Master Gardener: Tips for Better Lawn Care This Spring - Abilene Reporter-News

It's that time of year again when the grass grows and the lawnmower comes out of the garage every weekend.

Whether you fall into the "gardener" or "plant exterminator" category, knowing the basics of lawn care can help you create a thriving outdoor environment for your home.

In March, Big Country Master Gardeners, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program, hosted educational seminars on basic lawn care at the main and south branches of the Abilene Public Library.

Host Don Miller taught attendees about grass types, weed control, equipment maintenance and lawn care methods. The information shared comes from the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Texas Tech University.

Grass is greener when it's the right kind

Like any other plant, grass requires special conditions and care to grow. When selecting different grasses to grow, consider foot traffic, all-day sun exposure and shade, and weather conditions in the area.

Bermuda, St. Augustine, zyosia and buffalo grasses are warm-season grasses that are common in the Big Country, Miller said. But they all have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to growth.

Although bermudagrass tolerates heat, drought, and traffic, it can be difficult to grow in shady areas. This strain can withstand the West Texas heat. But depending on your individual lawn care habits, the variety's fast-growing nature can be an advantage or a disadvantage.

Like Bermuda grass, St. Augustine is drought tolerant. It copes with moderately shady conditions but is susceptible to disease or fungal attack and can often be observed rutted in high traffic areas.

Buffalo grass is best for low-maintenance gardeners. It requires little watering and is best left alone, Miller said.

If you're having trouble identifying the type of grass in your yard, Miller recommends removing a blade or two of grass and bringing it to the Taylor County Extension office.

In recent years there has been a growing trend toward "rewilding" or "non-gardening" in home gardening and landscaping.

With this gardening method, homeowners take advantage of the outdoor landscape by planting wildflowers and native plants to create a free-spirited appearance, attract pollinators, and have a positive impact on the environment.

Lawn Care 101

When it comes to caring for your lawn, it pays to be consistent with watering, fertilizing, mowing and equipment maintenance. That saves money in the long run, Miller said.

Start by testing the soil around the lawn to determine the soil type and mineral content. Using a soil testing kit available at the Taylor County Extension office, a gardener can receive a lab report on what the soil needs to maximize its growth potential.

As for watering your lawn, Miller said he treats his lawn as if it were in Stage 3 drought conditions. Overwatering your lawn can cause problems and damage it, so it's important to be aware of the type of grass you have and to be clear about its irrigation needs.

With promising signs of spring rains, the grass will grow tall, as will invasive weeds and overgrown plants.

To control weeds before they emerge, Miller suggested applying pre-emergence herbicides to prevent seed growth and spread.

It's best to apply the herbicide in late February to early March and be sure to water the herbicide to activate it, he said.

If you see a weed, don't remove it! Gardeners are discouraged from pulling weeds as this can cause seeds to spread and cause further growth.

If weeds are growing in your lawn, use a post-emergence herbicide, such as a broadleaf herbicide like Roundup, to spot treat the lawn, Miller said. He personally uses a systemic herbicide called Image in his garden to control weeds and stickers.

Tools and equipment may vary depending on lawn size and general preferences. The key to maintaining the longevity of your equipment is keeping it clean, Miller said.

When choosing tools in the store, try to stick with the same brand as this will make it easier to replace equipment and parts in the future.

More courses, more topics

Throughout the year, Big Country Master Gardeners hosts educational seminars on gardening topics.

They host monthly seminars at Abilene Public Libraries and Saturday seminars once a month. They are here to help you create the garden of your dreams by providing you with tools, resources, and educational opportunities to learn all about gardening.

Master Gardeners publishes educational information and videos on its website , Facebook and YouTube to help gardeners in major countries.

Adblock test (Why?)