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Showing posts from August, 2023

Choosing the Best Lawn Fertilizer – Dealing with Common and Rare Types of Grass

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Choosing the best lawn fertilizer should be done depending on the exact type of grass that you may have. Thus, there can be more common or rarer types of grass, and each of these plants has its own characteristics.     There can be warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, Centipede grass, etc. This type of grasses can benefit from fertilization during their active growth period, which is typically in late spring to summer. These types of grass typically require a higher amount of nitrogen compared to other nutrients. In their case, you should look for a fertilizer with high nitrogen content. Slow-release fertilizers are beneficial as they provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.   Among the cool-season grasses, we could include Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fescue grass, and so on. Cool-season grasses respond well to fertilization in early spring and fall, as this is when they experience their most active devel...

How Proper Soil Treatment Leads to a Plentiful Harvest

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Proper soil treatment is essential for achieving a plentiful harvest and it involves various practices which are intended for improving soil health, fertility, and structure, which ultimately promote the growth and development of plants.     Soil treatment helps optimize nutrient availability to plants. Through techniques like fertilization, composting, and crop rotation, essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are replenished in the soil.   Proper soil treatment can improve the soil’s structure by making its texture and composition richer and better. This can involve special techniques such as tilling, mulching, adding organic matter, etc. If the soil is well-structured, roots can penetrate more easily, allowing oxygen and water to better get inside the ground, which leads to stronger and healthier plants.   Soil treatment usually helps make the area more available, and the drainage system works better. And properly drained soil can ...

The Scientifically Proven Advantages of Organic Fertilizer

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As compared to chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers can offer several scientifically proven advantages. For one thing, they provide nutrients for the plants in a slow and steady manner. They are usually made of natural materials such as compost, manure, or plant residues, which have to be broken down by soil organisms before the valuable nutrients can become available to plants.     At the same time, organic fertilizers can enhance soil structure by increasing its organic matter content. Organic matter improves soil’s ability to retain water, increases its nutrient-holding capacity, and promotes the activity of beneficial microorganisms. In short, a quality organic fertilizer can improve soil fertility, structure, and overall health.   Organic fertilizers support long-term soil health and sustainability. By improving soil structure, they help prevent soil erosion and improve water infiltration. They also promote the development of beneficial soil organisms, su...

Are Brown Spots in Grass Caused by Pests?

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Brown spots in grass can be caused by various factors, and pests are one possible cause. However, it is important to note that not all brown spots are necessarily caused by pests. Other factors, such as diseases, environmental stress, improper watering, or nutrient deficiencies, can also result in brown spots.     At any rate, among the various types of insects that can cause real damage to your lawn, we could mention Chinch bugs. These tiny insects feed on grass by piercing the blades and sucking out the liquid. Their feeding can cause brown patches on the lawn, especially in areas where there is a lot of sunshine. Chinch bug damage is often seen during hot and dry weather.   Grubs are the larval stage of beetles, and they are known to feed on grass roots, which can further lead to brown patches. Grub damage is more common during periods such as late summer or early fall.   Armyworms and cutworms are caterpillar-like insects that can chew on grass blades and...

Organic Lawn Care Approaches: How to Start Out as a Responsible Gardener

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As a responsible gardener, practicing organic lawn care is a great approach to promote a healthy and sustainable environment. Organic lawn care focuses on nurturing the soil, using natural products, and minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals.     You should start by properly assessing the exact state of your lawn, and detect any kind of potential problems like weeds, bare patches, or pest infestations. This assessment will help you determine the specific needs that your lawn may have.   You may also want to test your soil and thus find out about its composition, pH levels, and nutrient deficiencies. This information will guide you in making appropriate changes to make your soil healthier and more productive.   It is a well-known fact that healthy soil is the foundation of a lush, vibrant lawn. So you can increase its quality and resistance by adding organic matter such as compost, leaf mulch, or aged manure. These organic elements can help improve the str...

How to Bring Back Dead Grass from Dog Urine – Is It Even Possible?

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Brown spots in grass can be really unpleasant for any homeowner. And bringing back dead grass caused by dog urine can be a challenging task, but it is possible to revive your lawn if you manage to apply the right approach. You should determine the specific spots where the grass has died due to dog urine. This will help you focus your efforts and apply the ideal treatments. Flushing the area immediately after your dog urinates with the help of a garden hose can be yet another good idea. This can help you with the concentration of urine and reduce the potential for damage. At any rate, proper hydration is essential for grass recovery. Thus, you should increase the frequency of watering in the affected areas to help you get rid of the excess of salts and chemicals from the soil. You need to water the lawn deeply and infrequently, to let the soil dry between your watering sessions. If the damage is real big and the grass does not show any signs of recovery, you may need to reseed or ...