![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6baa5fee-5658-4828-9be8-cf92497e9b5f.jpg\")
Lawn aeration is essential if the soil in your yard has become compacted over time. This simple yet powerful procedure can revitalize grass and improve its general health. We’ll cover all the information you need to aerate your lawn correctly, including when and how to aerate your lawn and why your grass might need it. […]
\n","content":"\nLawn aeration is essential if the soil in your yard has become compacted over time. This simple yet powerful procedure can revitalize grass and improve its general health. We’ll cover all the information you need to aerate your lawn correctly, including when and how to aerate your lawn and why your grass might need it.
\n\n\nInfographic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nYour lawn is continuously communicating with you, so pay attention to the cues it gives you. You can identify when it’s time to aerate by paying attention to the state of your lawn. Here are some key indicators that your lawn could benefit from aeration:
\n\n\n\nThe best time for lawn aeration is determined by the type of grass in your yard. In general, aerating your lawn during your grass’s growing season is optimal because the grass is active and can recover rapidly from the aeration process. Since cool-season and warm-season grasses have different growing seasons, the best time to aerate them is different.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLate spring or early summer is the ideal time to aerate warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. It is the beginning of the grass’s growth season, so your lawn has enough time to recover from the stress of aeration before the hottest part of summer. Spring aeration also helps to alleviate soil compaction caused by winter conditions, allowing the grass to access vital nutrients and moisture more efficiently.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe best time for lawn aeration in cool-season lawns with grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue is early fall or early spring. Aerating in the fall not only aids in reducing soil compaction but also promotes root development to help grass prepare for winter dormancy.
\n\n\n\nNote: Before aerating, evaluate the present weather conditions and soil moisture content. Don’t aerate your lawn after heavy rainfall; wait for it to dry.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn may appear to be a difficult task, but it can be a simple and rewarding process with the appropriate approach. Here’s a step-by-step strategy to aerate your lawn as efficiently as possible.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSharpen your mower’s blade and mow your grass shorter than usual. It allows for easier soil access during aeration. Watering your lawn 1 inch deep a day or two before aeration is also important to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore aerating your grass, mark any sprinkler heads or other obstacles to avoid damaging them. Call 811 a few days before you plan to aerate so someone can come out and mark your utility lines.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are two primary methods for aerating a lawn: spike aeration and core aeration.
\n\n\n\nSpike aeration is the process of poking holes in the soil with spikes, either by hand or with a tool.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration removes small cores or plugs of soil from the lawn. Core aeration is often favored because it creates more space in the soil, producing better results and more benefits.
\n\n\n\n![\"illustration](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Aeration-illustration.png\")
Graphic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/aerate-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeffoto / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nThere are various varieties of aerators available, each with its unique set of benefits. Consider the following options when choosing the right aeration equipment for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nNote: To pick the best sort of aerator for your needs, consider the size of your lawn, budget, and individual needs. Renting aerators is a cost-effective choice for infrequent use, but owning one may be more practical for frequent or large-scale aeration needs.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"illustration](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/aeration-patterns.png\")
Graphic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nBegin by walking or towing the aerator around your lawn’s perimeter, working your way inward. To ensure comprehensive coverage, slightly overlap each pass, or follow a crisscross pattern to cover your space entirely. Continue aerating the lawn until it is completely covered.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeave the soil plugs from core aerators on the lawn to break down naturally, or collect and compost them for later use.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter the aeration is finished, try top-dressing the lawn with a thin coating of compost or sand. It improves soil structure and adds valuable organic matter. Lightly water the lawn to settle the soil and aid in the recovery process. You can also fertilize or overseed your lawn to give it a fresh boost.
\n\n\n\nLearn more about post-aeration lawn care in our guide on What to Do After Aerating Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn once every 2 to 3 years should suffice for most lawns, mainly comprising sandy soil or soil that doesn’t easily compact. If your lawn has clay soil or is subjected to excessive foot traffic or compaction, you should aerate it once every year.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeeding your lawn after aeration can be highly beneficial. The newly formed holes provide an ideal environment for grass seeds to germinate. Spread the seeds evenly with a spreader, water frequently to keep the soil moist, and admire the lovely new growth!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, it can! Aeration minimizes soil compaction and improves water drainage, which can help prevent fungal diseases and other pest infestations. To find out more about what aeration can do, see our article on the Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn is essential for its health and vitality. But the thought of when and how to aerate it and the hours spent toiling with the aerator feels daunting. If you’d rather not invest that time and effort, consider seeking the help of a professional lawn care service provider. By hiring a skilled lawn care pro, you can be sure the aeration is effective and your lawn receives the attention it needs for healthier and more beautiful growth.
\n\n\n\nFeatured Image by Juan Rodriguez
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\n","content":"\nSummer patch resembles drought-stressed grass, but this lawn disease needs more than water to cure it. In this article, we’ll cover what summer patch is and how you can stop this disease from destroying your lawn.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nSummer patch is a root-destroying lawn disease that causes round patches of discolored grass. Summer patch can occur through the summer when soil temperatures rise above 65 degrees.
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of summer patch:
\n\n\n\nSummer patch thrives in warm, humid conditions, but these four factors make your lawn vulnerable to this fungus:
\n\n\n\nLow-cut grass makes your lawn susceptible to summer patch and other diseases. If you cut your grass blades more than one-third of their length when mowing, you risk “scalping” your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a tangled mass at the grass roots that makes it hard for the soil to get fresh air or sunlight. Thatch’s dark, moist conditions start to breed various types of fungi, one of which is Magnaporthe poae, which forms the disease summer patch.
\n\n\n\nToo much nitrogen fertilizer in your soil during the summer contributes to summer patch. Nitrogen fertilizer can burn and kill the grass. This partially dead grass makes the soil ripe for developing a pathogen like summer patch.
\n\n\n\nToo much water stresses your lawn, and the excess moisture can encourage the growth of summer patch.
\n\n\n\nWhile numerous stress factors lead to summer patch, sometimes the grass itself can be the problem. Summer patch is most common in Kentucky bluegrass, annual bluegrass, and fine fescues.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass and annual bluegrass are cool-season grasses. Planting them in warm regions makes them vulnerable to summer patch.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are adaptable to many climates. These soft grasses are drought-resistant. Despite their versatility, they are susceptible to summer patch.
\n\n\n\nBrown patch is very similar to summer patch and sometimes mistaken for it. Summer patch attacks the roots of the grass, while brown patch attacks the leaf blades. Treatments for each are very different.
\n\n\n\nYou need to determine if your yard is suffering from summer patch, brown patch or some other lawn disease before beginning a treatment plan. Below is a chart of some of the most common lawn diseases and the patterns they create on your grass.
\n\n\n\n| Summer Patch | Brown Patch | Dollar Spot | Necrotic Ring Spot |
| Develops a circular formation on your lawn that’s yellow or orange. | Similar to summer patch but forms brown circular patches. | Develops circles that look like drops of bleach on your lawn. | Forms full ovals. |
If you can’t determine which pathogen is infecting your lawn, don’t resort to a spray and pray method. The wrong treatment won’t fix the disease and could make it worse.
\n\n\n\nInstead, send a sample of your grass to your county extension office to have them determine what disease is present, so you’ll know how to treat it.
\n\n\n\nLeft untreated, summer patch disease can destroy the root system of your entire lawn. Here are a few ways to eliminate this lawn fungus.
\n\n\n\nHere are some ways to prevent summer patch from infecting your lawn:
\n\n\n\nYes. Summer patch is much more common in regions with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees.
\n\n\n\nYes. Spraying a proper fungicide two to three times over the course of 28 days should eliminate the summer patch. Then you can refill the missing or dead areas of grass with fungus-resistant grass seed.
\n\n\n\nNo. In fact, adding a nitrogen-based fertilizer in the heat of summer will only encourage the summer patch to spread.
When you fertilize in September or October, use a phosphorus- and potassium-based fertilizer that will lower the pH level of your soil.
Not sure if your lawn is suffering from summer patch or another lawn disease? We can help you find a lawn care professional near you who can bring your grass back to life.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Scot Nelson | Flickr | Public Domain
\n","title":"What is Summer Patch?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/1789c/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/107df/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.jpg 320w,\n/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/293e9/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.jpg 500w,\n/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/f2cbb/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.jpg 800w,\n/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/1789c/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.jpg 960w,\n/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/c26c2/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/1dd6e/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/67b76/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.webp 320w,\n/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/8df11/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.webp 500w,\n/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/98a65/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.webp 800w,\n/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/1dd6e/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.webp 960w,\n/static/ad8bee816be4bd070f47833aca71b0d9/3cc96/rsz_14747617254_5bd18e730f_k.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What is Summer Patch? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"What is summer patch? Those circular brown patches on your lawn could be summer patch. We’ll identify and get rid of this lawn disease."}}},{"node":{"id":"fc01ca95-4faa-5ce8-8ef3-c9a4548de41e","slug":"when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed","path":"/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Watering your lawn at the correct time interval after applying weed and feed ensures the product actually works. The type of weed and feed used determines the time frame in which the grass should be watered after administering the product. This article covers when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed, depending on […]
\n","content":"\nWatering your lawn at the correct time interval after applying weed and feed ensures the product actually works. The type of weed and feed used determines the time frame in which the grass should be watered after administering the product. This article covers when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed, depending on the specific type.
\n\n\n\nKeep reading to find out how to get it right the first time.
\n\n\nWhen to water your lawn after applying weed and feed products is just as important as knowing how and when to apply weed and feed. Watering your grass too soon or too late can result in ineffective weed control and keep the fertilizer from creating a healthy lawn full of green grass.
\n\n\n\nFind out below when to water the lawn after applying the different types of weed and feed products.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent weed and feed products require water to help them penetrate the ground to be effective. You can water the grass 12 to 24 hours after application. For the best results, wait at least 24 hours before watering.
\n\n\n\nRain: The rain can help soak the herbicide into the soil. However, do not water the lawn if it rains after you apply weed and feed. Too much water can wash away the treatment.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dean Clarke / Shutterstock / License
\n\n\n\nHomeowners should use post-emergent weed and feed products when it will be dry for a few days. These products are more sensitive to watering than their pre-emergent counterparts.
\n\n\n\nWait two days before watering the lawn to give the herbicide portion of the weed and feed time to absorb into the leaves of the weeds. If watered before 48 hours, the chemicals are washed away and will not work.
\n\n\n\nRain: Be sure to check the weather forecast and pick a time to apply weed and feed when it is going to be dry for a few days.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"fertilizer](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nFor granular fertilizer to work, it must be watered into the ground to release the lawn food that makes grass healthy and gives you a green lawn. If the fertilizer does not receive water, it can burn the grass if it sits on the lawn during the summer.
\n\n\n\nWait 12 to 24 hours before watering your lawn after applying granular pre-emergent weed and feed.
\n\n\n\nGrass treated with granular post-emergents should not be watered for at least 48 hours.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike granular products, liquid weed and feed does not require watering to work. And you do not have to wait as long to water the lawn. As a rule of thumb, waiting at least 24 hours is best. Too much watering can render the chemicals ineffective, so be mindful of this when you turn on the sprinklers.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe chemicals in these two different types of weed and feed do not mix well. Therefore, homeowners are advised not to use both a pre-emergent and post-emergent at the same time. Here are some reasons why:
\n\n\n\n— They should be watered at different times after application.
— They should be applied at different times to work. Pre-emergents should be used in early spring. Post-emergents should be applied in the late spring.
Weed and feed is a combination of chemicals to treat weeds and fertilize the grass. The lawn fertilizer – the “feed” part – contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, important plant nutrients. The weed control portion can be either a pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPre-Emergent Weed and Feed: Pre-emergent weed and feed products have herbicides to stop weed seeds from germinating. Pre-emergent products do not kill weeds. Depending on the ingredients, pre-emergent weed and feed inhibits cell division, prevents root growth, or stops enzyme growth to keep weeds from growing in the first place.
\n\n\n\nPost-Emergent Weed and Feed: Post-emergent two-in-one products have chemicals that kill weeds that are already growing. Contact-based products kill the plant parts they come into contact with, which is typically the parts above ground. Systemic post-emergents can be sprayed on any part of the weed and are absorbed into the plant, destroying its entire vascular system.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Srinuan Hirunwat / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nPre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent: If you want to prevent weeds from growing, you’ll want a pre-emergent weed and feed. A post-emergent weed and feed is best in yards already held hostage by weeds.
\n\n\n\nLiquid vs. Granular: If you want to spot-treat weeds, liquid weed and feed products allow you to target individual weeds. Granular weed and feeds use a spreader to apply to a larger area. If you have a lot of weeds throughout your yard and want to apply chemicals quickly, a granular product may be best.
\n\n\n\nGrass Type: The type of grass is also a part of the decision of which weed and feed to select. Weed and feed labels list which types of grass they can be used on and at what stage. For example, pre-emergents should never be used on turfgrass recently seeded.
\n\n\n\nSome chemicals can be used on warm-season grasses but not on cool-season grasses and vice versa. Scotts Turf Builder is an example of a weed and feed that can be used on both.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeed and feed products are conveniently available and can be found at many home improvement brick-and-mortar locations and online stores like Amazon. However, weed and feed can be bad for your lawn for the following reasons:
\n\n\n\n— The best time to fertilize your lawn and the best time to treat weeds are often different.
