Comments on: 10 Ways to Grow Grass and Cut Lawn Care Costs

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:19:02 +0000

Lawn tractors are the best way to go, in the amount of time it takes to use a push mower, and have it running constantly to the time it takes to mow with a tractor, you use as much or less fuel (or at least on my lawn with a 6.75 HP Troy-Bilt vs a 18HP Cub Cadet) And if the mower breaks down, if your slightly handy with a wrench, theyre easy to fix.

By: Gardener by trade

Gardener by trade — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:58:23 +0000

I have read through all or most of your garden suggestions. good tips. most have been around for some time now. I graduated from Horticulture in 1974. Many things have changed in the proffesion since then. The best change made here is the ban on cosmetic use of chemicals. The planet and peoples health are more important. The biggest mistakes people make when doing any gardening outdoors or indoors with plants is either over watering or underwatering. water only when the soil feels just dry to the touch. The soil down further if you dig will be damper closer to the roots. Water deep and less frequently to encourage deep strong root systems that can tolerate longer periods between watering. As far a fertilizer,the best way to know how much, and at what proportion, to add nutrients to the soil is with a soil test. Simple soil tests can be purchased at garden center. Once you determine what nutrients are lacking or in abundance, you can amend the soil to correct most problems.

There are four main nutrients that are most likely to be a problem in the soil: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. The first three nutrients are found in most mixed fertilizers, and calcium can be purchased separately in the form of limestone. Nitrogen is necessary for new cell formation in all parts of a plant. Compared to other nutrients, nitrogen is typically the most lacking. A symptom of a shortage of nitrogen is yellow-green stunted growth. Potassium (potash) is necessary for strong roots and stems as well as deep flower color. A symptom of potash deficiency is weak stems and yellowing or browning leaf tips and edges. Phosphorus is necessary for development of roots and stems. This nutrient also stimulates fruit and seed production. A symptom of Phosphorus deficiency is red or purple discoloration of leaves. Because phosphorus can become fixed to soil particles, it is important to place it close to the roots.

Fertilizer needs to be somewhat soluble; available to plants soon after application. The nutrients in organic plant foods, such as compost, manure, bone meal, and blood meal are not readily available to plants. These materials must breakdown, which make them slow acting. The nutrients of inorganic plant foods are in soluble form, which are readily available to plants. Inorganic plant foods are not long lasting, therefore, frequent fertilizing may cause the chemicals to destroy the plant. If applied in concentrated form, do not allow the fertilizer to come in direct contact with foliage and roots as the plant may be damaged or killed.

The ratio of nutrients is indicated on the fertilizer container. The numbers indicate the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash respectively – the higher the first number, the more nitrogen, etc. An inorganic fertilizer labeled as 20-20-20 indicates equal portions of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash and typically used in gardens with little nutrient discrepancies. Due to the difference between organic and inorganic plant foods, a combination of the two may produce the best results.

Liquid plant foods are good for accurate applications for container plants.
Slow release fertilizers feed plants over an extended period of time, which is good for lawns. This type of fertilizer can be applied without the risk of burning the grass.
Limestone (calcium) neutralizes the acid level in soil.
Side dressing adds fertilizer to plants during the growing period. Apply the fertilizer on top of the soil at least six inches away from the base of the plant.
Base feeding is especially good for shrubs and roses. Apply fertilizer on top of the soil at least six inches from the base of the plant and extend to approximately twelve inches beyond the branch tips. Scratch the fertilizer into the soil without disturbing the roots.

By: A Beginner

A Beginner — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 18:23:37 +0000

Thank you for this useful article. I have a couple of dogs and am looking into something safe and relatively easy to maintain. We have artificial grass and I have never liked it even though I have an utterly black thumb when it comes to gardening.

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:59:12 +0000

Rain barrels are a great suggestion. However, keep in mind that a 55 gallon barrel will fill quickly and won’t water much flora. We have a rain barrel (55 g), but if we don’t get several more of these or replace it with one very large container, it will end up more of a conversation piece than an effective tool to reduce water usage. Again, these are great ideas and every little bit helps. But it is easier to plan for a much larger storage capacity up front than it is to modify an existing system.

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:48:17 +0000

who doesnt love a healthy green garden. This article is all about that. Good work

By: Kerry

Kerry — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:22:45 +0000

@flacoman Coffee grounds are an amazing tip! I completely forgot my husband composts our grounds. Good call on the fish “p00p”.

By: flacoman

flacoman — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:15:48 +0000

Here’s two that I do :
Use coffee and coffee grounds for fertilizer.
Very helpful here in S Florida where’s there’s no organic matter to speak of
If you have a fish tank, use that water also. Fish p00p works really well and keeps water waste down.

By: The Best of Black Coffee: 43 of the Worst Personal Finance Articles of 2009

The Best of Black Coffee: 43 of the Worst Personal Finance Articles of 2009 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:10:48 +0000

[...] – Somebody told me Kerry had an interesting article about growing grass and I’m always looking for pointers on improving my technique. Before things get out of hand, [...]

By: What’s Sizzling? – June 19th Edition

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[...] speaking of land, here are 10 ways to cut lawn care costs from [...]

By: Truly Scrumptious

Truly Scrumptious — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:27:46 +0000

I’m with Jen from Nova Scotia. Grass is evil.

If you do a Google for “steppable ground covers” you get all kinds of ideas for a nice green carpet (often with pretty flowers!) that can handle traffic; no lawn mower needed.