmond-va-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/\">one of the worst backyard pests</a> in the U.S., destroying lawns and gardens faster than any other insect or lawn disease. You can reduce your risk of an armyworm invasion with a few preventative measures.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Keep Your Yard Weed Free</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove the weeds, especially the broadleaf weeds like common chickweed and dandelions, where armyworm moths often lay their eggs.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Dethatch</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The debris and grass clippings that build up between your grass and the soil are another great host where the adult armyworm moths can lay eggs. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-dethatch-your-lawn/\">Dethatch your lawn</a> every spring, so the armyworms have no place to hide.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Keep the Ground Moist</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Armyworms look for hot, dry places to lay eggs and feed. Give your lawn at least an inch of water a week to make your yard less inviting.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Preventive Pesticides&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don’t wait for an infestation. Apply a preventive pesticide containing either methoxyfenozide, diflubenzuron, or chlorantraniliprole at the end of the spring and again in the fall. Follow all package instructions and use a slow-release insecticide that will last through the summer.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Plant Armyworm-Resistant Grass Types</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bunch grasses like ryegrass, St. Augustine, Bermudagrass, and fescue take the biggest hit from armyworms. Grasses with rhizome and stolon growth like Bermudagrass typically recover better.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’re better off planting Zoysiagrass. For some reason, armyworms don’t like the taste of the fine blades. The larva also tend to shy away from grass mixes, so next time you’re overseeding, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/best-grass-seed-for-overseeding/\">add a different variety of seed</a> to your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"determine\">How to Determine an Armyworm Infestation</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Identifying the armyworm enemy is crucial. To determine a count of the armyworms in your yard, begin with a soap flush. Use 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap mixed with 1 gallon of water. Pour the mixture over a small area. Armyworm larvae and other insects will come to the surface.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find only a handful, you can hand-pick them off your plants and drop them into another bucket of soapy water. Entomologists recommend a more extensive treatment when there are more than three caterpillars per square foot.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Armyworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Are armyworms harmful to people or pets?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Armyworms will not bite or sting. They are not poisonous if consumed and do not transmit diseases. They are harmful to plants and cause major economic concerns for farmers.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. What are the signs of an armyworm infestation?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A lawn with an armyworm infestation will give off a frosted appearance or resemble drought stress at first. The tips of the grass blades where the armyworms are feeding will appear translucent. You will also notice a number of birds visiting to feast on the pests.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Are there certain plants and grass types the armyworms prefer?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, the adult moths will look for plants with larger leaves to host their eggs. The armyworm larvae prefer:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Bermudagrass&nbsp;</li><li>Ryegrass</li><li>Fescue&nbsp;</li><li>Bluegrass<br></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, they’ll attack a bentgrass lawn, too. Of these grass types, Bermudagrass has the best chance of recovering since it spreads by fast-growing rhizomes and stolons.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Do armyworms stick to states with warmer climates?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Although armyworms prefer warm, dry weather, you’ll find them in every U.S. state except Alaska.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feel like you’re fighting a losing battle against armyworms and other lawn-destroying insects?&nbsp; We can help you find a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">lawn care professional near you</a> to take care of all your lawn pest problems and give you tips to prevent future infestations.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main photo credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/usgsbiml/15936365311/\">USGS Bee</a> | Flickr</p>\n","title":"How to Get Rid of Armyworms","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3714285714285714,"src":"/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/1789c/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/107df/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 320w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/293e9/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 500w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/f2cbb/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 800w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/1789c/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 960w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/c26c2/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/1dd6e/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/67b76/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 320w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/8df11/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 500w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/98a65/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 800w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/1dd6e/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 960w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/3cc96/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Get Rid of Armyworms | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Armyworms are night crawlers marching across your lawn, eating everything in their path. We’ll tell you how to get rid of armyworms and keep them away."}}},{"node":{"id":"871de580-f86d-546f-85f2-f211c28be975","slug":"top-40-plant-nurseries-us","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/top-40-plant-nurseries-us/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"d4fa4848-36b3-57c3-925d-ae36e49e878f","name":"Garden Landscape","count":8,"path":"/category/garden-landscape/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"}],"date":"May 21st, 2020","excerpt":"<p>How does your garden grow? With a lot of help from your local plant nurseries.&nbsp; One thing many of these garden centers have in common? Longevity. It’s customary to find greenhouses that have been around 50, 60, even 100 years!&nbsp; We put together a list of the country’s best. The Wiki-Wonder award judges based their [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>How does your garden grow? With a lot of help from your local plant nurseries.&nbsp; One thing many of these garden centers have in common? Longevity. It’s customary to find greenhouses that have been around 50, 60, even 100 years!&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>We put together a list of the country’s best. The Wiki-Wonder award judges based their criteria on:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Years in business.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>The availability of native plants.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Customer service.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reviews.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To be considered one of Wikilawn’s best, the nursery must also have a website with helpful articles and a sizable presence on social media.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">East Coast Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After years of not being able to find unique plant selections locally, the Cordrey family decided to open their own garden center to fill the void. Today, East Coast Garden Center in Millsboro, Del., has more than 70 greenhouses and brings in plants from around the country, ensuring they always have high-quality plants in stock. The nursery also holds classes on new skills and techniques in gardening and even has a children’s garden area.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loma Vista Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What does a Major League Baseball star do when he retires? If he’s Mark Clear, he opens a plant nursery! Clear, whose 11-year MLB career included two trips to the All-Star game, discovered his love for plants as a kid while working on an avocado ranch. He owned a nursery in California while pitching in the majors, moving to the Midwest after retiring. Located in Ottawa, Kansas, since 1991, Loma Vista Nursery is still family-owned, sitting on 300 acres, with 150 greenhouses and a tree farm. Talk about throwing the winning pitch!</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leaf Landscape Supply</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for landscapers who know their horticulture? Look no further than Leaf Landscape Supply, with two locations in Austin, Texas. Owners Brad Seever and Trey Wyatt hold degrees in horticulture and agriculture. Wyatt founded Leaf Landscape under a different name 37 years ago. Seever bought into the company in 2014. Today, it’s a wholesale plant nursery and landscape supplier, offering unique greenery from across the country.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hill Country Water Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding a water feature to your garden calms the mind and refreshes the spirit. Hill Country Water Gardens &amp; Nursery wants to help you build the water garden of your dreams. Around for two decades, this garden center in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/cedar-park/\">Cedar Park, Texas</a>, has everything you need to build a successful backyard pond or running water feature. You’ll also find fish to put in your pond.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivero Growers</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vivero Growers started out as a wholesaler for landscape companies in the Austin area. Now, this plant nursery, specializing in Texas native and adapted plants, grasses, and trees, is open to the public. Whether you’re looking to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies or a succulent, Vivero Growers has you covered.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ginkgo Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ginkgo Gardens is a lush oasis in the heart of lively Capitol Hill, serving the urban gardener. Founded 20 years ago in Washington, D.C., this nursery offers trees, shrubs, and flowers, along with hardscape goods and landscape design. Ginkgo Gardens also cares about historic preservation, buying a pre-Civil War house next to the nursery and restoring it. It’s now used as a staging area for landscape supplies.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">City Floral Greenhouse</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in 1911, the oldest garden center in Denver is still going strong. City Floral Greenhouse sits in the heart of the Mile High City. For the first 50 years, City Floral grew, cut, and delivered flowers to homes and businesses, including the historic Brown Palace hotel. In the &#8217;70s, it started morphing into a garden center and tree nursery, still striving to beautify Denver.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Root Grow Bloom</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing plants without soil? Root Grow Bloom Hydroponics &amp; Organics is here to show you what hydroponics is all about. The technique has been around for thousands of years but didn’t really come into favor in the U.S. until the military used it on a soilless island in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Root Grow Bloom has been a staple in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/fl/orlando/\">Orlando’s</a> hydroponic and organic gardening scene for 20 years and will show you how to get started from the ground up.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cross Creek Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s all in the family for this Richmond, Va., plant nursery that started as a renovated gas station. Back in 1974, Gene and Diane McAuliffe opened Tropical Treehouse and started selling tropical plants and flowers. In the years since then, three sons and several business expansions led to what is today, Cross Creek Nursery. The entire family is involved in the business and also volunteers in the community.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sunnyside Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sunnyside Gardens comes from meager beginnings as an unassuming, small garden plot. Fast forward 80 years, and it&#8217;s one of South Minneapolis&#8217; premier plant nurseries. Sunnyside offers landscape design, custom containers and, of course, everything in the nursery. Owner Mike Hurley  feels strongly about giving back and holds gardening classes for local children and schools.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strange&#8217;s</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gideon A. Strange worked for the post office but wanted to earn extra cash in his spare time. It was the early 1930s, the time of the Great Depression, so he planted flowers and plants in his yard and sold them from there. Since then, the nursery has changed ownership and undergone massive expansion in the Richmond, Va., area but retains the Strange name. It&#8217;s one of the largest retail garden centers in the country.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Colesville Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Virginian Grown and Owned.&#8221; That&#8217;s Colesville Nursery, in Ashland. The same family has run it for nearly 50 years. It’s a place where generations of growers born and raised in Virginia cultivate plants, flowers, and trees. Certified horticulturists answer your questions about native trees, hard-to-find perennials, and gardening in Virginia.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mother Earth Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In tune with the environment, Mother Earth Gardens specializes in organic gardening and sustainably grown plants. This Minneapolis garden center is open year-round with a different focus for each season. During spring and summer, it&#8217;s organic seeds, veggies, and herbs. Autumn brings locally grown gourds and pumpkins, while winter homes in on herbicide-free Christmas trees.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Waldoch Farm</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes, Minn., started out selling chickens in 1916. It didn’t take long before owner William Waldoch expanded into produce. Over the years, his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have picked up the hoe and joined the family business. William continued helping on the farm until he was 100 years old. These days, operations include the popular pick-your-own-vegetable garden, covering 30 acres.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">O&#8217;Toole&#8217;s Garden Centers</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>O&#8217;Toole&#8217;s Garden Centers describes itself in three words: Local. Colorful. Knowledgeable. Serving Denver for nearly 40 years, O&#8217;Toole&#8217;s brings color into your home and yard. On a mission to cultivate gorgeous gardens, keep their employees happy and their communities thriving, this nursery wants to keep Colorado green.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tagawa Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everything’s still coming up roses at Tagawa Gardens but, these days, that means a plant nursery that’s morphed into a huge garden center. It started in the &#8217;60s as a long-stem roses greenhouse for florists. The Tagawa family has since expanded into a 110,000-square-foot indoor space and more than an acre outdoors filled with everything you’d hope to find at a garden center. The Denver nursery keeps the rose in its logo as a reminder of how it all started.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Country Fair Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Three generations have put down roots at Country Fair Garden Center in Denver. For more than 70 years, the Gerace family has been showing you how to cope with the Mile High City’s unique growing conditions and tough environment. They believe in giving back, donating seeds and supplies to teachers each year for class projects.