— The chemicals in weed and feed are dangerous for children and pets.
— Weed products are often only needed in specific areas, while fertilizer is required all across the lawn.
— The harsh chemicals in weed and feed can leach into the surrounding environment.
— Weed and feed can sometimes harm plants other than weeds, including grass, shrubs, and trees.
How long should you wait before mowing the grass after using weed and feed?
\n\n\n\nGive the product time to work. Wait at least three days before you mow the grass.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen can you aerate your lawn after applying weed and feed?
\n\n\n\nYou should wait four weeks after applying weed and feed before aerating your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAre liquid and granular weed and feed applied differently?
\n\n\n\nYes. Liquid weed and feed products are applied using a sprayer. Granular weed and feed chemicals are disbursed using a drop-type spreader, rotary spreader, or broadcast spreader.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShould you water your grass before applying weed and feed?
\n\n\n\nWatering the lawn before applying granular products is helpful. It can help the granules stick to the weeds. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen is it safe for children and pets to come back on the lawn?
\n\n\n\nWait until after a heavy rainfall before allowing your loved ones back on the grass. You can also water your lawn for a few days in a row to be sure the residual from the chemicals is washed away.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow soon can a lawn be reseeded after applying pre-emergent herbicide?
\n\n\n\nHomeowners should wait at least 8-10 weeks after applying weed control to reseed a lawn, or the herbicide could kill the grass seeds.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGetting the timing right on when to water your grass after applying weed and feed will determine if the chemicals work. It will also affect whether you end up with an attractive, healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nKeeping up with when to water the grass takes time and effort. You could end up spending more time and money correcting your mistake if you do not get it right.
\n\n\n\n
If you prefer to let someone else handle your lawn care chores and eliminate the risk of you messing up the timing, WikiLawn can connect you with lawn care professionals in your area who can help control weeds and maintain your grass for an appealing, healthy lawn.
Main Photo Credit: nenovbrothers / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1789c/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/107df/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/293e9/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/f2cbb/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1789c/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/c26c2/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1dd6e/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/67b76/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 320w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/8df11/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 500w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/98a65/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 800w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1dd6e/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 960w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/3cc96/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed so that weed seeds do not germinate, weeds are killed, and the lawn fertilizer works, too."}}},{"node":{"id":"1e29b4b2-88ce-5c3d-8adf-117bde6af896","slug":"the-2018-community-cultivator-awards","path":"/blog/the-2018-community-cultivator-awards/","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":"January 16th, 2019","excerpt":"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.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/zupWsS_c1ZNb_kp7eDlCdRI5WebLPZtcsj2u8BPWBbL4j9ceyE6erFquHWVCijlIEZeVFDyHqvN4F0AmtIg7t_4OuDwqzFxqsewbJcE_Y6Dltl9wXbr96P31L69234SrjLZ7CzJT\")
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":""}}},{"node":{"id":"60342570-630f-51a1-ace2-3c700993b3e1","slug":"artificial-grass-for-dogs","path":"/blog/artificial-grass-for-dogs/","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 3rd, 2022","excerpt":"Want a lawn where Fido can jump and play, but not destroy? Artificial grass could save you time and money. Choose the right type of artificial grass for dogs, and it may even be pet-friendlier than the lawn you work so hard on to maintain. Check out these pros and cons, along with other helpful […]
\n","content":"\nWant a lawn where Fido can jump and play, but not destroy? Artificial grass could save you time and money. Choose the right type of artificial grass for dogs, and it may even be pet-friendlier than the lawn you work so hard on to maintain.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these pros and cons, along with other helpful information about artificial grass for dogs, and you may be ready to turn synthetic turf into pet turf.
\n\n\n\nContents
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Evergreen | 1. Costly |
| 2. No More Bugs | 2. Needs Replacing |
| 3. Less Mess Inside | 3. Heats Up |
| 4. Easy Cleanup Outside | 4. Odor |
| 5. Allergy Free |
You don’t have to spend the summer mowing and weeding your lawn to placate your pup. Let’s look at the benefits for pet owners and their dogs of installing fake grass.
\n\n\n\nTired of brown or yellow spots on your natural lawn? Chances are, your dog (or someone else’s) has been peeing there. Dog urine has a high concentration of nitrogen and salt that kills grass.
\n\n\n\nDead grass isn’t a problem you’ll have to worry about with a synthetic lawn. Artificial turf won’t stain when Lassie does her business, and the yard looks good year-round.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re tired of fleas and ticks hitching a ride inside on your pooch, artificial grass helps put a stop to that. It keeps your pet healthier, helping him to avoid the scratching, red, scaly skin, hair loss, and scabs. You also won’t have to worry about fleas and other pests making your pet seriously ill with tapeworm or anemia.
\n\n\n\nWildlife carries fleas. Deer and rabbits won’t be dropping by to feed on your artificial grass. You also won’t have to worry about getting rid of grubs or other lawn-destroying bugs since there’s nothing for them to feast on. Synthetic turf’s drainage holes also keep water from pooling, so there’s no standing water to attract insects.
\n\n\n\nDogs aren’t just bringing fleas into your home. They track in dirt with muddy paws and matted fur when you have real grass. Cleanup is no fun, especially if you have wall-to-wall carpet.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass turf doesn’t have bare spots where rain leaves a muddy mess for our furry friends to play. And fake grass won’t come off on your pooch’s fur when they roll around and play.
\n\n\n\nThe smell is a big concern for pet owners considering synthetic lawns. After all, they’re dealing with poop and dog pee daily. Artificial grass products include turf deodorizer that sits between the grass blades and liquid cleaners that eliminate odor.
\n\n\n\nWhether you have a lawn made of sod or artificial grass, you should pick up dog poop as soon as possible. Waiting too long poses health risks. You’ll have to hose it down several times and spray vinegar and water on the affected area. Use a leaf blower to remove any sticks or debris, then simply hose down the artificial lawn with a garden hose.
\n\n\n\nPet turf may be your only choice if you or your dog are allergic to grass. Pets may suffer constant scratching, hair loss, or rashes from rolling or digging in natural grass or just being around it. Synthetic turf is a great way to have a lovely green lawn without sacrificing your dog’s health.
\n\n\n\nThere’s no way around it. Putting in a synthetic lawn costs more than real grass- at least at first. Artificial turf installation runs an average of just over $12 per square foot, or about $5,000 for the average lawn, while even the most expensive sod averages 83 cents per square foot.
\n\n\n\nLaying natural grass may require purchasing or renting a sod cutter, roto-tiller, and other expensive equipment. Installing artificial grass requires all that plus infill, a weed barrier, edging, adhesives, and the actual synthetic grass.
\n\n\n\nThe cost may even out in the long run, as maintenance on real grass is more expensive than that of artificial turf. You’ll have to decide if low maintenance down the road on fake grass outweighs the initial expense.
\n\n\n\nReplacing synthetic turf is much more costly than replacing sod, and times vary on how often it’s necessary. Turf on a sports field gets more use than in your backyard and needs replacing more frequently.
\n\n\n\nAssuming normal lawn use, a well-maintained, quality artificial lawn can last 15 to 20 years. Developers continue to improve the durability and appearance of the grass, but pet waste can shorten the synthetic tuff’s lifespan if not cleaned properly, due to build-up on the grass blades.
\n\n\n\nIt’s cheaper to keep natural grass looking good by overseeding every year. This keeps it greener, creates a thicker carpet, and tacks on years to the lawn at a very small cost. Grass seed averages 8 to 20 cents per square foot.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass can get too hot for our furry friends’ paws when the sun is out. Dogs already run hotter than humans, with an average temperature of 101 degrees. So leaving them outside when the thermometer climbs may lead to dehydration or heat stroke.
\n\n\n\nnatural grass releases water vapor that leads to cooling, but fake grass can’t do that, so it absorbs the heat. While most studies on the temperature of synthetic turf relate to sports fields, it’s estimated that an artificial lawn gets at least 20 degrees hotter than a natural lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou can help keep Fido cool by limiting outdoor playtime on the synthetic turf to mornings and evenings and keep your pup inside during the hottest time of the day. You also want to make sure your yard has a shaded area where your pup can rest without feeling the heat.
\n\n\n\nYou can’t rely on enough steady rain to rinse pet waste from the turf. As we’ve already mentioned, picking up poop as soon as your dog goes keeps it from drying on the fake grass. You should also take immediate action when it comes to pet urine.
\n\n\n\nDog pee makes its way through the blades of fake grass and congeals in the bottom of the carpet if it’s not removed. As it builds up, so does the smell. Hosing down your artificial turf regularly eliminates the urine and smell.
\n\n\n\nThe best artificial grass for dogs is called pet turf. While all synthetic lawn carpets have porous backing for drainage, pet turf has highly durable backing with slightly larger drainage holes. This allows dog pee to pass through the turf without congealing.
\n\n\n\nPet turf works well for large and small dogs and even multiple furry friends. You can also put it in dog runs and kennels. It’s important to note that the sub-base must be properly installed. If not, dogs can dig up the turf or tear it, especially at the seams and edges.
\n\n\n\nUltimately, You have to make the choice that works best for you and your dog, whether that’s a natural lawn or synthetic turf. But it’s good to know that low-maintenance, pet-friendly artificial grass is an option.
\n\n\n\n1. Is Artificial Grass Safe for Dogs?
\n\n\n\nYes, and often it’s safer than sod. Most artificial grass is made of polyethylene, the same plastic used for kids’ toys and common household products.
\n\n\n\nWhat CAN make synthetic grass harmful is lead in the green coloring of the blades or black tire crumbs as infill. Those materials can be toxic, so only use artificial turf and infill that has been tested and is 100% lead and latex free.
\n\n\n\n2. How Do You Clean Pet Turf?
\n\n\n\nA spray with the garden hose is essential after daily bathroom breaks, but you’ll need to do a bit more on a weekly basis.
\n\n\n\nAfter picking up pet waste, add vinegar to the water to keep the urine and poop from congealing at the base of the fake grass. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the affected area, then hose it off.
\n\n\n\n3. Can Synthetic Lawns be Installed Around Landscaping?
\n\n\n\nYes. Fake grass can be cut to fit around trees, mailboxes, swing sets, or anything else you may have in your yard. You will have to take some extra steps while installing it, so be sure to measure twice before making any cuts.
\n\n\n\nDon’t worry about fake grass blocking the tree’s water source. The backing on artificial turf is quite porous, and rainwater easily reaches the roots.
\n\n\n\nDon’t have the time or energy to install an artificial lawn? We can find a landscaping pro near you to install it for you.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Rawpixel
\n","title":"Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/107df/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 320w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/293e9/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 500w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/f2cbb/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 800w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 960w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/c26c2/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/67b76/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 320w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/8df11/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 500w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/98a65/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 800w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 960w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/3cc96/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Artificial grass may be better for your dog and your landscape than sod. We look at the pros and cons of artificial grass for dogs."}}},{"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":"\nAeration is an essential but frequently overlooked part of lawn care. It means creating holes in the soil to loosen it up and make it easier for water and nutrients to reach your grass’s roots. We’ll go over the benefits of aerating your lawn to help you understand why this little-known lawn care practice is so important and worth doing regularly.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/367d6df1-ce98-4788-9796-f09e94b226cd.jpg\")
Photo Credit: driftlessstudio / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nLawn aeration provides various advantages that improve your lawn’s general health and appearance. Here are the biggest benefits of aerating your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlants, like humans, require oxygen to thrive. When your soil becomes compacted, the lawn’s roots struggle to get enough oxygen, resulting in weak and shallow root systems. Aerating your lawn allows oxygen to enter the root zone, encouraging the roots to grow deeper and stronger. Improved oxygen circulation promotes healthier grass growth, enhances drought tolerance, and lowers the risk of lawn disease.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAeration stimulates not just oxygen circulation but also nutritional absorption by your grass’s roots. Compacted soil prevents nutrients – like the ones in lawn fertilizer – from reaching the root zone, resulting in undernourished grass. Aerating allows nutrients to infiltrate the soil, ensuring your grass obtains the nutrients it requires to thrive. Enhanced nutrient absorption leads to greener, denser, and more resilient turf.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition to oxygen and nutrients, water is essential for sustaining healthy grass. Compacted soil frequently results in water runoff and uneven moisture distribution. Aeration allows water to penetrate deeper into the soil, reaching thirsty roots.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, the holes generated by aeration serve as reservoirs, allowing the soil to retain moisture for extended periods. This water-conscious method ensures appropriate hydration while reducing water waste.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoil compaction is a typical problem, especially in high-traffic lawns. Compacted soil is dense and lacks air, water, and space for root development. Aerating breaks up the compacted soil, relaxing it and allowing the roots to expand. It will enable healthier grass growth, better drainage, and a better environment for beneficial soil insects like earthworms.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that builds up between grass blades and the soil surface. While a modest covering of thatch can be good for your lawn, too much of it will cause difficulties, such as blocking water and fertilizer from reaching the soil.
