Regular Lawn Maintenance

Today I put on my spike sandals and mowed. I cut the grass an inch higher than the last time I mowed. After mowing I applied Scotts "Southern Turf Builder" with my drop spreader. Then I set up the sprinkler and watered the back yard. While the water was going I took the little shrub rake around the borders of the turf.

Aeration with the spike sandals is doing some good. The spike sandals break up the compacted top soil with little to no damage to the grass. Air can get into the soil, the Bermuda can better spread and the water can penetrate more evenly. The spikes find stones and other objects which need to go over the fence. The turf, thus cultivated, tends to smooth and level itself through natural action. Plus the spikes are good physical therapy for my spine and leg.

When considering different types of fertilizers at first I thought I would use a weed and feed fertilizer. After some careful study of the Scotts Miracle Grow web site I decided to use their product called "Scotts Southern Turf Builder." Though they recommended a weed and feed fertilizer, I went with what amounts to an all purpose lawn fertilizer. I purchased a small bag of the Scotts Southern Turf Builder, which will cover 5000 square feet, for $15 at Lowes. That is about 1/3 less than the weed and feed type. I figure that I have 2300 square feet of lawn at the most, so I will have enough to fertilize next time which is in November.

The Scotts web site is a good place to get information about how to water. It is essential to water thoroughly. Too little just waters the weeds, too much produces disease. Impatience is the only difficult thing about watering.

I purchased the shrub rake at Home Depot the other day for $7. It is sturdy and handy. I use this rake to groom the edges of the lawn and the gravel and to rake the beds.