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shades of Green</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When two childhood friends were studying horticulture at Texas A&amp;M University in the &#8217;70s, they started a lawn care company to make money. They brought that company home to Dallas after graduating. After many trials and tribulations, Shades of Green transformed into a family-owned and operated garden center, in business now for 43 years.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strader’s Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Strader&#8217;s is one of Central Ohio’s largest employers during peak garden season, with more than 300 staffers on hand in both their retail and wholesale divisions. Started some 60 years ago by Jack and Ruth Strader, it&#8217;s been a family affair, with their four children working alongside them.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oakland Nurseries</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Oakland Nurseries opened its original space in 1940. Now, after opening its fourth location in New Albany, it sports the motto &#8220;32 Acres of Gardening Pleasure.&#8221; After the latest expansion, three generations of Gustav Reiner&#8217;s family now work in the Columbus area, selling horticulture products, along with designs and living landscapes.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Liberty Landscape Supply</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Landscaping’s the name of the game at Liberty Landscape Supply in Jacksonville, Fla. In their perfect world, people would spend more time outside working on their yards, creating beautiful landscapes. They hope to accomplish this by making landscaping easy. Liberty has everything from mulch to stone to trees and plants. They also offer expert tips and solutions for bringing your landscaping dreams to life.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Garden Center in San Antonio sells plants, fertilizers, and gardening success. Family owned-and-operated since 1985, this independent retail nursery hand-picks plants from local growers that will <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-san-antonio/\">do well in the South Texas</a> climate.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rainbow Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing you with top quality plants and helping you succeed as a gardener is what they do best at Rainbow Gardens. This San Antonio nursery brings in local experts for seminars where they share what works and what doesn’t when it comes to growing. There’s even a Kids Gardening Club where the little ones see, smell, taste, and feel what gardening is all about.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shades of Green</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you follow the winding brick road (well, pathway) at this nursery, you’ll find a diverse collection of garden art, fountains, and containers. Head indoors at Shades of Green and see a vast array of native plants and shrubs that are adapted to the San Antonio climate. Shades of Green in San Antonio (not to be confused with the nursery of the same name near Dallas), stays away from toxic chemicals and practices the organic method of gardening</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Earth Works</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>More than 30 years ago, Earth Works started as a small lawn-maintenance company. Today, it’s a full-service landscape business and garden center in the Jacksonville area. Earth Works plans on being there for its customers for years to come. The goal of their landscape team is to make your backyard the best room in the house.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Supply Company</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not a landscape. It&#8217;s a lifestyle. Dig in.&#8221; That’s the motto of Garden Supply Company in Cary, N.C. Started 20 years ago as a landscape and design company, the original three-person crew has grown to 40 staff members, 6 acres and a building filled with plants, flowers, and supplies for container gardening. They also carry everything you&#8217;ll need for beekeeping.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant Delights Nursery Inc.</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant Delights has a physical nursery in Raleigh, N.C., but does much of its business online. At any given time, the website has more than 1,500 plants for sale, and specializes in rare and unusual perennials. The owner, Tony Avent, has made 60 expeditions to countries including China, South Africa, and Argentina, looking for exotic flowers for his customers.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Foliage Concepts</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most plant nurseries focus on the outdoors; landscaping with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Foliage Concepts is an interiorscape company featuring high-quality interior plantings. Located in three North Carolina cities, the company has provided design and build services to hospitals, hotels, and office buildings since 1985, also working hard to be &#8220;green&#8221; by recycling soil, grow pots and moss.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jack Frost Landscapes &amp; Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With a name like Jack Frost, you’d think this garden center would be in a snowy, cold city, but this nursery is near the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach. When owner, David Dubinsky, arrived in the city 37 years ago, he had $500 in his pocket. He has since parlayed that meager amount into his full-service landscape and garden center. Jack Frost also offers hardscaping, creating patios, seating walls, and fire pits.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Four Seasons Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Four Seasons Nursery in Virginia Beach, has served both commercial and residential customers for nearly 50 years with a full-service plant nursery, as well as landscaping materials sold in bulk. With four certified horticulturists and several master gardeners on hand, you&#8217;ll certainly find plants that are just right for your lifestyle and budget.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Berridge Nurseries</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Berridge Nurseries in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/az/phoenix/\">Phoenix</a> was founded in 1938 and forced to move to its second location in 1971 when some boys set a series of fires in the city. Berridge Nurseries rebuilt, then moved one more time to its current location on Camelback Road. The nursery remains in the family with the third generation now owners and operators.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A.J. Rahn Greenhouses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine a business that’s been in the family for 130 years! In 1890, A.J. Rahn Greenhouses was one of 19 family-owned plant companies operating in an area of Cincinnati known as Wooden Shoe Hollow. Rahn is still going strong, offering flower bedding, houseplants, vegetables, and fruit plants. The fifth generation of the A.J. Rahn family now runs the nursery, keeping their proud heritage intact.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Funke’s Greenhouses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This family-owned greenhouse has deep roots in the Cincinnati area. It started in Spring Grove, a village that fed the city with fresh produce. Over the years, the city grew up around that village but Funke’s family farm spirit remains. Their mission includes providing plants and knowledge to home gardeners so they can take control of their own food supply.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Burger Farm &amp; Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You won’t find any golden arches here, but you will find a large white barn with timbers that are 140 years old. Back in the 1800s, Burger Farm and Garden Center was a dairy farm. The family switched to crops around 1950 and continued another 30 years before opening the garden center you see today. Customers give them rave reviews for helping create what they say are the most beautiful yards in Cincinnati.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oakdale Greenhouses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This Charlotte, N.C., company has more than 20,000 square feet under glass. Its greenhouses are filled to the brim with houseplants and tropical plants. Doing business for more than 40 years, Oakdale Greenhouses boasts that it is &#8220;Charlotte’s best source for plants.&#8221; In addition to its wide variety of greenery, they add expertise on koi fish and water plants.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Southern Styles Nursery &amp; Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When designing your garden, Southern Styles Nursery and Garden Center offers this advice: Start with trees. It calls them the backbone of a garden setting. Southern Styles has an immense selection of trees, from exotic to common shade, Japanese maple, and evergreen. Once you’re done with that, you can explore the rest of this Charlotte, N.C., nursery to pick out the rest of your landscape items.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grass Pad</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite Grass Pad’s logo, they’re not smokin&#8217; it, they’re growin&#8217; it! What started out on a 700-acre sod farm at the end of a long gravel road in Missouri grew into today’s five locations in the Kansas City area and one in Omaha, Neb. They’re still transforming lawns with green sod, but have added full-line nurseries at each warehouse site.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rolling Meadows</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The man behind Rolling Meadows, Jesse Meadows, worked in landscaping for 15 years before making his garden center dream a reality. With a focus on creativity and quality, Jesse offers both residential and commercial landscaping in the Overland Park, Kansas, area. You’ll also find eco-friendly products and classes on how to go green.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summer Winds Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both serious and casual gardeners will find what they need at Summer Winds Garden Centers, which has locations in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/az/phoenix/\">Phoenix</a> and the Santa Clara Valley in California. The company is one of the largest independent retail nursery businesses in the nation. Putting water and energy-saving initiatives into practice, Summer Winds is committed to the responsible use of our natural resources.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>London Bridge Greenhouses &amp; Nursery</p>\n\n\n\n<p>London Bridge has been a Virginia Beach gardening tradition since 1976. Look for bulk sales of mulch, gravel, and organic mushroom compost. Their greenhouses are home to a huge selection of flowers. And butterfly lovers, rejoice! They even have a certified monarch butterfly waystation.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>There are more than 13,000 plant nurseries in the U.S., so there’s a possibility we missed your favorite. </em></strong></p>\n","title":"The 40 Top Plant Nurseries in the U.S.","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3544444444444443,"src":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1789c/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/107df/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/293e9/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/f2cbb/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1789c/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/7199d/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 1219w","srcWebp":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1dd6e/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/67b76/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/8df11/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/98a65/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1dd6e/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/6413b/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 1219w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 40 Top Plant Nurseries in the U.S. | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"03e06922-154d-5b08-aae5-9bc9a993b812","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-artificial-grass","path":"/blog/pros-and-cons-of-artificial-grass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Carmen Dexter is a freelance journalist and teacher who enjoys growing her own organic food and recycling as much as possible.","name":"Carmen Dexter","id":"f23ec685-a615-5004-a3fd-c0bfe6b2c9ec","path":"/author/carmen-dexter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e37085a8a22d319f3383613d59d54c5f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 2nd, 2022","excerpt":"<p>The pros and cons of artificial grass include conserving water and the costs involved with installing a new lawn. You may decide the benefits outweigh the downsides if you&#8217;re tired of mowing and caring for a lawn. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of installing artificial grass and why you should [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>The pros and cons of artificial grass include conserving water and the costs involved with installing a new lawn. You may decide the benefits outweigh the downsides if you&#8217;re tired of mowing and caring for a lawn. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of installing artificial grass and why you should or shouldn’t consider it for your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contents:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href=\"#pros\">Pros of Artificial Grass</a></strong></td><td><strong><a href=\"#cons\">Cons of Artificial Grass</a></strong></td></tr><tr><td>1. <a href=\"#water\">Conserves water</a></td><td>1. <a href=\"#days\">Very warm on hot days</a></td></tr><tr><td>2. <a href=\"#long\">Long-lasting</a></td><td>2. <a href=\"#ecosystem\">No contribution to the ecosystem</a></td></tr><tr><td>3. <a href=\"#heavy\">No lawn mowers or heavy equipment</a></td><td>3. <a href=\"#quality\">Doesn&#8217;t improve air or water quality</a></td></tr><tr><td>4. <a href=\"#safe\">Artificial grass is safe</a></td><td>4. <a href=\"#plastic\">Adds plastic to the environment</a></td></tr><tr><td>5. <a href=\"#friendly\">Artificial grass is pet-friendly</a></td><td>5. <a href=\"#risks\">Possible health risks</a></td></tr><tr><td>6. <a href=\"#pests\">Fewer pests</a></td><td>6. <a href=\"#replaced\">Must be replaced</a></td></tr><tr><td>7. <a href=\"#cost\">Cost-effective over time</a></td><td>7. <a href=\"#initial\">High initial cost</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pros\">7 Pros of Artificial Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our lawns set the expectations for the rest of our property, and serve as a status symbol, so keeping them clean and green is essential. Depending on your location, income, and available time, synthetic grass may be the way to go.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Conserves water&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We use <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoors\" target=\"_blank\">billions of gallons</a> of water outdoors every day with about 50% used on the lawn! The Synthetic Turf Council estimates that every square foot of grass replaced with artificial turf saves 55 gallons of water per year. With that in mind, replacing an average-sized lawn of about 1800 square feet with fake grass saves 99,000 gallons of water every year. That cuts your water bill by about $500 a year.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Long-lasting<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Take care of your synthetic lawn, and it will be around for about 15 to 20 years. While you don’t need to water it, you’ll have to hose it down every week or so to get rid of dirt and debris. Sweeping or raking the turf regularly also keeps the blades standing upright for the years to come.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. No need for a lawn mower, edger, or other expensive equipment<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lawn mowers aren’t cheap, with the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/cost/lawn-mower-price/\" target=\"_blank\">average cost</a> at just over $1000. Consider breakdowns, repair of parts, and the price of gas, and you’re looking at even more. Add an edger, weed wacker, and a fertilizer and seed spreader, and the cost multiplies. Artificial turf is a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/what-is-no-mow-grass/\">no mow grass</a>, so these costs disappear.