Gardening Group

Well this class is teaching us a lot about gardening here in Utah. Lori taught us about Lawn prep and maintenance. I will post the information she gave us once I get a copy of what she typed...again why type it twice.

Come and learn with us about gardening next month on May 26th at 6:30pm in the primary room at the church. I will post the topic as soon as I have that info so keep checking on here to know more.

We are looking for free classes to take for this class so if you know of any please let Lori Pratt know or post on here and I will forward this info on so that she can plan things.


Here is one free class we were told about during the class if you are interested in going.
Growing your own Vegetable Garden
Event Type: Adult Programs
Date: 5/7/2009
Start Time: 7:00 PM
End Time: 8:15 PM

Description:

Join Master Gardener Erlyn Madsen at the Kearns Library and learn how to grow a successful vegetable garden in your own backyard. You will learn tips & tricks to having a great garden and will go home with handouts and resources

Library: Kearns Library
Location: Kearns Library Meeting Room
Presenter: Erlyn Madsen, Master Gardener

Newly added info...

Lawn Prep

Lawn prep begins in the fall. Cut your lawn short with your last mowing and then put down a winterizer fertilizer. Cutting your lawn short will prevent it from getting matted down by the snow.

At the end of February even if there is still snow, start putting down a weed and feed each week until the end of April. I recommend PAX. It is also beneficial to put down a pre-emergent at this time also. Beginning in May apply a weed and feed every two weeks until the end of June and then once a month until September. This will keep your grass healthy and minimize weeds like dandelions etc.

Mowing

If you follow the above instructions you will probably need to start mowing sometime in April, weather permitting. Start by keeping the blades low and cutting the grass short. Never cut off more than 1/3 of the grass length at a time as it will shock the grass. Raise your blades one notch every two weeks until you reach the length you like to keep your lawn. Do not mow it too short during the hot months as you will need to water more and the grass will not do as well as if you keep it about 2 inches long. The longer the grass the deeper the roots and the less water it needs.

Always alternate the direction that you mow your lawn. If you go north south one week then go east west the next week. This will help your lawn from matting and it will grow thicker and allow the water to get to the roots.

Thatching, Aeration

It is good to de-thatch and aerate your lawn every other year. You can do it yourself or hire someone. If you do it yourself I recommend a product called Lazy Man’s Liquid Gold. If is applied with a hose sprayer twice a year. It is organic and it aerates, de-thatches and puts microbial into your soil which are very good for your lawn and soil. It can be ordered online, just Google the name. It is a little pricey but one gallon does two applications.

Seeding

If you have bare spots or just want to thicken your lawn seeding is a good way to go. You will need to seed in the early spring (March – April). It is important that it be kept moist and not have any traffic. Put a starter fertilizer down before applying the seed and make sure that you purchase a grass seed that will grow in the type of soil that you have. If you are unsure you can contact the agricultural dept at the U of U.