This is the time of the year when your lawn demands special attention.
Cool-Season Grasses
During the hot months of July and August, our cool-season grasses were semi-dormant. As the weather cools they enter a second stage of growth, storing food for winter.
Fertilize your grass now for a better lawn next season.
Has your soil been tested to determine the needs of your particular plot, if you are doubtful of its composition?
Your county agent can tell you how to take soil samples and where to have them tested.
Fertilizer Elements in the Lawn
Phosphorus and nitrogen are commonly deficient in these Northern Plains, but a soil test may reveal other fertilizer elements lacking in your lawn.
- Never shave your lawn, for grass leaves are food factories for the plant.
- Leave bluegrass standing at a height of 2 ½” inches to encourage it to tiller and fill in thin spots.
- Lawns are extremely thirsty during this period of fall growth; water yours often.
Even the scrawniest lawn can flourish if you care for it well.
Maximum Growth For Lawns
While maximum growth is a must for lawns, it can mean winterkill on roses and other woody plants.
- Stop fertilizing and over-watering woody plants; allow them to harden so they can survive winter freezes.
- Lush, soft growth is certain to kill back during the winter.
- Don’t let them stiffer drouth stress, but don’t overstimulate them.
- At this season woody plants enter a dormant stage, storing starches for spring.
- Now that asters and mums are in the limelight, keep them watered and in good growing condition.
- Do not feed them nitrogen, which may tend to increase vegetative growth rather than produce the gorgeous flowers which give the final blaze of color during these last days of the outdoor gardening season.
44659 by Glenn Viehmeyer