Jennifer Asked:

I moved house this year and the front and back lawns where full of moss, daisies, buttercups and other weeds. I have gotten rid of the moss and have had some success with grass seeds but for next spring I would like to begin the preparation for the perfect lawn without buying a new one (I have spent to much time weeding fork, raking to give in) Please help I have never had to garden before.

Reply:

Ahhh... better living through chemistry, lol! There are quite a few spray weeding fork killers out there but WATER is going to be the key. Weeds can grow in the slimmest of conditions and will take bigger advantage of small amounts of water/nutrients than grass can... that's why they are such persistent little bastards. Watering grass just a little will actually be more damaging as it brings the grass roots closer to the surface to grab that water and then the sun will "cook" them. Neighbors lawns are a big concern in getting weeds OUT of your lawn... if they have them, you will to so have a chat with your immediate neighbors about their lawns. Cutting your grass too short also gives weeds an added ability as they will get more sunlight to get started...

Thus... cut your grass to 3-4 inches height, spray for weeds using the type of killer that hooks directly to your hose when at least 2 days of no rain is coming, water once a week minimum during a drought if possible in the morning as watering at night may lead to fungus and moss growth, pick up a cheap pH kit at your local lawn and garden center as well as a good fertilizer high in nitrogen (30-20-20 on the bag represents Nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium in that order) and most importantly... water thoroughly... not a little today and more tomorrow. This will get ya started.

 

logo Weeding Fork?
Lot of garden hand tools
Lot of garden hand tools
Paypal   US $.50
7 Miniatures Dollhouse Garden Hand Tools Saws Shovels
7 Miniatures Dollhouse Garden Hand Tools Saws Shovels
Paypal   US $.99
Lot of 9 Landscape Hand Garden Tool Excavator Rake
Lot of 9 Landscape Hand Garden Tool Excavator Rake
Paypal   US $.99