Lawn advice. Lime, Fertilizer, and mowing?
Question:I have an established lawn in Massachusetts. Just a few basic questions.
I would like to mow, spread lime, and spread fertilizer this weekend. Can I do all this? is there a sequence I should use?
I am spreading scotts step 2. It is supposed to rain monday, so I would like to get it down early sunday morning ahead of the rain. I have looked elsewhere, and some recomended mowing 24 hours befor fertilizer application would be sufficient.
Answers:
Test your soil's PH before putting down lime. You want it to be as close to 7 as possible. If it's between 6 and 7, you really don't need the lime, but it probably wouldn't hurt your lawn if you did put it down.
"Step 2" should be applied when the grass is already wet, and there is no rain forecast for at least 24 hours. The weed killer needs to "stick" to the weeds to be really effective.
If it were me, I'd cut the lawn and put lime down (if needed) today. Give the grass a light watering first thing Sat morning (if there's a good amount of dew on the grass, you wouldn't have to water), then put down your Step 2. The weed killer will have time Saturday and Sunday to get working on any weeds. Then, Monday's rain will water the fertilizer into the soil.
Liming the soil is good for breaking down clay, but may not be the best with the fertilizer so I'd check with the local extension service. Cut the grass, then fertilize. If you do it the other way around the mower will blow the fertilizer around and you'll have a funny looking yard.
go ahead and do all that you want to do. mow first.. then fertilize.. them lime.
PS- Lime has nothing to do with braking down clay. it's a source of Calcium and a pH buffer (sweetens). If you have clay issues.. spread gypsum.
Turf does well when you raise the PH by adding lime but I'd wait till the fall to apply. Applying lime in the late fall will allow it to rest and set so the winter freeze thaw can draw it down.
Depending on the type of fertilizer just read the label as to when to apply.
Most importantly DO NOT CUT LESS THAN 3" IN HEIGHT.
A tall turf will create a shady root zone which will help control weeds and retain moisture.
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