\n\n\n\nCompacted soil promotes excessive thatch buildup by preventing decomposition. Aeration aids in the resolution of this problem by breaking up the thatch layer, promoting its decomposition, and preventing excessive build-up, which results in improved nutrient absorption in the soil
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA properly aerated lawn creates an environment where grass roots may grow deeper, resulting in a greener, lusher lawn. Stronger root systems provide the grass blades with better support, making them more resistant to wear and tear. Aerating your grass encourages general development, resulting in denser turf that tolerates stressors like heat, drought, and foot traffic.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAeration is a proactive approach to lawn care rather than a reactive technique. You may avoid many problems like disease susceptibility, weed invasion, and uneven, lifeless grass by aerating your grass regularly. Aeration is a preventative strategy that keeps your lawn healthy and reduces the need for costly repairs or treatments later.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTo better understand the benefits of aeration, you should have a grasp on how the process works and why it’s necessary. Lawn aeration is the process of making small holes in the soil to improve air circulation, water penetration, and nutrient absorption.
\n\n\n\nSoil becomes compacted over time as a result of:
\n\n\n\nThis compaction hinders the passage of air, water, and nutrients deep into the soil, harming your grass’s health and growth. Aeration is the remedy that breathes new life into your lawn. Aeration can be done using:
\n\n\n\nSome homeowners may prefer liquid aeration products, which work on a smaller scale to break up compacted soil. Depending on the size and condition of your lawn, you can rent equipment or hire expert lawn care service providers.
\n\n\n\nTo learn more about how aeration works (and how you can do it yourself), see our article on When and How to Aerate Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\nAnd if you decide to aerate on your own instead of hiring a pro, you’ll want to check out What to Do After Aerating Your Lawn to get the best results from your hard work.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow frequently should I aerate my lawn?
\n\n\n\nThe frequency of lawn aeration is determined by factors such as soil type, lawn usage, and soil compaction. Generally, you should aerate your lawn once a year if it has clay soil. But if you have soil that does not appear to compact easily, then it is advised to aerate once every three years.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat are some of the lawn care tips for aeration?
\n\n\n\nConsider the following tips to get the most out of your aeration efforts:
\n\n\n\nHow to take care of your lawn after aeration?
\n\n\n\nMaintain a regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing schedule to encourage healthy grass growth. Avoid excessive foot traffic immediately following aeration to allow the grass to recover. You’ll reap the benefits of aeration for months if you properly care for your grass afterward.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen should you aerate your lawn?
\n\n\n\nFall is the most active growing season for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, so it is the optimal time of year to aerate them. On the other hand, warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, are best aerated in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawn aeration is a game changer when it comes to having lush, gorgeous grass. You may transform your lawn into an oasis of green by recognizing the benefits aeration brings. Regular aeration, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, will keep your lawn healthy, resilient, and the envy of the neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nGet a free quote from local lawn aeration pros to embrace the power of aeration and unlock the full potential of your lawn today!
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: macniak / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"The Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/1789c/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/107df/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 320w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/293e9/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 500w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/f2cbb/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 800w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/1789c/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 960w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/c26c2/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/1dd6e/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/67b76/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 320w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/8df11/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 500w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/98a65/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 800w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/1dd6e/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 960w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/3cc96/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read our guide to get familiar with aeration and the benefits of aerating your lawn to make it breathable, healthy, and beautiful."}}},{"node":{"id":"56d927f0-5ba1-53a1-8ce5-798a8bdfd772","slug":"organic-lawn-fertilizer","path":"/blog/organic-lawn-fertilizer/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Taha Javed is a freelance writer and business student in Lahore, Pakistan. She loves swimming, reading, and playing with her dog.","name":"Taha Javed","id":"0531d17c-e9c8-5153-a6fb-6e2994f71716","path":"/author/taha-javed/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/877749883781783414fae4d0b98beb69?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"July 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Organic lawn fertilizers are a natural and sustainable way to nourish your lawn while causing the least environmental harm. These fertilizers give essential nutrients to the soil by utilizing organic materials and natural substances, fostering healthy development and sparkling green grass. What are Organic Fertilizers? Photo Credit: melGreenFR from Pixabay / Canva Pro / License […]
\n","content":"\nOrganic lawn fertilizers are a natural and sustainable way to nourish your lawn while causing the least environmental harm. These fertilizers give essential nutrients to the soil by utilizing organic materials and natural substances, fostering healthy development and sparkling green grass.
\n\n\n![\"compost](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-and-soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: melGreenFR from Pixabay / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nOrganic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and are minimally processed. They are often made up of plant material, animal byproducts, or mineral deposits. These materials decompose or compost, producing nutrient-rich substances that can be applied to lawns and gardens to offer necessary nourishment.
\n\n\n\nCompost, animal manure, bone meal, blood meal, fish emulsion, broken shell, and kelp meal are all examples of organic fertilizers. Because of their natural composition and slow-release nature, they provide a more balanced and environmentally conscientious approach to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nThere are a few essential things to consider while looking for organic fertilizers for your lawn, including:
\n\n\n\nConsidering these aspects, you can choose the best organic fertilizer for your lawn and create a healthy, vibrant, and environmentally friendly landscape. You can also get assistance from our guide on choosing lawn fertilizer to make the right choice for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nOrganic fertilizers and synthetic fertilizers both have pros and cons, but how do they stack up against each other? Take a look at our comparison.
\n\n\n\n| Pros of Organic Fertilizer | Pros of Synthetic Fertilizer |
| ✓ Slow-release for longer-lasting, more consistent results ✓ Improves soil composition and microbial health ✓ Don’t pollute the soil or local bodies of water ✓ Fewer health risks than synthetic chemicals | ✓ Immediate release for faster results and quick green-up ✓ Formulated with specific nutrient formulations to compensate for individual soil deficiencies ✓ More affordable than organic options |
| Cons of Organic Fertilizer | Cons of Synthetic Fertilizer |
| ✗ Takes longer to see results ✗ More expensive than synthetic fertilizers | ✗ More likely to cause fertilizer burn or lead to nutrient imbalances ✗ Can harm beneficial microorganisms in the soil ✗ Runoff contributes to water pollution ✗ Results don’t last as long, so more frequent applications are necessary ✗ More dangerous for pets and children who might accidentally consume harmful chemicals |
Organic fertilizers use natural processes to slowly release nutrients and promote soil health gradually. On the other hand, synthetic fertilizers are manufactured chemically, containing concentrated amounts of specific nutrients quickly released into your soil.
\n\n\n\nSynthetic fertilizers provide rapid nutrient availability to plants but can also lead to nutrient imbalances, leach into bodies of water, and cause soil degradation. These fertilizers have the potential to harm beneficial soil organisms and contribute to water pollution, whereas organic fertilizers improve the soil’s structure, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling.
\n\n\n\nOrganic fertilizers are comparatively more expensive than traditional chemical fertilizers and may take longer to give you results. But their long-term benefits and lower environmental impact make them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
\n\n\n\n![\"compost](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/compost-soil-near-vegetation.jpg\")
Photo Credit: schulzie / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nOrganic lawn fertilizers provide multiple benefits, making them an appealing alternative for ecologically conscious lawn owners. Let’s examine the benefits of using organic fertilizers and why going natural is the best option.
\n\n\n\nOrganic lawn fertilizers have varying NPK ratios, representing the percentage of nitrogen (N; encourages leaf growth), phosphorus (P; stimulates root development), and potassium (K; fortifies plant cells and increases disease resistance) they contain. Here are some common NPK ratios you may encounter with organic fertilizers:
\n\n\n\nConsider your lawn’s nutrient requirements when selecting an organic fertilizer, and choose a product with a suitable NPK ratio.
\n\n\n\nJust remember that organic fertilizers have lower ratios than synthetic ones because they release nutrients slowly. Understanding the NPK ratio enables you to provide the proper nutrient balance, resulting in a lush and vibrant lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"cool-season](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to applying organic fertilizer, appropriate techniques and timing are essential. Fertilizers are best used in one to two applications for a healthy lawn, but timing differs for cool-season grass and warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nLearn more about the timing of fertilization for different grass types with our ideal lawn fertilizer schedule.
\n\n\n\nCombine organic fertilizer application with proper lawn care procedures for the best results. Mow your lawn at the appropriate height regularly, water it properly, and deal with any weed or pest problems as soon as possible. Follow our detailed guide on when and how to fertilize your lawn to do it correctly.
\n\n\n\n![\"full](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/full-compost-bin.jpg\")
Photo Credit: piotr_malczyk / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nBefore diving into the best organic lawn care practices, let’s get familiar with organic lawn care. Organic lawn care refers to maintaining a healthy green lawn using natural and environmentally friendly methods. It involves avoiding chemicals, such as synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, and instead focusing on organic alternatives.
\n\n\n\nPopular organic lawn care practices to use in tandem with organic lawn fertilizers include:
\n\n\n\nGrow the grasses that thrive in your locality without competition. For instance, cool-season grass is better for regions with cold winters and mild summers, while warm-season grass is better for regions with hot summers and mild winters.
\n\n\n\nFor an even lower maintenance and more eco-friendly lawn, ditch traditional turfgrasses altogether and plant native grasses from your region, such as switchgrass, blue grama, buffalograss, or bushy bluestem. Native grasses thrive with less irrigation, fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide, which is better for your schedule, your wallet, and the environment.
\n\n\n\nEmbrace the power of composting by creating your own compost out of kitchen scraps or purchasing organic compost. Apply a light layer of compost to your lawn yearly to strengthen the soil, increase its ability to retain water, and enrich it with nutrients.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/17218096280_40c673bc1f_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Webster / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTo promote healthy root growth and shade out weeds, raise the height of your mower blades and cut the grass taller. Keep the grass trimmings on the lawn since they serve as an organic mulch and add nutrients to the grass. Taller grass needs less water, which is critical for water conservation.
\n\n\n\nTo promote healthy root development, water deeply but less frequently. This forces your grass’s roots to grow deep into the ground to reach the water, which makes your lawn more drought-tolerant. Drought-tolerant lawns use less water.
\n\n\n\nUse an Integrated Pest Management strategy, which emphasizes avoiding pest problems rather than eliminating them with harmful pesticides. To prevent lawn pests naturally, keep your lawn free of dead leaves, excessive thatch, and other organic matter. It’s also a good idea to attract predatory insects, birds, and other natural predators which feed on those pests.
\n\n\n\nFocus on maintaining a weed-free lawn by regularly watering and mowing at the correct height. Reduce the need for chemical herbicides by pulling weeds by hand or making your own eco-friendly homemade weed killer.
\n\n\n\nOrganic lawn fertilizers may have an upfront price greater than synthetic fertilizers. However, when the long-term benefits of healthy soil, lower environmental impact, and healthier grass growth are considered, investing in organic lawn care can result in cost savings over time.
\n\n\n\nYes, organic lawn fertilizer is suitable for all varieties of grass. Organic fertilizers are available to suit the unique nutrient requirements of both cool-season and warm-season grasses. Simply choose the proper organic fertilizer formulation for your grass type and apply it in the prescribed amounts.
\n\n\n\nYou can make your own natural lawn fertilizer from regular household items and natural ingredients. Kitchen waste, grass clippings, and mulched leaves can all be composted to create nutrient-rich fertilizer for your lawn. You may also produce compost tea by steeping compost in water and use it as a liquid fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nMost homeowners these days are environmental enthusiasts–it’s necessary in a world of climate change and spiking pollution. More and more people want to eliminate chemical-based products like synthetic fertilizers from their lawn care regimen to support their local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nOrganic fertilizers are an important part of any eco-friendly lawn care routine. If you’re one of these newfound eco-warrior lawn enthusiasts, learning everything you can about organic lawn fertilizer is a good first step.
\n\n\n\nIf you find it challenging to schedule fertilizer applications properly or need clarification about picking the right organic fertilizer for your lawn, don’t worry. You can always turn lawn fertilization over to the pros. Find a local lawn care pro who specializes in “green” lawn care on WikiLawn today.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Elena Photo / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"A Guide to Organic Lawn Fertilizer","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/1789c/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/107df/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/293e9/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/f2cbb/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/1789c/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/c26c2/compost-with-pitchfork-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/1dd6e/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/67b76/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 320w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/8df11/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 500w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/98a65/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 800w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/1dd6e/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 960w,\n/static/517b9011da36a0613d7bcdb931647b65/3cc96/compost-with-pitchfork-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Guide to Organic Lawn Fertilizer | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"In this guide, you can explore the benefits of organic lawn fertilizer, how to choose the right one, and tips for achieving a lush, chemical-free lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"63adb127-ed71-5bd0-8659-5015876f0e14","slug":"warm-season-grasses-guide","path":"/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/","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":"May 5th, 2023","excerpt":"Grass is just grass, right? Not hardly. If you live in southern U.S. states, you most likely have a warm-season grass for your lawn. This guide to warm-season grasses will explain why these are your best choices and detail how to keep your lawn green and healthy. In This Guide: What Are Warm-Season Grasses? Warm-season […]
\n","content":"\nGrass is just grass, right? Not hardly. If you live in southern U.S. states, you most likely have a warm-season grass for your lawn. This guide to warm-season grasses will explain why these are your best choices and detail how to keep your lawn green and healthy.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in the southern U.S., where temperatures pretty consistently remain between 75 and 95 degrees. Warm-season grasses tend to go dormant when the temperature drops below 55 degrees.
