AUGUST LAWNS

~Written by Mike Darcy (all photos by Rich Baer)

With summer almost over and hopefully cooler temperatures arriving, it is time to give some thought to your lawn. Whether you have a lawn that is old, a relatively new lawn, or are thinking of planting a lawn, this is a good time to year to do any of the above. Actually fall is an ideal time to rejuvenate your existing lawn or start a new one. The soil has been warmed by the summer sun yet the days are cooler so newly planted seed is not so likely to dry out.

If you are thinking of planting a new lawn, consider what it is you want it for. There can be many valid reasons for having a lawn and it is good to consider some of them as well as the size you want. Is it for children to play on, for pets, a defining feature as part of the garden, to help with soil erosion, enhance the beauty of your house, or perhaps you just want a lawn because you like the look of one. Plants, including grass, cleanse our air by their process of photosynthesis. I once saw a statistic that I have always found interesting regarding a lawn and the environment. The statistic is that it is estimated a well managed and healthy lawn that is 50' X 50' produces enough oxygen to meet the everyday needs of a family of four.

I have mentioned many times in these Black Gold web articles the importance of amending your soil. There is really one opportunity to do this and that is at the time of planting. Planting a lawn is no exception. The proper soil preparation is key.

If you want going to plant a lawn in a space that has not had one before, the addition of Black Gold Peat Moss will provide an excellent soil conditioner. Many soils are lacking in organic material and this can be supplied with Black Gold Peat Moss. Peat moss will help loosen up clay soils and in dry and compacted soils it will help to hold moisture. Retaining moisture is essential when planting a lawn as the newly seeded area cannot be allowed to become dry. By tilling the soil and then working in peat moss you are creating favorable conditions for germination. It is also a benefit to add a pellet type fertilizer at this time. Depending on the area you live and the pH of your soil, if lime is needed, this is an ideal time to add it as well. Once the area has been tilled and the Black Gold Peat Moss has been added along with a fertilizer and lime (if recommended), then the area should be raked so it is level and any dirt clods broken up.

If you have an existing lawn and if fresh seed has not been added for several years, you can rejuvenate the area by adding new seed at this time. It is a good idea to vigorously rake the existing lawn and remove excess thatch. When sowing the seed, remember it is best if it can adhere to the actual soil rather than the blades of grass. Generally existing lawns will help provide somewhat of a cover for new seed but I like to go over the area with Black Gold Soil Conditioner. I have found that this product will provide the light covering of the seed needed to prevent it from becoming dry.

If your lawn has areas where it has died during the summer, rake out the dead grass, add some Black Gold Peat Moss and work it into the soil along with a pellet fertilizer. Cover the seed lightly and keep the area moist until the seed germinates.

Once your soil is prepared properly, your next step is selecting the right grass for your specific area. Different regions of the country have different types of grass that perform best and there is always the issue of sun vs. shade. This is when it is wise to check with a local garden center to see what they recommend as most grass seed packages for homeowners will contain more than one type of seed.

Some years back when talking with a grass seed producer, he told me the importance of checking the label which I had not thought of doing. This is something you can and should do. The following are some important items to look for.

• Pure seed; this is the percent by weight of pure seed of each type of seed in the mix, should be 98% or more.
• Germination; the percent of pure seed tested for germination, should be 85% or more.
  
• Weeds; this figure indicates the percent by weight of weed seeds in a package, should be less than 0.3%.
  
• Noxious weeds; number per pound of weed seeds considered undesirable, should be 0.
  
• Inert; percent by weight of material that will not grow, should be less than 2%.
  Date tested; should be within last 18 months.

Sometimes promotional seed mixes will have a filler of annual rye. Remember the word 'annual' means it is good for just one season.

It is not difficult to plant a new lawn or rejuvenate a new one. Following these steps and those recommended by your local garden center will help assure you get the results you desire.

About Mike Darcy

It might be helpful to know a little bit about me so here is a brief summary. I live and garden in a suburb of Portland, Oregon and have lived here since 1969.

I grew in up Tucson, Arizona where I worked at a small retail nursery during my high school and college years. My ‘formal’ education was from the University of Arizona where I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture. I use the word ‘formal’ because while the classes were valuable, I greatly value the experience I have gotten ‘in the field’. It is hard to beat the ‘hands on’ experience of actually gardening, visiting gardens, and sharing information with other gardeners. 

I have been involved with some aspect of gardening throughout my adult life.  I have done television gardening shows in Portland and currently do a Portland garden radio talk show on Saturday mornings from 9am-noon (KXL radio) and this spring will be my 29th anniversary. 

To be connected to the gardening industry is a bonus in life.  I have found gardeners to be among the friendliest and most caring and generous people I know, and consequently many of my friends are those I have met through gardening. 

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