Winter is with us for only a few more weeks and there are some things we need to be sure we finish before we are into the Spring season. One of them is dormant seeding of any thinned-out lawn areas or where crabgrass took over last summer.
There are only two really good times to plant grass seed during the year.
The best time is the August / September period.
The next best time is right now. If you have thin or bare spots in the yard you only have a week or so to take advantage of the serious freezing and thawing that occurs at this time of the year. This freezing and thawing process helps the seed make good contact with the soil. You know how the top inch or so of the soil surface or grass areas feels like a sponge after a good freeze? I think of it as honey combing. Well this is an easy way to get grass seed in good contact with the soil by letting Mother Nature take care of it. You can actually broadcast your grass seed right on the snow without hurting the seed. This soil contact is essential for germination which will take place as soon as the soil warms later in spring. Crabgrass control will need to be used to prevent this weed from taking over the new grass seedlings in June. The crabgrass preventer MUST be the type that will allow the good grass seed to grow. This “preventer” is the one with the “brain” and will cost more than the regular crabgrass control, but it is well worth it.
If you haven’t pruned your fruit trees and berry plants, this is a good time to do that. If you need some information about pruning Google “pruning (whatever plant your getting ready to work on)”, there is good info on the internet.
What about your lawn mower, have you changed the spark plug, changed the oil checked the air filter and sharpened the blade? If you need to get your mower into the shop this is a good time to do that before everyone, who has procrastinated, causing you to get your mower back a little late for that first cut.
This time of the year is when we can get educated about some of the basics in gardening or just get exposed to some fun gardening stuff. There are seminars and workshops offered by local nurseries/garden centers or the county extension offices in the area. These sessions are very informative, low cost and many times entertaining. Sessions that cover some of the new gardening interests like “vertical gardening”, “miniature or fairy gardens” or “gardening with succulents” are some of the popular things that people sign up to do with a friend or family member. Go to websites of these organizations to check out what is being offered in the area and sign up early as space may be limited. Look for sessions on vegetable gardening so you can decide on what it is you want to grow this year. Seed racks are ready for you and it would be a good idea to make your selections early so you have all your favorite choices.
Send any questions or comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll get back to you with information.
Meadow View Growers
32 years of growing for you
www.meadowview.com