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Artificial grass is safer&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Installing an artificial lawn removes <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/home-and-garden/yard-work-safety/#:~:text=Most%20Dangerous%20Yard,Shovel%20and%20Rake\">the risks</a> of yard work. It also eliminates the need for dangerous chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Not only will you save money, you won’t have to remember to do it!</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Pet-friendly<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even after a heavy rain, you won&#8217;t have to worry about mud puddles, muddy paws or fur, and extra baths for Rover. You won&#8217;t have stains or smells if you pick up poop daily and hose off dog pee regularly. Several companies also make artificial grass for dogs with antimicrobial and non-toxic properties.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Fewer pests<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you lay out the artificial turf, you’re saying goodbye to mosquitoes, grubs, moles, voles, and other critters that like to munch on lawns.<strong> </strong>You also don’t have to worry about the mold that triggers allergies.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Cost-effective over time</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest expense with artificial grass is during installation. The average price is $12.33 per square foot, so the total cost depends on the size of your yard. But once that initial installation is done, you can look forward to 15 to 20 years of a low-maintenance, low-cost yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cons\">7 Cons of Artificial Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fake grass isn’t for everyone. Some homeowners just don’t like it. Others may simply prefer <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/landscaping/8-grass-alternatives-to-consider/\">other alternatives</a> to a grass lawn. A few other reasons may turn some folks away from synthetic turf.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Artificial lawns heat up<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fake grass doesn’t have the ability to transpire water through openings on the blades. So, yes, it gets hotter than a natural grass lawn in the summer. Just how much hotter depends on your climate and what kind of artificial turf you have.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>High-quality synthetic lawns have UV inhibitors that resist the absorption of sunlight and help keep them cooler. Certain infills may lower the lawn temps by up to 25%. If you live in a hot climate, you can help solve the problem by hosing it down for a few minutes and making sure there’s plenty of shade in your yard for kids or pets.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Fake grass doesn’t contribute to the ecosystem<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We need living plants, including <a href=\"https://extension.umn.edu/lawncare/environmental-benefits-healthy-lawns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">natural grass</a>, to survive. They are responsible for the air we breathe and the food we eat. Artificial grass also lowers your yard&#8217;s biodiversity since it doesn&#8217;t attract wildlife or pollinators.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Artificial turf doesn’t improve air or water quality<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Studies have shown fake grass to exhibit increased <a href=\"https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/runoff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">runoff</a>, which can contribute to water pollution. Synthetic turf doesn’t cool the air or absorb carbon dioxide like natural grass.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Adds plastic to our planet</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Artificial grass is made of plastic. While it does eliminate the need for gas-powered mowers that pollute, it eventually becomes part of the pollution problem. Synthetic turf can be recycled, but the equipment is expensive, and the process is difficult. There are no plants designed specifically to recycle fake grass, so it ends up in landfills and contributes to microplastic pollution.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Possible health risks of artificial grass<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The debate over the seriousness of sports injuries on artificial turf vs. natural grass continues. Some <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://nflpa.com/posts/only-natural-grass-can-level-the-nfls-playing-field#:~:text=Specifically%2C%20players%20have,compared%20to%20grass.\" target=\"_blank\">NFL players insist</a> artificial grass is harder on the body. Many homeowners groups in New Jersey and Connecticut have waged a turf war with their cities over concerns about the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/federal-research-recycled-tire-crumb-used-playing-fields\" target=\"_blank\">chemicals and recycled tires </a>used in artificial grass for parks and playgrounds. The EPA is still researching these claims as it looks at the pros and cons of artificial grass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Synthetic turf must be replaced<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We touched on this in the pros of artificial grass, but no matter how well you care for it, artificial grass doesn’t last forever. Quality fake grass may hold up for as long as 20 years. More inferior products may start looking ratty after just five.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Warranties on the synthetic grass range from 5 years to life, depending on the manufacturer. There are also several caveats on warranties, so if you aren’t meticulous with your maintenance, you’ll void the guarantee. Regardless of who pays or how long it lasts, you will eventually have to replace your artificial lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. High initial cost<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’ve got a lot of property, installing artificial turf may be out of your financial reach. Once again, the average cost of installation is more than $12 per square foot. Since the <a href=\"https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2018/10/16/stacking-up-yard-sizes-by-state#:~:text=The%20average%20residential%20lawn%20in,seven%20times%20the%20national%20average.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">average lawn</a> size is more than 10,000 square feet, laying artificial turf over that space can set you back as much as $123,000.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don’t want to break the bank but still want to replace some real grass, consider installing a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/how-build-backyard-putting-green/\">putting green</a> in your backyard or using a small patch of synthetic grass in your landscape design.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ About the Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Does artificial grass get damaged?&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Sharp objects may cut both the blades and the backing of the fake grass. Hot items falling from the barbecue can melt the turf. And petroleum-based products or harsh cleaning fluids can damage and discolor your artificial lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Can artificial grass be repaired?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. You can remove the damaged area, replace the base, and install a fresh patch of artificial turf and add infill.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Can I install artificial grass myself?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, in fact, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-install-artificial-grass/\">installing artificial grass</a> yourself will significantly reduce the cost. Expect the project to take three days.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main photo credit: <a href=\"https://unsplash.com/@ptonchev?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Petar Tonchev</a> | <a href=\"https://unsplash.com/photos/c-5-QE5kBYk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash</a></p>\n","title":"Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/1789c/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/107df/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.jpg 320w,\n/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/293e9/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/f2cbb/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.jpg 800w,\n/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/1789c/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.jpg 960w,\n/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/c26c2/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/1dd6e/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/67b76/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.webp 320w,\n/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/8df11/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/98a65/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.webp 800w,\n/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/1dd6e/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.webp 960w,\n/static/ad0758c1125eba1e14924e06b262ac1d/3cc96/rsz_petar-tonchev-c-5-qe5kbyk-unsplash.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"No more mowing, edging, or weeding when you install an artificial lawn, but you may end up spending more. We look at the pros and cons of artificial grass."}}},{"node":{"id":"2baae674-4a45-56fc-869b-a30c15030ed9","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-carpenter-ants","path":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-carpenter-ants/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.","name":"Caleb Leonard","id":"1c332919-8490-5383-95ec-6ae90855221c","path":"/author/caleb-leonard/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ac26f4a5bb894df76f4af23dd100da4?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"}],"date":"November 22nd, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Anytime you face a pest infestation, it&#8217;s a stressful situation. But when you have pests that can damage your property, that&#8217;s a whole new level of stress. Carpenter ants chew through wood in homes and yards across the country. Thankfully, we’ve got some advice on how to get rid of carpenter ants indoors and outdoors.&nbsp; [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Anytime you face a pest infestation, it&#8217;s a stressful situation. But when you have pests that can damage your property, that&#8217;s a whole new level of stress. Carpenter ants chew through wood in homes and yards across the country. Thankfully, we’ve got some advice on how to get rid of carpenter ants indoors and outdoors.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article we&#8217;ll cover:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><a href=\"#what\">What are Carpenter Ants?</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href=\"#indoor\">How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Indoors</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href=\"#outdoor\">How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Outdoors</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href=\"#returning\">How To Prevent Carpenter Ants From Returning</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href=\"#causes\">What Causes A Carpenter Ant Infestation?</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href=\"#signs\">Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Carpenter Ants</a></strong></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what\">What Are Carpenter Ants?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Carpenter ants (<em>Camponotus</em>) make their homes in trees and logs, easily chewing through wet wood to create their tunnels and nests. These ants come in different sizes and colors, but in North America, they mostly appear black or reddish brown. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carpenter ants are typically between one-quarter inch and five-eighths of an inch in length, with elbowed antennae. Some carpenter ants may develop wings while the nest is swarming.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"indoor\">How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Indoors</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like most ants, carpenter ants give each other directions to food and shelter by leaving behind a pheromone trail. It’s how they sneak into your kitchen or bathroom in vast numbers.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, we have some helpful tips for controlling carpenter ants in the home. Infestation sizes may vary, but following these steps in the suggested order mimics professional treatments and can save you the cost of hiring an exterminator.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Locate the Nest</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step to ending your carpenter ant problem is to locate the nest. Follow the ant trail or evidence of damage until you reach the nest.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes these nests are difficult to find. Try thumping the wood where you suspect damage. If it sounds hollow, you&#8217;re in the right place. Thumping around the nest can excite the ants, and panicked ants may appear.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Set Baits</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you find the nest (or locate high ant activity) apply bait traps or bait gel nearby. Spread your bait around sinks, appliances, baseboards, and bathroom fixtures. The nest is usually near a source of water. Consider using a duster for a quick and even application of fine granular baits.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baits eliminate ants by lacing their food with insecticide. When the ant takes the bait back to share it with the colony, that insecticide spreads amongst the other ants until it dethrones the queen.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Apply Aerosol Foam</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, apply an aerosol foam to cracks, holes, and crevices. Insecticidal foams expand, making them the ideal choice for wall voids, cracks, and crevices. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aerosol foams like FiPro spread pesticides from ant to ant, infecting the entire colony. When ants come in contact with these foams, their nervous systems are affected, resulting in death.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use insecticidal dust to pump pesticides into hard-to-reach places like behind sinks and inside hollow doors.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another option is to use <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/pests-and-diseases/eco-friendly-pest-control-home/#:~:text=Food-grade%20Diatomaceous,it%E2%80%99s%20perfectly%20safe.\">diatomaceous earth</a> (D.E.) to solve your carpenter ant problem. Just sprinkle this pesticide along the pheromone trail or near suspected entry points to your home.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diatomaceous earth eradicates pests dehydrating their bodies. This dehydration occurs either by consumption or the proximity to D.E.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use boric acid in the same manner. Boric acid takes longer to kill insects than D.E., but both are effective means of carpenter ant control. Diatomaceous earth can be used outdoors as well. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"outdoor\">How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Outdoors</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Are carpenter ants infesting the wood frame around your <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/benefits-composting-lawn/\">compost pile</a> or chewing away at your wood deck? Similar to indoor infestations, you&#8217;ll need to find the nest and treat it with pesticides.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Spray Outside</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Perimeter treatments are advisable whether your infestation is indoors or outside. Use a non-repellent insecticide to spray wall voids, crevices, windows, eaves, and potential entry points. This will help ensure the outside infestation doesn’t migrate indoors.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spray the insecticides in a sweeping motion 1 to 3 feet up the wall and 1 to 3 feet into the yard to create a strong barrier around your home.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always read and follow the instructions listed on the product label, as guidelines may vary from product to product.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Disrupt Pheromone Trails</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Repellents are a helpful tool to rid your lawn of carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are sensitive to strong odors, and the odors will disrupt the pheromone trails they use to direct other ants. