The secret to a lush, vibrant lawn lies in the often-overlooked season of autumn. Fall is the lawn's time to shine! Many of us focus on our lawns during spring, with all the fertilizing and seeding, but it's the fall that truly sets the stage for a healthy lawn year-round.
John Harrison, a gardening expert from Espoma, emphasizes, "Fall is the prime time for lawn care." He encourages us to give our lawns a thorough check-up and maintain healthy soil for the upcoming year. By feeding your lawn with organic plant food, you're not only nurturing your grass but also promoting a healthier environment for yourself, your pets, and the planet.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Tim Duffy, from Jonathan Green lawn care, highlights the perfect timing of fall for fixing bare spots and sowing new lawns. In spring, the soil temperature is still too cool for optimal grass germination, and weed seeds are also sprouting, creating competition. Fall, on the other hand, offers warmer soil, less weed pressure, and better rainfall patterns, making it the ideal season for lawn renovation.
Both Espoma and Jonathan Green are leading the way in promoting natural lawn care practices. Espoma's campaign targets families, assuring them that their products are safe for kids and pets to play on. Meanwhile, Jonathan Green's New American Lawn program shifts the focus from chemicals to soil health.
This brings us to an important question: Are we overdoing it with chemicals on our lawns? Consumer Reports found that the average lawn contains ten times more chemicals per acre than a commercial farm! It's a shocking statistic that should make us reconsider our lawn care practices.
And this is the part most people miss...
Paul Cappiello, an expert gardener, stresses the importance of mowing height. He recommends keeping your lawn at a 4-inch height to combat weeds, encourage deep rooting, and maintain a healthy, lush appearance. A shorter 2-inch height, he warns, results in a scalped lawn that's more susceptible to drought, weeds, and an overall poor look.
As we transition into the cooler months, Cappiello emphasizes the continued importance of proper mowing height. With night temperatures dropping, cooler-season weeds start to germinate. Keeping the lawn longer helps the turf compete against these weeds, and it's a much healthier and cost-effective alternative to broadcasting herbicides.
So, what can we do to ensure a healthy lawn in Indiana?
- A thriving lawn is your best defense against weeds, insects, and diseases.
- Fertilize your lawn in September and November. If you leave grass clippings on the lawn during summer, you may not need spring fertilization.
- Identify the problem before treating it. It's a waste of resources and harmful to the environment to apply chemicals without knowing what you're targeting.
For more insights and guidance, you can reach out to Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, the treasurer of the Garden Writers Association and co-author of "The Indiana Gardener's Guide." She can be contacted at P.O. Box 20310, Indianapolis, IN 46220-0310, or via email at thehoosiergardener@gmail.com.
