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The 2018 Community Cultivator Awards recognize the top gardening blogs of 2018. Editor’s Note: We would like to give a big thanks to all members of the gardening community! Please keep up the hard work as we enter the new year. Winners of our award may display our Community Cultivator Award badge on your favorite blog post, home page, or […]
\n","content":"\nThe 2018 Community Cultivator Awards recognize the top gardening blogs of 2018.
Editor’s Note: We would like to give a big thanks to all members of the gardening community! Please keep up the hard work as we enter the new year. Winners of our award may display our Community Cultivator Award badge on your favorite blog post, home page, or however you see fit. If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to us.
Gladwell’s 10,000-Hour Rule states that anyone can become an expert in their field if they dedicate 20 hours of work per week for 10 years.
Certainly, this list of gardening bloggers met and beyond exceeded Gladwell’s Rule. They are leading experts in their fields, or more accurately, their garden beds.
It wasn’t easy, but we scoured the internet to find the 50 best gardening blogs of 2018 to continue reading in 2019.
\n\n\n\nWe know that gardening goes beyond our own individual gardens, and that’s what the Community Cultivator Award is all about! Bringing our online gardening community together.
Here’s the deal, there are literally thousands of incredible, hard-working gardeners who share their stories, photos, and expertise with the online community every day, but we couldn’t possibly include them all.
Therefore, our Editorial Team has spent countless hours searching for what we think are the most interesting gardening articles on the internet, and of course the blogs that created them.
Our selection of the top 50 gardening blogs is based on the following criteria:
\n\n\n\nBy sharing stories of their successes and failures, these bloggers help keep the online gardening community thriving, and ensure a community for future gardeners.
Best of all, you can help us strengthen the online gardening community by sharing this article with your friends, and leaving your comments below.
But now, let’s find out who the winners are…
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Carla Weir
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gaia-s-organic-garden.jpg\")
Gaia’s Organic Gardens is Carla Weir’s dream blog. She encourages other gardeners to grow their own food and use sustainable living practices, while offering encouragement and advice on how to avoid pesticides and toxins in your garden. If your goal is to have an organic lifestyle and be aware of your environmental impact, Gaia’s will offer you a plethora of advice.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: How to Make a Wicking Bed
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Urban Gardeners Republic Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/urban-gardeners-republic.png\")
Urban Gardeners has a mission to create 1,000 gardens in 100 cities in the next 5 years. Wow! What a goal! Their goal is to inspire people and provide the knowledge necessary to start these gardens. They want to write DIY posts and build a community of urban gardeners that can help readers locally. That is a mission, and a blog, that most readers can appreciate.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Indoor Herb Garden for Herbs Nerds
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Linda Ly
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/garden-betty.png\")
Linda is the woman behind Garden Betty, and she focuses her blog, growing her own food and using that food for great meals for her family. Her blog also features information on backyard chickens, parenthood, outdoor adventures, and more. Many of these topics fascinate gardeners as well. She offers information for new gardeners and those with more experience.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Boost Your Brainpower: Sniffing Rosemary Can Make You Smarter
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Ann Katelyn
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/sumo-gardener.jpg\")
Ann, the owner of Sumo Gardener, loves gardening, and her goal for her website is to offer the best guidance for readers. She offers advice for experienced and beginning gardeners; you can find something for everyone on Sumo Gardener!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: How to Level a Bumpy Lawn
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Erin Schanen
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-impatient-gardener.png\")
If anyone has a passion for gardening, it’s Erin. She is a DIY gardener on 1.3 acre of property. She gardens in southeastern Wisconsin, in zone 5. The Impatient Gardener is all about real-life gardening. You can find the ugly truth and the amazing beauty in her blog. She talks about the funny things and the goof ups – because they happen. At the same time, you’ll find information and inspiration.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Treat your pruners right with a spring spruce-up
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Cottage Life Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cottage-life.png\")
Perhaps you’ve heard of Cottage life before. It is a well-known home and gardening magazine that began in 1988. The Cottage Life blog has agricultural information along with style ideas for your outdoor living spaces. If your goal is to become a master gardener, Cottage Life is for you.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Gorgeous gazebos we’d love to take shelter in this summer
\n\n\n\nAuthor: SeedMoney Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/seed-money.png\")
Gardening and cooking experts go hand in hand, and Seed Money offers that. Their goal is to provide financial support for public food garden projects. This is important work, particularly in areas without access to healthy produce. You also can find delicious recipes that utilize the fresh produce grown in the gardens.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Planting Garlic in the Fall
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Alaska Master Gardener Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/alaska-master-gardener.jpg\")
Growing a garden in Alaska isn’t the easiest feat considering the drastically cold temperatures and short growing season. Alaska Master is a place where gardeners can share their knowledge and expertise in Alaska gardening. The gardeners talk about the challenges they face in different parts of the state and how they overcome these challenges. It’s helpful for those who live in this climate and inspirational for those of us who don’t. Plus, the pictures shared are lovely.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Interior Gardeners: Like Ducks to Water
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Pam Dawling
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/sustainable-market-farming.jpg\")
Pam is the author of two books – Sustainable Market Farming and The Year-Round Hoophouse. On her blog, you can read about her farming at Twin Oaks, her farm for the past 25 years. Her blog gives you an insider’s viewpoint on the happenings of the farm and how they manage the three and half acre gardening space. She offers tons of photos, as well as links and resources to help you along your journey.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Alliums for November: Plant garlic, sow onions in a hoophouse, eat leeks
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Elien Lewis
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/home-grown-happiness.jpg\")
Ellen, the author behind Home Grown Happiness, lives in New Zealand with her family and garden. Homegrown Happiness is where she shares how she grows as much homegrown and homemade food as possible. Not only does she share gardening tips and advice, like how to use manure in gardens, but she also provides delicious recipes that she makes for her family. Some of the recipes even include awesome videos!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Healthier Homemade Ginger Beer
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Carol Bartlett
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-sunday-gardener.png\")
Carol has over 20 years of gardening experience in New England. Her diverse garden includes herbs, wildflowers, and other plant life. The Sunday Gardener is a garden guide with plenty of information for gardeners, on topics such as flowering plants or climbing plants.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Why Deadheading is Important
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Ann T.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/keeper-of-the-home.jpg\")
Keeper of the Home is more than just a gardening blog. It’s a one-stop blog for people who like to live a natural lifestyle. The writers share homemaking and family advice, natural remedies, real food recipes, and ways to reduce the toxins in your household. Many people who garden also are interested in these topics, so it’s a nice mix of encouragement and information.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Teach Your Child to Love Vegetables: Gardening with Children
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jay
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-scientific-gardener.jpg\")
Do you want to grow melons? The Scientific Gardener is a melon master, and he grows everything from cucumbers to Caroselli. The blog provides tips from creating the best soil to how to control diseases on these plants. Chances are you’ve never seen many of the melons that are featured on this blog. It can be quite fascinating, especially because he provides ample pictures!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: The Tondo Tarantino Melone
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Roger Brook
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/no-dig-gardener.jpg\")
Roger is a gardener addict with years of experience. The No Dig Gardener gives Roger a place to spread his gardening knowledge. What he offers is beyond the basic information for those who are ready to dig deep into gardening. He doesn’t want to recycle information, so what you find here is often fascinating.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Don’t Fluff Up Your Soil
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Gayla Trail
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/you-grow-girl.jpg\")
Gayla Trail started You Grow Girl in 2000, and the blog has continued to grow over the years. It is a space for gardeners and do-it-yourself lovers to learn how to explore growing plants. She offers a different approach to growing plants and enjoys breaking traditional molds.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Tomato Growing Guide
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jeanne Grunert
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/home-garden-joy.jpg\")
Jeanne is a Master Gardener from Virginia, and her advice can be found in publications such as Mother Earth News and the Virginia Gardener. She offers expert advice about gardening and organic solutions, as well as a, peek into her own garden. You can’t help but love the recipes she includes as well!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Organic Solutions to Control Squash Bugs
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Lee Miller
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/a-guide-to-ne-gardening.jpg\")
Lee Miller is a well-experienced gardener, and A Guide to Northeastern Gardening gives those who live in this area of the country advice and help. She includes expertly researched articles that include everyday gardening tips as well as advice for those growing rarity plants. If you love her blog, Lee also published two gardening books – A Guide to Northeastern Gardening and Landscape Design Combinations.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Deer Resistant Plants in the Landscape
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Lisa Steele
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/fresh-eggs-daily.jpg\")
Any chicken owner and lover know the blog Fresh Eggs Daily. Lisa is a master gardener and an herbalist who strives to raise her animals as naturally as possible. She offers practical advice and inspirational pictures that will make you want to go get a whole flock of chickens right now.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Plant an Edible Flower Garden for Your Chickens
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Keri Byum
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/miss-smarty-plants.jpg\")
If the name of this blog doesn’t make you smile, the information that author, Keri, gives to her readers sure will! Keri is a Florida expert in gardening, and she works as a horticulture expert for a large theme park in Orlando. Miss Smart Plants provides easy-to-follow advice for gardening, as well as lawn care! All of the images on her site are her own, which really helps you connect to the articles she writes.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: How to Help Your Lawn Look Its Best This Summer
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Dee Nash
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/red-dirt-ramblings.jpg\")
Dee Nash, an Oklahoma native, has an eye towards color and a passion for gardening. Red Dirt Ramblings offers guides for different plants and gardening techniques. Her articles are made even more enjoyable by the gorgeous pictures she includes of her gardens and plants.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Best Summer Plants for Containers
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jessica Lane
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/104-homestead.jpg\")
Jessica Lane is the author behind The 104 Homestead, and she is on a journey to learn how to become self-sufficient. On her blog, you can find new and traditional methods of homesteading. You can use these methods and advice to help start your self-sufficient homestead, even if you live in the city.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Composting Guide for Beginners
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Caro Shrives
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-urban-veg-patch.jpg\")
Caro Shrives is an outdoor adventurer and a home cook who watched her grandparents in their gardens as she grew up. Her childhood encouraged her to begin her own garden. Urban Veg Patch is where you can learn about the food-growing process and see the process. You learn how to grow the veggies and then how to use them in the kitchen.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Timely Tips for a Heatwave Garden
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Erin Benzakein
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/floret-flowers.jpg\")
Chris and Erin Benzakein are the brainchildren behind Floret Flowers. They run a small flower farm that will take your breath away with their inspiring colors. The Benzakeins won the 2014 Martha Stewart America Made award.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: “Other” Fun Fall Bulbs
\n\n\n\nAuthor: One Green Planet Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/one-green-planet.jpg\")
As you might imagine from the name of the blog, One Green Plant focuses on compassion for the environment. One of the goals of One Green Plant is to help homeowners understand how to avoid water waste and pollution of the natural surroundings. The gardening advice offered on this blog is eco-friendly and “green.”
Our Favorite Post of 2018: An Overview of Square-Foot Gardening: How to Do It and Why You Should
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Helen Johnstone
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/patient-gardener.jpg\")
If you love gardening, The Patient Gardener will feed your soul. Helen, the blog’s founder, works outside of the home, but she uses this blog as a way to pen her own personal notes from her garden. Best of all, Helen offers solid tips and advice about seasonal gardening.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: End of the Month View – October 2018
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Helen and Sarah
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/toronto-gardens.jpg\")
Living in such a cold climate means that growing plants, particularly flowers and veggies. Toronto Garden features two writers – Sarah and Helen. Both are witty and produce high-quality gardening advice. If you live in such a cold climate, Toronto Gardens will help you learn how to ensure your garden survives in such cold temperatures. It’s a good read!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: On Ants, Aphids, and Mutualism
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jean McWeeney
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dig-grow-compost-blog.jpg?fit=896%2C1024&ssl=1\")
Jean is a biology major from the University of Texas, and she has a love and fascination for gardening. She is a full-time “Natural Garden Coach, helping others have their dream garden. Her blog is worth reading especially with her 40 years of experience!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: What is it about Austin Gardens?