\n\n\n\nThe most common types of warm-season grasses are:
\n\n\n\nCertain grass types similarly are common in other regions of the country.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: These grasses typically thrive well in cooler climates of the northern United States and can withstand colder temperatures better than warm-season grasses. Some cool-season grasses also have strong drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses include fine fescues, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nTransition zone grasses: If you live in a band across the middle of the U.S., also known as the transition zone, you can choose from warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nRule of thumb: Though you have a wider range of grass choices in the transition zone, homeowners in the northern part tend to choose a cool-season grass, and if your home is in the southern part you likely would choose a warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nif you aren’t sure what type of grass you have, contact your local Cooperative Extension office to help you learn the type of grass you have in your yard.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses include bahiagrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass. Here’s what you need to know about each of these warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\n![\"Bahiagrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bahiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is very drought tolerant, disease tolerant, and pest-tolerant, and it’s low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHow to tell if you have bahiagrass: Blades form in a Y shape as they grow.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass can handle a considerable amount of foot traffic but needs frequent mowing because of the seedheads that sprout from the grass. This tough flowering part of the grass can take a toll on mowers, so keep your blades sharp as possible when mowing this grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is sun loving, drought tolerant and can handle a lot of foot traffic. The only downsides? This grass requires a lot of maintenance and treatments for some common lawn diseases.
\n\n\n\nHow to tell if you have bermudagrass: Your grass blades are light- or dark-colored and resemble the foot of a bird. Bermudagrass spreads by rhizomes and stolons, and you may see them creeping out of your yard toward the sidewalk.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a low-maintenance grass that is not prone to many lawn diseases. The only downside? Centipedegrass doesn’t handle foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nHow to tell if you have centipedegrass: This grass has a light green color and rounded blade tip. Centipedegrass spreads by stolons and has a dense look and coarse texture. Its dense, fast growth helps naturally prevent weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass looks gorgeous, stands up well to foot traffic, and is ideal in coastal areas because it handles the salty environment well. Downside? This grass will require moderate maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHow to tell if you have St. Augustinegrass: This grass has a rich dark green color and coarse texture. St. Augustinegrass is spread by stolons.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is very drought-tolerant and can handle a lot of foot traffic. Additionally, it is generally a low-maintenance grass option but will require frequent mowing. Unfortunately, this grass is susceptible to lots of lawn diseases, but it does naturally resist weeds.
\n\n\n\nHow to tell if you have Zoysia: This grass has pointy, narrow blades. This grass can look very fine, or it can appear to be very coarse, depending on the cultivar.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a an easy-to-skim comparison of warm-season grasses, highlighting their foot traffic tolerance, drought-heat tolerance, maintenance, and disease susceptibility:
| Bahiagrass | Bermudagrass | Centipedegrass | St.Augustinegrass | Zoysiagrass | |
| Foot Traffic Tolerance | Moderate | High | Low | Moderate | High |
| Drought/Heat Tolerance | Very High | High | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Maintenance | Low | High | Low | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Disease Susceptibility | Low Develops leaf spot | High Develops spring dead spot, dollar spot, large patch, leaf spot, rust | Moderate Develops large patch (aka brown patch) | High Develops gray leaf spot, take-all root rot, pythium root rot, brown patch, fairy ring | Moderate Develops brown patch, rust, dollar spot, powdery mildew, fairy ring, pythium blight |
To keep your warm-season grasses healthy throughout the year you’ll need to:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: sean hobson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMowing your lawn is one of the most important lawn care and maintenance tasks. Consistent mowing keeps pests and lawn diseases at bay.
\n\n\n\nBefore mowing season starts, sharpen your lawn mower’s blades – and keep them sharp. Here’s why: Cutting your grass with dull blades can put stress on your grass, making your lawn susceptible to pests and disease.
\n\n\n\nMowing Frequency: Most warn-season grasses need to be mowed weekly, but check the details above for your particular grass type. Mow your grass until late fall when dormancy starts to set in, and the grass stops growing.
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: As the growing season progresses, you will lower and raise your lawn mower’s blades to various heights. In summer, keep a higher grass height to avoid scalping and allow for more moisture to remain in your grass.
\n\n\n\nRule of Thumb: Don’t cut more than ⅓ of the height of your warm-season grass. Additionally, mow your grass until late fall when dormancy starts to set in, and the grass stops growing.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: Keep your mower blades clean between cuttings, particularly if your grass has recently had a lawn disease. This will prevent the spread of disease to other parts of our grass.
\n\n\n\nIf this all seems like way too much work and you don’t want to push your lawn mower around your yard, hire a lawn care pro near you.
\n\n\n\n![\"Set](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wikilawn-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnsure that your warm-season grass gets about 1 to 1.5 inches of water from a combination of rain and your sprinkler system. Note and abide by any local watering restrictions.
\n\n\n\nTiming: Ideally, water your grass before 8 a.m. This will minimize the growth of disease and water from evaporating during warmer parts of the day before it penetrates the soil. Avoid watering in temperatures below 40 degrees, as this could damage the grass.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: If you want your grass to have a strong root system, water for longer periods less frequently.
\n\n\n\n![\"Dollarweed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dollarweed-also-called-floating-pennywort-water-pennywort-Indian-pennywort-marsh-penny-thick-leaved-pennywort.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dariusz Kowalczyk / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeeds are another problem that could spring up in your lawn. How weeds damage your lawn: Weeds compete for nutrients that your grass needs.
\n\n\n\nIdentifying the weed (or weeds) in your yard is the starting point for treatment.
\n\n\n\nWith warm-season grasses, you may come across warm-season weeds, which include the following:
\n\n\n\nYou will need to treat these and other types of warm-season weeds with either a pre-emergent herbicide or post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides attack weeds below ground before they germinate, blocking weeds from sprouting. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in spring when the soil temperature is around 55 degrees and in fall when temperatures are around 70 degrees.
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides are a spray-and-shoot option to get rid of weeds you see on your lawn. Apply post-emergent herbicides in summer (or whenever dandelions take up residence in your yard).
\n\n\n\nYou can also get rid of weeds by pulling them up by hand. Wear garden gloves to keep your hands from getting dirty.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApply fertilizer to feed your grass by giving the soil the nutrients it needs to help grass grow and maintain a healthy green color.
\n\n\n\nSomething as simple as grass clippings can fertilize your grass, but you also may want to apply synthetic fertilizers for vibrant and healthy grass throughout the growing season.
\n\n\n\nFrequency: Every four to six weeks and even longer between fertilizing if you use slow-release fertilizers.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: The most important thing is that you don’t over-fertilize your grass because this could kill it and leave patches throughout your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAeration minimizes soil compaction and is another way to ensure your grass and soil get all the needed nutrients, particularly air. How to aerate your soil: You can use an aeration tool, aeration shoes, or a spike to poke holes in the ground, loosening compacted soil and letting in more air.
\n\n\n\nTiming: For warm-season grasses, it’s best to aerate your lawn in summer.
\n\n\n\nFrequency: Aerate once a year for highly compacted soil types such as clay. However, if you have a sandy soil type, you may need to aerate your soil only every three years.
\n\n\n\n![\"dethatcher](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hand-scarifiers-g35cd23e32_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf a small layer of dead and living organic matter builds up at the base of your grass, close to the soil, that is called thatch. This can make it hard for your grass to breathe.
\n\n\n\nWhat is dethatching? You must clear away this debris with a dethatching tool such as a rake or a mechanical tool.
\n\n\n\nFrequency: You should dethatch your grass at least every five years or when thatch gets thicker than 1 inch.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: If your lawn is prone to thatching, check for thatch annually.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTwo of the most damaging threats to your grass are lawn pests and lawn diseases.
\n\n\n\nGrubs, for example, will feed on your grass until they become mature adults unless you treat them with pesticides. Grubs are the white larvae you see on your grass from beetles that may have infested your yard in the previous season.
\n\n\n\nYour grass also may be damaged by lawn diseases. Some lawn diseases attack the root, while others attack the leaf blades of your grass.
\n\n\n\nYou will need to identify the lawn disease before applying a fungicide to eliminate the problem. Otherwise, applying the wrong treatment could create even worse problems.
\n\n\n\n![\"Overseeding](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOverseeding fills in patches and makes your lawn thicker and stronger. A patchy lawn can be the result of scalping or the result of some lawn disease or pest (armyworms, for example).
\n\n\n\nHow to overseed your lawn: It’s best to overseed warm-season grasses with a cool-season grass such as perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nTiming: Overseed your warm-season grass in mid-October to mid-November. This ensures your overseeded grass remains moist. By the time spring comes around, your lawn’s patches should be slowly disappearing as overseeded areas start to bloom.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to pests, you may also start to see weeds more frequently in mid to late summer. As you see weeds, spot-treat them with a post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nYes. It is possible to plant warm-season grasses in cool regions. However, since they thrive in temperatures between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, they will go dormant and turn brown when it gets too cold for these grasses. Once it warms up again, they will turn green.
No. Both warm- and cool-season grasses are susceptible to lawn diseases. They just may succumb to lawn disease at different times of the year.
For example, cool-season grasses may develop lawn diseases in summer, while warm-season grasses develop lawn diseases in late all through early spring.
Yes. Warm-season grasses tend to be more drought-resistant than many of the cool-season grasses. Also, note that some warm-season grasses are more drought-resistant than others.
Not every homeowner has a green thumb when it comes to taking care of grass. There are many rules to abide by to keep your warm-season grass looking its best.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather not spend hours on yard work every week, turn over this task to a local lawn care pro who can regularly maintain your grass.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Illustration by Juan Rodriguez
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\n","content":"\nThe term “wedding bell blues” has taken on a new meaning as the pandemic forces couples to postpone nuptials until it’s safe for crowds to gather. But as the $74 billion industry suffers, there’s a bright spot: Outdoor weddings are gaining in popularity.
\n\n\n\nOutdoor wedding venues have always been popular. Tying the knot in Mother Nature carries a splendor no indoor venue can match. Choosing a beautiful garden or vista can save you an average of $1,500 on wedding flowers. And now there’s a new reason to consider them, since they can keep guests safer with social distancing and avoiding recirculated air.
