A Lawn Your Neighbours will Envy!

We have been seeing our lawn off and on over the course of our winter as the snows came and went.  How did your grass survive?  Did you end up with holes in your lawn from salt burn or pets?  Or perhaps it's just not as thick or green as you would like.  

Not to worry, help is here!  Dufferin Garden Centre is committed to help you build a thick and healthy lawn this spring.


Topdress and Overseed
- topdress with a good soil that has a lot of compost
- choose a good quality grass seed blend such as Fescue, Ryegrass and Bluegrass
- a grass blend creates diversity which promotes strength
- by thickening your lawn, the grass will reduce the ability of weed seeds to take root and grow
- apply a seed starter fertilizer the same day to get the seedlings off to a fast strong start
- water every morning for three weeks to ensure all seeds germinate
- after germination, reduce watering but keep area moist so that the root system will develop deeper into the soil

Turf Revolution Time Sav'r Topdressing
- pelletized dehydrated compost
- no mess, easy to apply
- pelletized compost for topdressing lawns or enhancing garden soils
- increases organic matter on and in the soil

C-I-L Golfgreen Starter (10-20-5)
- for over seeding and planting new seeds and sod
- provides nutrients (high phosphorus)  for fast, intense root growth

Speare Seed
- local company using certified seed in the mixtures
- seed contains endophytes, a natural fungus produced by the roots to help reduce the infestation of white grub
- available in Sun/Shade Mix, Over Seeding Mix, Water Saver Mix and Standard Mix

Wildflower Farm's Eco-Lawn
- the ultimate low maintenance lawn seed
- blend of carefully selected fine fescue grasses developed by an Ontario company; Wildflower Farm
- grows in full sun, part shade and even deep shade
- highly drought tolerant once established and has a beautiful green colour

EZ Seed by Scotts
- contains an absorbent growing material that absorbs water and expands to surround seed in a moist protective layer
- mix then provides for the seeds,  infusing them with water and nourishment
- guaranteed to grow grass in the toughest places such as dry, sunny areas, play areas and ever pool soil areas


We can relate to our lawns, they need to be fed too with a balanced diet.  Most fertilizers contain three major elements represented with a three-digit number (such as 21-6-12).  Each number is the percentage of each element in the following order:  nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.  Each blend of fertilizer serves a different purpose or need.  Most spring fertilizer combinations will contain a larger first number for a big burst of nitrogen to green everything up.


This type of fertilizer is manufactured chemically allowing an immediate release of nutrients by penetrating the soil quicker.  Now is a good time to fertilize your lawn with the fertilizers listed, only wait a couple of weeks before you top dress and seed.

Parkwood Lawn Food (21-6-12)
- custom blended to keep your lawn green, healthy and beautiful
- 40% slow release sulphur coated nitrogen for gradual feeding
- phosphorus to help promote vigorous root growth
- apply to a dry lawn and water it in

Scotts Turf Builder Pro Lawn Fertilizer (31-3-8)
- no need to water in; apply on wet or dry lawns
- won't burn your lawn when used as directed
- contains slow release nitrogen


This is 100% corn gluten that, when applied to your lawn will inhibit any existing seeds to grow.  It will not eliminate your existing weeds in your lawn but will inhibit germination of any weed seeds before they get started (including crabgrass and dandelion seeds).  Now is a good time to apply this product, just remember that you need to wait 6-8 weeks before topdressing and seeding.

Amaizeingly Green Weed 'n' Feed Turf Fertilizer
- 100% corn gluten meal
- turf fertilizer 10-0-0
- controls germinating dandelion and large crabgrass (seeds only) in established turf and provides a complete nitrogen fertilizing feeding.


This type of fertilizer contains natural ingredients that are beneficial to the environment but also to your turf, by providing nutrients not available in synthetic fertilizers.  Natural ingredients enhance soil structure while feeding your plants, improving drainage, water holding capacity and microbial activity. It's a good time to fertilize your lawn with the fertilizers listed, only wait a couple of weeks before you top dress and seed.

Turf Revolution Green Acres (5-1-5)
- natural lawn and garden fertilizer
- natural alfalfa based granular blend of nutrients
- produced in a small crumble for easy application and timely breakdown

(after your turf is established)  
- avoid overwatering as the grass will become weaker and more susceptible to weed and pest infestations
- frequent shallow watering promotes shallow roots, which reduces the ability of the lawn to resist stress
- allow your soil to become nearly dry between watering then water deeply
- watering in the early morning allows proper soaking before the burning sun or night chill sets in
- follow your local watering restrictions and watch for watering bans during extended periods of drought
- during dry periods, a lawn may turn brown and go dormant
- when in the dormant stage, check regularly for insect pests, keep traffic off, stop mowing and do not fertilize
 
Which choice will be the best option for you and your lawn this year?  Questions?  We're here to help!

All products mentioned are available at Dufferin Garden Centre

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