How to Measure for Seed and Fertilizer

Just a quick word on how to figure seed, fertilizer and straw!  If you are just over-seeding be sure to aerate before putting the seed down.  The standard rate of application for over-seeding is 5 pounds per 1000 square feet.  Fertilizer coverage is 5 1/2 pounds per 1000 square feet.  Be sure not to over fertilize!  This not only does not help your lawn but will do more harm to our already fragile environment.  The seeding rate for a new lawn is 10 pounds per 1000 square feet.  Just for measurement's sake, an acre is 43560 square feet.  Straw coverage is 400-500 square feet per bale.  Have a great time growing green!

Breaking free from Winter's Grasp

February is still in Winters grip.  Spring doesn't arrive until March 20th.  Try not to get anxious! We all want to get going but Mother Nature isn't quite ready to let us go.  Start prep work for the "Spring Fling" by cleaning up your tools.  Sharpen the hoes and shovels to make the job much easier. Once daytime ground temps are above freezing you can start breaking ground.  A spading fork works great for loosing compacted soil and mulch.  Mulch beds thrive from having winter mulch turned and fluffed before a fresh spring dressing.  Be sure you plant your spring bulbs, fertilize trees and shrubs before you mulch.  Meanwhile do some stretching.  I hear the groans but... YES...do some stretching!  Consider it part of your prep work. Pay now or pay later.  Enjoy a little more rest before we go full speed ahead playing in the dirt.

Landscape Tasks for the New Year

Another year has zoomed past and we now begin our preprations for Spring!  This a great time for that final leaf round-up,cleaning up debris and dead wood.  If you haven't done your regular pruning go ahead and finish that task.  A few warm days and your early plants will start waking from their winter snooze.