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Alea Milham
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/premeditated-meals.jpg\")
Alea Milham shares her love for cooking and living intentionally on her blog She shows readers how to save time and money, allowing them to have more resources to devote elsewhere. She shows readers how to grow vegetables at home, and shows them delicious recipes for the veggies!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: How to Prepare Your Flower Beds in the Fall for Next Spring
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Emma Cooper
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-unconventional-gardener.jpeg\")
Emma loves edible and useful plants, and The Unconventional Gardener is where she puts all of her information that she knows. Emma has a lot of background knowledge, so you will learn plenty by reading her articles. You will learn how to protect your crops from pests, but you may also journey with Emma to some different parts of the country.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: The Elephant (Hawk Moth) In the Garden
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Simon Eade
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/garden-of-eaden.jpg\")
The Garden of Eaden began in 2008, and it’s a leading gardening blog in the UK. The Garden of
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Growing Your Own Food From Seed
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Claire Jones
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-garden-diaries.jpg\")
Claire, the writer behind The Garden Diaries, has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Style Magazine. Her blog focuses on her passion as a garden designer. She also offers insight on how-to gardening posts and beloved fairy gardens. In fact, some of her designs have been featured on Houzz!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: DIY Birdseed Ornaments
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jessica Wood
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/rusty-duck.png\")
The Rusty Duck follows the author, who decided to move to a simpler life in the country. They purchased a cottage that needs to be updated and a garden. It’s a fascinating blog where you can also see their wanderings and places that they visit.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: The First Day of Spring
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Alexandra Campbell
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-middle-sized-garden.jpg\")
Is your garden a bigger than a courtyard but smaller than an acre? Then the Middle-Sized Garden blog is for you! The author, Alexandra Campbell, covers everything from composting, gardening books, and garden decorations. Her blog focuses on showing readers how to save time, money, and effort in their middle-sized garden. She wants to make your life easier, and we think that’s pretty awesome.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: The 25 Best Self-Seeding Plants to Save You Time and Money
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Marianne Willburn
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/small-town-gardener.jpg\")
We love The Small Town Gardener and her insights into gardening. You can find posts about whether or not you should clean up your fall garden and if weeding during the winter is a good idea. Marianne Willburn, the author, talks about her favorite plants and the maintenance required in her garden. Her pictures are inspirational and lovely!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Growing a Beautiful, Not Just Edible, Vegetable Garden
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Sunita Mohan
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-urban-gardener.jpg\")
Sunita Mohan, the author behind The Urban Gardener, covers a lot of flowers and ornamental gardening that readers value. Her pictures are lovely, and her blog has won several awards such as the Best Asian Blog and The Best Garden for Wildlife Blog. You’ll love all of her insights!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Choices for a Gardener
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Lisa K. Wagner
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/natural-gardening.jpg\")
Lisa Wagner is the writer behind Natural Gardening, and her blog covers three gardens in different locations – Quebec, North Carolina, and South Carolina. She focuses on planting native plants that are homes to birds and insects from the regions. Most of her posts are small segments that may cover something she is thinking about that day or a recipe she found for the day. All of her posts have lovely photos that might be from her walk in one of her gardens or preparing for the gardening season ahead.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Weeding Overgrown Beds
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Darren Sheriff
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-citrus-guy.jpeg\")
Darren Sheriff, a Master Gardener, uses The Citrus Guy blog to teach and educate his readers about gardening. He talks about growing citrus fruits, ordering seeds, and taking care of his native plants. Darren recently wrote a new book too, so if you love his blog, check out his book!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Citrus Freeze Damage and What You Should or Should Not Do
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Shawna Coronado
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/shawna-c.jpeg\")
Shawna is a wellness lifestyle advocate who is a photographer and author. Her blog covers a multitude of topics from healthy recipes and travel, along with gardening. Most of her gardening posts a simple how-to blogs that her readers find helpful, like how to get rid of Japanese beetles and how to grow a shade vegetable garden.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Best Chocolate Avocado Smoothie Recipe
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Luke Marion
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MIgardener.jpg\")
MIgardener is the brainchild of Luke Marion, where he focuses on giving great gardening advice along with top gardening products. He sells non-GMO seeds and fertilizers, along with other items. The blog is an awesome source of information, like how to use grow bags and gardening with dogs.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Garden Barefoot with These 5 Amazing Living Ground Covers
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Lynn Hunt
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-dirt-diaries.jpg\")
Lynn Hunt loves gardening, in particular, he loves roses. Her blog focuses on her garden outside of her North Carolina cottage, which has a lot of roses. She loves roses so much she is called The Rose Whisperer, and she is an award-winning writer. Lynn doesn’t write posts too often, but when she does, they’re eloquently written with lovely pictures and plenty of inspiration.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Birds I Have Known
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Gardening Wizards Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gardening-wizards.png\")
Gardening Wizards cover a variety of topics, and they offer several buying guides. Looking for the best bug zapper or the best electric log splitter? They have a guide to help you with thoroughly written reviews for the best products. You’ll also find plenty of how-to posts like how to grow turmeric and how to grow a yield of potatoes!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: How Long Does It Take to Grow Potatoes
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Garden Collage Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/garden-collage.jpg\")
If you like to look at pictures of beautiful gardens, Garden Collage is for you. Take a peek at some gardens in Paris or stroll through a New York Botanical Garden. The authors take you around the world to see different gardens and gain inspiration.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: How to Use Face Oils
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Garden Reviewers Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/garden-reviewers.png?fit=1024%2C176&ssl=1\")
Garden Reviewers has an abundance of posts from buying guides to gardening infographics. They offer articles like The Best Wheelbarrow of 219 and tips for winterizing your lawn. You can find creative gardening ideas or how to create a pet-friendly garden. So, the Garden Reviewers is a place to check for a variety of information and posts.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Health Tips for Those People Who Love to Garden and Work around the House
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Rhonda Gales
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/mother-2-mother.png\")
Rhonda is the mother behind Mother 2 Mother and she really blogs about everything from adult education and parenting tips to recipes and gardening. Mothers can truly relate to her blog since it’s a collection of things we do every day. We love her gardening category because it includes a bit of everything like gardening projects for kids and how to clean up a fall garden. Rhona has a bunch of goodies for her readers!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: How to Start a Sweet Potato Vine from a Cutting
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Gardening Know How Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gardening-know-how.jpg\")
Gardening Know How offers tips for all gardeners, whether you grow herbs, vegetables, or native plants. You can find something useful on this blog. They share posts like The Best Greenhouses and the Top 5 Orchids. Gardening Know How shares a lot of how-to posts as well for new and experienced gardeners.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: How to Soak Seeds Before Planting and The Reasons for Soaking Seeds
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Isis Loran
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/family-food-garden.jpeg\")
Isis is the main author behind Family Food Garden, and her goal is to grow as much food for her family. She is a modern homesteader. Her blog doesn’t just stop with vegetable gardening. She also includes tips for indoor gardening and flower beds. Isis talks about family life, homesteading, and home remedies. You’ll find great posts like how to grow a year-round garden and a homesteading task list month-by-month.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Cheap Mini Greenhouse for Seed Starting
\n\n\n\nAuthor: The Farmer’s Wife
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/the-real-farmhouse.png\")
Are you interested in a farmer’s life? Check out The Real Farmhouse. They share posts like how to grow food for profit and why you should use heirloom seeds. Her posts often are very actionable with tips and tricks you can use and apply now.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: The Perks of Living on a Farm
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Kevin Espiritu
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/epic-gardening.jpg\")
Kevin, the author behind Epic Gardening, helps thousands of people become expert gardeners. His posts are full of knowledge and tips. Some of his recent posts include things such as how to use cornmeal in the garden and what to feed your worm compost!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: How to Grow Spinach The Right Way
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Linda Lehmusvirta
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/central-texas-gardener.jpg\")
Central Texas residents should take a look at Central Texas Gardener. It’s full of resources and interesting blog posts. All of the articles are related to what Central Texas residents might experience, such as dealing with drought and picking the right fruit trees for the region.
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Lessons from Urban Farmers to Grow in Heat
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Savvy Gardening Team
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/savvy-gardening.png\")
Savvy Gardening has several writers that share their gardening expertise and tips. They have sections on ornamentals, edibles, insects, and more. You can find information about growing tomatoes and different houseplants. They post articles about fertilizers and drying herbs and flowers. It’s a collection of awesome info!
Our Favorite Post of 2018: Shade-Loving Perennial Flowers: 15 Choices
That’s all folks! Once again, thank you to all memebers of the gardening community, featured in this list or not. Let’s keep it up in the new year!
\n\n\n\nPlease visit our Lawn Care page if you’re looking for lawn care advice or visit our Home & Garden section for gardening articles of our own.
\n","title":"The 2018 Community Cultivator Awards","featured_media":null,"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 2018 Community Cultivator Awards | Top Gardening Blogs | WikiLawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"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":"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’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 […]
\n","content":"\nThe 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’re tired of mowing and caring for a lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn 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.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nOur 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.
\n\n\n\nWe use billions of gallons 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.
\n\n\n\nTake 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.
\n\n\n\nLawn mowers aren’t cheap, with the average cost 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 no mow grass, so these costs disappear.
\n\n\n\nInstalling an artificial lawn removes the risks 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!
\n\n\n\nEven after a heavy rain, you won’t have to worry about mud puddles, muddy paws or fur, and extra baths for Rover. You won’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.
\n\n\n\nWhen you lay out the artificial turf, you’re saying goodbye to mosquitoes, grubs, moles, voles, and other critters that like to munch on lawns. You also don’t have to worry about the mold that triggers allergies.
\n\n\n\nThe 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.
\n\n\n\nFake grass isn’t for everyone. Some homeowners just don’t like it. Others may simply prefer other alternatives to a grass lawn. A few other reasons may turn some folks away from synthetic turf.
\n\n\n\nFake 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.
\n\n\n\nHigh-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.
\n\n\n\nWe need living plants, including natural grass, to survive. They are responsible for the air we breathe and the food we eat. Artificial grass also lowers your yard’s biodiversity since it doesn’t attract wildlife or pollinators.
\n\n\n\nStudies have shown fake grass to exhibit increased runoff, which can contribute to water pollution. Synthetic turf doesn’t cool the air or absorb carbon dioxide like natural grass.
\n\n\n\nArtificial 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.
\n\n\n\nThe debate over the seriousness of sports injuries on artificial turf vs. natural grass continues. Some NFL players insist 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 chemicals and recycled tires 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.
\n\n\n\nWe 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.
\n\n\n\nWarranties 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.
\n\n\n\nIf 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 average lawn size is more than 10,000 square feet, laying artificial turf over that space can set you back as much as $123,000.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to break the bank but still want to replace some real grass, consider installing a putting green in your backyard or using a small patch of synthetic grass in your landscape design.
\n\n\n\n1. Does artificial grass get damaged?
\n\n\n\nYes. 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.
\n\n\n\n2. Can artificial grass be repaired?
\n\n\n\nYes. You can remove the damaged area, replace the base, and install a fresh patch of artificial turf and add infill.
\n\n\n\n3. Can I install artificial grass myself?
\n\n\n\nYes, in fact, installing artificial grass yourself will significantly reduce the cost. Expect the project to take three days.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Petar Tonchev | Unsplash
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\n","content":"\nLawnStarter 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.
