How to Have a Healthy Lawn
A healthy lawn which is naturally resisitant to diseases, insects and weeds will be much less dependant on chemical fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides. In addition a healthy lawn will only need fertilising once year. So how do you make sure your lawn is healthy so that you can reduce the use of fertilisers and chemicals. The first thing to consider is how to improve the soil. Start by testing the pH of the soil which should be slightly acidic and between 6.5 and 7. It is more acidic (the pH is less than 6.5) you would need to add some lime. If the pH is above seven, the soil is too basic and you need to add some sulfur. You can either use a pH meter to comply for around $50 or have the soil professionally tested.
Loamy soils with a mix of silt, sand and clay are the best for lawns. Soils that contain a lot of clay can become compacted which will prevent nutrients and air flowing properly. Heavy use can also compact the soil which will then need aerating. This is a process for small plugs are lifted from the make and spaces which allow better flow through off nutrients, water and air. If you do not have an aerator you can usually rent one easily. Aerating should be done before fertilizing or top dressing. you can also improve the quality of the soil by adding organic matter such as grass clippings or compost. This is especially useful for heavy, clay soils but it can also benefit sandy soils by increasing the humus content which helps to retain in nutrients and water.
The type of grass you choose for your lawn is also important and it’s best to choose a grass adapted to your local conditions. The amount of nutrients and water required varies considerably between different types of grasses as does the amount of wear and shade that can be tolerated. Your local garden center would be able to recommend the type of grass suitable for the area in which you live.
When you mow your lawn do not cut it too short as this will expose surface roots and lead to the soil drying out quickly and reduce the surface aeration.A general rule to follow is not to cut more than one third of the length of the grass at any time. The ideal length for most species is between 2 1/2 in 3 1/2 inches. It is best to water thoroughly but infrequently as this will lead to better development of a deep root system which will help the lawn to become hard and drought resistant. Always allow the lawn to dry out in between watering. It is time to water the lawn when the color is a dullish gray and footprint stays for longer than a few seconds. To check if you have added enough water you can add a small container close to the sprinkler. It should collect about an inch of water. If possible always water in the early morning as less water will evaporate and late in the day. It is better to water into sections, water half an inch then leave for half an hour and then water another half an inch.
With care you can have a heathy lawn that is able to resist short periods of drought and will look green and healthy all through the year.
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