\n\n\n\nSo if you’re considering an outdoor wedding venue, we’ve made it easier by compiling a list of the best, with a special focus on landscaping and natural beauty. Below are the winners of Wikilawn’s “Wiki Wonder Award” for best landscaped wedding venues.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best_venue_badge.png\"){kind=icon}
To win the Wiki-award badge of honor, the venue must have several selling points:
\n\n\n\nWeeding the list down to the best was challenging. We now know what brides go through when choosing the site for her picture-perfect wedding. We hope this list will make things a little less stressful.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jP2oGeISjwPECaOEp-mriyU4qBjTCiKSXinEeFk9COyrrLtmbjXXQ3hc4b_TDI2ZpIOYDZjjtuU4Ndq4-eMa9Lp1Xfj2oLExsQBw8M7WQR7H7e_-wXYq0GG6TFYJ30B_8eZFvkga\")
Calling itself the “emerald jewel in the crown of Atlanta culture,” the Botanical Garden opened in 1976. It’s become one of the city’s most popular wedding sites, but choosing your setting isn’t an easy task, as there are so many gorgeous backdrops. Want a serene forest setting? Got it. Lush tropical plants and the sound of waterfalls? Yep. Or go for the most popular ceremony site on the grounds: the Rose Garden, with brightly hued flowers and a brilliant green lawn.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/lNhDIvYHR3xdOsR4M-9siNjJaPJJDeLI8EXij7yHhgPutKcVnu-kXH5y__sFnjRewV4iZ3pCfCc2AAMIOcQSlIGASy0m9B1SRRAT7S-OmjqvB3CRA2EX7z2kS2-1r6CYxpbKfEHr\")
This historic mansion on Atlanta’s Peachtree Street was the talk of the town when it was built 116 years ago. Amos Rhodes was inspired by homes he saw when traveling through the German Rhineland and built this house for his family. These days, Rhodes Hall is a museum and the setting for numerous weddings. You can hold your ceremony inside, but the outdoor backdrop features a magnificent green lawn, flowers, and trees against large stone arches.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Going Green
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/HOT2Blqi3IL_AwDWpiOeupzurxaLjNC-0ksOGNTvAn9aMn2gR_-crMrMEa8Cm1rCi2Z3HXzaQ2V7PdqZ851glJ41jPSw1A5N_t7uxjEA2mMJ9PGeoeOsq1DRCkGXFAh86mDC7lz4\")
The Contemporary Austin has a lofty goal: to be an essential part of city life. With a unique combination of both urban and outdoor sites, the museum has something for everyone. The Contemporary occupies a downtown space that housed a drugstore 150 years ago. Several renovations later, it became The Contemporary in 1998. Many couples looking for a downtown wedding choose this site for the renowned Moody Rooftop, featuring a breathtaking view of downtown, including the Capitol.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Create at Home
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/vcN71kHI2Vndv0IAIxROm6Wc1OXvJRfeD3w8xL72B_av1zvCHRJinPgo9HhDwckTKmOatDXHsJqzSDmISt5vuVFjg5M8eBDGUGoL3DiQrWgFXJ-fiiyjTnslVPLDYDGPQIipWGAB\")
Atlanta, known as “the Gate City” since 1857, after the railroad system was completed, is home to this landmark. Back then, Atlanta was the gateway from the Atlantic Ocean to the west by train. Now, this 100-foot tall monument is the backdrop for weddings held in its courtyard. Ceremonies take place on the oval lawn, nestled inside Roman columns and surrounded by green trees and shrubs. There’s even a pond with a fountain.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Collections Highlights
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Rkf-iZQrNXFghJYiIpXjrGzcbTquKwQi1yNZt4khHcoQxrCHV3_6NXIUU1Cy8KjkuMi6aDuO9kTZ8XzRKLkyPbk1NprMuGcSV5YJpnWZrO8t-xrGZ_Db3E0jC644JmHDn2lXKj5C\")
This historic site in the heart of Austin, Texas, has a fascinating and varied background. Built in 1856, the Neill-Cochran House Museum features the city’s only intact slave quarters. The Greek Revival home was also used as a school for the blind and, during the Civil War, a federal hospital. This antebellum venue features an outdoor space for weddings with stone pavers, trees, flowers, and privacy shrubs surrounded by history.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Dancing With the Demon Rum
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zj5a7g4zSoxeN_KGKmXFu1VcG46m5EV03WJ96JV6jA6gvcnR0Sjb1y577LLycEtm7qKWAXW5lIl7SfNvBUNodg_cdVYUDiCbuekOckwUKNy1xpkUiz5l6ow_J57n0mq1H-PQ5mqG\")
Co-owner Tirzah Caffee grew up around weddings, thanks to her parents, who restored historic homes and turned them into wedding venues. The Alexander Homestead was built in 1903 in Charlotte, N.C., and was renovated to its present state in 2010. The outdoor space is full of vibrant flowerbeds, emerald-green hedges and trees, pathways, and water features with small bridges.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Stress Free: The Way Your Wedding Should Be
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2nT5DK6JaEtksNSJNZ9eAnPlgyNG8-DwtclT-nL1rqp4XX7rq7rc7_NBDqxCBG3VbIcSIZO83vuGIufIvXZ_-MuoHrgvPA9eWEBqmNrziWnYx-mvWpbFmJJ1J6kWEVk2W8QFfpC9\")
The original Duke Mansion was built in 1915. Four years later, tobacco mogul James Buchanan Duke bought it and tripled its size. The Charlotte, N.C., property passed through many hands before landing with a foundation designed to preserve its history. The Duke Mansion operates as a small, upscale inn and hosts weddings 25 weekends a year, making it a much-sought-after site. Two outdoor spaces are available, each with beautiful grounds and brilliant flowers.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Mary DBT Semans Gardens
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZhvmgtrpoU5VtbO6mnoYsvJn7wyB7dT7pSt4cHUQCOEBJ0OwJb07OiSUCZADib3fpHSy-CNetDO0UZubkGZIqGbkngCUJlCiZhA8R3uh50-a68wH1qcyX1VQ0xwzc8T2SiGTtR6w\")
The 18-acre Pinecroft estate sits right in the middle of a busy neighborhood in Cincinnati. The area was less developed when the estate was built in 1928 by inventor and former owner of the Cincinnati Reds, Powell Crosley, Jr. The mansion now belongs to Cincinnati Preservation and serves as an event center. The grounds feature a 5-acre lake, dozens of gardens, and a lavish pavilion, providing a variety of backdrops for weddings.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Rich English Elegance for Your Cincinnati Celebration
\n\n\n\nCincinnati Parks
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/QQbIS4ZTqDf6uA9-9yFi79V6bsnoxVzJ4jcui6-diajiuKUKd5pmqmhv65kIFY7k7gqRGk1LLylkNf_2hvClZ5w6gT2pb9pjg2YUZ9KybUwhBFCQDWtT3Im5s-XDeUC7vvIQ8DSd\")
Cincinnati’s first park started with a donation of land in 1817, laying the groundwork for today’s large city park system. Four of the parks offer wedding backdrops, including a mid-nineteenth century domed pavilion on a vast lawn. You’ll also find picturesque gazebos and arbor settings featuring both annual and perennial gardens.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Cincinnati Parks Rank 5th in the Nation
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/AQxJoVqlSIIB3H3OkChxem5SPtdkhVxIhrG8CGvLiP-RcPpyHBJkTddUQh_o2ijoxZv-W_S48gb7-DzXtuonyHBRoNRnVt-Te0OSmuYbyey-PwssNZICA3rf2-pHCjFXVuXgPMtD\")
Tucked away in a 15-acre park setting, Nationwide Hotels & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio, is the perfect spot for outdoor weddings. Couples can choose from a patio overlooking a tranquil pond, a luxurious lawn with mature trees and vibrant floral displays, or a white pergola with clinging wisteria vines. The Nationwide Hotel hosts more than 75 weddings each year.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Send Them Off in Style
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/InuDUdWRsmQ_JO_MbADGu3dzm_z5leF0I_OcYEhw_55r4HPpEKMm7FrRpt9_Ge5Qv_CTtw9CRR3rtDtKgmiWEqQzDK64BMPRju7uERmzXkkmf8L7b8l8ytLnz6fSUpOkF8kuUPOJ\")
This banquet hall wedding venue near Columbus, Ohio, offers one-stop shopping for couples. The rustic setting features reclaimed wood, whiskey barrel tables, and a wrought iron arbor. The outdoor patio sits near a secluded stream and the garden is bursting with flowers. Guests can hold the ceremony and reception on-site, where meals are also prepared and a DJ is available, making wedding planning simple.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Ceremonies
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/JoWz-FVOol39gujChFoUZcksKGyVQM-aD7VEeqGq8cwd36HYSm7x9rhJJMO4qL0TQ198fmdw7bhH_WWKB7O0awOY10E5as4hzN5Mor-nbFPuOO7tR0i8ZnH_b6RX_fjHhhpduJnG\")
This country-like location is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. Rambling Rose Ranch is home to horses, donkeys, goats, and chickens. The flagstone patio in the center of a large gravel floor is surrounded by gardens, potted flowers, and oak trees. Nearly all the decor was created by the ranch owners on a shoestring budget. It’s now one of Austin’s most popular wedding destinations.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Nature=Stress Relief
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7V71g1_YzcUTND7fDn7AUgc3ui3CiWJMWhHWFFWbUSBVPTq1DwRQHI00pf2jYUDZB7tcLDtiFcwmH9fVCJszX3dkMRnlfhtYebu5Cww4EiI8qZI2vE1lBFbM0dSxHQ66gmKpF9e_\")
The backdrop for this wedding venue is a beautifully designed and landscaped 18-hole golf course. The Reception House is managed by Schmidt’s, the city’s iconic food service legacy that goes back more than 100 years in Columbus. Seal your love on the greens or opt for a patio ceremony with a view of the idyllic setting.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Wedding Receptions
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QWmzv-cuCE0kgB98AgroQOnwou0EIHw_CrxQDG9e3nOQiuqX8_E5sr4l_hUDipKYj__WKY5pmWlDpdBnLw0l7RsZqJXNM4eM9N-xzoN6XiztrRT4MPaYrmcLDrydad1fBwmueoxJ\")
Imagine dinner and dancing under the stars next to works by Picasso. That can be your wedding reality at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. The Nasher is home to more than 300 contemporary sculptures by famous artists and has hosted countless weddings. The intimate sculpture garden includes more than a hundred weeping willows, live oaks, and magnolias. The center is a past winner of an Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Sweet Pass Sculpture Park Revels in Looseness
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QaPt7oGF22EXo4HtBJnlwdz6p5jJABRl_CqOyyCzCTBfXJghQthfEoTQB0NG7hwdCz4jkT-eTBRkzQ3Xw-6H-2XNVtFYVHsVbn20YKwBY247xuCt9VjZ-oM4044QPRnxgb_nNbde\")
Built in 1902 for James Benton Grant, the third governor of Colorado, Denver’s Grant Humphreys Mansion was sold to oil baron A.E. Humphreys 15 years later. The Colorado Historical Society now manages the property, using the front lawn and back patio (with pergola) for weddings. Photographers rave about this site because it’s located next to a park and features flower beds, birch trees, and rolling lawns. The lighting at sunset also helps create picture-perfect wedding memories.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Research & Learn
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jhTHupbN2aMxWloJmqAdfiOCZy5uVX99_Lsf6G0xkyaotHlTxaj_8lIr2BtJ4dRdAzV7Nb5W26pBUwVoAwe4X8yHw46qaBw18MTxDqlhNZrY31xTcglnJFc3__MA3ZPnv5eP--Td\")
Villa Parker bills itself as the place “Where the Tuscan Charm Meets the Rockies.” This wedding venue is just south of Denver and features a grand entrance and brilliant gardens. You’ll also get great pictures under the archways and courtyard with panoramic mountain views.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Villa Weddings
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Ck32MichoAh6rMaWaBraxzQLrzrQ6TbEPPcHTWacTmeaU9O_FeVzkgxmNog9SMGfs_GYu1W1QhaRjuRMEcMzVyQJ1E_Si5n--uW_3gREIwe-B9aWxnaVNGD8rjh0bWpcZafN0B-9\")
Wedding guests will go ape over ceremonies held at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas. This is an unmatched spot for your special day, offering several backdrops. Put black bears and jaguars on the guest list at Texas Wild!, overlook a savanna and gaze at giraffes among the trees. Maybe you prefer the green surroundings of the Museum of Living Art gardens while surrounded (safely) by crocodiles, turtles, and exotic fish.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Fort Worth Zoo Is Seeing Pink!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1uuVjKAIPRdZJiJD-ZL5jt_Fi7B4yertdiCAW5RBq0GUCVHZpmB51RRfgUJZpBQ7l0JPWmXk80YZPRrBfKBj-RCZH1LeM_tmG32iLmFQFN4wVDgKtpRLcxFC2jd1aEgq27ESLZi7\")
This art gallery and wedding venue in Fort Worth occupies a space that’s 110 years old. Enjoy two sculpture gardens and an outdoor patio. Cafe lights strung between the many tall trees create a just-right ambiance.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Elopements and Intimate Ceremonies
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/KE7jal_Av-rt0Rk7xpjvPRhHx-rZ8OOvW8ryyuR-zjO8ykj_7ox-Y0gPIE97INkL1T--9DdzsR1mn1xAvodyUGDnm1Ylt7FT1ikf3ePkfOWFFNLmUfwrSz7XBnAtSjOOE8363ILC\")
The Houstonian sits on 27 wood acres with several beautifully landscaped backdrops for couples to choose from. Pine and oak trees hold lush foliage and flora. Say “I do” under the twinkling lights wrapping a majestic live oak. Or spread out over the Event Lawn where, at certain times of the year, you’ll be treated to Houston’s show-stopping azaleas.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Celebrate Everything Azalea at the Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wb0lP0KVi0BLhKR7m7ihFdi6kF_tCRbWviwFxKj-SusXGDjcYBVJ9wNz1UW-XPY5YKYqDd4OuRAJ9_ToxuJezTziiAvZUSL6eHQfLRoKWDwxkqUF0-KdaVKWPtpOWZU9YbsBkb3z\")
Looking for a rustic setting for your wedding? Moffitt Oaks in Houston may have what you want. Say your vows under an arbor next to a lake with a backdrop of mature trees, a green lawn, succulents, and flowers. Or choose a more rural look with a corral fence, an expansive lawn and an arbor dripping with plants and vines.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Outdoor Wedding Venues in Houston That Will Get the Party Started
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/DMVLSIcSIR1mv9n3S3FXPLwNj1E98YXIAQ2aZr3qhGpqEmgZ3wmQia-D1r8dCCBXSVfBn0qXPWYL_JsM1OruPFdoBstdJwFpyXtx3ntyXGB2wzb_ina7nqwWCcKxeNOc5M-PJoX3\")
Longview Mansion was Kansas City lumber baron R.A. Long’s country estate. Built in 1913, it was once known as the “World’s Most Beautiful Farm.” Restored to its original splendor two years ago, Longview Mansion boasts numerous perfectly manicured outdoor spaces for weddings. Cultivated gardens, wooded sites, a lake and sprawling fields create a picturesque backdrop for your ceremony.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Choosing a Wedding Venue