\n\n\n\nInterestingly, LawnStarter’s co-founders don’t want to be likened to Uber, but that moniker has stuck in investment circles.
\n\n\n\n“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.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/zE1ChS6Og1vxg-VYYe-AZ1xQfxm_SCWMlJridVo3t3SbBRr0-DQ7fGQBOnXXrVIF_-fK13INDU1Eb7DBU4cipmMW9FYqoYrAVjzaIvLsQHn9amuSoHAirxtTuCR9DU0tjJH3713Fmn6txczEN89fuxBUW5_jJeGWs5QC8B8Ie5c362bNQFG9pjBEsnOlVg\")
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.
\n\n\n\nIn this Review:
\n\n\n\nWhy 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.
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter connects you with lawn care and other outdoor services pros in your area.
\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2KG41896TuXxdLqF8YIT4jhawWKzzJNYCx2kqiPBDVpFnrTveSXyRTdPPIYcfUQ_ObuqYTDFB9orpDAe9SJQ3qXgvZYBnnnQZHMHPGjSW1-KIaQvbK7o5Isq1D7wSPADQBxddUStmD6kYKW4I0TsJHNU2Ws3QN5HhzXtqPh5nfUsk1a0OmI0yfxDChX8NA\")
How it works: You can get instant quotes for outdoor services by phone, the LawnStarter website, or by the startup’s app, which likely is how that whole “Uber of lawn care” comparison got started.
\n\n\n\nPayment 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.
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter history: 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.
\n\n\n\nThe Uber of lawn care is now the Uber of all outdoor services.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/f8VoxgybN4tQceQNQoMpGYckFpKkdxUWLtcfoSiYynu_uDWFceOjRfziA86avkp79KZdJflNCDueAyb2ZGBfbX2CjZ0WHfm2gdro3lL8BGxfgS7z5GRYNKPUkf-OD6sYgTTpuW4J1mwiEecbOyWrPciv1IFbvsEM5rNOnoojSHw5Fm2z_48Shewgf4spRg\")
LawnStarter uses local real estate records to calculate the size of your property and then generates a price quote. It often offers a $19 first-time mowing special for new customers. After that, mowing prices generally start at $29 per week. Price varies by the size of your yard.
\n\n\n\nA good range for an average, quarter-acre yard is $29 to $65. 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.
\n\n\n\nWorth Noting: If your grass is super long, say between 6 and 12 inches, LawnStarter tacks on an additional charge, which can be quite steep.
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter 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.
\n\n\n\nHowever, you can get free quotes for any kind of work within seconds on the LawnStarter website or on the app.
\n\n\n\nJust 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?
\n\n\n\nTry us at Wikilawn. 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.
\n\n\n\nThe 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.
\n\n\n\nSo how do you use LawnStarter?
\n\n\n\n![](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/F_Wb07EsZcD87OnSk4go6mMlAV12fhHbrTCo_7hZK9SvfA8oRYI7TWPnv-b22O4pCksryWYZsTMmevIOsekIvXhyk4TM-DuFe0W_GuD8U8_kguJP4_3OY2aEJACul-qQZQjK2sflSXUzmSevEjq3lDMBax2rZozFQEWtZU2AqHsXdzfkYj5kWxKIP7-gRA\")
Visit LawnStarter or log onto the mobile app. Enter your address, name, and phone number into the search bar, and click the “Request Quote” button.
\n\n\n\nNote: 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.
\n\n\n\nChoose one or more services from the menu. For lawn care, choose your frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly).
Click “Get Free Quotes” (after you ensure your contact information is correct, of course).
\n\n\n\nWhat’s next?
\n\n\n\nFor lawn care services: LawnStarter will match you with a lawn care provider near you and your first service will be scheduled.
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter offers more services than competitors Lawn Love and GreenPal, but here’s a closer look at how LawnStarter, Lawn Love, GreenPal, and Wikilawn compare.
\n\n\n\n![](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ydc33opV1-rL95WHorZodYWXsTeFolKwfQalWcPCkWQx14IDTA0P1ssgldltjXteXKtu2rPtS4tPbsP7TpkkER-JXLek74kQv2Rkh5lOGW0ZeO6XOJ3it1i1XeNxlUK9x96rlQppEj5_DfrrZ5yhrU8-7xzoVvxHMuWr1TPc_ACDoJu8Y_TIDkywyy7Okg\")
| Metro areas covered | 120+ |
| Services offered | 20+ |
| Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date) | 4.8 out of 5 |
| How it works | A LawnStarter pro near you mows your lawn at the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly) you choose. |
| Ways to book service | Website, phone, or mobile app |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. By visiting the website, you may be offered your first mow for $19. |
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Based in | Austin, Texas |
| Better Business Bureau accredited? | No |
![](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NdWBnc_CMKGsu53lEo6S3m8yjOmvI1qXfg1Gn9zQz-c12dlZ20o8SEhPgbhugL5XM8iLLNVTSXWtPRzmZMuSPdvIMGgEyYZNV7eabwPN0Q7RfY_hk3CVtXZpY8TES-Z7F8nmDFUDyK1EgrtxdG-auo9lhx9BF-wlJMtQ4E_qa8jsNiPn4AETl0PJHm1eAg\")
| Metro areas covered | 120+ |
| Services offered | 10+ |
| Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date) | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
| How it works | A Lawn Love pro near you mows your lawn at the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly) you choose. |
| Ways to book service | Website or phone |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. By visiting the website, you may be offered your first mow for $24. |
| Year founded | 2014 |
| Based in | San Diego |
| Better Business Bureau accredited? | Yes |
![](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/96aKsbY4azkOr7uppJEgLUvkVRI2hEJ-I8tb-X_d_Z8yqght8QC-DHOvipqesRRZXh6p4Tn1rHJ22MPjAUvSAe4nFw82tDfyONMhKrPzuCdn5CLPWP91VN58np0Y4jBaJJMyW9KIzNpZPkxeg8S_nnfS6tuRyo5v7iZ7YHQXZ8dTIh-Al5wMNog3govGew\")
| Metro areas covered | 100+ |
| Services offered | Lawn care, lawn maintenance, yard cleanups, snow removal |
| Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date) | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| How it works | Your lawn mowing is put out for bid to lawn care pros near you |
| Ways to book service | Website, app or phone |
| Basic price | You’ll get multiple lawn mowing quotes from $25 to $45 |
| Year founded | 2012 |
| Based in | Nashville |
| Better Business Bureau accredited? | No |
![\"Wikilawn](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rsz_171e64b7d-5080-473b-9793-87d2629a1cca_4_5005_c.jpg\")
| Metro areas covered | Available in most U.S. metro |
| Services offered | Lawn care, gardening, and landscaping |
| Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date) | No ratings available online |
| How it works | You’ll get a quote in minutes from up to 4 professionals who can tackle your lawn care or other outdoor job. |
| Ways to book service | Website |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and the service providers’ quotes. |
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Based in | Dallas |
No product or service is perfect. Here are what LawnStarter excels and where it needs improvement.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter does get high marks from customers (as of this writing).
\n\n\n\nHere are a few of the customer reviews, both positive and negative:
\n\n\n\nWell Done and Thorough: “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!” – Steve B.
\n\n\n\nSaved Me a Ton of Grief: “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.” – Karl K.
\n\n\n\nFirst Time Wasn’t the Charm: “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.” – R. McCann
\n\n\n\nBroken Sprinkler Head: “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.” – Justin
\n\n\n\nWe 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.
\n\n\n\nSo before you go somewhere else, you’re already here.
\n\n\n\nLet Wikilawn find a lawn care pro near you to cut your grass and boost your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\n![](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zYKvKOakIX9l8YnT-rPYa_hqJVssZWRFL9E45BMkrNsYuL8AYV5LgnRAEQYxv0fBZoAllKjSH5NkrS_mDVp5HmPmLfNfSv_Mrfez2OO2rEJlrw8CV05cL-gfLZPLsooafCqv9IBhmtq7DX1kfy7fS4WClSMjVbcgelnybnn1TpCWo5-STXbEo4ePqqP5Gw\")
But, circling back to the beginning of this review … Is the Uber of lawn care legit? We think so.
\n\n\n\nYou 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.
\n\n\n\nOr you could just book your lawn care through Wikilawn. (Wink-wink, nudge-nudge.)
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"LawnStarter Review: Reviews, Services, Prices, and Alternatives","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7796143250688705,"src":"/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/bc41c/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/107df/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/293e9/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/bc41c/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.jpg 646w","srcWebp":"/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/7328c/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/67b76/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.webp 320w,\n/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/8df11/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.webp 500w,\n/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/7328c/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.webp 646w","sizes":"(max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"LawnStarter Review: Reviews, Services, Prices, and Alternatives | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Does LawnStarter live up to its reputation as the “Uber of lawn care?” Our LawnStarter review looks at its services, prices, customer reviews, and more."}}},{"node":{"id":"dc7f3dac-5cba-5ff9-a672-1b00d6dddc6d","slug":"benefits-of-french-drain","path":"/blog/benefits-of-french-drain/","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":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"September 1st, 2022","excerpt":"You spent a ton of money on landscaping but forgot to add a drainage system. If standing water is now causing problems, homeowners should look into a French drain. Why? Benefits of a French drain include that it prevents standing water, stops soil erosion, and protects your home’s foundation. In this article we’ll cover these […]
\n","content":"\nYou spent a ton of money on landscaping but forgot to add a drainage system. If standing water is now causing problems, homeowners should look into a French drain. Why? Benefits of a French drain include that it prevents standing water, stops soil erosion, and protects your home’s foundation.
\n\n\n\nIn this article we’ll cover these topics:
\n\n\n\nIt sounds a little ooh-la-la but a French drain is simply a trench dug into the ground for excess water to drain out of your yard. Built on a slight slope, a French drain can be 6 inches in diameter to a couple of feet, the wider the better. It functions a bit like the gutters on your house by forcing the water flow downhill and away from your home’s foundation.
\n\n\n\nMost French drains now have a perforated pipe in the trench, although the original drains simply used gravel or small rocks on top of a ditch. The rock element is used whether there is a pipe or not, as it’s permeable and water flows through.
\n\n\n\nThis underground drainage system works well for lawns with poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nExcess water from your yard flows through the French drain and into the street gutter or a dry well. And because a perforated pipe is used, water is collected throughout the entire drainage system.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard repeatedly floods or you experience basement flooding, a French drain may work for you. If there is always standing water in your yard after a good rain, this may be a good drainage solution. Even if you have a sump pump in your basement, an interior French drain can help by redirecting excess water to the sump, where it can then be pumped out.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a retaining wall or are building one on a hill or slope, a French drain system will keep water from pooling at the bottom of the wall or running toward your home. A French drain redirects surface water away from the retaining wall so it won’t undermine the structure.
\n\n\n\nHere are four benefits of installing a French drain in your yard.
\n\n\n\nA French drain:
\n\n\n\nPrevents Standing Water
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes love puddles. Standing water in your lawn becomes a breeding ground for the pesky and sometimes disease-carrying bugs.
\n\n\n\nExcess water encourages mold and fungus growth on your grass and even kills it and other plants by drowning them. That, in turn, creates mud that gets tracked into your house.
\n\n\n\nA French drain removes standing water by draining it downhill. It redirects the overflow to run through the trench, into the street gutter and down the storm drain.