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scents like peppermint (oil), lemon, vinegar, and chili powder can keep carpenter ants away.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add your chosen repellant to a spray bottle and dilute it with water. Aim for a 1:1 ratio. Spray your natural repellent solution around any potential entrances to your home or in areas where you see carpenter ant activity.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Set Baits</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like you would indoors, scout your yard for signs of carpenter ant activity and set up bait traps.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way to rid your lawn of carpenter ants is with homemade bait. Start by mixing one-thirds sugar with two-thirds boric acid. Next, place your mixture in a small dish or bottle cap near ant trails or the nest. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boric acid is widely available at grocery stores, pharmacies, and supercenters.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Control the Aphid Population</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Aphids and carpenter ants have a symbiotic relationship. The aphids create a food source for the ants (honeydew), and in return, the carpenter ants protect the aphids from predators. If your lawn is teeming with aphids, there’s likely a carpenter ant infestation nearby.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, aphids can be eradicated with pesticides, soapy water, neem oil, or petroleum-based horticultural oils. Once the aphid population is reduced, the ant colony will likely search for a new source of food elsewhere.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"returning\">How to Prevent Carpenter Ants from Returning</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to prevent pests is to remove their food source and tidy your home and yard.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Don&#8217;t leave food out: </strong>The only thing carpenter ants like more than aphid honeydew is your food. Leaving food out offers pests a steady food source. Be sure to put your food away in sealed containers and clean food prep areas after every meal.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Clean counters:</strong> Clean areas with dish soap or a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Remove rotted, infested wood:</strong> If your scrap pile is full of wood or the old tree stump is rotting in the yard, it&#8217;s time to make adjustments. Wood that becomes too wet cannot dry out, leading to rot, which invites pests.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Move firewood:</strong> Raise firewood off the ground and store it away from the elements. Place a tarp beneath your wood or purchase a wooden log store to secure your firewood.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Trim tree branches and bushes away from your home: </strong>Tree branches and bushes should never touch your home. Branches risk snapping and causing damage to people and your property. Plus, pests use trees and bushes to gain entry into your home.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Repair leaks:</strong> Leaks around faucets and tubs create damp wood that invites pests like carpenter ants. In addition to being a waste of water, leaks around your home will invite pests who are looking for a consistent source of water.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Add caulk to window seals and around faucets: </strong>By neglecting the seals around your faucets and window sills, you risk moisture leaks and energy waste. Save money and seal out pests and moisture by caulking your windows, cracks, and crevices.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"causes\">What Causes a Carpenter Ant Infestation?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A carpenter ant infestation can happen anywhere. These ants need damp wood to make a home and a consistent food source.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common causes of a carpenter ant infestation include:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Any food left out (including pet food).</strong> Carpenter ants love sugar, jelly, meat and honey.</li><li><strong>Unsealed garbage cans</strong></li><li>Aphids in your yard, carpenter ants feed on the excrement aphids produce, known as honeydew.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Sources of excess moisture</strong>, such as leaking pipes or dripping faucets.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"signs\">Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A carpenter ant sighting in your home doesn&#8217;t necessarily mean you have an infestation. It could just be a worker ant scouting out a new location for a nest. However, if you see winged carpenter ants, that means a colony is swarming and might be trying to move into your area.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Signs of an infestation in your home include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Frass: very fine sawdust from burrowing ants&nbsp;</li><li>Tiny pin-sized holes in your wood</li><li>Hollow-sounding wood</li><li>Large winged ants seen around your home</li><li>A crinkling, rustling sound in your home (especially at night)</li><li>Ant trails in your home or yard</li><li>Shed carpenter ant wings</li><li>Fecal matter with frass</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Carpenter Ants</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I know if I have termites or carpenter ants?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both termites and carpenter ants can damage wood, leaving evidence of frass (wood shavings). Despite looking so similar and causing similar damage, they require significantly different treatment, which is why proper identification is so important. Here are some helpful tips to tell them apart:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Carpenter Ants</strong></td><td><strong>Termites</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Carpenter ants are discrete in their nest building, often unbeknownst to homeowners.</td><td>Depending on the species, termites typically cause damage out in the open. Termites also construct mud tubes that are often visible outside of the nest.</td></tr><tr><td>Carpenter ant bodies are pinched at the neck and waist.</td><td>Termite bodies have a similar thickness throughout.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Carpenter ants have six long legs.&nbsp;</td><td>Termites have six short legs.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Carpenter ants have elbowed antennae.&nbsp;</td><td>Termites have straight antennae.</td></tr><tr><td>Carpenter ants have two pairs of wings with the front wings much larger than the back wings. The wings also have fewer veins than termite wings.&nbsp;</td><td>Termites have two pairs of wings of equal size with many veins.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How did carpenter ants get into my home?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Carpenter ants likely entered your home through cracks and crevices. They can travel across tree limbs and wires and even chew through wood to enter your home.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Monitor points of entry such as any place wires enter your home. Check your baseboards and window sills, and keep shrubs and tree limbs away from your home.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does it take carpenter ants to destroy wood?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is it can take years for carpenter ants to cause notable damage, unlike termites, whose damage becomes evident in a few months.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Call a Pest Control Pro</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pest infestations can be overwhelming, so there&#8217;s no shame in hiring a professional exterminator. If your carpenter ant infestation is in a difficult-to-reach location, or pest control isn&#8217;t your forte, hire a pro for the job.&nbsp;<br><br>Pests like carpenter ants don&#8217;t like a manicured lawn. They prefer tall grass to hide from predators. Connect with a local <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">lawn care professional</a> who can keep your lawn tidy and ward off outdoor pests.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_-ggallice-_Carpenter_ants.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Geoff Gallice</a> / Wikimedia Commons /  <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0\">CC BY 2.0</a> </p>\n","title":"How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/1789c/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/107df/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 320w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/293e9/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 500w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/f2cbb/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 800w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/1789c/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 960w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/c26c2/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/1dd6e/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/67b76/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 320w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/8df11/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 500w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/98a65/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 800w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/1dd6e/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 960w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/3cc96/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Carpenter ants chew through wood, causing headaches for homeowners. Learn how to get rid of carpenter ants indoors and outdoors."}}},{"node":{"id":"fc01ca95-4faa-5ce8-8ef3-c9a4548de41e","slug":"when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed","path":"/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/","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":"<p>Watering your lawn at the correct time interval after applying weed and feed ensures the product actually works. The type of weed and feed used determines the time frame in which the grass should be watered after administering the product. This article covers when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed, depending on [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Watering your lawn at the correct time interval after applying weed and feed ensures the product actually works. The type of weed and feed used determines the time frame in which the grass should be watered after administering the product. This article covers when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed, depending on the specific type.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading to find out how to get it right the first time.</p>\n\n\n<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-0575cab6-43e7-448b-9c79-d71fe4690274\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\"\n                    data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\">\n                    <div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">In this article:</div></div></div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \"><ul><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#0-when-to-water-the-lawn-after-applying-weed-and-feed>When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#6-what-is-weed-and-feed>What is Weed and Feed?</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#7-what-weed-and-feed-should-you-choose>What Weed and Feed Should You Choose?</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#8-why-weed-and-feed-may-be-bad-for-your-lawn>Why Weed and Feed May Be Bad for Your Lawn</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#9-faq-about-watering-after-weed-and-feed>FAQ</a></li></ul></div></div></div>\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-when-to-water-the-lawn-after-applying-weed-and-feed\">When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When to water your lawn after applying weed and feed products is just as important as knowing <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-use-weed-and-feed\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-use-weed-and-feed\">how and when to apply weed and feed</a>. Watering your grass too soon or too late can result in ineffective weed control and keep the fertilizer from creating a healthy lawn full of green grass. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out below when to water the lawn after applying the different types of weed and feed products.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-pre-emergent-weed-and-feed\">Pre-Emergent Weed and Feed</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"633\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\" alt=\"A picture showing a person fertilizing lawn\" class=\"wp-image-12425\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20-300x237.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20-768x608.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20-480x380.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEEX3fUtKs/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">groveb</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/pre-emergent-herbicides\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/pre-emergent-herbicides\">Pre-emergent</a> weed and feed products require water to help them penetrate the ground to be effective. You can water the grass 12 to 24 hours after application. For the best results, wait at least 24 hours before watering.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rain:</strong> The rain can help soak the herbicide into the soil. However, do not water the lawn if it rains after you apply weed and feed. Too much water can wash away the treatment.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-post-emergent-weed-and-feed\">Post-Emergent Weed and Feed</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1.jpg\" alt=\"Lawn fertilizer is spread by hand with a T-shaped tool that spreads fertilizer from both sides of an arrow-shaped element\" class=\"wp-image-12690\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/lawn-fertilizer-being-spread-by-hand-1177125406\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dean Clarke</a> / Shutterstock / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Homeowners should use <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/post-emergent-herbicides/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/post-emergent-herbicides/\">post-emergent</a> weed and feed products when it will be dry for a few days. These products are more sensitive to watering than their pre-emergent counterparts. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait two days before watering the lawn to give the herbicide portion of the weed and feed time to absorb into the leaves of the weeds. If watered before 48 hours, the chemicals are washed away and will not work.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rain: </strong>Be sure to check the weather forecast and pick a time to apply weed and feed when it is going to be dry for a few days.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-granular-weed-and-feed\">Granular Weed and Feed</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1.jpg\" alt=\"fertilizer for the lawn\" class=\"wp-image-16637\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEE7QnzYUk-feeding-lawn-with-granular-fertilizer-for-perfect-green-grass/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ronstik</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>For granular fertilizer to work, it must be watered into the ground to release the lawn food that makes grass healthy and gives you a green lawn. If the fertilizer does not receive water, it can burn the grass if it sits on the lawn during the summer.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait 12 to 24 hours before watering your lawn after applying <strong>granular pre-emergent weed and feed</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grass treated with <strong>granular post-emergents</strong> should not be watered for at least 48 hours.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-liquid-weed-and-feed\">Liquid Weed and Feed</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike granular products, liquid weed and feed does not require watering to work. And you do not have to wait as long to water the lawn. As a rule of thumb, waiting at least 24 hours is best. Too much watering can render the chemicals ineffective, so be mindful of this when you turn on the sprinklers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-pre-emergent-and-post-emergent-weed-and-feed\">Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed and Feed</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The chemicals in these two different types of weed and feed do not mix well. Therefore, homeowners are advised not to use both a pre-emergent and post-emergent at the same time. Here are some reasons why:</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212; They should be watered at different times after application.