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dbOUOFFxhAP7azFmhfPLTF4baH6fFkNZk77GgUPiSNdy3LOeZ6TKeRHgBs-QUycO3KuszszBq8__eowLmhOH6wOVKV3yNuoRcIETacjwlaP3lcg0GjPWJndzvQmGGSp0sD0HSTs_\")
An open-air chapel is a unique setting for a wedding, and you’ll find just that at The Pavilion Event Space in Kansas City. Surrounded by an expansive lawn, the chapel features trees, a garden, hardscaping, bridges and paths. State-of-the-art amphitheater surround sound and custom lighting make it an outdoor wedding to remember.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Moody + Romantic Wedding
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/BajKR6O6P6DZ_i53nieCYp3ewEHHMlCxWU7-9Z5wfSZXQUQ7JYnIYvvGJgZwDdIeAyyx5wzTEqlX3mbz2kmCBV5pTmZHxJHNZUep1btF7WsZlHRQXbOV-nTMptgvO8ghv6AuaPUo\")
This venue in Phoenix was never intended to be the popular wedding spot it’s become. The owner created the Hidden Gardens as a personal project but soon decided to share its distinctive style. Boojum Tree is a 5-acre forest of trees, fountains — even a waterfall! Couples can tie the knot on the Mexican Plaza, the Tropical Rainforest, or English Garden.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Photo Shoots
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eRX1mWH3SLt5LZQ9oIre0gFgdiBSLXCIjqvQZOA2vKalv_Ykd-ezbdP7aEwA5AO9TLC4SMLl3TDSZOgJ5ooNdkqMJavb6P2bd55rPpIzOZcBkHF8PRia6NuBPqyQFljSjWuTc57A\")
The Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., initially operated as a couples retreat. These days, couples remain in the picture but the focus is on uniting them in marriage. Wedding sites include a stone-walled courtyard surrounded by palm trees, cacti and succulents, a lawn with mountain vistas, and the Camelback Vista with a garden and mountain views.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Weddings Outdoor Venues
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/BjARXUT0mY14S4At9hfub_7f5q5kMAoF5T-oArTWyvpXUhHThHHfJmZ3CvAIUaddfzzKB7tR6JZsvvsnczKAXoniz6j-s4Jgf5do4zQzEEzpzfscLNMEjSC3q-HI8nsJIL6846PF\")
The MIM in Phoenix calls itself “The World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum.” With more than 7,000 instruments from 200 countries, you’ll find items played by Johnny Cash, Elvis and Tito Puente. Wedding guests in the museum’s courtyard are treated to desert foliage, fountains, the Phoenix sculpture, and gorgeous desert sunsets.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Celebrating 10 Years of MIM
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DYDaYhVX22_kUIQCBBDXERrIECNTLkBi1rtk6zog1tqnuX3C12uEpQR1ommQGfq6StFtMWDb4WrXtiRm-RCeDzKHoM7vRL3ha7EeyFTtZ5FzTewndgp1nxNKPOF2hCX_m-awos2A\")
The Meadows near Raleigh, sits on a heritage farm (owned and operated by members of the same family for more than 100 years). The rolling meadows and mature forests set the scene for couples who want nature to play a role in their ceremony. The Valley offers wide-open spaces, the Lawn gives a more intimate feel in a smaller space and the Meadows puts guests right in the middle of grassy fields.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Gone Camping: The Big Fake Wedding
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/pJ5JqHHKqq_J1jaGvywiYkFtUu90FxcDJD7Lsv-lMPNHETgLjeFES-ZRbU7uKhQYnyvezmZ4dt75pA9j0Sfje_7KjJmcnlZhLomXi7pqDVFSzwOtyH08CYK-VZ_889HxkOcn1mwC\")
This historic home in Raleigh, N.C., was built in 1876 by Agustus S. Merrimon, a chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. For years in the 1900s, it was used as a college dormitory. Now, the Merrimon-Wynne House is one of the city’s premier wedding venues. Couples and their guests can experience the ceremony on The Lawn, under 100-year-old pecan trees, or in front of The Carriage House, with a sloping yard and a pergola.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 8 Non-Diamond Engagement Rings That Still Have Plenty of Sparkle
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qb8ZweaDJfyas9hr49BvWob2Xi0vL90Y_Y8Ju6_dZ9urIbWc3gJkkGe1cDV_o9dwA2k9vr8rEudlpTLZa2bowfnzo6YCX8GR886vlMDb8Dno4NratVbhJTX4GDSI0tK_sOlaaS4D\")
This Minneapolis, Minn, mansion was built in 1892 for George Washington Van Dusen, a grain mogul. After years of commercial use, the historic property was set to be demolished, but an investor swooped in and restored it to its original splendor. Weddings at this castle-like estate are sure to impress. Ceremonies on the brick pavers in the courtyard are surrounded by gardens, trees, and flowering shrubs; an oasis in the city.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 2020 Minnesota Bride Awards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BnkZGa8UBKNRVnEjAZWNzSiAXCy67iwOlaP36ioOXpqNagiay6CQBceZpHsbqPW_tVUHCZI-ZUz0OlWrpVsOVYY8BjWKtMkt5nX4GGA4KGrWlv_lDLawc5QaDTiAOQ8lROtxi4D0\")
The Japanese Garden is part of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn. This 2-acre gem was built in 1972 on a swampy area behind the college. A professional garden architect from Tokyo helped design the space. Couples who wed at The Japanese Garden find a serene setting with shrubs sheared into specific shapes such as clouds or hills.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Japanese Garden Beckons in All Seasons
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/5dlEURh9YQNNhAcDuBwKZpaneWZM3Zpkt85_NaGa-uHle3PxqB6TOR2AQJdLB27fnsWt4T6y1YMG7fsPb4W3UwxFaSC_ShuLKUwfVYp3rUKuvb2esRxjVEFHsTgkchuglE30UntD\")
Brides and their Prince Charmings can say their vows like royalty at this venue in Minneapolis. Set in “Cindyrella’s Wedding Garden,” the backdrop for your special day features old country charm and unique landscaping. There’s a vineyard with Edelweiss and Swenson red grapevines, a 100-year-old willow tree, a flower garden, and a lake. Best of all, you arrive at the site in a white carriage.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Ceremony
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/s45RniOSidtwsB86RA6Pfp9V9_sdga0yhAPXaA__5JLOIntB8EA4jggEusid8N1_tNuos_sIxtpV10NIulvrok-ehv3das1pDTJPEC2FdUEor37YApRiylxy7hU3OG4KzSajGzuG\")
This historic property in Stillwater, Minn., has an unusual past. It was founded in 1858 as a poor farm, a place for the chronically indigent. The farm was discontinued 100 years later and eventually abandoned. Today, fully renovated, The Outing Lodge at Pine Point, serves as a pastoral setting for weddings. With 300 acres of wooded paths and rolling land amid hundreds of pines, the setting offers something for everyone.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Theme Rooms
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Oa27X_ZjdJIkjkFn6XPi61vba1UV9yUby4JvL3XlGv_ycsokD5V4gnyqkdlHbi8hvaPRPbDQwTgPt2UrQULEspL-pGg56P-63_9D5XF34qPIBOxm-U8J6g3sDNwfIsor42aiXnoM\")
The Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, a Central Florida town northwest of Orlando, is home to one of the earliest golf courses in the state. Built in 1917 to attract investors to the owner’s citrus business, the property declined during the Depression. Many years and renovations later, an inn was built based on Spanish Colonial architecture. Couples today can choose from three outdoor spaces; Legends Courtyard, Marina del Rey, and Plaza de la Fontana, all with spectacular landscaping and water views.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Goodness From the Garden
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LYVqTIwhYTLSQ3BsV5-cP3ixIsM523w-FpE419HW8ZEt3osFk2vtavw-TK7-TRVXOrDQ_X1OTDKXpD0bIUTExeuFPafOaBWd_dwAzWLVzyaYgye184foXD7S3U3JbY1YCFN_XBeS\")
In 1895, Richmond, Va., businessman Lewis Ginter bought property that was once Powhatan Indian hunting grounds. He then built the Lakeside Wheel Club, a place for local bicyclists. After several expansions, the property morphed into the Botanical Garden. Couples choose from three wedding sites: The Rose Garden envelops guests in vivid roses and delicate scents; Flagler Garden features a secluded pagoda, surrounded by a circular screen of trees; and Grace Arents Garden offers a wide lawn, a paved path leading up to an arbor and plenty of bright flowers and plants.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Worms! How to Make a Wormery
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/XYkzGurq0lFuFJUy4Sl0SMpNeAG0w7HIADMouxDdEKmo81lx5YnU7tC5BfR0CeT-qRkaxShwKpaAzE-zo6jM6QshwdmLFblRqMW9o4NX1zLs6m7IFOvu2iMekr3iddgfqiZ6QlDf\")
Raise a glass to ceremonies at Virginia’s first urban cidery! Founded seven years ago in a historic building in Richmond, Blue Bee creates artisanal ciders from heirloom Virginia apples. This full-fledged cider production and tasting facility makes for a wedding backdrop like no other. The cidery offers French country style buildings and garden with vivid blooms and, of course, cider. Bottoms up!
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Persnickety Pawpaws
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4m8SCIeJPbYjiMh7g7h3QYehAIqrZ48_4kzZxXYYOnKS2CDHMCRErIuQUvwDnIyfblEoVFCLLHwxyZBMUlix1OLsBN3zWTmSXRIveFLRy6M-KzcH5-hdyMjyTqrMGrwmJeb_rZRa\")
This ornate mansion on 100 acres of manicured lawns, flower gardens and trees started out in 1893 as the home of a wealthy lawyer and his wife. Having no children, the couple left the property to the people of Richmond, Va. Maymont is now a city park and museum and hosts many weddings each year. Impeccably landscaped spaces include the Italian Garden with hundreds of brilliant blooms, the Japanese Garden with a terraced waterfall, and The Robins Nature Center with fish, turtles, and river otters.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Teacher Appreciation
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yOZ14a2mtfhjQC3xBxIx-mYBCCPVyh7tQL1hmu5Wq3D8x0UqzyOvCtRkBLprQSzaVNJA1SgOU61fF7AOFf7mJOlCRPXR4bf3_nhgxJidksdNlV3ZUSK3Qnz4xNxlIZO8RHwddQTk\")
The 1850 Settlement in San Antonio, Texas, offers a taste of the old Southwest. The property was homesteaded 170 years ago. Couples choosing this venue will find some of the original buildings still standing. Wedding guests will enjoy a spacious lawn, an outdoor firepit and enormous live oak trees, all set against the original homestead and The Settlement Stage Coach Station.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Rainy Day Wedding
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Qfyl2q_qxWVcZz7GggXH5thu7Ooqd0QPu5pZ70j7Pwi0iYv3fxTKKEc9Y86wY3jm4Wtzxp1J5aOrJSTw8KW1hIVCOTWzBIwFZ9h21hJaoJGcSXw8-FCdF31uOuX7izw0eKXELhYx\")
This 1894 home is modeled after the chateaus and castles in Belgium and France, as its original owner was Ambassador to Belgium in the early 1890s. The historic house in San Antonio, Texas, now functions as an inn and event venue. Couples who wed outdoors on the lawn have the arches of the mansion, well-kept shrubs, and plenty of mature trees as a backdrop.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Afternoon Tea Party
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/I8kqEwrhb5qKz_f7KqAUvVbP_6tvJYlBrVm2FPzBJBQSOaEVsz8N1ZpK5brD-exS8-KROh8ysaH67OKLbPbb_y3dI87mx7ZGNwYfpmfyzV_lqE0ID8fEKV7OfNJ0J4KGgpm8_mrZ\")
Couples looking for European ambiance and charm in the Austin, Texas, area will find it at The Gardens of Cranesbury View. An Italian Sculptured Garden sits on 32 acres and features intricately designed hedges, rose bushes, and peaceful water features. An ornate gazebo with classic columns completes the picture-perfect look.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Useful Wedding Favors for Family and Friends
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PpKdUUSxa60QPPQyS5V1Ovog-zlPnOrk_kEMu8hXONPLrAzYcQpkmWaI6xnl7cf8q5NNwbw_o4ApA1K28mGH8d0cmV4j95_FaudqaBIhu3TnvUPzMiSROmoReMmjDyibNMP_dy89\")
Imagine having peacocks on your guest list. That’s the reality for couples who hold their ceremonies at Hummingbird Gardens in Tampa. This family-owned business has been around since 2005, filling the grounds with well-known and exotic plants, trees, and flowers. Wedding guests will see the peacock and his family roaming the gardens, as well as horses and chickens.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Garden Nursery
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A_HYDn5xQs1AdNEq-gRGttLB69laW1SrPU6_fB4CxTVEKoSVr_Exr_9qw23lYM1VdXPVgBlq_QCIvh2H6Q7wvdgL_BwY_2TSWLeYz3zVyV0gLYFe3Z-Xfmrc8wkqmZolYgM-E6p\")
Four acres of natural landscaping just seven minutes from the ocean make this the ultimate wedding venue for couples wanting greenery with a beach nearby. Country Villa in rural Virginia Beach, features white blooming bushes and trees behind a unique altar. You’ll also find a pavilion surrounded by mature pines, a spiral staircase attached to a vine-covered tree, and a bridge over a rock river surrounded by flowers.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Groom’s Room
\n\n\n\nDumbarton House
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/B0iZqhAo4heFaxBMnq3JrsVl5Unkha9ofQaTAFJFCz1xB2OIu2Ea8bqSBSHsBgujrZU2BZNg4F9R9xLBLsjqCQ8tpJ-UEHLr5xeuWrtJOQXQtZZQfb2IfpMQvcFmtOpLPBJDulkQ\")
Built in 1799, Dumbarton House offers a look at life in the earliest days of our nation’s capital city. The home is famous for being the place Dolley Madison first fled to when learning the British were coming during the War of 1812. These days, the museum is often used as a wedding venue. A courtyard paved with slate is among 1.2 acres of gardens and terraces, including an herb garden growing more than 40 varieties of plants.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Dolley Madison
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LCuW0U-zFxwSXRg6Mcr6j2ks18A-jcJ09DRVRyOILUXdsjiJ_ETy36f_RkoAaypUHc-ewVa7lIa44KyxO1eMx2AJqMXjnRCCy3rfaTSrL708c3viMaQ2dbb6kArOxHH7mB07iDn2\")
This landmark hotel in Washington, D.C., has hosted presidents and world leaders since 1930 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. In 1933, the Omni Shoreham Hotel put on the first inaugural ball for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Thirty years later, The Beatles booked the entire seventh floor. Today, the property boasts three garden wedding venues complete with trimmed hedges, cherry trees, tulip beds, and a pavilion on a vast lawn, all surrounded by a colorful forest.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 48 Hours In Washington, D.C.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/cvTy4qJc8PxFkGYiHsz1YDZ30x_hLm3T-A4g4TdCRWig7qXU-Uzsq962PzNShPILWqJSIXH0T2g6c_bljecCm4oVuzsc-Mmr_NRws3c2jqEWVdzerXzUbnJiXU6lLNQ6asPtCZk-\")