\n\n\n\nStops Soil Erosion
\n\n\n\nHealthy soil is a must for a lush, green lawn. Too much surface water may cause soil erosion by washing away topsoil, the top layer that’s necessary for the growth of grass and plants. That may leave you with a muddy, grass-less mess. Adding a French drain to your yard keeps topsoil right where it needs to be, ensuring that your lawn and landscaping remain bright and healthy.
\n\n\n\nProtects Home’s Foundation
\n\n\n\nA huge benefit of a French drain is the protection it provides for your home’s foundation and basement.
\n\n\n\nWhen water builds up against foundations, the hydrostatic pressure (the constant force the water puts on your basement walls) can erode the concrete and threaten the structural integrity of the foundation. How to prevent this? A homeowner or builder might include a French drain system in the basement waterproofing.
\n\n\n\nWooden foundations and crawl spaces are also susceptible to damage from water pressure, as the wood can rot and crumble and concrete footings can crack.
\n\n\n\nFrench drains work particularly well in land with clay soil. This type of soil drains slowly, so adding a trench to the yard removes water before it can cause damage to your property.
\n\n\n\nThe same principle applies when building a retaining wall in your yard. A French drain removes hydrostatic pressure from the wall, keeping it stable and in place.
\n\n\n\nAdds Value
\n\n\n\nA French drain is beneficial beyond removing excess water from your yard; it can add value to your property by protecting your home’s foundation. Prospective buyers want to know that their home won’t be threatened by standing water and a French drain gives them that peace of mind.
\n\n\n\nDepending on how decorative you make the trench, a French drain also adds a pleasant hardscaping element to your lawn. You can use colored rocks instead of gravel, smooth or rough and different shapes and sizes. River rock, for example, gives the look of a dry creek bed.
\n\n\n\nSome homeowners use plants to camouflage the French drain. Flowers or other plants run the length of the trench, hiding the trench. You can also add borders around the French drain of concrete, pavers, or crushed quartz.
\n\n\n\nHere are some potential problems to be aware of if you’re considering a French drain for your yard.
\n\n\n\nClogs
\n\n\n\nA clogged drain is an inefficient drain and can even cause damage. Clogging is the biggest issue French drain owners face. Water often carries sediment through the pipe, creating mud that may cause blockages.
\n\n\n\nClogs are also caused by the roots of trees, grass, and scrubs encroaching on the pipe and trench. When a French drain is clogged, water isn’t properly redirected. This leads to leaks that may damage your home’s foundation or create standing water in other areas.
\n\n\n\nBackflow
\n\n\n\nBackflow is when groundwater seeps into the soil and the dry well fills up, leaving excess water with nowhere to go. This causes the water flow to go back up the drainage system and leave standing water in the basement or in the original problem area.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners with access to the city gutters and storm sewer system don’t usually have this problem. Those without that access may have to redirect the water somewhere else.
\n\n\n\nZoning Rules
\n\n\n\nIt’s key to know city zoning rules BEFORE you start a French drain installation, so check with your local zoning board to see if you need a permit.
\n\n\n\nIt’s imperative that homeowners not dig into utility lines. Call 811 and put in a utility line locator request before you lift that first shovel full of dirt.
\n\n\n\nThere’s quite a bit of digging involved but a French drain can be a DIY project. Factors on deciding whether to tackle it yourself include the length and depth of the ditch and what kind of hardscape you choose to surround it with.
\n\n\n\nAs a bonus, installing a French drain won’t cost you a fortune or take much time, and your yard won’t be wrecked as a result. You only need to consult a professional to ensure the French drain is being installed correctly.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Geograph | CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"Benefits of a French Drain","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1789c/rsz_untitled_design.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/107df/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 320w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/293e9/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 500w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/f2cbb/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 800w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1789c/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 960w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/c26c2/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1dd6e/rsz_untitled_design.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/67b76/rsz_untitled_design.webp 320w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/8df11/rsz_untitled_design.webp 500w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/98a65/rsz_untitled_design.webp 800w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1dd6e/rsz_untitled_design.webp 960w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/3cc96/rsz_untitled_design.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of a French Drain | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Benefits of a French drain include that it prevents standing water, stops soil erosion, and protects your home's foundation."}}},{"node":{"id":"62d1ed51-8221-5d10-b1f5-905c05c38f40","slug":"6-ornamental-grasses-that-add-depth-to-your-landscaping","path":"/blog/6-ornamental-grasses-that-add-depth-to-your-landscaping/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"August 8th, 2022","excerpt":"The popularity of ornamental grasses is on the rise as homeowners are choosing them in droves for their The popularity of ornamental grasses is rising as more homeowners choose them for their gardens. They can be used in a garden-scape but also do well when standing alone in a yard or potted. Consider these six […]
\n","content":"\nThe popularity of ornamental grasses is on the rise as homeowners are choosing them in droves for their The popularity of ornamental grasses is rising as more homeowners choose them for their gardens. They can be used in a garden-scape but also do well when standing alone in a yard or potted. Consider these six low-maintenance ornamental grasses that can add texture, depth, and interest to your landscaping:
\n\n\n\nBurgundy Bunny, sometimes called fountain grass, shoots up tall blades with tops that look like golden wheat. This ornamental grass features cream-colored blooms on top of variegated foliage that are a mixture of red and green. The blooms of this miniature perennial grass form a thick clump of arching leaves that appear in early summer and last through the middle of fall, making this a show stopper in the garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant this variety in full sun, either in a pot near a walkway or along a border. Burgundy Bunny can reach up to 16 inches tall and wide at maturity and will attract area birds.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_screen_shot_2022-08-07_at_64402_pm.jpg\")
This easy-to-care-for ornamental grass has an upright growth habit that features blades of green dotted with yellow areas of color. There is a whimsical look about this plant as the blades can either have a lot of yellow coloring or just a few areas here and there throughout the length of the blade. Chinese silvergrass will reach about 3 feet tall and wide at maturity, making this a great plant to add interest and depth to the back part of your garden. Choose a sunny spot in the garden where this plant can grow behind shorter ones offering a beautiful background and texture to the overall look of your yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pink-huhly-grass.jpg\")
If you are looking for an ornamental grass that’s a great alternative to traditional grass, look no further than pink muhly grass. This beautiful variety provides a lot of depth and texture with wispy pink to light purple blooms that create a soft overall look to the plant. Pink muhly grass can grow up to 4 feet high and 3 feet wide in a mounded shape. This plant will do best in zones 6-10 and should be placed in a part of the garden where there is a lot of room to spread. Consider placing this show stopper of a plant in a corner or area of the garden that could use some color and sprucing up.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_hakonechloa_macra_aureola_7279479922.jpg\")
With an unusual weeping characteristic, the Japanese forest grass is a gorgeous grass that would look great in a variety of uses. It does well in zones 5-9 and grows up and downward in a weeping style. The grass blades are a variegated yellow and green, and the plant will produce red blooms in the fall. Japanese forest grass is great for adding fall interest to your garden and providing different focal points.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_113749_am.jpg\")
This very popular ornamental grass features a different color of light yellow blades with green edging. It is a mound-shaped grass that will grow to about 1 foot wide and tall at maturity. Banana boat grass is easy to care for and prefers to be planted in areas of shade. Banana Boat offers a variegated color scheme that add instant interest and depth to any garden. Use this variety along borders or as ground cover along with a mix of other ornamental grasses.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_112654_am.jpg\")
If you’re looking for both an ornamental grass and an annual blooming plant, look no further than the Lucerne blue-eyed grass. This beautiful plant offers dark green base leaves with gorgeous light blue blooms with yellow centers. The flowers have six petals and sit atop the stiff grass blades. The blooms appear in early to late spring ,and the plant doesn’t grow a foot tall and wide.
\n\n\n\nPlant this beauty in either full sun or part shade to add interest and color to your garden. Lucerne blue-eyed grass does well in zones 3-8, making it an easy choice for most homeowners.
\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of choices when planting ornamental grasses in a garden. Whether you use them to add height, color, texture, or ground cover, or just want a no-mow grass, there are many options to choose from. Consider picking one of these ornamental grasses to add depth to your landscaping this year.
\n\n\n\n1. Do ornamental grasses need much pruning?
\n\n\n\nYes. You will have to cut back the leaves every fall to encourage new growth in the spring. Once the new leaves start sprouting, it’s best to remove any dead leaves to help the plant thrive.
\n\n\n\n2. Are ornamental grasses susceptible to disease like regular grass?
\n\n\n\nYes. Fungal leaf spots are a common problem with some ornamental grasses. You can prevent these by keeping the different types of plants separated and using a good potting soil mixture when planting. You can treat a diseased plant with a fungicide and quickly removing all damaged leaves.
\n\n\n\n3. Do ornamental grasses spread quickly?
\n\n\n\nYes. Most ornamental grasses will spread their seeds as soon as the plume starts to brown and dry out, You can prevent the seeds from spreading by pruning the leaves before they turn brown. The exception is bamboo, an invasive grass that spreads incredibly quickly and can often make its way to neighboring yards. We don’t recommend planting bamboo, unless you plant it in a pot.
\n\n\n\nNeed help choose the right ornamental grasses for your landscape? We’ll help you find a lawn care and landscaping professional near you to plant and care for all your grasses.
\n\n\n\nMain Image photo credit: Pxhere
Think clover is just another pesky weed? People are rediscovering clover as a low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly addition to their lawns. Check out the pros and cons of a clover lawn to see if it’s a good fit for you. Pros of a Clover Lawn A lawn of only clover, or a grass and clover mix, has […]
\n","content":"\nThink clover is just another pesky weed? People are rediscovering clover as a low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly addition to their lawns. Check out the pros and cons of a clover lawn to see if it’s a good fit for you.
\n\n\n\nA lawn of only clover, or a grass and clover mix, has at least nine advantages over one with only turfgrass:
\n\n\n\nAlthough clover is a fantastic option for many homeowners in the U.S., it might not be the ideal choice for you. There are at least five drawbacks to clover lawns:
\n\n\n\nClover is a legume from the pea family that originated in Europe and arrived in North America in the late 1600s. Early settlers commonly used clover in their lawns until the 1950s, when turfgrass became the popular choice.
\n\n\n\nThe term “clover” refers to a group of around 300 plants in the genus Trifolium. You’ll see three varieties of clover commonly used as lawns in the United States:
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifolium-repens-g5288fbabc_1280.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_clover-gd937f9480_1280.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Strawberry](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifoliumfragiferum2-1.jpg\")
Photo credit: Christian Fischer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSome homeowners consider clover an unsightly weed, but before World War II, clover was a desired component of the seed mixes used on the finest lawns.
\n\n\n\nSo what happened to clover lawns? Chemical corporations promoted broadleaf herbicides as essential in the 1950s. Weed killers like 2,4-D, which also destroys chickweed and dandelions, wiped out the clover.
\n\n\n\nChemical makers identified clover as a weed, and buyers preferred the neat appearance of turfgrass over clover. So seed producers stopped marketing clover in their blends.
\n\n\n\nConsider clover if you’re looking for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to a turfgrass lawn. Review the pros and cons of clover above (or summarized below) to decide if it’s right for you.
\n\n\n\nKeep it: Clover helps your lawn grow healthier and more pest-resistant while using less fertilizer. It breaks up compacted soil and requires less frequent mowing. It is durable against pet urine and attracts pollinators like honeybees and other insects. (This last one is a downside if you’re allergic).
\n\n\n\nGet rid of it: Although clover can withstand periods of drought, prolonged dry spells will prevent it from spreading enough to cover a lawn. It is intrusive by nature, and in some shaded areas, it will grow, but the clover flowers will not bloom.
\n\n\n\nYes. Mow the lawn closely and remove any thatch before introducing clover as a grass alternative. This will ensure the seeds fall to the soil’s surface.