<br>&#8212; They should be applied at different times to work. Pre-emergents should be used in early spring. Post-emergents should be applied in the late spring.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-what-is-weed-and-feed\">What is Weed and Feed?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Weed and feed is a combination of chemicals to treat weeds and fertilize the grass. The lawn fertilizer – the &#8220;feed&#8221; part – contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, important plant nutrients. The weed control portion can be either a pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-Emergent Weed and Feed: </strong>Pre-emergent weed and feed products have herbicides to stop weed seeds from germinating. Pre-emergent products do not kill weeds. Depending on the ingredients, pre-emergent weed and feed inhibits cell division, prevents root growth, or stops enzyme growth to keep weeds from growing in the first place.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Post-Emergent Weed and Feed: </strong>Post-emergent two-in-one products have chemicals that kill weeds that are already growing. Contact-based products kill the plant parts they come into contact with, which is typically the parts above ground. Systemic post-emergents can be sprayed on any part of the weed and are absorbed into the plant, destroying its entire vascular system.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-what-weed-and-feed-should-you-choose\">What Weed and Feed Should You Choose?</h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16736\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MADnWF3q7YM-chemical-fertilizer/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Srinuan Hirunwat</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent:</strong> If you want to prevent weeds from growing, you’ll want a pre-emergent weed and feed. A post-emergent weed and feed is best in yards already held hostage by weeds.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Liquid vs. Granular:</strong> If you want to spot-treat weeds, liquid weed and feed products allow you to target individual weeds. Granular weed and feeds use a spreader to apply to a larger area. If you have a lot of weeds throughout your yard and want to apply chemicals quickly, a granular product may be best.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grass Type: </strong>The <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/category/grass-types/\">type of grass</a> is also a part of the decision of which weed and feed to select. Weed and feed labels list which types of grass they can be used on and at what stage. For example, pre-emergents should never be used on turfgrass recently seeded.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some chemicals can be used on <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/\">warm-season grasses</a> but not on <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/cool-season-grasses/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/cool-season-grasses/\">cool-season grasses</a> and vice versa. Scotts Turf Builder is an example of a weed and feed that can be used on both. </p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-why-weed-and-feed-may-be-bad-for-your-lawn\">Why Weed and Feed May Be Bad for Your Lawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Weed and feed products are conveniently available and can be found at many home improvement brick-and-mortar locations and online stores like Amazon. However, <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/weed-and-feed-bad-for-lawn\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/weed-and-feed-bad-for-lawn\">weed and feed can be bad for your lawn</a> for the following reasons:</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212; The best time to fertilize your lawn and the best time to treat weeds are often different.&nbsp;<br>&#8212; The chemicals in weed and feed are dangerous for children and pets.<br>&#8212; Weed products are often only needed in specific areas, while fertilizer is required all across the lawn.&nbsp;<br>&#8212; The harsh chemicals in weed and feed can leach into the surrounding environment.&nbsp;<br>&#8212; Weed and feed can sometimes harm plants other than weeds, including grass, shrubs, and trees.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-faq-about-watering-after-weed-and-feed\">FAQ About Watering After Weed and Feed</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How long should you wait before mowing the grass after using weed and feed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Give the product time to work. Wait at least three days before you <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-mow-a-lawn/\">mow the grass</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When can you aerate your lawn after applying weed and feed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should wait four weeks after applying weed and feed before <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/\">aerating your lawn</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are liquid and granular weed and feed applied differently?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Liquid weed and feed products are applied using a sprayer. Granular weed and feed chemicals are disbursed using a drop-type spreader, rotary spreader, or broadcast spreader.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Should you water your grass before applying weed and feed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watering the lawn before applying granular products is helpful. It can help the granules stick to the weeds. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When is it safe for children and pets to come back on the lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait until after a heavy rainfall before allowing your loved ones back on the grass. You can also water your lawn for a few days in a row to be sure the residual from the chemicals is washed away.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How soon can a lawn be reseeded after applying pre-emergent herbicide?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Homeowners should wait at least 8-10 weeks after applying weed control to reseed a lawn, or the herbicide could kill the grass seeds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-final-thoughts-\">Final Thoughts&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting the timing right on when to water your grass after applying weed and feed will determine if the chemicals work. It will also affect whether you end up with an attractive, healthy lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping up with when to water the grass takes time and effort. You could end up spending more time and money correcting your mistake if you do not get it right. </p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>If you prefer to let someone else handle your lawn care chores and eliminate the risk of you messing up the timing, WikiLawn can connect you with <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">lawn care professionals</a> in your area who can help control weeds and maintain your grass for an appealing, healthy lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAB4YoMHRfc-garden-water-sprinkler/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nenovbrothers</a> / Canva Pro / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\">License</a></p>\n","title":"When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1789c/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/107df/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/293e9/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/f2cbb/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1789c/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/c26c2/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1dd6e/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/67b76/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 320w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/8df11/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 500w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/98a65/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 800w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1dd6e/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 960w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/3cc96/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed  | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed so that weed seeds do not germinate, weeds are killed, and the lawn fertilizer works, too."}}},{"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":"<p>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&#8217;ll cover: Why You Need to Test and Improve Your Soil [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>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.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why\">Why You Need to Test and Improve Your Soil</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#where\">Where to Get Soil Test Kits</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#testing\">How to Test Your Soil</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#soil\">What Are Soil Amendments?</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#best\">Best Soil Amendments</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#types\">Types of Soil</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how\">How to Improve Your Soil</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Testing Your Soil&nbsp;</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why\">Why You Need to Test and Improve Your Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant 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.&nbsp; A level below 7 is considered acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. A measurement of 7 is neutral.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing 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 <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn/\">fertilizers</a> and other amendments.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where\">Where to Get Soil Test Kits​​</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>At-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 <a href=\"https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/soil-compost/how-do-i-test-my-garden-soil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">full nutrient analysis</a>. Your local cooperative extension office can provide you with the soil testing kit and perform the analysis.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"testing\">How to Test Your Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The testing process will vary slightly depending on the kit you purchase, but the general process will be the same.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Clean the tools you will be using to collect the sample.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dig 5 holes about 6 inches deep each.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take about ½-inch slice from the side of each hole, and place the soil in a bucket.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix the samples together and spread the soil on newspaper to dry out.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collect the needed amount from this mixture.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip: </strong>If your sample has lots of earthworms wiggling about, this means your soil already has a strong composition of organic matter.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"soil\">What Are Soil Amendments?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two categories of <a href=\"https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/choosing-a-soil-amendment/#:~:text=Organic%20amendments%20include%20sphagnum%20peat,chunks%2C%20pea%20gravel%20and%20sand.\">soil amendments:</a></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Organic additives</strong> are derived from something that was once alive. This includes manure, compost, and wood ash.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Inorganic additives</strong> are either mined or man-made. Common inorganic materials include lime, vermiculite, sand, and perlite.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While mulch can be used to improve soil properties, it is not considered an amendment since it sits atop the soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best\">Best Soil Amendments</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many options for amendments depending on what your soil test indicates. <a href=\"https://extension.psu.edu/forage-and-food-crops/cover-crops#:~:text=What%20Are%20Cover%20Crops%3F,and%20diseases%20and%20smother%20weeds.\">Cover crops</a> and composted manure are great options, but not always necessary for home gardeners.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most residential soils will benefit from one of the following common amendments:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Compost:</strong> Decayed kitchen <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/benefits-composting-lawn/\">scraps and other plant materials</a> such as wood chips, bark, and sawdust.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plant material: </strong>Straw, grass clippings, peat moss, and shredded leaves.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Topsoil: </strong>Additional soil that provides volume and is usually accompanied by lime and other amendments</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some gardens will require very specific adjustments and might require one of the following:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gypsum: </strong>Improves water absorption, reduces erosion, and helps garden plants absorb nutrients.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lime: </strong><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/lime-for-lawns/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/lime-for-lawns/\">Lime for lawns</a> (not the sour green fruit) raises the pH level of acidic soil.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sulfur:</strong> Lowers the pH level of alkaline soil.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\">Types of Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There 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.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Clay soil</strong> consists of fine particles that are slow to absorb or drain moisture. It typically becomes baked and dry in the summer heat and waterlogged in winter.<br><br>After an initial amendment of 3 or 4 inches of compost, add an additional inch&nbsp;each year. You can amend the soil structure by adding fine mulch bark or straw.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Silt soil </strong>is characterized by small particles and a floury feel. Silt holds on to moisture and nutrients fairly well.<br><br>Improve the texture by adding 1 inch of organic matter each year.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sandy soil </strong>has large particles that drain quickly. Sandy soil warms quickly but does not hold on to nutrients. <br><br>Three to 4 inches of compost will help water retention. Adding 2 inches of compost each fall will help you maintain a loam.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Loam soil </strong>absorbs and drains water well, provides adequate oxygen to roots, and is rich in organic matter. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/gardening-tips/guide-understanding-soil-types/\">Loamy soil</a> will crumble easily and not form a ball when squeezed.<br><br>Loam is the ideal soil type for all gardening projects.<br><br>To <a href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/changing-the-ph-of-your-soil/#:~:text=Vegetables%2C%20grasses%20and%20most%20ornamentals,vigorous%20growth%20and%20nutrient%20deficiencies.\">correct the soil pH</a>, you will need to add lime or sulfur. The amount you use depends on the current pH of your soil and the pH you’d like to reach. Most plants do best with a pH of 6 to 7.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\">How to Improve Your Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Garden 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>When should you add soil amendments?</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add organic amendments in the fall, allowing earthworms to work it deeper into the ground by spring.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to amend in the spring, do so as soon as the soil is dry enough to work with.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Spread about 2 inches of organic matter across the vegetable garden or flower bed.