This private country estate in Jacksonville, Fla., was discovered by its owner five years ago as she was searching for a one-of-a-kind site for her own wedding. She took the rough space and put in the hard work to make it what it is today. The Keeler Property features Florida’s only covered bridge that’s open for both public and private events, a barn for rustic charm, all set on a lake and surrounded by trees.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: How Wedding Music Can Make — or Break — Your Reception
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_4a5ZFiUV_WNnWwMxp9loxH1HiWAbGaEihQbaX_3wjf7FCUZMr3vtEvNQ2crviM92DHQd2xKJBFqwtVwKJViXTZKbUmSS7MzFVgG99yp_4bNMMrdIZz0IsYLBhveIGGNJvb6FlWx\")
More than a million people visit the Chicago Botanic Garden each year, some of them brides and grooms. The Garden is a living plant museum and conservation center situated on nine islands in the Cook County Forest Preserves. Wedding parties can choose from many spaces, including a canopied terrace next to the water, an English walled garden, the Rose Terrace with its water features and roses, and the Buehler Enabling Garden, with hanging baskets and vertical flower beds.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Elements of Design
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/i-jivfckafGtfkXtvCPktuueF0ti5RSX51Wedya85cf2r6M9l7Csx17Pgwe84WHf8W6l6TlHaugCh8m64NW2t0ZI7aEFhjPnHhwFqQHNIPhPL9THfxQnyV9K0da7usp5KCMUZ100\")
In an epic example of reuse and recycling, South Coast Botanic Garden in the Greater Los Angeles area is one of the first botanical gardens to be created over a sanitary landfill. The garden is proof that land reclamation can help solve refuse disposal problems while creating a brilliant and beautiful space. Couples and their wedding guests enjoy 87 acres of rolling meadows, vivid flowers, a rustic amphitheater, a gazebo and a shaded koi pond patio, experiencing first hand this unique example of environmental improvement.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Banyan Grove
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/5Udrz2Y-lFktEL8QF2RNrnYyK6wxScUZYEbbFLcC3FQMDc9VRvCTmKLeG__BVxIyL_zSoE5QRaKO-mUfc0AuFhyz48ly3J8e6VwTnKBYJ-Lhb_0hTqJkbxfRtcoEPYOTTE9JWRJU\")
The vision of Lisa Brannon, an Ohio native and avid conservationist, sprang to life nine years ago near Dayton, Ohio. While creating a refuge for endangered species, including monarch butterflies, she also came up with a perfect outdoor wedding venue. The backdrop is a Tuscan-style pavilion surrounded by an expansive lawn, trees, stone paths, a pond, and vivid flowers everywhere. Cedar Springs Pavilion bills itself as the place where elegance meets nature.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Gardens
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/fYp_vMbfuGc5Aq-X97PGNf_ioh7jN6OhNvijpGBefDBrfaPLk_xdYpN754SahlA2MraVqr5wvQe3Yc-Del7YMk9q7hwtLYX9qVeAZYO5M0Frl4eX3fUHrpNqhrmfq5Enps7qYXwc\")
If you’re looking for a spectacular backdrop for your wedding, you can’t beat the Rocky Mountains. And if you’re looking for five-star luxury, The Little Nell has it. Located in Aspen, Colo., and named for an 1800s lady of the evening, it sits on land that’s been used as a summer hunting grounds for the Ute Indians, a place for miners to rest and a railroad depot. Today’s weddings at The Little Nell are nothing short of amazing, no manmade landscaping needed. Mother Nature already did that with jaw-dropping views of the mountains.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Wine Experiences at the Little Nell
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Y3rQ7_wiZcGTF53Ve6yMHPKq_4gBv7kKg3TAiUYy8rm_R2iS1ayG2Nigc-y1buCVmho7G9tWRd5OcSmUsqvfa1RfewV293d0lraWVuBgQnmwl_5t3jKPJJH2jOA8Ycfi9vdIcsDK\")
They really know how to throw a party here, as this 24,000-square-foot event center was designed specifically for weddings and banquets. Stonebrook Manor in Thornton, Colorado, features outdoor ceremonies in brightly colored gardens. The greenery is set among bubbling brooks and waterfalls with bridges, gazebos, arbors, and benches.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 5 Ways to Make an Entrance at Your Wedding Reception
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hVfO5sQf92bescAtovB8ULjaVCrw2YKUyBkkL0_c2m0ySyIgm_yrXagmVJe4cboUruIEVKEzQ7eYD9wUhTBa_dVBqQGR6IRTZw-ru_ckPghBK6s5z5ezgGMOCYUR_diVwmubMY2L\")
This living landscape is part of the University of Utah system and is a state arboretum in Salt Lake City. For 35 years Red Butte Garden has been connecting people to plants, with 100 acres of formal gardens, natural areas, waterfalls, and mountain views. Couples can say “I do” in the Rose House, the Rose Garden, or the Fragrance Garden where each spring, you’ll find a half million blooming bulbs.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Garden Misses You
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dU2QHjJ2wRPTq0-hiYNXEA01AC2cJZ7UoJJeGWbkmSHncmRkOPFsctackOXjDs5p6kvr33mqdtJ0-pWIDGLMJkLq8Vd1yw9nxmZrEBNOh3vxt_tYavVf7Sk3RmtwKeuzsswCJkJU\")
Experience the Wild West with your wedding guests at This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. Featuring 50 historic homes and structures, train rides, panning for gold and mining, the Park takes you back in time. Couples have ten wedding venues to pick from, including two outdoor pavilions. The third option, The Garden Place, is a rustic mountain lodge with French doors that open to a patio with a waterfall, a massive outdoor fireplace, and, of course, a majestic mountain view.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Pioneer Children’s Memorial
\n\n\n\nGetting married outdoors comes with the risk of a hiccup or two. You’ll have to worry about the weather and maybe a few uninvited mosquitoes. But the Wiki-award winning venues have you covered, literally. All have awnings or contingency plans for rain, and each has a bug zapper and plenty of bug spray on hand.
\n\n\n\nThe pros for choosing an outdoor wedding venue far outweigh the cons, especially when it comes to price. With the average couple spending more than $22,000 to get hitched, saving on flowers and other decor is a huge plus. Keep in mind, like real estate, the cost of any venue depends on location, location, location.
\n","title":"Best-Landscaped Outdoor Wedding Venues","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7768595041322315,"src":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1789c/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg","srcSet":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/107df/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 320w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/293e9/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 500w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/f2cbb/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 800w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1789c/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 960w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1ff5b/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 1290w","srcWebp":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1dd6e/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/67b76/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 320w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/8df11/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 500w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/98a65/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 800w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1dd6e/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 960w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/bdec4/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 1290w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best-Landscaped Outdoor Wedding Venues | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"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":"f725b102-82bb-57be-a1bc-8bf8c58376b0","slug":"best-grass-types-houston","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/best-grass-types-houston/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2022","excerpt":"Want a lush, green lawn that will last most of the year? The key is selecting the grass type that will grow best in our humid, subtropical climate. Here’s a list of the four best grass types for Houston: Bermudagrass Seashore Paspalum St. Augustinegrass Zoysiagrass 1. Bermudagrass Popular for its sun-loving, salt-tolerant makeup, Bermudagrass has […]
\n","content":"\nWant a lush, green lawn that will last most of the year? The key is selecting the grass type that will grow best in our humid, subtropical climate. Here’s a list of the four best grass types for Houston:
\n\n\n\nPopular for its sun-loving, salt-tolerant makeup, Bermudagrass has a coarse to a medium-fine texture. Its wide leaf ranges in color from light green to dark green, depending on the cultivar (or type).
\n\n\n\nClassification: Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass.
Spreads by: Stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems).
Shade tolerance: Bermudagrass prefers full sun at all times.
Drought tolerance: High. Regular rainfall should be enough to water it. This type will go dormant during extended dry periods.
Foot traffic tolerance: Its sturdiness withstands high levels of foot traffic.
Maintenance needs: High. Bermudagrass requires monthly fertilization during the summer. Water as needed to the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. Thatch buildup is a threat.
Recommended mowing height: Mow to a height of 1 to 2 inches once or twice a week to keep up with its incessant growth rate.
Also resilient in saltwater environments is seashore paspalum. Great for waterfront properties, this type is low-growing and has pointy, medium-coarse blades and a blue-green hue.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes.
Shade tolerance: Prefers full sun, but can withstand shade better than Bermudagrass.
Drought tolerance: Low. Seashore paspalum prefers very moist growing environments. Due to its high saline tolerance, you can use saltwater in irrigation.
Foot traffic tolerance: High. Seashore paspalum’s dense turf stands up well to heavy foot traffic.
Maintenance needs: Requires little fertilization throughout the growing season. Over-fertilizing can lead to scalping, which exposes the grass’s roots, opening it up to disease, stress, and stunted growth.
Recommended mowing height: For a well-manicured, dense lawn, mow to a height of 1 inch.
With its dark green color and curved, wide leaf, St. Augustinegrass is another favorite among Houstonians. This salt-resistant grass is one of the most selected options for lawns in the Houston area.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
Spreads by: Stolons.
Shade tolerance: Unlike most other warm-season types, St. Augustinegrass is able to thrive in shade.
Drought tolerance: Some degree of drought tolerance, but will begin to show stress during long periods of dryness.
Foot traffic tolerance: Light. Regular lawn foot traffic is no problem.
Maintenance needs: Fertilize every eight to 10 weeks and recycle grass clippings to help provide nutrients to this type of lawn. If rainfall isn’t enough, water to a soil depth of 6 inches when the grass is showing signs of dullness and stress. Over-watering and over-fertilizing can lead to thatch problems.
Recommended mowing height: Mow to a height of 2.5 inches.
Zoysiagrass is a popular choice because of its low-maintenance nature. There are many varieties, but Zoysia japonica is one of the best grass types for Houston Lawns. It has a high salt tolerance, pointy leaf blades, and a light- to medium-green color. It turns brown in early winter, going dormant soon after the first frost in November.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes.
Shade tolerance: Moderate shade won’t bother this turf, but it does grow best in full sun and temperatures of 80 degrees or hotter.
Drought tolerance: Zoysia can withstand periods of drought, but as a dry period lingers, it will go dormant and turn brown. Once watered, it will revert to its green color once again.
Foot traffic tolerance: Zoysiagrass grows well in high-traffic areas.
Maintenance needs: Low. Fertilize with about two pounds of nitrogen a year, and water about 1 inch a week during the growing season.
Recommended mowing height: Keep mower blades sharpened to tackle these stiff leaves, and cut to a height of 1 to 2 inches weekly.
1. When is the best time to plant grass in Houston?
\n\n\n\nEarly March to late May, when the temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees. This is the best time for warm-season grasses to germinate and become established in time for the first frost.
\n\n\n\n2. Can I plant a cool-season grass in Houston?
\n\n\n\nYes, but you should wait until September when the ground is a bit cooler (about 50 degrees.) Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue will give you a greener lawn in the winter, but will not do well in the heat and humidity of the summer.
\n\n\n\n3. Is there such a thing as a no mow grass for Houston?
\n\n\n\nYes, buffalograss is one of the easiest grasses to care for. It’s one of the best grass types for Houston since It only needs occasional mowing and is extremely drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have the time or energy to replant or reseed your lawn, we’ll find a local lawn care pro to get the job done for you.
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\n","content":"\nHow does your garden grow? With a lot of help from your local plant nurseries. One thing many of these garden centers have in common? Longevity. It’s customary to find greenhouses that have been around 50, 60, even 100 years!
\n\n\n\nWe put together a list of the country’s best. The Wiki-Wonder award judges based their criteria on:
\n\n\n\nTo be considered one of Wikilawn’s best, the nursery must also have a website with helpful articles and a sizable presence on social media.
