The Basics in Lawn and Garden Care

There is nothing quite as great to the soles of your feet as the feel of a lush lawn underfoot. Whether it is for romping, strolling, or simply enjoying you own bit of green earth, the lawn is an incomparable thing to have. But without proper lawn and garden care, how can you expect your lawn to thrive?

Good news: Lawn and garden care is something even the most inexperienced pseudo-gardener can do! Just follow the lawn and garden care steps provided below for virtually guaranteed success:

Step 1: Plan Your Lawn

The planning stage of lawn and garden care is actually easier said than done. There are many factors to consider, least of which is the size of your intended lawn and its shape. Knowing these two beforehand will help you determine the kind and extent of maintenance required and the watering needs of your lawn.

Size: Be sure to measure your lawn area to get an estimate of how many square feet of coverage you need.

Shape and Layout: Choose a layout for your lawn, one that allows you to mow without stopping or backing up. In addition, avoid sharp curves and corners and include borders in your layout in order to make mowing quicker.

Step 2: Choose the Grass

The type of grass is another important step in lawn and garden care. As much as possible, you want your lawn grass to be compatible with the soil in your region. Check your local extension branch for a guide on grass types growing in your region and choose grass that corresponds to it.

After years of rendering lawn and garden care, we have found out that some grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass, prefer cool northern weather. There are also those that prefer hotter southern climates, like the Bermuda, St. Augustine, and zoysia. If you are not entirely sure about your region, you may be safe with tall fescue which is known to grow in areas where regions merge.

Step 3: Test the Soil

A soil test is the next most important aspect of lawn and garden care. There are many different kinds of soil and each type may have different levels of acidity and nutrient content. In order to get the right fertilizer for your soil type, you need to get your soil tested first.

After you test the soil, correct the problem accordingly. Often, organic matter is recommended to increase the nutrient levels in soil. However, when it comes to achieving acid balance, lawn and garden care specialists recommend lime or sulfur to adjust the soil's acidity. Just spread a 2 to 3 inch or 5 to 8 cm layer of organic matter over the area and incorporate it to 6 to 9 inches or 15 to 23 cm into the soil.

Step 4: Install a Sprinkler System

While grass does not need constant watering, water remains an essential component in its growth. Therefore, another significant aspect in lawn and garden care is a sprinkler system. This is especially significant if you live in an area where the growing season is naturally dry. If you live where summer rainfall is normally abundant, buried sprinklers are optional but convenient.

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