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li>With a rake or garden fork, thoroughly mix the organic material into the top 6 inches of soil.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water the area and check the moisture.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wait about two weeks before planting.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rake the soil, level it, and remove any unwanted debris before installing your plants.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthy soil is the first step to healthy and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/home-and-garden/tips-keep-pests-out-of-vegetable-garden/\">lower maintenance</a> gardens.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Testing Your Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What elements should I keep in mind when amending my soil?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>How often should I test the soil?</strong></li>\n</ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Frequent 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Where in my yard should I take the sample from?</strong></li>\n</ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Samples 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>What elements should I keep in mind when amending my soil?</strong></li>\n</ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Phosphorus:</strong> Promotes root growth, plant maturity, and winter hardiness.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potassium:</strong> Disease resistance, drought tolerance, and plant strength.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Calcium:</strong> Improves soil structure, aeration, and water retention.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Magnesium:</strong> Improves plant growth and chlorophyll production.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><em>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 </em><a href=\"http://wikilawn.com\"><em>local lawn care professional</em></a><em>. The pros know just what to do to keep your soil healthy and when to do it, allowing you to simply enjoy the outcome.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.rawpixel.com/image/6073920/planting-azalea\" target=\"_blank\">Rawpixel</a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC0 1.0</a></p>\n","title":"How to Test and Improve Your Soil","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.518987341772152,"src":"/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/1789c/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/107df/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 320w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/293e9/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 500w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/f2cbb/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 800w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/1789c/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 960w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/c26c2/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/1dd6e/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/67b76/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 320w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/8df11/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 500w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/98a65/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 800w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/1dd6e/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 960w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/3cc96/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Test and Improve Your Soil | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Healthy soil produces healthy plants and lawns. We’ll show you how to test and improve your soil for a greener lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"45e8a502-7227-5a74-a219-3e95a3842073","slug":"which-of-the-countrys-15-biggest-metro-areas-have-the-biggest-homes","path":"/blog/which-of-the-countrys-15-biggest-metro-areas-have-the-biggest-homes/","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":"June 4th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>by John Egan Everything, it seems, is not bigger in Texas. Among the country’s 15 biggest metro areas, neither Dallas-Fort Worth, TX nor Houston, TX, is home to the largest residential units. Rather, Atlanta, GA, boasts the biggest residential units among the 15 metros. A review of 2017 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p><em>by John Egan</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everything, it seems, <em>is not</em> bigger in Texas.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the country’s 15 biggest metro areas, neither Dallas-Fort Worth, TX nor Houston, TX, is home to the largest residential units. Rather, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/\">Atlanta, GA</a>, boasts the biggest residential units among the 15 metros.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>A review of 2017 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey shows the median size of an occupied residential unit in the Atlanta area — including houses, apartments and mobile homes — is 1,800 square feet. Atlanta edged out <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/houston/\">Houston</a>, at 1,700 square feet. Tied for third place, with a median size of 1,600 square feet, are Philadelphia, PA; <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/az/phoenix/\">Phoenix, AZ</a>; and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/washington-dc/\">Washington, DC.</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not surprisingly, New York City, NY, has the smallest residential units, with a median square footage of 1,150.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.atlantaintown.com/atlanta-real-estate-agent/Andrea-Morgan\">Andrea Morgan</a>, a Realtor with Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services, partly attributes the overall greater size of homes in her region to a relatively low cost of living, enabling people to “afford more house for the money.” She notes that in 2018, she sold a 4,500-square-foot home in the Atlanta suburb of Stone Mountain — complete with a pool and a tennis court — for less than $500,000.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, Morgan says, because Georgia is a business-friendly and homebuilder-friendly state, there aren’t as many development restrictions as there might be in other states.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another factor propelling bigger homes, she adds, is the Atlanta area’s constantly snarled traffic.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Once you get home, out of traffic, then you really want your home to be an oasis,” Morgan says, “so adding a man cave, theater room, kids’ play area, home gym, mommy ‘escape nook,’ luxury laundry, mudroom — all those rooms add up to lots of square feet. Throw in outdoor living space, and you need a pretty substantial lot to support your dream-home reality.”</p>\n\n\n\n<p>What follows is our rundown of the median square footage of residential units in the biggest metro areas in the U.S., according to 2017 estimates from the <a href=\"https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ahs.html\">American Housing Survey</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Atlanta, GA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" src=\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/atlanta-ga-skyline.jpg?fit=1024%2C700&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8284\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/atlanta-ga-skyline.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/atlanta-ga-skyline-300x205.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/atlanta-ga-skyline-768x525.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Brendan Lim</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,800<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $215,100<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $119.50</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Houston, TX</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/houston-tx-skyline.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8285\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/houston-tx-skyline.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/houston-tx-skyline-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/houston-tx-skyline-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // telwink</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,700<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $192,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $113.47</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3 (tie). Philadelphia, PA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/philly-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8286\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/philly-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/philly-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/philly-skyline-for-big-houses-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Garen M.</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,600<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $250,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $156.81</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3 (tie). Phoenix, AZ</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"592\" src=\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/phoenix-az-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg?fit=1024%2C592&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8287\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/phoenix-az-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/phoenix-az-skyline-for-big-houses-300x173.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/phoenix-az-skyline-for-big-houses-768x444.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // 1Flatworld</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,600<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $246,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $154.31</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3 (tie). Washington, DC</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" src=\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/washington-dc-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg?fit=1024%2C575&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8288\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/washington-dc-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/washington-dc-skyline-for-big-houses-300x168.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/washington-dc-skyline-for-big-houses-768x431.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Ted Eytan</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,600<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $424,600<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $265.38</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. </strong><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/dallas/\"><strong>Dallas-Fort Worth, TX</strong></a></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dallas-tx-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8289\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dallas-tx-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dallas-tx-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dallas-tx-skyline-for-big-houses-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Justin Terveen</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,586<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $214,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $135.50</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7 (tie). Riverside-San Bernardino, CA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8290\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign-510x382.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Raymond Yu</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,500<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $342,300<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $228.20</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7 (tie). Seattle, WA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/seattle-wa-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8291\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/seattle-wa-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/seattle-wa-skyline-for-big-houses-300x201.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/seattle-wa-skyline-for-big-houses-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Bryan the Roving Vagabond</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage: </strong>1,500<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $439,800<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $293.20</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Boston, MA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8292\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline-510x382.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // itsjuststan</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,475<br><strong>Median property value: </strong>$441,400<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $299.25</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10 (tie). Chicago, IL</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"499\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8293\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses-300x187.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses-768x480.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses-400x250.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Daniele De Gaudio</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,400<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $240,300<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $171.64</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10 (tie). Detroit, MI</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1023\" height=\"670\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/detroit-mi-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8294\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/detroit-mi-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 1023w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/detroit-mi-skyline-for-big-houses-300x196.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/detroit-mi-skyline-for-big-houses-768x503.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Ryan Southen</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,400<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $171,600<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $122.57</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. Miami, FL</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/miami-fl-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg?fit=1024%2C538&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8295\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/miami-fl-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/miami-fl-skyline-for-big-houses-300x158.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/miami-fl-skyline-for-big-houses-768x404.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Cap G.</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,369<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $278,700<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $203.58</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13 (tie). Los Angeles, CA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8296\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-ca-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-ca-skyline-for-big-houses-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Jim Tsang</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,250<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $617,100<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $493.68</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13 (tie). San Francisco, CA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/san-fran-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8297\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/san-fran-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/san-fran-ca-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/san-fran-ca-skyline-for-big-houses-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Lorenzo Montezemolo</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,250<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $849,500<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $679.60</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15. New York City, NY</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc-ny-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8299\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc-ny-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc-ny-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc-ny-skyline-for-big-houses-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Przemek</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,150<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $440,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $383.39</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Author Bio:</strong>&nbsp;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.