Friday, March 29, 2013

March Ends: Is it Spring Yet?


The saying goes something like "Spring blooms eternal…" but that must be somewhere else- for us anxious folk in the St.  Louis area, it is muddy, the snow is about gone and only a few spring blooming bulbs have responded to the occasional sunshine-thank goodness, at least it is something!

Along with the new season is my commitment to try and keep up Glennn's blog so while I am waiting for a more current article to post I browsed his back file and remembered our challenges last year with our early spring.  I feel safe picking a few reminders out while I wait for a current post! 

Glenn's advice is so good it is ----- perennial! 

 Happy Easter, Your Gardening Friend
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                     MaryAnn Fink (Re)


DO NOTHING to warm season or zoysia lawns until Glenn says!!!! Warm season (hence the name) lawns like EXTENDED periods of warm weather!  It’s too early to do anything to zoysia!  Read this blog in 3 weeks for an update on warm season lawns.

Pre-April Prep for Cool Season Grass
:
*Sharpen you lawn mower blade, tune it up, be sure it is ready for the season.

*Mow your cool season lawns at 2 ½ to 3”, but only AFTER blowing or raking the matted leaves. Matted leaves will prevent spring green up and spreading of the turf, but mainly they will make your crabgrass application not as effective!  
(*If mow after you loosen the leaves, your mower will vacuum or chop them up easier. You should mow at least TWICE before you apply your crabgrass preventer.)

*When you do apply crabgrass preventer, wait until Glenn says it is time  Last year he recommended: Barricade ®, Team®, Pedimethelin ® , Dimension ® .  Dimension Or Dthiopyr ® should be used from late March to Mid-May.   He may have a few new products this season so please for his advice before you purchase any product.

ALWAYS READ the label and be sure you understand the rate of application. Do not be fooled by advertisements that make coverage claims. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Most claims are price point sales tools that usually only give you half of what you need.

*Check Now with Glenn about Spring seeding! 

Please email Glenn at gmmseed@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions and as Glenn
 says: remember folks…it’s just grass!