\n\n\n\nFour weeks is the average time it takes for clover seeds to mature after pollination. After you’ve seeded the clover in your yard, water it every day until it sprouts, and then every 2-3 weeks.
\n\n\n\nEarly spring or late summer into early fall are the best times to plant clover. It also works well for frost seeding just before the first heavy snow.
\n\n\n\nYes. Mow the clover low to prevent it from flowering. It’s the flowers that attract the bees and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWhether you opt for a clover lawn or you want to get rid of the clover in your yard, we can help you find a lawn care professional to reseed and weed your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0
\n","title":"Pros and Cons of Clover Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/1789c/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/107df/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 320w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/293e9/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 500w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/f2cbb/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 800w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/1789c/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 960w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/c26c2/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/1dd6e/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/67b76/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 320w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/8df11/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 500w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/98a65/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 800w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/1dd6e/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 960w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/3cc96/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Pros and Cons of Clover Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"People are rediscovering clover as a beneficial addition to their lawns. Check out the pros and cons of clover lawns to see if it's a good fit for you."}}},{"node":{"id":"17457154-501f-5fec-a746-d6ffe7372caa","slug":"how-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-yard","path":"/blog/how-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 4th, 2022","excerpt":"Rabbits can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and garden pretty quickly. There are a lot of ways to keep rabbits out of your yard, including natural deterrents, store-bought remedies, and preventative measures. In this article, we’ll talk about solving the big problems caused by these small animals. Table of Contents: Natural Methods […]
\n","content":"\nRabbits can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and garden pretty quickly. There are a lot of ways to keep rabbits out of your yard, including natural deterrents, store-bought remedies, and preventative measures.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll talk about solving the big problems caused by these small animals.
\n\n\n\nTable of Contents:
\n\n\n\nYou likely have a lot of products in your home right now that should help keep bunnies away and minimize your rabbit problems.
\n\n\n\nDue in part to their strong sense of smell, rabbits will keep away from all three of these substances. Sprinkle any of these on their favorite plants, and they’ll steer clear.
\n\n\n\nThis tried and true method takes just a little prep work and offers non-toxic protection. Take a bar of Irish Spring and shave it using a cheese grater or something similar. Place the shavings into small mesh pouches and place them throughout your flower or vegetable garden.
\n\n\n\nRabbits don’t like the pungent smell or taste of these crops. By planting these around tastier veggies, such as carrots and lettuce, you can create a barrier to dissuade bunnies. Asparagus, rhubarb, leeks, and tomatoes are also viable options.
\n\n\n\nPlant flowers that rabbits naturally dislike. Geraniums, wax begonias, vincas, and salvia also make the list of unappealing plants while adding color and vibrancy to flowerbeds.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to note that a hungry rabbit will eat what it can find, and not all rabbits have the same tastes. While these options are likely to work, They certainly aren’t a guarantee.
\n\n\n\n![\"Deter](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_rabbit-1543716_960_720.jpg\")
If you’re headed to the home supply store, you’ll find lots of options to repel rabbits and protect your lawn and garden.
\n\n\n\nThe most effective way to protect your garden and vegetation is by building a fence, and it’s something you can probably DIY in an afternoon. Keep in mind: Rabbits can jump about 2 feet high and squirm through tight spaces. You need to consider this when installing your fence.
\n\n\n\nChicken wire or mesh with openings of less than an inch work best. You can also use hardware cloth if you prefer. The fencing needs to be at least 2 feet high and either secured closely to the ground or inset by about 2 inches. This will prevent burrowing critters from sneaking in underneath.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1img_1665.jpg\")
Various sprays, powders, and additives are available to keep all garden pests at bay. It’s crucial to read the packaging carefully and follow the directions for how much to apply, where, and when.
Dried blood meal is another option, but you’ll need to reapply it after each rain. Similar to many of the natural ways noted above, rabbits may become accustomed to these remedies. You may want to rotate the products you use.
A final option is live trapping. This isn’t for everyone, and it may not be viable depending on where you live. However, this humane option may be your best bet.
\n\n\n\nPlace traps near popular food sources. You can also add a carrot, apple, or lettuce inside the trap as bait. Check the traps daily. Release trapped rabbits in safe areas several miles away to prevent them from finding their way back.
\n\n\n\nNote: Traps don’t discriminate, and you may find yourself with a variety of other animals as well.
\n\n\n\nThe easiest way to deal with any problem is to prevent it in the first place. You can keep rabbits out of your yard by eliminating areas for them to shelter. This, combined with the other remedies noted above, will be your most effective plan.
\n\n\n\nRabbits aren’t picky about where they burrow and nest, as long as it provides warmth, cover, and quick access to food sources.
\n\n\n\nDeer, chipmunks, moles, groundhogs, opossums, and about a dozen other animals could be responsible for the damage to your yard. Before getting started with rabbit-focused solutions, inspect the damage to ensure rabbits are the cause.
\n\n\n\nRabbit damage to trees and shrubs will be within 2.5 feet off the ground, as that’s about as far as the critters can reach when standing on their hind legs. Most telling are the smooth, straight cuts. Other animals leave jagged edges on plants, but rabbits will leave sharp edges on flowers, branches, and vegetables.
\n\n\n\nIf the damage you’re inspecting is to ornamental grasses and plants, it’s probably not a rabbit problem.
\n\n\n\nLike other wild animals, rabbits increase the presence of endangered birds and insects. However, in the process, rabbits damage many of the plants you’ve spent a lot of time nurturing.
\n\n\n\nRabbits aren’t picky eaters, and so they will destroy almost any plant they can reach. Grasses are a primary food source for rabbits, but they also enjoy flowers, weeds, sprouts, vegetables, fruits, and even bark.
\n\n\n\nWithout intervention, rabbits will nest, nibble, reproduce, and wreak utter havoc.
\n\n\n\n1. Are rabbits dangerous or just annoying?
\n\n\n\nRabbits are just annoying. They don’t pose any harm to humans, and most domestic pets are seen as predators.
\n\n\n\n2. What is the most effective way to get rid of rabbits?
\n\n\n\nYour best bet is a combination of exclusion practices and repellents or fencing. If you’re raising a vegetable garden, sound fencing is key. If you’re growing flowers or trying to protect your landscaping, repellents should do the trick..
\n\n\n\n3. What is the fastest way to solve my rabbit problem?
\n\n\n\nRemove their nests and burrows. Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. In the afternoon, when you’re likely to be doing yard work, rabbits will be lying low in their dens.
\n\n\n\n4. Are cottontails the same as domesticated rabbits?
\n\n\n\nNo. Cottontails are wild animals that cannot be bought or sold as pets. Domesticated bunnies come in various breeds, most of which look nothing like the cottontails in your yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve had enough cottontails in your garden, it might be time to call in a lawn care or pest control professional to help. Give the rabbits the boot and get back to enjoying your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Brenda Stuart | Wikilawn
\n","title":"How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2917115177610334,"src":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1789c/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/107df/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 320w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/293e9/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 500w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/f2cbb/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 800w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1789c/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 960w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/c26c2/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1dd6e/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/67b76/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 320w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/8df11/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 500w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/98a65/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 800w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1dd6e/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 960w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/3cc96/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Those delightful, darling rabbits are downright destructive to your lawn. Find out how to keep rabbits out of your yard for good."}}},{"node":{"id":"bfc212b6-0318-5756-901f-7ff21b4f4b7d","slug":"what-is-no-mow-grass","path":"/blog/what-is-no-mow-grass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Janae Soules is a freelance writer with a newly discovered love of gardening with her kids. She enjoys spending time in nature hiking, biking, or playing sports.","name":"Janae Soules","id":"0def06f9-a4f4-58d5-891d-d423dde342f4","path":"/author/janae-souleslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/aab1931e793481d75c080c7271be7652?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 1st, 2022","excerpt":"You’re frustrated with fighting the lawn mower and sweating bullets in the hot sun. Maybe it’s time to plant a no-mow grass. Several no-mow grasses and low-maintenance grass types only need mowing once or twice a year. Some no-mow grasses are also drought-resistant, so you won’t have to water them either. We’ll start by touting […]
\n","content":"\nYou’re frustrated with fighting the lawn mower and sweating bullets in the hot sun. Maybe it’s time to plant a no-mow grass.
\n\n\n\nSeveral no-mow grasses and low-maintenance grass types only need mowing once or twice a year. Some no-mow grasses are also drought-resistant, so you won’t have to water them either. We’ll start by touting the benefits of a no-mow lawn, then walk you through the best no-mow grass alternatives for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nTable of contents:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe term “no-mow grass” may actually be a misnomer. A low-maintenance lawn can also include low-mow grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nSometimes a grass blend will green up your yard without forcing you to spend your late spring and summer months pushing around a lawn mower. Some have the added bonus of needing little watering.
\n\n\n\nWhich of these grass types you choose will depend on your climate, soil type, and preferences.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_5840427371_ea66cae955_c.jpg\")
For colder climates or in transition zones, fine fescue is the most popular cool-season grass for a no-mow or low-mow lawn. A blend of fine and hard fescue, this grass type needs little maintenance and makes it easy to control weed growth.
\n\n\n\nFescue blends require little fertilizer or herbicides. The best part? With fine fescue, you’ll only have to mow your lawn once or twice a year. Fescues tend to perform better when you apply a lawn seed mix, allowing one to thrive if the other doesn’t.
\n\n\n\nNative to the Great Plains, from Montana to Mexico, Buffalograss is a low-growing, warm-season grass. It has individual leaf blades reaching 10 to 12 inches in length. However, the leaf blades fall over, giving it a short appearance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Zoysia](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1024px-zoysia_tenuifolia_aspect.jpg\")
Zoysia tenuifolia only grows about 4 inches tall, making it a great no-mow option in hot and humid Southern states. It’s often called “petting grass” because of its fine blades and deep green color that form soft mounds.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are extremely versatile and grow in any climate, and each is unique in its growth pattern and color. Once you have a landscape design in mind, you’ll be better able to decide which ground cover is best for you. Most ground covers do best when planted in the spring.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are low-maintenance, but preparing the ground and planting them requires some work. You must eliminate all weeds before planting. Once the ground cover is established, add one to two inches of mulch to keep the soil moist and deter weeds.
\n\n\n\nSome popular ground covers are creeping Jenny, sedum, Asiatic Jasmine, creeping thyme, and moss.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash.jpg\")
Schools, stadiums, and government agencies use artificial turf for a pristine look without the maintenance of a grass lawn. Artificial turf is the true definition of no-mow grass. It will never need mowing or fertilizing and can be installed anywhere. It will only need water if you’re cleaning it off or attempting to cool it down.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf can be hot to the touch in the summer months. There has been a growing health concern about it due to granulated crumb rubber used as filler. The crumbs can be inhaled and are sometimes toxic.
\n\n\n\nIf you need an excuse to put away the mower, “No Mow May” provides it. It’s a month-long holiday to allow grass to grow, creating an inviting habitat for bees and other early-season pollinators. A conservationist group in the U.K. came up with the idea, and it’s growing faster than our lawns in the U.S.
\n\n\n\nThe biggest problem with this eco-friendly initiative is convincing cities and HOAs to relax their regulations for a month. Plant a no-mow grass, and the regulations and long grass fees are one less thing you’ll have to worry about.
\n\n\n\n1. Do I have to tear out my existing lawn and replace it to have a no-mow lawn?
\n\n\n\nYes. You’ll want to tear out your existing lawn before replacing it. Doing that will ensure you’re able to eliminate weeds for a fresh start.
