Same But Different

So, I'm changing it up this spring\summer to see if I can get better results and opted to go with a different 4-step lawn fertilizer product, Jonathan Green.

For years now I've always bought Scott's 4-step. Although it's worked fine for the most part, I was always a tad disappointed in the end results, which certainly could have been my fault when I applied each step.

Anyway, we'll see if this products does any better.  It was a tad cheaper, guessing because you're not paying for the "Scott's" name.

I picked up the 15,000 square foot bags last Tuesday morning, then went home and applied step-1 to my entire lawn.  Step-1 is a fertilizer that is also to prevent crabgrass from germinating, as well as it kills existing crabgrass too.  Hoping I applied it at the correct time and hoping the snow and rainy days we've had will help soak this product into the soil so it can start working.

I'll apply step-2 when the dandelions, clover and other weeds start actively growing.

Fingers crossed.

Guess What Time It Is!

Saturday morning is errand day and this morning was no different, as I made 6 separate stops, and back home before 10AM!

Today was a good day in terms of most of the people I encountered were pleasant.  Must be something in the air because I found it unusual but it was a welcome change.  Regardless, I loathe most people, so the less I need to see and interact with them the better!

I picked up the following at one of my stops.  Seems I have my work cut out for me - 

I will be heading out shortly to get the lime spread.  I really should have my soil tested but until then I'm hoping the lime will help reduce the moss that's creeping in everywhere.

I'll put the Scotts Step1 fertilizer down in the next week or two.

And were off, happy spring!

A Little Gardening Work Compelte

The weekend weather, before the 4/4 snow storm, was nice.  At least nice enough to allow me some time to work in the yard.

I plant Winter Rye in my vegetable gardens every Fall and have been for as long as I can remember.  This helps hold the soil in place, adds nutrients to the soil once tilled and provides enjoyable snacks for our rabbits and chickens, which they devour.  In recent years the White-Tail Deer have taken a fancy to it also.  Yes, they're so embolden now they come right up beside the house to dine, no fear.

In an effort to prevent these four legged critters from visiting I spent a couple hours in the garden tilling the soil or rather turning the soil one shovel full at a time.  I've also learned over the years that Winter Rye grows fast and if let to grow too long it's a bear to till and work with, so it was needing tending to anyway.

NOTE: Please disregard the condition of the house.  It's in dire need of paint - on the list.

Before - halfway done turning -

As expected, turning the soil disrupts and wakes the grubs of which there were oodles!  I collect them as I work then feed them to the chickens who fight for and gobble them up like they haven't eaten in weeks.

After - ~95% complete.  I intentionally left the front left corner alone.  I wanted to keep some around to continue feeding to our rabbits and chickens.  Not to mention that I was too pooped to continue. 

Now the Winter Rye, along with the compost I spread on the garden in the fall, has time to compost and add it's nutrients for a month or so until planting time.

Understanding Fertilizer Labels

Understanding Fertilizer Labels

The numbers on any fertilizer bag refer to the percentage of primary nutrients found inside. Primary nutrients are: nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). The first number represents the percentage of nitrogen. The second number indicates the percentage of phosphorous, and the last number, the percentage of potassium.

For example, a bag labeled as 24-5-11 (N-P-K) contains 24% nitrogen, 5% phosphorous and 11% potassium.