By Kathy Tando
Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
July 10 – Consider these tips to help maximize the health of your lawn. Keep your mower blade sharp, mow with the blade at three inches for bluegrass, and consider mulching vs. bagging. A dull blade chews off the grass, and a higher setting helps shade the roots and prevents weed germination. Returning the debris to the lawn adds organic matter back and can reduce fertilizer needs. A healthy lawn is a giant step to a great landscape.
July 11 – Always be cautious in using a chemical. First and foremost, use it per the label specifications – it’s the law. But some other things to consider is a chemical increases its chance of being hazardous the more you’re exposed. The concentration of the product increases its toxicity. So if you are diluting a mixture using the concentrated product take extra precaution as your exposure increases. Certain body parts are also more sensitive.
July 12 – Whenever possible, skip the use of a chemical. However, occasionally it is necessary. Take precautions. Be safe. Wear appropriate protective clothing. Even with the best of practices, it’s easy to get chemicals on your hands. Minimally wear gloves. Think before you remove your gloves. Perhaps the best is to wash your gloved hands with soap and water. Or remove one and, with the bare hand, slide it into the top of the other glove to push it off.
July 13 – Weeding is an all-season job. But work smarter. First, have moisture in the ground. For the most success, it’s important to get the whole root system. Be careful to disturb the soil as little as possible, as you can inadvertently bring up new seeds. Use a thin, sharp tool to insert alongside the plant deep enough to encompass the roots. Give it a lift – wait a second – feel it let go – then lift it out.
July 14 – Mother Nature abhors a bare spot. And what does she most readily have to fill it? WEEDS. So beat her at the game. Mulch is one way, but consider others if mulch doesn’t stay due to our winds. You can pack more desirables in, so they block the sun from the ground. Or one of my favorites is using low lying ground covers such as sedums. Sedums are very drought tolerant and don’t crowd out other desirables.