\n\n\n\n2. When is the best time of year to replace my lawn with a no-mow variety?
\n\n\n\nSpring is the best time of year to plant most grass types, especially no-mow varieties. You won’t have to water as much, and planting in the spring allows roots to develop and grow deep into the soil before the first fall frost arrives.
\n\n\n\n3. Will a no-mow lawn be as attractive as a high-maintenance lawn?
\n\n\n\nA no-mow lawn is a different kind of attractive. It offers variety: You can have your traditional green look with a fescue blend, buffalo grass, Zoysia tenuifolia, or succulents or flowers with a ground cover.
\n\n\n\n4. Will no-mow grass types grow well in the shade?
\n\n\n\nChewings fescue, creeping red fescue, moss, and creeping thyme all grow well in the shade. Artificial turf will stay cooler in a shady area.
\n\n\n\n5. Are no-mow grasses good for sports fields?
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf is a good option for sports fields. However, some athletes prefer traditional grass because injuries are less severe, and synthetic turf temperatures can be much hotter. The commercial mix of no-mow grass tolerates a good amount of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding your lawn with no-mow grass seeds is an easy job for a DIY-er, but laying new sod may take a lot more time and expertise. We can help you to find a lawn care or landscaping pro near you.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Pxhere
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\n","content":"\nLandscape Architects and others in the field of landscape design often use the terms “softscape” and “hardscape” to distinguish between plants (soft) and rock or soil work and all the other “hard” elements of landscaping. A simple definition of “hardscape” is anything in the landscape that is not plantings, soils, or earth works.
\n\n\n\nAt first thought, it might seem counterintuitive to think of ‘hard’scaping as a wanted element in an environment designers often take great pains to keep natural and soft. So, why would this seemingly contradictory intrusion into the world of soft and floral be a critical part of any landscape design?
\n\n\n\nHardscaping provides many added benefits beyond what plant and soil materials can accomplish on their own. Here are just a few of those reasons:
\n\n\n\nHardscaping can be thought of as the bones, or framework, of a garden. It could be sleek flagstone patios, pebble mosaics, brick or rustic gravel walkways; perhaps a uniquely shaped boulder placed as a focal point in the garden or near a building to highlight architectural features. Natural stone, retaining walls, benches, seats, and sculptural landscape features, create the immovable structure through which designers (or handy diy homeowners) can easily weave in combinations of trees, plants, and shrubs into the garden tapestry.\t
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/vI5P4UK5F84BcIDNhjLqQ6YAtkz4edCDUKLCUqtxAx9HusAf638NFDYCWcejX9XyhgWiEm8_fgDbGREno7GdUyu_5C3xtuk5oRkfclVXuBmyxx4fh-SJBUiBUTGwC0SPSkpNSC2iKFvhFzSQpg\")
Just as any good landscape designer should draw plant choices from the natural surrounding landscape, hardscape selection should also relate to the native environment as well as the style of house. For example, a colonial or Georgian house would benefit from the addition of brick or cut stone to add formality. A farmhouse in the countryside would combine well with fieldstone walls and paths of flagstone or flat river stones set in gravel. A Craftsman-style house in the city might call for a pattern of square and rectangular stones, and walls of cut or ashlar stone, or brick.
\n\n\n\nArcheticulally speaking, a good hardscape plan can help you divide the landscape into a collection of “rooms” or sequence of gardens. This is a timeless method of design as it provides separate spaces for different activities and a sense of surprise and thrill of discovery in moving from ‘room to room’. Stone walls and hedges act as room dividers, and steps and paths act as transitions between these rooms, as well as the necessary means of moving between them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PjLwfGpF64k02uPCOeQV1swJX_fW93HGpyXz5gVRb3MrDevpvdLtAfkdak97rmwql0_onwcMl8cRMUvhIEnEGtcdlXZ1Tl8agxeqN1FCzziGcZSTA_j5_waIvQWSGm8a99tRAJh9pvElObm4jA\")
How a patio or terrace will be used in part should dictate your choice of paving material. Flat stones with mortared joints or sand-set brick are preferable for areas to close into the house, entries, and higher traffic areas. Irregular, dry-laid stones, crushed rock or packed decomposed granite are great for garden paths and casual areas. Dining areas or a seating terrace can be on stone, gravel or crushed rock, or wooden decking, depending in part on the furniture chosen for that use.
\n\n\n\nBesides needing to harmonious with the colors found in the landscape plantings and architectural features, the color of your hardscape elements can play an important role. Light colored stone may help to brighten a shady corner but could also create glare in a sunnier spot. Dark stone materials might absorb too much heat for nearby planting materials.
\n\n\n\nThe level of permeability a material has may matter more in some locations than others. A lava rock boulder, with its open honeycomb-like surface, would collect every fallen leaf and flower blossom if it were placed below a flowering ornamental tree. This might not be a bad thing, depending on what aesthetic you are going for or what level of garden maintenance you are willing to put into your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMuch like the porosity of stone materials, the finish can greatly affect the look, feel, and functionality of an outdoor area. Rough cut or chopped limestone blocks offer a rustic, natural feel while the same stone with a saw cut finished edge can transform a wall face or column top to a modern, sleek reveal. Additionally, when dealing with patio or walkway hardscape choices, consider how slick the stone finish will become during periods of precipitation or with a layer of snow or ice.
\n\n\n\nPaths need to be stable, easy to walk on, and preferably look like they belong. Again, a sense of fitting in with the natural landscape is important. Gravel, crushed rock and decomposed granite paths should ideally be edged, either with metal edging, wood timbers, or smaller brick or stone pieces. Dry-set paths of flagstone should use thicker stones 2” – 6”. Stone steps need to be set in concrete for stability, unless they are fairly massive (5-6” thick).
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Lnn5Z38LXNcMGHS4Eczmdvp9L_d985SC9C4g9ZCQTJ9uChaNFckL-0k0fRv8fI2YnXpZYMngKqMm8lKJA-kvjW_D8kXS2LOVdwidZ0zXbe1nlXADqvdcbWooXFSSUqryOPhPi2tzwZayHAsMJQ\")
The use of large, natural stones or boulders as pure design elements in the garden can help lift an ordinary planting plant to a new level of visual interest. Enormous granite boulders flecked with sparkly quartz, limestone or sandstone outcroppings that mimic those found in nature, large half-buried mossy fieldstones, or even a special grouping of uniquely shaped beach stones you found on your last vacation can help add a truly one of a kind feel to your landscape and make them “pop” with unusual interest.
\n\n\n\nSo, if you’re designing a new garden, or looking to rehabilitate a portion of one already in existence, think of the hardscape components just as carefully as you consider what trees, shrubs, and plants you want to put where. In the end, you’ll have a more integrated, harmonious design, less maintenance, and a more interesting garden!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PZEdM3YTIs88s5BNsjKaFNlBC_00OT-5jOLe-MmTDcMOL8n20xfpgJPPJ8Om3dqfEG81ZyZmPz_w5NMby2-cACKhHG3VhR6S9kBskkdlEN8txf4_GREewQG1Oax9HhfG56V0Yu_yW3susT-1sw\")
While the reasons to add stone and hardscape elements to your landscape design might be numerous and easy to define, setting a price to this addition is not as clear. The cost of stone varies considerably depending on its weight, smoothness or texture, style, and thickness. Another variable is the process of installation, or how much labor will be required to complete the installation and how easily accessible is the final location of the stone or brick. Also, using stone sourced near a quarry will be more economical (not to mention contextually relevant to your natural surroundings). This means if you live in an area naturally rich in stone, like Texas, then getting limestone will be easier on the budget compared to shipping in a Canadian granite.
\n\n\n\nAll of those variables aside, the average cost to install a flagstone patio will range somewhere from $15 to $30 per square foot. Natural boulders are usually sold by the pound or ton depending on how big they are. Be sure to account for heavy equipment needed to deliver and set these elements. River rock or other small stone aggregate is sold by the cubic yard (1).
\n\n\n\nIf this all seems overwhelming, do not be discouraged. In the world of landscape design, pricing and product availability is often changing. The best solution is to work with a local landscape architect that knows the most sound solutions for your specific climate, native plantings, and natural resources.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/OFnLC5KZjapS6M2mXMtD4cBe6rAhCuWZVy6AnZ5f03wuHI4nKAX79ZbJvZwjZ-p3SfsGX4VzUerOtQxn1SBTmP_RapHwrSFkfmbzmqIMKzPWciVqC1p1CriR1RYLb_VHUh0GdRNHzASUGkU6TQ\")
Stone connects the garden to the land, since stone is literally of the earth. It is a natural material that complements plants, lasts forever, and is intrinsically beautiful. Flagstone terraces, high walls combining large, vertical granite stones with small fieldstones, low traditional dry-laid walls, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, fountains and waterfalls, rock paths and walkways—all woven together create a wonderful weft for the warp of landscape of plants, and work to further enhance natural elements such as wooden pergolas, woven branch fences and antique ornaments or placed artistic objects.
\n\n\n\n1. http://paverscostguide.com
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Redi-Rock International
\n","title":"Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Hardscaping","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5092114959469418,"src":"/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/1789c/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg","srcSet":"/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/107df/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 320w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/293e9/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 500w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/f2cbb/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 800w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/1789c/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 960w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/d2f4e/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/1dd6e/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/67b76/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 320w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/8df11/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 500w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/98a65/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 800w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/1dd6e/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 960w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/8952c/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Hardscaping | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"61e533a4-a9c7-5e70-9c54-e2b8a06ba05f","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-clover-lawn","path":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-clover-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as \"half-feral but mostly harmless\", Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.","name":"Raven Wisdom","id":"4fb83156-96f1-58f1-8074-4a6c5c50eaaa","path":"/author/raven-wisdom/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2813f63a6af9d07a7a5bb212b5645db?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 10th, 2022","excerpt":"Is unwanted clover in your yard making you feel unlucky? No problem. We’ll show you how to get rid of clover in your lawn. While clover has its benefits, it isn’t for everyone. In this article, we’ll cover: 8 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Clover What is Clover and What Type is in My […]
\n","content":"\nIs unwanted clover in your yard making you feel unlucky? No problem. We’ll show you how to get rid of clover in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhile clover has its benefits, it isn’t for everyone. In this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nClover is a common weed, but it doesn’t have to be a blight in your yard. Whether you have an entire lawn full of clover or a few small patches to contend with, it’s easy to get rid of the clover in your yard without killing your grass.
\n\n\n\nFor small patches of clover, it’s simply a matter of pulling it out. Don’t leave any of it on the lawn because the clover seeds will find their way back into your grass.
\n\n\n\nLoosen the soil with a spade to get the roots. It’s best to follow up with a preventative measure and apply corn gluten meal. Read on to find out why corn gluten meal is an excellent clover deterrent.
\n\n\n\nCorn gluten meal (not the corn meal in your kitchen) is a natural pre-emergent herbicide. It won’t work on existing clover but will prevent any new clover from sprouting. You can buy this natural weed killer at most garden centers or online.
\n\n\n\nDon’t use corn gluten meal if you recently planted grass seed.
\n\n\n\nA Vinegar and dish soap solution is a non-toxic DIY treatment for any weed. Fill a spray bottle with one cup of herbicidal vinegar, one cup of water, and one drop of dish soap.
\n\n\n\nYou will need to spray the area regularly for a few weeks to eradicate the clover.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: Vinegar products with 20% or more acetic acid kill weeds but will also damage turfgrass. Spray the solution only where you need it and overseed the treated areas if needed.
\n\n\n\nClover thrives in grass that is less than 3-inches tall. The easy fix to eliminate clover and give your lawn a fighting chance is to mow at the highest level for your specific grass type.
