Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Farm and Home

Timely fertilization helps keep lawn grasses green and growing. Weeds in lawns are one result of sparse, unfertilized turf. If possible, fertilizer and lime applications should be based on a soil test. However, if a soil test has not been taken there are some basic guidelines listed below that might be helpful.

Warm Season Grasses

At establishment or just after green up in the spring, apply six to 12 pounds (about one gallon) of a mixed fertilizer per 1,000 square feet. Lower rates for higher analysis fertilizers like 10-20-20; higher rates should be used for low analysis fertilizer like 8-8-8. A 50-pound bag is sufficient to treat about 5,000 square feet.

Apply three pounds ( three pints) of ammonium nitrate per 1,000 square feet at monthly intervals to maintain color and growth. Last nitrogen application should be made prior to September 30 to allow grass to prepare for winter dormancy.

Centipede grass

Each spring apply six pounds of a mixed fertilizer per 1,000 square feet.

If soil test does not call for complete fertilizer, apply three pounds ammonium sulfate instead.

Do not apply more than two pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.

Timely fertilization helps thicken lawn turf. This helps crowd out weeds. However, if weeds are already present and actively growing, fertilizer may stimulate weeds and suppress grasses temporarily.

Existing weeds should be killed with herbicide treatment.

Wait until winter weeds begin to die before applying fertilizer to warm season grasses.

With repeated fertilization and good weed control, lawn sods usually get thicker and thicker. After several years, fertilizer elements may build-up if clippings are not routinely removed. Then mixed fertilizer may be temporarily omitted and nitrogen applications adjusted as needed to maintain growth and green color.

Rabies clinics will be held in the county Saturday beginning at Willisville, then at Falcon, Bodcaw, Rosston, Laneburg, Redland and Prescott.

Dr. D.R. Whitehead will be vaccinating pets for $7 each with $1 of the fee being turned back to the Extension service for the 4-H.

See the complete schedule elsewhere in the Picayune, or call 887-2818.