Grass seed instead of fertilizer or weedkiller
 

I'm a gardening newbie and I hate lawn maintenance.

I was told that instead of spending $$ on fertilizer and/or
weedkillers, if we spread grass seed on the lawn regularly it will
take care of the health and thickness of the lawn. Also since there's
no place for the weeds to grow, they won't.

Does anyone use this concept? Does this work? It looks too easy and
simple to be true.

Thanks.

Grass seed instead of fertilizer or weedkiller
 

On Thu, 29 Apr 2004 10:29:58 -0400, ted wrote:

I'm a gardening newbie and I hate lawn maintenance.

I was told that instead of spending $$ on fertilizer and/or weedkillers,
if we spread grass seed on the lawn regularly it will take care of the
health and thickness of the lawn. Also since there's no place for the
weeds to grow, they won't.

Does anyone use this concept? Does this work? It looks too easy and
simple to be true.

Thanks.


Well I'm not sure if that works but I do spread around grass seed every
spring all over the lamns. I also use weed killer and fertilizer.

Last year ground ivy got really bad so this year I'm trying a few things,
Ortho weed killer (so far 3 applications and nothing is happening to it)
and the borax treatment on a few spots for experimenting.

Man ground ivy is MURDER to deal with. Pulling it all is out, there is just
way too much of it for that.

Grass seed instead of fertilizer or weedkiller
 

On 29 Apr 2004 07:29:58 -0700, (ted) wrote:

I'm a gardening newbie and I hate lawn maintenance.

I was told that instead of spending $$ on fertilizer and/or
weedkillers, if we spread grass seed on the lawn regularly it will
take care of the health and thickness of the lawn. Also since there's
no place for the weeds to grow, they won't.

Does anyone use this concept? Does this work? It looks too easy and
simple to be true.

Thanks.

You're right--it's too simple and easy to be true. A nice lawn
requires a lot of maintenance. But overseeding reduces the amount of
weed killers and crab grass. Overseed at the proper time and apply a
starter (not regular) fertilizer at the same time. Unfortunately,
quality seed costs money.

Grass seed instead of fertilizer or weedkiller
 

On 29 Apr 2004 07:29:58 -0700, (ted) wrote:

I'm a gardening newbie and I hate lawn maintenance.

I was told that instead of spending $$ on fertilizer and/or
weedkillers, if we spread grass seed on the lawn regularly it will
take care of the health and thickness of the lawn. Also since there's
no place for the weeds to grow, they won't.

Does anyone use this concept? Does this work? It looks too easy and
simple to be true.

Don't know about regular over-seeding, but it sounds reasonable. I
think many will tell you that a healthy, growing lawn is the best
weed-preventer there is. And I seem to see more problems (other than
environmental) with over-treatment than benefits.

The owner of a newish house across the street has been trying for 3
years to achieve a golf-course lawn. She mows often (too often and too
low, IMO), and is always out spreading or spraying *something* around.
Her lawn looked lovely -- bright green and perfect at the end of
winter. In about 6 weeks, her attentions have resulted in big patches
of brown, and you can see some of the straight lines invovlved in
either fertilizing or weed-killing (we're not pals, so I don't know
exactly).

My own lawn isn't weed-free, but it's green and respectable looking,
and the only maintenance it's had for years is mowing every 7-10 days
and (very) occasionally spot-treating dandelions.

Grass seed instead of fertilizer or weedkiller
 

On 29 Apr 2004 07:29:58 -0700, ted wrote:
I'm a gardening newbie and I hate lawn maintenance.

I was told that instead of spending $$ on fertilizer and/or
weedkillers, if we spread grass seed on the lawn regularly it will
take care of the health and thickness of the lawn. Also since there's
no place for the weeds to grow, they won't.

It's true that canopy closure (no bare soil for weeds) is wonderful
weed control. It's also true that overseeding will help an ailing
lawn... but it won't do much if you butcher the mowing and if the soil
is compacted, poor pH, nutrient-deficient and/or you overseed in such
a manner that the seed has no chance to grow. Or if you choose seed
that is unsuited for your growing conditions.

Read up on basic lawn ca my favorite book for beginners is
Rodale's Chemical-Free Yard and Garden, by Carr et al. Read it,
paying special attention to the first few chapters on soil and water.
Get a soil test; correct any soil problems; choose species of grasses
suitable for your condition (talk to your extension service for what
does well in your area). Choose low-maintenance grasses. Mow correctly.
Fertilize when needed. Much of good lawn care involves a lot of
planning, very little work, but consistent work.

Or ditch the lawn for something else that suits you better. But check
local laws, homeowner associations and similar pitfalls before you
make major plans.

Kay Lancaster