LAWNS
Although the weather is not cooperating this week with us gardeners, it's still an important time to talk a little bit about spring lawn care. Before we know it spring will have sprung and we'll be out raking up the winter debris (and I know some of you already have!), and assessing the damage.
 
TIPS
 

1. Be sure to wait until your lawn is dried up from all the spring rain before you get out raking. Raking when wet can tear up a lot of the lawn.
2. Give it a hard rake, this helps dethatch the grass.
3. If you are battling with grubs (and you are not alone) then now is the time for an application of lime, before applying any fertilizer. Grubs prefer acidic soil and lime "sweetens" the soil, driving grubs away. Initial application rate is one 40 lb/18kg bag per 1000 sq ft. Every year after that it can be applied at a rate of 1 bag per 4000 sq ft.
4. If you have a problem with crabgrass then early spring is the best time to apply a spring fertilizer with corn gluten. Now that the Ontario government has banned the use of cosmetic pesticides, there will be no more 'Weed n' Feed' type products available. Corn Gluten is a natural element that when applied early enough smothers the over wintering weed seeds in the lawn. Crabgrass is an annual weed whose seeds lay dormant in your lawn until the spring when the heat allows them to germinate.  Corn Gluten should be applied early in spring before this germination process begins. Be sure not to put down new grass seed at this time as the corn gluten will smother it as well. Reseeding can be done mid May over top of this application.
5. If you don't have a problem with crabgrass then a spring fertilizer with a high first number (nitrogen) is recommended. We have brought in a seasonal 3 step lawn program here at Gemmell's this year. Step 1 is applied April- May and favours fast green up, Step 2 applied in June has a progressive release which promotes continued growth all summer long and Step 3 applied in September increases resistance to stress due to winter conditions by feeding the roots. All of these products are approved by the government as safe choices for your lawn.
6. Spring over seeding of your lawn is very important. The stronger, thicker and healthier the lawn the less likely weeds will invade it. Top dress with a good topsoil or 3 way mix then over seed with a grass seed that is specific to your property's conditions i.e. sun/ shade, high traffic/low maintenance, wet/ drought tolerant. There are several different seed combinations here at Gemmell's, both bagged and in bulk. Rule of thumb for over seeding is 1lb for every 400 sq ft.
7. If your war with grubs continues this season then an application of nematodes is highly recommended. Nematodes are a microscopic organism that is a natural predator to grubs. Once the soil has warmed up (usually by mid May) nematodes can be applied. They come on a sponge that needs to be immersed in water to release them. Nematodes travel through water, so it is important to make sure that they are applied with a hose end sprayer and lots of water. Once applied they travel beneath the lawn surface to attack the grubs. Nematodes are 100% natural, are safe to be applied on lawns with pets and children. Drop into the garden centre for more detailed information. Nematodes are ordered on a customer request basis so if you think that this may be an alternative method for your lawn this year then be sure to call and reserve a box.
8. Sit back on your deck with a tall cool glass of lemonade and enjoy your luscious green yard!