\n\n\n\nMeasure from the ground to the bottom of your mower’s mowing deck, then up to your mower blades. This total equals the mowing height.
\n\n\n\nEvery plant needs sunlight and water to grow. If you have a large clover section or want to start an area from scratch, you can cover it with plastic sheeting. You can also be frugal and use old pool liners or garbage bags.
\n\n\n\nUsing bricks or large rocks, you can keep the edges of the covering secured to the ground. In a few weeks, remove the plastic sheeting and re-seed the area.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: You can also use solarization to speed up the process. Cover the area with clear plastic to heat the soil to kill the weeds and seeds in the top 6 inches of soil.
\n\n\n\nWatch that you don’t cover surrounding plants in your garden or healthy lawn areas in the process
\n\n\n\nOrganic nitrogen-rich lawn fertilizer is an environmentally-friendly option that can benefit your lawn and kill clover. Clover spreads quickly in nitrogen-deficient yards.
\n\n\n\nYou only need to apply the fertilizer to the problem clover areas, but if your lawn shows signs of nitrogen deficiency, a thorough treatment may be more beneficial.
\n\n\n\nSay adios to clover! A.D.I.O.S., or Advanced Development In Organic Solutions, is an organic herbicide that controls weeds without damaging surrounding lawn growth.
\n\n\n\nYou can order A.D.I.O.S. online or buy it in most home improvement stores and garden centers.
\n\n\n\nYou may need a more aggressive approach if you struggle with lawn weeds such as clover, dandelions, and other broadleaf weeds. There are organic options that target weeds while leaving your grass intact.
\n\n\n\nBroadleaf herbicides, like Ortho Ground Clear, are weed killers formulated with multiple herbicides to treat a wide range of weeds.
\n\n\n\nClover is a term used to describe a group of more than 300 species of plants belonging to the legume or pea family. You likely have clover if you spot little, round or oval, white or pink blooms with bees flying around them on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThere are 3-main types of clover common in the United States.
\n\n\n\nWhite clover is the most common type of clover found in the U.S. and has pinkish-white flowers. This cool-season perennial is closely related to the agricultural alfalfa and sweet clover. Microclover is the smallest variety.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/f5eK2wXCkMf7Qcetqvb4aKSy2NO5Q7jsXXcdOR6ENfC40RVJz48Hlzkl8oKMbyVCwtfZQD1E1JCNzL3Hd7uA3ShMul_aFeYXi_JUfj2H63S6KD6DO33pHjstEtgXOtM9PXdpq8if1hn0O4m5DQb_5Eg\")
Red clover has flowers with oval leaflets ranging from light rose to deep fuchsia. This perennial ground cover is also known as cow clover, meadow clover, and wild clover.
\n\n\n\nStrawberry clover is similar to white clover, but its white and pink flowers are slightly smaller. Also a perennial, this clover attracts birds and grows well in coastal areas or near river estuaries.
\n\n\n\nClover can appear in your lawn for a few reasons, usually due to problems with your soil.
\n\n\n\nThere are several pros and cons of clover lawn. These plants attract pollinators and require less watering and mowing to maintain your grass.
\n\n\n\nClover is also a natural fertilizer. It absorbs nitrogen from the air and releases it into the soil, giving you a healthier lawn. Clover offers weed control by crowding out other weeds and serves as an organic mulch.
\n\n\n\n1. What will kill clover but not kill grass?
\n\n\n\nUse an organic herbicide such as (A.D.I.O.S): Advanced Development In Organic Solutions to kill the clover without damaging the surrounding grass. Also, clover grows best in grass less than three inches tall, so cutting your turf higher will help your grass out-compete the clover.
\n\n\n\n2. Will clover go away on its own?
\n\n\n\nNo. Clover is a perennial, meaning you’ll have to treat it every year until you eliminate it from your yard.
\n\n\n\n3. Is clover toxic to pets?
\n\n\n\nEach type of clover has a unique set of compounds that could pose a risk if eaten in large amounts. Mold and fungus that often attacks clover is the biggest issue as it interferes with your dog’s blood clotting process.
If you’d rather spend more time enjoying your lawn and less time maintaining it, delegate the dirty work to a local lawn care professional.
Main photo credit: Brenda Stuart / Wikilawn
\n","title":"How to Get Rid of Clover in Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/1789c/rsz_img_1583.jpg","srcSet":"/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/107df/rsz_img_1583.jpg 320w,\n/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/293e9/rsz_img_1583.jpg 500w,\n/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/f2cbb/rsz_img_1583.jpg 800w,\n/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/1789c/rsz_img_1583.jpg 960w,\n/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/c26c2/rsz_img_1583.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/1dd6e/rsz_img_1583.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/67b76/rsz_img_1583.webp 320w,\n/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/8df11/rsz_img_1583.webp 500w,\n/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/98a65/rsz_img_1583.webp 800w,\n/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/1dd6e/rsz_img_1583.webp 960w,\n/static/06828a99ead80d6a465c6199aef41f92/3cc96/rsz_img_1583.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Get Rid of Clover in Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Having no luck eliminating clover? We’ll tell you how to get rid of clover in your lawn once and for all."}}},{"node":{"id":"7065d0b5-54da-5755-a082-fced4e590d44","slug":"types-of-clover-lawns","path":"/blog/types-of-clover-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as \"half-feral but mostly harmless\", Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.","name":"Raven Wisdom","id":"4fb83156-96f1-58f1-8074-4a6c5c50eaaa","path":"/author/raven-wisdom/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2813f63a6af9d07a7a5bb212b5645db?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"September 4th, 2022","excerpt":"Although clover is often thought of as a weed, it belongs to the legume or pea family. Three types of clover species are common across the U.S: white clover, red clover, and strawberry clover. You’ll learn about these common clover types (and several others) below. In this article: What is a Clover Lawn? A clover lawn […]
\n","content":"\nAlthough clover is often thought of as a weed, it belongs to the legume or pea family. Three types of clover species are common across the U.S: white clover, red clover, and strawberry clover.
You’ll learn about these common clover types (and several others) below.
In this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA clover lawn is either completely made of clover or combines clover and turfgrass. Clover is a legume from the pea family developed in Europe. Clover arrived in North America in the late 1600s and was a favorite lawn choice until the 1950s when turfgrass gained popularity.
\n\n\n\nPlanting clover in your yard has advantages. Clover requires far less maintenance, conserves water, stays green in the summer, and is an environmentally-friendly grass alternative.
\n\n\n\nThe common word “clover” refers to a collection of over 300 plants in the Trifolium genus. However, there are three types of clover species commonly used on lawns in the United States.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite clover is the most common variety, sometimes collectively referred to as “Dutch clover” or “Dutch white.” This cool-season perennial is usually seen growing in lawns, vineyards, and by the sides of roadways.
\n\n\n\nThis clover is frequently utilized as a natural treatment to help reduce fever, ease coughs and colds, and strengthen the immune system.
\n\n\n\nWhite clover thrives in the cold, rainy conditions of zones 6a-9b. It grows best in well-drained, rich soil with a pH of 6 to 7, and prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
\n\n\n\nBased mostly on leaf size, white clover has three common variants:
\n\n\n\nWhite clover has round pink to white blossoms. It blends well with cool-season turfgrasses such as fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA perennial herb, red clover grows wild in meadows throughout Europe and Asia but has become established in North America. Cow clover, meadow clover, and wild clover are some of its other names.
\n\n\n\nRed clover was used in the past to treat a variety of illnesses, including gout, whooping cough, cancer, and asthma. Red clover supplements have been advocated for osteoporosis and menopause symptoms as the isoflavones found in red clover are similar to estrogen.
\n\n\n\nThis clover is resilient in acidic soils but prefers well-drained dirt with a pH between 6.0 and 7.2. It does well in 4a-8b hardiness zones. Red clover is vulnerable to fungi that cause diseases such as stem rot and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nThere are two common types of red clover:
\n\n\n\nRed clover blossoms range from magenta to rose. A cool-season ground cover, it has good performance with perennial ryegrass, white clover, sweet clover, or tall fescue. Red clover mixes well in warm-season lawns when planted with Bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Strawberry](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifoliumfragiferum2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Christian Fischer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStrawberry clover is a perennial herb native to the eastern Mediterranean and southern Asia. While it may not grow in regions with excessive heat or cold, it thrives well in almost all types of soil.
\n\n\n\nStrawberry clover is a good bee plant, but it is rarely used as animal feed because of its short stature. It works well in lawns and permanent pastures. Strawberry clover grows well in hardiness zones 4a-9b and a soil pH between 5.3 and 8.2
\n\n\n\nThe white or pink blooms on strawberry clover are smaller than on white clover. It draws birds of all sizes, does well in cool regions, and can withstand flooding very well. Compared to other types of clover, strawberry clover can withstand more salinity and is a good choice for coastal areas.
\n\n\n\nStrawberry clover is also a cool-season variation. It partners well with tall fescue, ryegrass, timothy, reed canarygrass, dallisgrass, bermudagrass, and white clover.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Four-leaf_Clover_Trifolium_repens_2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: KEBman / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOK, maybe you can’t plant good luck but finding a four-leaf clover might bring it. This belief is probably because there is only one of them for every 10,000 clovers with three leaves.
\n\n\n\nSome Celtic cultures in the Middle Ages held the belief that holding a four-leaf clover would enable the bearer to see fairies, fend off evil spirits, and bring good luck.
\n\n\n\n“If a man walking in the fields finds some four-leaved grass, he shall in a brief while after find some good thing,” or so said John Melton in the 1600s.
\n\n\n\nEven if you never come across one with four leaves, clover will help your grass stay greener for longer while requiring less upkeep, and that’s lucky.
\n\n\n\nFarmers who use the plant as a pasture and foraging plant prefer other varieties of clover, especially annuals. Other varieties of clover that aren’t suitable for lawns:
\n\n\n\nBeautiful to look at, there are benefits to planting a clover lawn.
\n\n\n\nA grass-clover lawn can give you the benefits of clover while still being resistant to heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClover is a good option for lawns across the country, but these are disadvantages of clover worth considering.
\n\n\n\n1. When should you plant a clover lawn?
\n\n\n\nSpring and early summer are the best times to plant clover. Clover seeds sprout fastest when temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees and there is no danger of frost. You can plant clover in late summer or early fall but do so at least six weeks before a hard freeze.
\n\n\n\n2. Do you need to aerate a clover lawn?
\n\n\n\nNo. Because clover is a living mulch, it supplies the soil with nutrients while also helping it resist compaction. Macropores are left behind in the soil by decomposing clover roots. This keeps the ground loose, draws earthworms, and reduces thatch buildup.
\n\n\n\n3. Is a clover lawn better than a turfgrass lawn?
\n\n\n\nThat depends. Clover has many advantages, and turfgrass lawns have disadvantages despite their visual appeal. Grass-only lawns deny pollinators of food and habitat and need more water, chemical treatments, and upkeep than a clover lawn does.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to hunt for a lucky four-leaf clover instead of planting them then we can help! We’ll find a lawn care professional near you to roll out the green carpet for your new lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"Types of Clover Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/1789c/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg","srcSet":"/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/107df/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 320w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/293e9/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 500w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/f2cbb/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 800w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/1789c/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 960w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/c26c2/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/1dd6e/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/67b76/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 320w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/8df11/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 500w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/98a65/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 800w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/1dd6e/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 960w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/3cc96/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Types of Clover Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Three types of clover species are commonly found in lawns across the U.S: white clover, red clover, and strawberry clover."}}},{"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":"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 […]
\n","content":"\nby John Egan
\n\n\n\nEverything, it seems, is not bigger in Texas.
