Are you looking for the perfect oasis of turf? A thick green
carpet you can wiggle your toes into? Well, if that’s your
definition of lawn then there’s a couple of things to do before
winter sets in!
Are you looking for the perfect oasis of turf? A thick green carpet you can wiggle your toes into? Well, if that’s your definition of lawn then there’s a couple of things to do before winter sets in!
If your lawn were reasonably green with no visible problems a final feeding before the winter rains would be a good idea. Use a good all purpose lawn fertilizer that can be applied with a whirlybird spreader as well as a drop spreader. If you have a few weeds in the lawn you can use a weed and feed combination. Use caution if applying with a whirlybird spreader so the product doesn’t hit flowerbeds or other desirable plants because the weeder in the mix could damage tender plants.
October is still a good month to plant lawns from sod or seed. The cooler temperatures eliminate the need to water several times each day. The lawn fills in thick and lush with less competition from weeds than in spring or summer. And Mother Nature will soon take over the irrigation chores – your lawn will be a thick carpet by the time the stress of summer arrives.
If your lawn has bare spots, set the mower at the lowest possible adjustment and mow in both directions. Rake off the grass and scuff up the bare spots with your rake. Reseed with a sturdy blend of grass seed and cover the entire lawn with a light application (about an 1/8 inch) of mulch. Water immediately and keep moist until the new grass is well established. Then mow and feed with an all purpose fertilizer. Water immediately after application and keep the lawn moist until the rainy season begins.
– California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers