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Top Photo:</strong> http://swgoths.org</em></p>\n","title":"Which of the Country’s 15 Biggest Metro Areas Have the Biggest Homes?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.430976430976431,"src":"/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/73f1e/floor-plan.jpg","srcSet":"/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/107df/floor-plan.jpg 320w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/293e9/floor-plan.jpg 500w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/f2cbb/floor-plan.jpg 800w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/73f1e/floor-plan.jpg 850w","srcWebp":"/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/05ed0/floor-plan.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/67b76/floor-plan.webp 320w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/8df11/floor-plan.webp 500w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/98a65/floor-plan.webp 800w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/05ed0/floor-plan.webp 850w","sizes":"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Which of the Country’s 15 Biggest Metro Areas Have the Biggest Homes? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"53e3700b-c3ef-578e-9ab5-2cbee2ccab48","slug":"cool-season-grasses","path":"/blog/cool-season-grasses/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Mel Childs","id":"5e563fe7-34e1-5dc2-bc00-a1e777e5dfd5","path":"/author/melisha-childslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8fb37d81bb775d323e0028ec06cb650f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 1st, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Not all grass is the same. There are variations in grass types across the country, which can affect the best way to care for your lawn. If you live in the northern part of the U.S., you likely have a cool-season grass type growing in your yard. What does that mean? This cool-season grass growing [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Not all grass is the same. There are variations in grass types across the country, which can affect the best way to care for your lawn. If you live in the northern part of the U.S., you likely have a cool-season grass type growing in your yard. What does that mean? This cool-season grass growing guide will teach you about these grass types and the best ways to maintain them.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#What\">What Are Cool-Season Grasses?</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Where\">Where Cool-Season Grasses Grow</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Cool\">Cool-Season Grasses vs. Warm-Season Grasses</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Types\">Types of Cool-Season Grass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Lawn\">Lawn Care for Cool-Season Grasses</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Maintenance\">Maintenance Calendar For Cool-Season Grasses</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#FAQs\">FAQ</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What\">What Are Cool-Season Grasses?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-season grasses are grasses that grow mostly in the spring and fall in the northern regions of the U.S. These grasses include tall fescue, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. They grow and thrive during cooler temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees, and they withstand extremely cold temperatures well.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-season grasses are perennials. Therefore, they will come back year after year if they are cared for properly. Although they thrive in cool regions, some of these grasses are also drought-tolerant and can thrive in hotter regions. However, when it is hot, they tend to become dormant until the weather cools. Sometimes, they develop <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/how-to-treat-5-common-lawn-diseases/\">lawn diseases</a> in extreme heat and drought.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Where\">Where Cool-Season Grasses Grow</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most cool-season grasses are native to northern regions of the U.S. See the map below to find out if you live in the cool-season grass growing zone, the warm-season grass growing zone, or the <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/transition-zone-grasses/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/transition-zone-grasses/\">transition zone</a>, where both cool-season and warm-season grasses can thrive. </p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg\" alt=\"cool-season and warm-season grass map\" class=\"wp-image-16643\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Illustration by Juan Rodriguez</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some states where you can expect cool-season grasses to grow:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Connecticut</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delaware</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Idaho</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Iowa</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maine</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maryland</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Massachusetts</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Michigan</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minnesota</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Montana</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nebraska</li>\n\n\n\n<li>New Hampshire</li>\n\n\n\n<li>New Jersey</li>\n\n\n\n<li>New York</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ohio</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pennsylvania</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rhode Island</li>\n\n\n\n<li>South Dakota</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vermont</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Virginia</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utah</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Washington</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wisconsin</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wyoming</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you reside in one of these states, you most likely have cool-season grass growing in your yard. For more help identifying the grass your lawn is made of, you can contact your local <a href=\"https://www.nifa.usda.gov/land-grant-colleges-and-universities-partner-website-directory\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.nifa.usda.gov/land-grant-colleges-and-universities-partner-website-directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cooperative Extension Office</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Cool\">Cool-Season Grasses vs. Warm-Season Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you already know, cool-season grasses thrive in areas where the temperatures are much cooler throughout the year. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/\">Warm-season grasses</a>, on the other hand, grow best in hot summer temperatures, so they tend to grow in the South.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm-season grasses grow most actively in temperatures from 75 to 95 degrees. They become dormant below 55 degrees. Popular warm-season grasses include centipedegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Bahiagrass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Types\">Types of Cool-Season Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most popular cool-season grass types for lawns in the northern U.S. include:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tall Fescue</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\" alt=\"Close up image of tall fescue grass with a hand on it\" class=\"wp-image-15470\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://turf.purdue.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">Purdue&#8217;s Turfgrass Science Program</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your grass is a medium to dark green color and grows out of the ground as a wide blade that ends at a point, like a ribbed sword, it is likely you have tall fescue grass growing in your yard. It is a very coarse grass that grows in bunches.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This grass type can handle drought and foot traffic well, but it is a high-maintenance grass. While it may not need fertilizer and water as much as other cool-season grasses, it will require frequent mowing because it grows pretty fast.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification</strong>: Cool-season</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease</strong>: Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance</strong>: Moderate; prefers direct sunlight</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance</strong>: Moderate&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs</strong>: Fast rate of growth; prepare to mow often</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing height</strong>: 3 to 4 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Bunch-type grass</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fine Fescue</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"552\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\" alt=\"Close up image of fine fescue grass with a hand on it\" class=\"wp-image-15472\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass-300x207.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass-768x530.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass-480x331.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://turf.purdue.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">Purdue&#8217;s Turfgrass Science Program</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have fine fescue growing on your lawn, you know it because it is a slender, green-bladed grass type that tends to wilt as it grows. It is not grass that sticks upward like tall fescue. Because it is much thinner, it has a low tolerance for foot traffic.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>On a brighter note, this grass can tolerate drought well, and you may see fine fescue in the transition zone. Another excellent quality is that this particular grass doesn’t require mowing as often as other cool-season grasses. There are four common types of fine fescue, including creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification</strong>: Cool-season</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease</strong>: Moderate; can develop diseases like snow mold and red thread</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance</strong>: Moderate to high; requires at least four hours of sunlight per day</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs</strong>: Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing height</strong>: 2.5 to 3 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Bunch-type grass, except for creeping red fescues, which have rhizomes</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kentucky Bluegrass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"543\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\" alt=\"Backyard featuring Kentucky bluegrass\" class=\"wp-image-13245\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard-300x204.jpeg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard-768x521.jpeg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard-480x326.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn</p>\n\n\n\n<p>When observing your grass, if you notice that it has a moderate to dark green hue and is a thin blade with a canoe shape, you probably have <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/landscaping/everything-to-know-about-kentucky-bluegrass/\">Kentucky bluegrass</a>. This grass is sturdy and can grow well in the transition zone. But it will go dormant when temperatures rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of grass can tolerate high foot traffic, making it great for recreational use. However, it is also high maintenance since it needs frequent mowing and lots of irrigation.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification</strong>: Cool-season</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease</strong>: Moderate to high</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance</strong>: Moderate; likes full sun</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance</strong>: Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing height</strong>: 2.5 to 3.5 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Rhizomes</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Perennial Ryegrass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"497\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of a perennial ryegrass\" class=\"wp-image-12224\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-300x186.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-768x477.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-400x250.jpg 400w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-480x298.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/marygillhamarchiveproject/26820162412\" target=\"_blank\">Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have perennial ryegrass growing in your yard, it tends to be pale green in color and is slender in shape and pointed as it grows. One of its best qualities is that it can stand plenty of foot traffic. It is often combined with Kentucky bluegrass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This grass type will require lots of cutting and irrigation. It will also need plenty of sun.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification</strong>: Cool-season</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance</strong>: Low, needs full sun</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance</strong>: Low, will go dormant in summer</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs</strong>: High, requires frequent cutting&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing height</strong>: 1.5 to 2.5 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Bunch-type grass</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Lawn\">Lawn Care for Cool-Season Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, you’ve determined that you have one of the common cool-season grasses on your lawn. That&#8217;s a great first step in improving your lawn&#8217;s health! Knowing your grass type means you can tailor your lawn care practices to your grass&#8217;s specific needs.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some ways to keep your cool-season grass healthy and ensure a green lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Irrigation</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"A lawn being watered using sprinklers\" class=\"wp-image-13369\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/aquamech-utah/24445181093\" target=\"_blank\">Aqua Mechanical</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to watering cool-season grasses, it is ideal to water less often for longer periods so that the water can penetrate the root system. Deep irrigation once a week, ensuring that the grass gets about 1 to 1.5 inches of water, is ideal.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only water the grass when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the chances of water freezing on the grass blades. Also, water the grass in the morning, preferably before 8 a.m., as watering in the middle of the day leads to excess evaporation, and evening watering may encourage the growth of lawn diseases.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping up with a proper lawn irrigation schedule – especially if you want to water the lawn early in the morning before you typically wake up – can be much easier if you <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-install-a-lawn-sprinkler-system/\">install an in-ground lawn sprinkler system</a> with an automatic timer.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fertilization</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"633\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1.jpg\" alt=\"A person fertilizing his/ her lawn\" class=\"wp-image-15003\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1-300x237.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1-768x608.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1-480x380.