winterizing lawn -
 

I'm heck-bent on eradicating my crabgrass problem this fall and next spring,
I've overseeded with my favorite (Rebels) grass seed mix which is coming up
nicely under the existing turf, as the crabgrasses are begining to fase and
die. In addition, I've planted a new lawn area in a previously undeveloped area
which is also thickening like a nice, fine carpet. I'v used no fertilizer as of
yet, and trying to avoid using any as I've a ton of homemade compost to put
down.

I know in the early spring I'll have to use a crabgrass preventer.

I usually need a lime and ironite treatment in the spring as well, just to get
the grass a decent shade of green, I was wondering If I might be better off
treating both the existing, and the new turf with either the lime or the
ironite, or both now? Is ironite safe for newly-establishing lawns?

Thanks!

winterizing lawn -
 

Test the soil in several areas to determine pH -- use lime to help bring it
in line but get it down now for next spring. The best thing you can do -- a
light dressing of bloodmeal to increase nitrogen, dressings of compost 3-4
times a year, keep an appropriate mowing schedule (3" high, more often in
rainy periods, less in dry periods), mulch the clippings back into the lawn,
and reseed in autumn and spring (I also do a seeding just before summer heat
starts to hit). Foster healthy soil and you will not need chemicals (which,
BTW, will do more damage than good).

James