Posts Tagged ‘fertilization’

Growing Fantastic Flowers

Posted on March 31st, 2011 by Par 5 Lawn No Comments

Proper watering and fertilizing are key
We’re often asked how frequently flowers should be watered and fertilized. Though it would be nice if there was a hard-and-fast rule that worked for all flower types, there isn’t. Watering and feeding needs vary from flower to flower.

When to water
Providing too much or too little water (especially when hot summer weather arrives) can result is less-than-satisfactory blooms. If you’re unsure when watering is needed, consider these guidelines:

  • Annuals have shallow roots, so they dry out more quickly. Keep soil moist, but not too soggy.
  • Perennials need less water since they have deeper roots. It’s OK to let the soil dry our between waterings.
  • Certain flower types shouldn’t be watered on flower heads or leaves (the care instructions that come with them usually indicate this).

    • Fertilizer frequency
    Proper feeding will give your flowering plants the energy they need to produce bloom after bloom. Here are some fertilization tips to follow for feeding success:

  • Perennials should be fertilized once they start blooming.
  • Annuals do best when fertilized as they’re getting established and again during mid season.
  • If leaves are yellowing, this often means that fertilizer is needed.
  • If a granular or powdered fertilizer is used, it should be watered in after application.

    • Feeding Your Lawn

    Posted on March 17th, 2011 by Par 5 Lawn No Comments

    Your lawn needs nutrients to grow and thrive, just like almost everything else in the world. The type of soil that your lawn draws their sustenance is an important factor because soils have different levels of potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and other nutrients. Over time, your plants and lawn will use up all of the available nutrients in the ground. This process leaves your lawn empty and your lawn will become malnourished, weaken, and grow brown as well.

    In order to prevent this problem, you can introduce fresh nutrients to your ground by using soil amendments and fertilizers. Do you need to know what soil amendments and fertilizers are right for your lawn? No problem! You will want to conduct a simple soil test in early spring. Why early spring? If you add amendments early enough, you will be preparing your lawn before the grass grows up and gearing up for the hot summer months to come when lawns are their most lush.

    Soil tests can vary, but below are some of the most basic features summarized from HobbyLawnCare.com:

    “Clear the thatch and grass over a spot in your lawn that’s representative of the overall condition of the area – you don’t want to sample the odd spots in your yard, like the soil right next to a road, sewage pipe or compost pile. Dig an angled hole in the soil three inches deep, then slice off a one inch thick slice of soil from the edge of the hole. Dump the slice of ground into a clean plastic bucket.

    Take 10 or more soil samples from throughout your lawn, strenuously avoiding those odd areas the entire time. Dump all the samples into the same bucket, then mix the soil in the bucket together to create a composite sample. Pluck out any rocks or roots you find while you’re mixing the soil.

    Next, you’ll want to check your cooperative extension’s website to see how much soil and exactly what paperwork is needed to have the sample tested. Seal the appropriate amount of soil into a plastic bag and complete the required paperwork, then either mail the sample to the testing lab or bring it directly to a cooperative extension office. You may need to include a check covering the cost of the service.

    Testing can take a couple of days, a couple of weeks or a couple of months, depending on the lab and its workload. The results of the test will show you what nutrients your lawn lacks, and some even suggest particular amendments and application rates. If you need to lime or add compost to your lawn, the results will let you know. If the ground’s lacking phosphorus, the results will let you know. If your soil’s pH is out of whack, the results will let you know!”

    Source: http://www.hobbylawncare.com/building-the-lawn/basic-lawn-building/
    story/feeding-your-lawn-soil-and-soil-samples-uid153

    Spring Lawn Fertilization – When and Why?

    Posted on March 16th, 2011 by Par 5 Lawn No Comments

    A consistent program of fertilization is essential to keep your lawn green, growing, and looking its best. Regular fertilization will lead to a thicker, healthier lawn that reduces erosion, filters pollutants, provides natural cooling, and cleans the air. Plus, your lawn will be less likely to suffer from weed, insect, and disease problems when it’s fertilized on a regular basis. And perhaps best of all, your lawn will need less water when it gets the nutrients it needs throughout the year.

    Knowing when to fertilize your lawn throughout the year is crucial to keeping your lawn beautiful. If fertilizer is applied at the wrong time, then your lawn can actually be damaged. It’s important to remember that the natural growth cycle of your lawn dictates specific times to fertilize it.

    As we approach the Spring season, be sure not to get too excited and fertilize your lawn too early! Many people are often encouraged to fertilize their lawn in early Spring, but the best time fertilize your lawn is actually in late Spring. If you wait until late May or early June, you are preparing the grass for summer when it slows down carbohydrate production and begins utilizing the reserves. A substantial feeding of 3/4-1.0 lb of slow release nitrogen will allow the plant to re-build it’s energy (carbohydrate) reserves and ward off the stresses of summer like drought, heat, traffic, disease and insects. An IBDU or polymer coated slow-release fertilizer can feed the grass for up to 12 weeks

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