Gardening articles brought to you by Lawnmower Auctions
By Janet Ashby
One of the most important things to do to have a great lawn is to use fertiliser correctly. At certain times of the year keeping your lawn in perfect condition can be hard and many people just learn to live with brown spots and poor condition. With a little knowledge and some hard work you can keep your lawn looking good the whole year round.
Springtime
In Spring, when the lawn is recovering from the harsh winter months it is essential to begin your lawn care program. Regular fertilising, watering and eradication of moss and weeds needs to started now. A healthy root system will be maintained by regular care and will help your lawn stand up to the regular cutting it will endure throughout the summer. Cutting grass on a regular basis removes nutrients so you must replace these by regular fertilising. Begin your fertiliser regime in the Spring and you will have a much better looking lawn. Check out the fertilisers available in your local store and choose one that is suitable for your situation.
Autumn
Fertilise your lawn again in the cooler days of Autumn. This will ensure increased lawn quality the following spring.
Types of Fertiliser
Slow release
Special blends of fertiliser, for instance Gro-Plus Professional Total Lawn Food promote deep green colour, and will not burn the grass. The slow release fertlisers will continue to work for up to 4 months promoting excellent leaf growth. Another product, Gro-Plus Professional Total Lawn Food, containing iron and sulphur, promotes long-term plant health and inhibits coarse grasses and weed growth by increasing soil acidity.
Combined Fertiliser and Weed Control
Some products, for example Yates Weed 'n' Feed combine lawn fertilising with broadleaf weedkilling in one application. This particular product is very easy to use as the container fits on to your garden hose and is watered into the lawn. Very effective at both promoting growth and killing weeds it is also one of the easiest to apply.
Removing Moss and Other Weeds
Check your lawn regularly for growth of moss and other weeds and apply the appropriate weed killer.
Cutting Your Lawn
Cutting your lawn too closely (scalping) is a major cause of weed problems. Weeds also thrive in shady areas, for example under trees and in areas where the turf used is not suitable for their climate. always leave at least one-third of the leaf blade when cutting as short tops will have poor root systems and lowered foor reserves. Mowing too closely will remove the ability of the leaves to make sugars and will deplete the food reserves.
Just a little care will result in a green lawn to be proud of!
