We are heading into the dead of winter. For many people who love their lawns and love working in the yard, this is a bummer time of year, especially with so much of the country dealing with harsh winter weather.
But let’s put away all of this negative thinking. Let’s put a positive spin on things. After all, it may be winter, but it’s also the start of a new year. It’s a great time to make a “lawn and yard” calendar for 2014. This will act as a cheat sheet for tasks you should be doing during certain times of the year. Doing these things will your lawn, garden and yard healthy.
Spring
Spring is the time of year to get your outdoor lawn sprinkler system out of winter storage and up and running. It’s also a good time of year to decide and determine if your sprinkler system needs any replacement parts or new accessories. It’s also the time (especially early spring) to make sure you have plenty of fertilizer for the year ahead. There’s a good chance your local lawn and garden stores will be running sales during late winter and early spring.
If you’re thinking about laying sod, spring is a great time because there is less chance of frost. It’s also a time when rainy days help with the growing process. The rain, coupled with your sprinkler system, will help give your lawn the water it needs.
Spring is the time to get your mower out and running. Make sure you have oil for the engine. Set up a regular mowing schedule.
Summer
If you get some decent rainfall during the summer, consider giving your lawn another fertilizer feeding. Dry and extremely hot weather can scorch a lawn and turn those green blades brown in a hurry. It’s important to make sure your lawn sprinkler system is on a set schedule to make sure your lawn does not leave you singing the summertime blues.
Dry weather can also affect summer mowing patterns.
Fall
Fall is an important time of year for the lawn and yard. Proper can in the fall will ensure that the lawn and garden are prepared for the winter season ahead.
One big task in the fall is removing leaves. Raked leaves can be used in a compost to help nourish soil. It’s also a good addition to potting soil.
Lawns should be fertilized again in the fall. This fall feeding will help toughen up grass for the winter. This is also the time of year to rake and remove thatch from the lawn.
Winter
Once winter rolls around, all the steps taken during the other three seasons should pay off. There are some things to do to help the lawn in the winter months: Avoid walking on the grass too much if at all possible. This will help prevent black spots that can kill patches of the lawn. Also keep an eye out and remove any remaining leaves.