My GROBigRed post in the first week of June introduced the concept of caring for turf under hot, sunny conditions, and focused on efficient irrigation practices. Here’s an excerpt to set the stage for this week’s post – “In summer, in Nebraska, it’s hot. So hot that caring for turf requires a full set…
Turf Care Under the Hot Sun – Part 1
In summer, in Nebraska, it’s hot. So hot that caring for turf requires a full set of strategies…in fact 4 pieces or parts. And, like McNuggets, they’re fused together for success. Part 1 – Efficient Irrigation Part 2 – Appropriate Fertilization Part 3 – Mowing Considerations Part 4 – Miscellaneous Factors Efficient irrigation begins…
Summer Lawn Care
The heat of summer is upon us and along with it comes a number of lawn issues that are dealt with differently than in spring and fall. First, watering. The two most important guidelines to remember are 1. Water to the bottom of the roots and 2. Keep the roots moist, not soggy or dry. …
Right Plant, Right Place Part 2
The coined phrase Right Plant, Right Place (RPRP) has stuck for many reasons, but the most important one is that it has passed the test of time. Also, it’s just common sense. Basically, RPRP is relatively straightforward; it’s about installing the best plant for the site, taking sun/shade, soil characteristics, pest history and many,…
Japanese Beetles 2018—Preparing for the Onslaught
Gardeners, plant aficionados and tree owners are battening down the hatches for the onslaught of Japanese beetles this growing season. Here are some commonsense ideas for dealing with these voracious eaters. First, control measures for Japanese beetle (JB) grubs in the soil will help minimize damage to the turfgrass but does not create a force…
Crabgrass Prevention
If I had to think of ONE thing, just one thing that I get asked in the spring about lawns, it’s “when do I put on my preemergence for crabgrass?”. In most years, people are antsy to put it on, partially because they have spring fever after a long, cold Nebraska winter and they’re really…
Soil Tests
T’is the season when many gardeners are thinking about soil tests. Especially in instances when plants won’t grow, won’t flower or won’t respond to our best efforts, soil tests can be the logical next step. Bear in mind, however, that while the soil test results contribute to an overall understanding of the health of the…
Seeding Lawns in Spring
Winter has been harsh this past year, hasn’t it? For most of the people I talk to during the week, the answer is a strong “Yes!”. Perhaps it’s just the spring fever, but we certainly have had a seemingly large number of cold and windy winter days. All of this undesirable weather has left many…
Fields of White & Gold
“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” A.A. Milne Who doesn’t love dandelions? They are the most well recognized flower anywhere you go. Kids love them and enjoy watching the delicate seeds drift in the wind. Well, when you grow up and have to deal with them in the lawn it becomes…
4 Step Lawn Care Packages – Good Idea?
You see them in just about every hardware store, garden center and mass merchandizer – 4 step lawn care packages. They are usually comprised of A preemergence herbicide and fertilizer combination for spring A weed and feed herbicide and fertilizer combination for early summer or early fall An insecticide product for summer and A winterizer…
Weed Appreciation Day—In Praise of Dandelions
Weed Appreciation Day is March 28 and in recognition of this important day, I’m writing about the common dandelion. The dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, is a cool season perennial, having some of the first leaves to develop in early spring. Leaves can be used in salads and are high in potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins…
Fairy Rings of Turfgrass – A Folktale?
If ever there was a name of a malady of turf that inspires a bit of folly and a lot of frustration, it’s fairy ring. Pertinent to property owners due to this being National Folktale Week, the name was inspired by the “tale” that fairies used to dance in circles above the turf and soon…