\n\n\n\nAfter years of not being able to find unique plant selections locally, the Cordrey family decided to open their own garden center to fill the void. Today, East Coast Garden Center in Millsboro, Del., has more than 70 greenhouses and brings in plants from around the country, ensuring they always have high-quality plants in stock. The nursery also holds classes on new skills and techniques in gardening and even has a children’s garden area.
\n\n\n\nWhat does a Major League Baseball star do when he retires? If he’s Mark Clear, he opens a plant nursery! Clear, whose 11-year MLB career included two trips to the All-Star game, discovered his love for plants as a kid while working on an avocado ranch. He owned a nursery in California while pitching in the majors, moving to the Midwest after retiring. Located in Ottawa, Kansas, since 1991, Loma Vista Nursery is still family-owned, sitting on 300 acres, with 150 greenhouses and a tree farm. Talk about throwing the winning pitch!
\n\n\n\nLooking for landscapers who know their horticulture? Look no further than Leaf Landscape Supply, with two locations in Austin, Texas. Owners Brad Seever and Trey Wyatt hold degrees in horticulture and agriculture. Wyatt founded Leaf Landscape under a different name 37 years ago. Seever bought into the company in 2014. Today, it’s a wholesale plant nursery and landscape supplier, offering unique greenery from across the country.
\n\n\n\nAdding a water feature to your garden calms the mind and refreshes the spirit. Hill Country Water Gardens & Nursery wants to help you build the water garden of your dreams. Around for two decades, this garden center in Cedar Park, Texas, has everything you need to build a successful backyard pond or running water feature. You’ll also find fish to put in your pond.
\n\n\n\nVivero Growers started out as a wholesaler for landscape companies in the Austin area. Now, this plant nursery, specializing in Texas native and adapted plants, grasses, and trees, is open to the public. Whether you’re looking to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies or a succulent, Vivero Growers has you covered.
\n\n\n\nGinkgo Gardens is a lush oasis in the heart of lively Capitol Hill, serving the urban gardener. Founded 20 years ago in Washington, D.C., this nursery offers trees, shrubs, and flowers, along with hardscape goods and landscape design. Ginkgo Gardens also cares about historic preservation, buying a pre-Civil War house next to the nursery and restoring it. It’s now used as a staging area for landscape supplies.
\n\n\n\nFounded in 1911, the oldest garden center in Denver is still going strong. City Floral Greenhouse sits in the heart of the Mile High City. For the first 50 years, City Floral grew, cut, and delivered flowers to homes and businesses, including the historic Brown Palace hotel. In the ’70s, it started morphing into a garden center and tree nursery, still striving to beautify Denver.
\n\n\n\nGrowing plants without soil? Root Grow Bloom Hydroponics & Organics is here to show you what hydroponics is all about. The technique has been around for thousands of years but didn’t really come into favor in the U.S. until the military used it on a soilless island in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Root Grow Bloom has been a staple in Orlando’s hydroponic and organic gardening scene for 20 years and will show you how to get started from the ground up.
\n\n\n\nIt’s all in the family for this Richmond, Va., plant nursery that started as a renovated gas station. Back in 1974, Gene and Diane McAuliffe opened Tropical Treehouse and started selling tropical plants and flowers. In the years since then, three sons and several business expansions led to what is today, Cross Creek Nursery. The entire family is involved in the business and also volunteers in the community.
\n\n\n\nSunnyside Gardens comes from meager beginnings as an unassuming, small garden plot. Fast forward 80 years, and it’s one of South Minneapolis’ premier plant nurseries. Sunnyside offers landscape design, custom containers and, of course, everything in the nursery. Owner Mike Hurley feels strongly about giving back and holds gardening classes for local children and schools.
\n\n\n\nGideon A. Strange worked for the post office but wanted to earn extra cash in his spare time. It was the early 1930s, the time of the Great Depression, so he planted flowers and plants in his yard and sold them from there. Since then, the nursery has changed ownership and undergone massive expansion in the Richmond, Va., area but retains the Strange name. It’s one of the largest retail garden centers in the country.
\n\n\n\n“Virginian Grown and Owned.” That’s Colesville Nursery, in Ashland. The same family has run it for nearly 50 years. It’s a place where generations of growers born and raised in Virginia cultivate plants, flowers, and trees. Certified horticulturists answer your questions about native trees, hard-to-find perennials, and gardening in Virginia.
\n\n\n\nIn tune with the environment, Mother Earth Gardens specializes in organic gardening and sustainably grown plants. This Minneapolis garden center is open year-round with a different focus for each season. During spring and summer, it’s organic seeds, veggies, and herbs. Autumn brings locally grown gourds and pumpkins, while winter homes in on herbicide-free Christmas trees.
\n\n\n\nWaldoch Farm in Lino Lakes, Minn., started out selling chickens in 1916. It didn’t take long before owner William Waldoch expanded into produce. Over the years, his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have picked up the hoe and joined the family business. William continued helping on the farm until he was 100 years old. These days, operations include the popular pick-your-own-vegetable garden, covering 30 acres.
\n\n\n\nO’Toole’s Garden Centers describes itself in three words: Local. Colorful. Knowledgeable. Serving Denver for nearly 40 years, O’Toole’s brings color into your home and yard. On a mission to cultivate gorgeous gardens, keep their employees happy and their communities thriving, this nursery wants to keep Colorado green.
\n\n\n\nEverything’s still coming up roses at Tagawa Gardens but, these days, that means a plant nursery that’s morphed into a huge garden center. It started in the ’60s as a long-stem roses greenhouse for florists. The Tagawa family has since expanded into a 110,000-square-foot indoor space and more than an acre outdoors filled with everything you’d hope to find at a garden center. The Denver nursery keeps the rose in its logo as a reminder of how it all started.
\n\n\n\nThree generations have put down roots at Country Fair Garden Center in Denver. For more than 70 years, the Gerace family has been showing you how to cope with the Mile High City’s unique growing conditions and tough environment. They believe in giving back, donating seeds and supplies to teachers each year for class projects.
\n\n\n\nWhen two childhood friends were studying horticulture at Texas A&M University in the ’70s, they started a lawn care company to make money. They brought that company home to Dallas after graduating. After many trials and tribulations, Shades of Green transformed into a family-owned and operated garden center, in business now for 43 years.
\n\n\n\nStrader’s is one of Central Ohio’s largest employers during peak garden season, with more than 300 staffers on hand in both their retail and wholesale divisions. Started some 60 years ago by Jack and Ruth Strader, it’s been a family affair, with their four children working alongside them.
\n\n\n\nOakland Nurseries opened its original space in 1940. Now, after opening its fourth location in New Albany, it sports the motto “32 Acres of Gardening Pleasure.” After the latest expansion, three generations of Gustav Reiner’s family now work in the Columbus area, selling horticulture products, along with designs and living landscapes.
\n\n\n\nLandscaping’s the name of the game at Liberty Landscape Supply in Jacksonville, Fla. In their perfect world, people would spend more time outside working on their yards, creating beautiful landscapes. They hope to accomplish this by making landscaping easy. Liberty has everything from mulch to stone to trees and plants. They also offer expert tips and solutions for bringing your landscaping dreams to life.
\n\n\n\nThe Garden Center in San Antonio sells plants, fertilizers, and gardening success. Family owned-and-operated since 1985, this independent retail nursery hand-picks plants from local growers that will do well in the South Texas climate.
\n\n\n\nProviding you with top quality plants and helping you succeed as a gardener is what they do best at Rainbow Gardens. This San Antonio nursery brings in local experts for seminars where they share what works and what doesn’t when it comes to growing. There’s even a Kids Gardening Club where the little ones see, smell, taste, and feel what gardening is all about.
\n\n\n\nIf you follow the winding brick road (well, pathway) at this nursery, you’ll find a diverse collection of garden art, fountains, and containers. Head indoors at Shades of Green and see a vast array of native plants and shrubs that are adapted to the San Antonio climate. Shades of Green in San Antonio (not to be confused with the nursery of the same name near Dallas), stays away from toxic chemicals and practices the organic method of gardening
\n\n\n\nMore than 30 years ago, Earth Works started as a small lawn-maintenance company. Today, it’s a full-service landscape business and garden center in the Jacksonville area. Earth Works plans on being there for its customers for years to come. The goal of their landscape team is to make your backyard the best room in the house.
\n\n\n\n“It’s not a landscape. It’s a lifestyle. Dig in.” That’s the motto of Garden Supply Company in Cary, N.C. Started 20 years ago as a landscape and design company, the original three-person crew has grown to 40 staff members, 6 acres and a building filled with plants, flowers, and supplies for container gardening. They also carry everything you’ll need for beekeeping.
\n\n\n\nPlant Delights has a physical nursery in Raleigh, N.C., but does much of its business online. At any given time, the website has more than 1,500 plants for sale, and specializes in rare and unusual perennials. The owner, Tony Avent, has made 60 expeditions to countries including China, South Africa, and Argentina, looking for exotic flowers for his customers.
\n\n\n\nMost plant nurseries focus on the outdoors; landscaping with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Foliage Concepts is an interiorscape company featuring high-quality interior plantings. Located in three North Carolina cities, the company has provided design and build services to hospitals, hotels, and office buildings since 1985, also working hard to be “green” by recycling soil, grow pots and moss.
\n\n\n\nWith a name like Jack Frost, you’d think this garden center would be in a snowy, cold city, but this nursery is near the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach. When owner, David Dubinsky, arrived in the city 37 years ago, he had $500 in his pocket. He has since parlayed that meager amount into his full-service landscape and garden center. Jack Frost also offers hardscaping, creating patios, seating walls, and fire pits.
\n\n\n\nFour Seasons Nursery in Virginia Beach, has served both commercial and residential customers for nearly 50 years with a full-service plant nursery, as well as landscaping materials sold in bulk. With four certified horticulturists and several master gardeners on hand, you’ll certainly find plants that are just right for your lifestyle and budget.
\n\n\n\nBerridge Nurseries in Phoenix was founded in 1938 and forced to move to its second location in 1971 when some boys set a series of fires in the city. Berridge Nurseries rebuilt, then moved one more time to its current location on Camelback Road. The nursery remains in the family with the third generation now owners and operators.
\n\n\n\nImagine a business that’s been in the family for 130 years! In 1890, A.J. Rahn Greenhouses was one of 19 family-owned plant companies operating in an area of Cincinnati known as Wooden Shoe Hollow. Rahn is still going strong, offering flower bedding, houseplants, vegetables, and fruit plants. The fifth generation of the A.J. Rahn family now runs the nursery, keeping their proud heritage intact.
\n\n\n\nThis family-owned greenhouse has deep roots in the Cincinnati area. It started in Spring Grove, a village that fed the city with fresh produce. Over the years, the city grew up around that village but Funke’s family farm spirit remains. Their mission includes providing plants and knowledge to home gardeners so they can take control of their own food supply.
\n\n\n\nYou won’t find any golden arches here, but you will find a large white barn with timbers that are 140 years old. Back in the 1800s, Burger Farm and Garden Center was a dairy farm. The family switched to crops around 1950 and continued another 30 years before opening the garden center you see today. Customers give them rave reviews for helping create what they say are the most beautiful yards in Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nThis Charlotte, N.C., company has more than 20,000 square feet under glass. Its greenhouses are filled to the brim with houseplants and tropical plants. Doing business for more than 40 years, Oakdale Greenhouses boasts that it is “Charlotte’s best source for plants.” In addition to its wide variety of greenery, they add expertise on koi fish and water plants.
\n\n\n\nWhen designing your garden, Southern Styles Nursery and Garden Center offers this advice: Start with trees. It calls them the backbone of a garden setting. Southern Styles has an immense selection of trees, from exotic to common shade, Japanese maple, and evergreen. Once you’re done with that, you can explore the rest of this Charlotte, N.C., nursery to pick out the rest of your landscape items.
\n\n\n\nDespite Grass Pad’s logo, they’re not smokin’ it, they’re growin’ it! What started out on a 700-acre sod farm at the end of a long gravel road in Missouri grew into today’s five locations in the Kansas City area and one in Omaha, Neb. They’re still transforming lawns with green sod, but have added full-line nurseries at each warehouse site.
\n\n\n\nThe man behind Rolling Meadows, Jesse Meadows, worked in landscaping for 15 years before making his garden center dream a reality. With a focus on creativity and quality, Jesse offers both residential and commercial landscaping in the Overland Park, Kansas, area. You’ll also find eco-friendly products and classes on how to go green.
\n\n\n\nBoth serious and casual gardeners will find what they need at Summer Winds Garden Centers, which has locations in Phoenix and the Santa Clara Valley in California. The company is one of the largest independent retail nursery businesses in the nation. Putting water and energy-saving initiatives into practice, Summer Winds is committed to the responsible use of our natural resources.
\n\n\n\nLondon Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery
\n\n\n\nLondon Bridge has been a Virginia Beach gardening tradition since 1976. Look for bulk sales of mulch, gravel, and organic mushroom compost. Their greenhouses are home to a huge selection of flowers. And butterfly lovers, rejoice! They even have a certified monarch butterfly waystation.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are more than 13,000 plant nurseries in the U.S., so there’s a possibility we missed your favorite.
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