\n\n\n\nAmong 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.
\n\n\n\nA 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 Houston, at 1,700 square feet. Tied for third place, with a median size of 1,600 square feet, are Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; and Washington, DC.
\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, New York City, NY, has the smallest residential units, with a median square footage of 1,150.
\n\n\n\nAndrea Morgan, 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.
\n\n\n\nIn 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.
\n\n\n\nAnother factor propelling bigger homes, she adds, is the Atlanta area’s constantly snarled traffic.
\n\n\n\n“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.”
\n\n\n\nWhat 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 American Housing Survey.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/atlanta-ga-skyline.jpg?fit=1024%2C700&ssl=1\")
Median square footage: 1,800
Median property value: $215,100
Estimated cost per sq ft: $119.50
![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/houston-tx-skyline.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1\")
Median square footage: 1,700
Median property value: $192,900
Estimated cost per sq ft: $113.47
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/philly-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\")
Median square footage: 1,600
Median property value: $250,900
Estimated cost per sq ft: $156.81
![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/phoenix-az-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg?fit=1024%2C592&ssl=1\")
Median square footage: 1,600
Median property value: $246,900
Estimated cost per sq ft: $154.31
![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/washington-dc-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg?fit=1024%2C575&ssl=1\")
Median square footage: 1,600
Median property value: $424,600
Estimated cost per sq ft: $265.38
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dallas-tx-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\")
Median square footage: 1,586
Median property value: $214,900
Estimated cost per sq ft: $135.50
![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1\")
Median square footage: 1,500
Median property value: $342,300
Estimated cost per sq ft: $228.20
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/seattle-wa-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\")
Median square footage: 1,500
Median property value: $439,800
Estimated cost per sq ft: $293.20
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline.jpg\")
Median square footage: 1,475
Median property value: $441,400
Estimated cost per sq ft: $299.25
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\")
Median square footage: 1,400
Median property value: $240,300
Estimated cost per sq ft: $171.64
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/detroit-mi-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\")
Median square footage: 1,400
Median property value: $171,600
Estimated cost per sq ft: $122.57
![\"\"](\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/miami-fl-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg?fit=1024%2C538&ssl=1\")
Median square footage: 1,369
Median property value: $278,700
Estimated cost per sq ft: $203.58
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\")
Median square footage: 1,250
Median property value: $617,100
Estimated cost per sq ft: $493.68
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/san-fran-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\")
Median square footage: 1,250
Median property value: $849,500
Estimated cost per sq ft: $679.60
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc-ny-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\")
Median square footage: 1,150
Median property value: $440,900
Estimated cost per sq ft: $383.39
Author Bio: John Egan is a freelance writer who covers everything from personal finance to lawn care. His masterful work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Forbes, and The Guardian.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: http://swgoths.org
\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":"2564dfb0-d1b0-5c30-b6df-3390e9ffed53","slug":"transition-zone-grasses","path":"/blog/transition-zone-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":"If you live in the middle region of the U.S., you likely live in what lawn care experts call the transition zone. In the transition zone, both warm-season and cool-season grass types can grow, but they might suffer during their dormant season. This guide will teach you how to plant and grow transition zone grasses […]
\n","content":"\nIf you live in the middle region of the U.S., you likely live in what lawn care experts call the transition zone. In the transition zone, both warm-season and cool-season grass types can grow, but they might suffer during their dormant season. This guide will teach you how to plant and grow transition zone grasses for a healthy lawn year-round.
\n\n\n\nIn this guide:
\n\n\n\nTransition zone grasses are those that grow well in the areas of the U.S. sandwiched between northern, cool-season grass states and southern, warm-season grass states. Transition zone grasses are a combination of both warm- and cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nTransition zone grasses include Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass. Some of these are warm-season grasses, which grow best in hot temperatures and typically thrive in the southern U.S. Others are cool-season grasses, which grow best in cooler temperatures and typically thrive in the northern U.S.
\n\n\n\nSince neither type of grass is well-adapted to the transition zone, they can develop issues at different times of the year. For instance, in an area that is too warm, cool-season grasses might struggle in the heat and drought of summer. On the other hand, warm-season grasses will struggle through harsh winters and especially cold fall seasons.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe transition zone includes approximately the middle third of the U.S. The northern third of the country falls into the cool-season grass growing zone, and the southern third falls into the warm-season grass growing zone. See the map below to find out if you’re in the transition zone.
\n\n\n![\"Cool](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg\")
Illustration by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nHere are some states included in the transition zone:
\n\n\n\nNote that for some of these states, only the far northern or far southern region falls in the transition zone. It’s important to find your exact location on the map above to help you get an accurate picture of what grass types you can grow on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe best lawns in the transition zone are usually made up of a combination of cool-season and warm-season grass types, which thrive at different times of the year. Warm-season grass will keep your lawn green and dense during summer, and cool-season grass will help your lawn stay green later into the fall when temperatures start to drop.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses can be found growing in northern regions of the U.S. where there are cold winters and temperatures usually average 60 to 75 degrees. These grasses endure very cold temperatures, and they stay green longer into the fall and green up sooner in spring than warm-season grasses. They grow most actively in spring and fall.
\n\n\n\nBecause cool-season grasses prefer cooler temperatures, they can struggle to stay green in summer and may go dormant.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis dark green, canoe-shaped cool-season grass is ideal for lawns in the transition zone, particularly those with lots of sun exposure. Kentucky bluegrass is a dense turfgrass often used on golf courses and other recreational areas. In regions where temperatures regularly get above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, this grass will go dormant in summer until temperatures cool.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis cool-season grass is ideal for homeowners who expect high levels of traffic in their yards. This grass is often combined with Kentucky bluegrass as a mixture. Unfortunately, perennial ryegrass is very high-maintenance and will require lots of mowing. When temperatures reach the high 70s in summer, this grass will go dormant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\nAs with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, tall fescue is a high maintenance grass option, primarily because it grows so fast. On a positive note, this sun-loving grass handles foot traffic well. It also isn’t very susceptible to disease. When temperatures reach the mid to high 80s, this grass will go dormant until temperatures cool. It is one of the most heat-tolerant cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses typically grow in the southern U.S. where there are hot summers, and they thrive in temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand hot temperatures and endure drought conditions much better than cool-season grasses, but they will enter winter dormancy earlier in the year.
\n\n\n\nFind the best warm-season grasses to grow in the transition zone below.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Bermudagrass\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis sun-loving grass is able to withstand a lot of foot traffic. Unfortunately, it is very vulnerable to diseases and requires a lot of maintenance. As a warm-season grass, Bermudagrass can experience plenty of extremely hot temperatures and still grow and thrive. It can even tolerate drought well. However, this grass will fall into dormancy when temperatures remain consistently at about 50 degrees.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a dense, deeply rich green turfgrass that has a high tolerance for foot traffic. It is also a low-maintenance grass that can keep weeds at bay. One weak spot for this grass is that it is susceptible to various types of lawn diseases. On a positive note, because Zoysiagrass is a warm-season grass, it can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions. It tends to go dormant in temperatures below 55 degrees.
\n\n\n\nCaring for transition zone grasses isn’t much different than caring for cool-season grasses in cooler regions or warm-season grasses in warm regions. The same strategies for irrigation, weed control, pest and disease treatment, fertilization, and mowing should be employed depending on what type of grass is in your yard. Here are some basic lawn care tips to keep in mind when caring for both cool and warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCaring for grass in the transition zone can be tricky because you may have a cool-season or warm-season grass in your yard, and the best time to perform lawn maintenance tasks varies for each.
\n\n\n\nSo, before starting with a maintenance routine, it’s important to know what type of grass is in your yard. Once you know you have warm-season or cool-season grass, you can proceed with seasonal maintenance.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn spring, both cool-season and warm-season grasses will start to green up after winter dormancy. Once your grass greens up and starts growing again, it’s time to start mowing and fertilizing regularly.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses typically start to green up in early spring, while warm-season grasses wait until late spring when the soil warms up a bit. Because it is the beginning of the growing season, late spring is the best time to plant new warm-season grass seeds. It is also the best time to aerate and dethatch warm-season lawns.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring summer, irrigation will be critical for your transition zone grass, particularly cool-season grasses, which struggle in heat and drought conditions. Water your lawn with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week, skipping weeks with rainfall. For cool-season grasses, you may need to increase the frequency of your watering sessions.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if your cool-season grass goes dormant in summer, excess water will not help it but will encourage weeds, pests, and lawn diseases. Dormant cool-season grasses may turn brown, but that doesn’t mean they’re dead. Avoid fertilizing them, as fertilizers do nothing for dormant grass.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, summer is warm-season grass’s time to shine! This is when these grasses grow most actively, so you will need to mow your lawn at least once per week and maybe more during summer.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce autumn sets in, warm-season grasses will begin to slow their growth, while cool-season grass growth will start to pick up the pace. Fall is the best time to aerate, dethatch, and seed cool-season grasses. You can also fertilize them once in early fall and again in late fall with a specialized fall lawn fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYou should not aerate, dethatch, or plant warm-season grasses in fall, as they are preparing to enter dormancy and need to rest. You can fertilize them in early fall, but be sure to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer designed to help grass through the winter. As the temperatures cool, you can also lower the amount you water your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring winter in the transition zone, most grass types will go dormant, whether they are warm-season or cool-season types. Don’t mow or fertilize the lawn during winter dormancy, and do your best to avoid walking or driving on the lawn during this time. The best thing you can do for your grass during this time is leave it alone.
\n\n\n\nInstead of working on your grass, take this time to winterize your lawn equipment, including lawn mowers, weed eaters, and sprinkler systems.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPay attention to how much sun your yard gets, and choose a grass type that thrives in the right level of sun exposure. For example, if your yard is full of huge shade trees, a sun-loving grass like Bermuda probably won’t grow very well for you.
\n\n\n\nAnother thing to think about is the maintenance level you’re comfortable with. How much work are you willing to put into your lawn? If the answer is “not much,” you should choose a low-maintenance grass that will still look great even if you don’t do much to help it.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA quick way to determine which hardiness zone you reside in so that you can discover the best plans and grasses to grow is by typing your zip code into the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes. Grasses in this region may experience dormancy more than in northern or southern regions because the summers are typically hot, which leads to cool-season grass dormancy, and the fall seasons are typically chilly, which leads to warm-season grass dormancy.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot everyone was born with a green thumb. And even if you have a knack for planting and growing grass successfully, this doesn’t mean you have the time to do it properly – especially if you live in the transition zone, where lawn care is fraught with challenges. For help maintaining your transition zone lawn so it always looks its best, contact a local lawn care pro to schedule regular maintenance on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"Guide to Transition Zone Grasses","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1789c/Four-season-tree.jpg","srcSet":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/107df/Four-season-tree.jpg 320w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/293e9/Four-season-tree.jpg 500w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/f2cbb/Four-season-tree.jpg 800w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1789c/Four-season-tree.jpg 960w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/c26c2/Four-season-tree.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1dd6e/Four-season-tree.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/67b76/Four-season-tree.webp 320w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/8df11/Four-season-tree.webp 500w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/98a65/Four-season-tree.webp 800w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1dd6e/Four-season-tree.webp 960w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/3cc96/Four-season-tree.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide to Transition Zone Grasses | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass for the transition zone is usually a combination of warm-season and cool-season grass. Learn more in this guide to transition zone grasses."}}}],"postCity":{}}}}![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_screen_shot_2022-08-07_at_60949_pm.jpg\")
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