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEEX3fUtKs/\" target=\"_blank\">groveb</a> / Canva Pro / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\">License</a> </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nature provides a majority of what cool-season grasses need to thrive. However, fertilizers can help make your lawn healthier and protect it. Not all fertilizers are the same, however. You must choose the right one for your cool-season grass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is ideal to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn/\">fertilize your lawn</a> at least once a year, preferably in the fall. Overfertilizing your grass can damage it or even kill it, especially if you fertilize in the middle of summer when your cool-season grass is dormant.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aeration</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"A picture showing a hand of a person who is aerating lawn\" class=\"wp-image-13367\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonstateuniversity/8704115339\" target=\"_blank\">Oregon State University</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>When growing cool-season grasses, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/\">lawn aeration</a> is also important. This is the process of taking a spike or plug aeration tool and sticking it into the soil to loosen up compacted soil. Aeration allows fresh air, nutrients, and water to penetrate deeper into your grass for better health and growth.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll only need aeration once a year, if that, and it should be done in the fall for cool-season grasses.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dethatching</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1.jpg\" alt=\"A yellow colored dethatcher in a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-13366\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dethatcher2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Agri-Fab</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, as you water, mow, and fertilize your grass, a small layer of dead and living organic matter called thatch will develop close to the soil. This can make it difficult for water and nutrients to penetrate through the soil to your grass&#8217;s roots and can also attract lawn pests.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this thatch buildup becomes more than one inch thick, it is time to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-dethatch-your-lawn/\">dethatch your lawn</a> using a dethatching rake or mechanical dethatching tool. Cool-season grasses should be dethatched in fall during their most active growth period.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mowing</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\" alt=\"A lawn mower placed in a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-13352\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Mowing.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Mowing-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Mowing-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Mowing-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Mowing-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lawn-Mowing.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Prasannanossam3</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mowing will vary according to the type of cool-season grass you have in your yard or want to plant. Fine fescue doesn’t require mowing as often as other cool-season grass types. When mowing your grass, make sure that you avoid cutting more than one-third of its height at once.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-season grass will grow the fastest and need the most frequent mowing in spring and fall. In summer, it&#8217;s best to allow your cool-season grass to grow as long as you&#8217;re willing to. Longer grass means deeper roots, which means increased drought tolerance. Tall grass also shades the soil and helps it retain water, which is crucial for cool-season grasses in the summer heat.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>For best results, ensure that your mower’s blades are sharp to keep the grass from becoming vulnerable to disease and pests. Additionally, make sure the lawn mower blades are clean after previous clippings so that you won’t inadvertently spread disease around the yard from infected blades.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disease Treatment and Pest Control</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Diseases and pests are two destructive elements that can attack cool-season grasses. Keep in mind there isn’t a one-size fits all process for eliminating disease or pests from your grass. You must identify the specific pest or disease destroying your grass to ensure you use the right fungicide or insecticide. Otherwise, the treatment won&#8217;t be effective at all.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weed Control</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1.jpg\" alt=\"Hands pulling weeds out of soil and grass\" class=\"wp-image-16314\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MADeq_ybP24-the-farmer-weeds-the-garden-and-removes-the-weeds/\" target=\"_blank\">Sergii Petruk</a> / Canva Pro / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another problem you may encounter is weeds. Unfortunately, they can compete with your cool-season grass for resources. Some of the most <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/the-definitive-guide-to-identifying-common-lawn-weeds/\">common lawn weeds</a> affecting cool-season grasses include but are not limited to the following:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Carpetweed</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chicory</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crabgrass</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Curly Dock</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dandelion</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Henbit</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knotweed</li>\n\n\n\n<li>White Clover</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To eliminate these weeds, you’ll have to make sure you treat them properly. Treatments include pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-emergent Herbicides</h4>\n\n\n\n<p>These types of herbicides will block weeds from growing in your yard. They prevent weeds from growing by interrupting the growth process at the start. Ideally, it’s good to use such herbicides when temperatures are between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit outdoors. Pre-emergent herbicides will do nothing to stop weeds that are already growing in your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Post-emergent Herbicides&nbsp;</h4>\n\n\n\n<p>These types of herbicides are used to treat weeds that are currently growing in your yard. They may be liquid or granular. It is critical that you use such herbicides when it is less than 85 degrees Fahrenheit outdoors. Following manufacturer guidelines for application is best.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overseeding</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Damage to your grass can be corrected when you <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-overseed-a-lawn/\">overseed your lawn</a>. This is the process of spreading grass in bare spots to encourage a healthier lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have recently had a disease on your lawn or you have damaged your grass with fertilizer, adding grass seed helps fill in the thinning grass. For cool-season grasses, overseed in fall at least 45 days before the first frost.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Maintenance\">Maintenance Calendar For Cool-Season Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Find specific lawn care tips for every season in this cool-season lawn maintenance calendar.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spring</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pest control: </strong>Grub worms can be a nuisance in the spring. If you see signs of grub worms around this time, apply an insecticide specially formulated for removing them. See our guide on <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/pests-and-diseases/get-rid-of-grub-worms-in-lawns/\">how to get rid of grub worms</a> to learn more.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Soil testing: </strong>Spring is also a great time to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-test-and-improve-your-soil/\">test and improve your soil</a> to help the grass prepare for the new growing season. Ensuring your cool-season grass has all the right nutrients will help it survive the upcoming heat of summer.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Weed control: </strong>In spring, you should also apply a pre-emergent herbicide to minimize the growth of weeds during the growing season.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lawn mowing: </strong>Rake away any remaining leaves from last fall and start to mow your lawn according to recommended heights for your particular cool-season grass (see above).&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summer&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Water appropriately: </strong>Now is the time to pay close attention to rainfall levels. If your lawn isn’t getting as much water as it needs from rainfall, consider watering the grass yourself to minimize drought, which can be catastrophic for cool-season grasses.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Weed control: </strong>For any summer annual weeds growing in your lawn, apply a post-emergent herbicide.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mulch your grass clippings: </strong>Allow grass clippings to remain on the lawn instead of bagging them. These clippings will break down into the soil, improving the soil texture and helping to retain water.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Raise mower height: </strong>In summer, raise your mower blades and allow your grass to remain longer to help it survive the heat.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fall</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Seed or overseed: </strong>Fall is the best time to plant cool-season grasses, so this is when you should overseed your lawn. If you&#8217;re establishing a new cool-season lawn, fall is also the best time to plant seeds or sod.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fertilize: </strong>Fall is the best time to fertilize your cool-season lawn, but make sure you do so at least 45 days before the first frost. Fertilizing once a year in the fall may be all you need. However, the next best time to fertilize, if multiple applications are necessary, is in early spring.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Weed control: </strong>Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to prevent winter annual weeds&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rake leaves regularly: </strong>Rake your lawn regularly to prevent a buildup of fallen leaves. Too many leaves can smother the grass and inhibit its growth.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dethatch and aerate: </strong>Fall is the best time to dethatch and aerate cool-season grasses. The best practice is to dethatch the lawn before you aerate it to give the aeration tool better access to the soil.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Stop cutting the lawn: </strong>Even cool-season grasses go dormant in the dead of winter, so you can stop mowing them once they stop growing.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Avoid foot traffic:</strong> Ice or frost may develop on your grass in winter. Therefore, try to minimize foot traffic to keep from damaging grass.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Go easy on the de-icing salts: </strong>Keep de-icing salts from getting on your lawn, as they can damage the grass in its fragile dormant state.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Winterize equipment: </strong>Before the onset of freezing temperatures, winterize your lawn care tools, such as your mower. You should also <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/home-and-garden/when-how-to-winterize-your-sprinkler-system/\">winterize your sprinkler system</a> if you have one to prevent damage over the winter.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"FAQs\">FAQs About Cool-Season Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><h3 role=\"document\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Block: Heading\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block is-selected wp-block-heading rich-text\" id=\"block-154032b7-a297-40ba-a69a-536eeb21703b\" data-block=\"154032b7-a297-40ba-a69a-536eeb21703b\" data-type=\"core/heading\" data-title=\"Heading\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline: none; min-width: 1px; transform-origin: center center;\">Can Cool-Season Grasses Grow in Warm Regions? </h3></strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Cool-season grasses prefer the cooler regions of the Northern U.S. However, it is possible for cool-season grasses to grow in warmer climates in the transition zone. <br/>  <br/>Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that can grow in warmer regions. If it gets too hot for this grass to grow, dormancy will set in. <br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><h3 role=\"document\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Block: Heading\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block is-selected wp-block-heading rich-text\" id=\"block-05df1557-0149-45d3-8092-054a236a9d2c\" data-block=\"05df1557-0149-45d3-8092-054a236a9d2c\" data-type=\"core/heading\" data-title=\"Heading\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline: none; min-width: 1px; transform-origin: center center;\">When Can I Expect Cool-Season Grasses to Go Dormant?</h3></strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">For cool-season grasses, the dormant period typically begins in winter when temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for the year. In northern regions, this can be in the fall. <br/> <br/>Cool-season grasses may also go dormant in summer if the temperatures stay above about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If this happens, the grass will turn brown to conserve energy, but it will spring back to life come cooler weather. <br/> <br/> </p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><h3 role=\"document\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Block: Heading\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block is-selected wp-block-heading rich-text\" id=\"block-99efc3d4-ffed-4f02-b6db-c32a215807f8\" data-block=\"99efc3d4-ffed-4f02-b6db-c32a215807f8\" data-type=\"core/heading\" data-title=\"Heading\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline: none; min-width: 1px; transform-origin: center center;\">If I Want to Plant a Different Type of Cool-Season Grass in My Yard, When is a Good Time to Plant It?</h3></strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The best time to plant cool-season grasses is in the early fall when temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. <br/> <br/> </p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get A Local Expert to Help With Your Cool-Season Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If maintaining grass isn’t your favorite thing to do, consider hiring <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">a local lawn care pro</a> who will help maintain a healthy lawn and keep it vibrant throughout the growing season. Local pros will know how to deal with all kinds of cool-season grasses, including the specific type in your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Image Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MADFKVRIYV0-winter-grass/\" target=\"_blank\">mccawleyphoto</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n","title":"Guide to Cool-Season Grasses","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/1789c/cool-season-grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/107df/cool-season-grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/293e9/cool-season-grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/f2cbb/cool-season-grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/1789c/cool-season-grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/c26c2/cool-season-grass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/1dd6e/cool-season-grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/67b76/cool-season-grass.webp 320w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/8df11/cool-season-grass.webp 500w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/98a65/cool-season-grass.webp 800w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/1dd6e/cool-season-grass.webp 960w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/3cc96/cool-season-grass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide to Cool-Season Grasses | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you live in the northern U.S., this guide to cool-season grasses can help you identify your grass type and take care of it properly."}}}],"postCity":{}}}}