It is the first day of spring and I can’t wait to get started gardening. But wait it snowed yesterday and was 13 degrees last night. So I guess we have a few more weeks before we can start any serious gardening, but that doesn’t mean there are not a few things we can do now to get our lawns to be the envy of the neighborhood. Now is the time to apply pre-emergent fertilizer to your lawn. Pre-emergent are most effective when applied 3 to 5 weeks prior to weed emergence (they stop seeds from germinating). The team at Hilltop Gardens has both traditional fertilizers such as Jirdon’s Crabgrass Control Plus and organic solutions such Concern’s Corn Gluten.

This early spring fertilizer application helps establish strong roots. This is accomplished due to the high Nitrogen content. Jirdon’s fertilizer is 20-5-5. Speaking of Nitrogen content, have you ever wondered what the three numbers on fertilizers mean and why it is important to select the appropriate ratio, I did. Here is a brief description so you can be the expert on the block. The first number is the Nitrogen content. Nitrogen (N) is important for the growth and development of lush vegetation. The second number is the Phosphorus content. Phosphorus (P) is important for the development of fruit and flowers. Finally the third number is the Potassium content. Potassium (K) is for developing strength and hardiness. As you can see a strong Nitrogen content in a lawn fertilizer will help develop roots.

Now is also a great time to apply an organic soil treatment such as Revive in combination with your fertilizer. Revive increases water penetration and breaks up and loosens hard soil both which help reduce water usage.

The staff at Hilltop Gardens recommends four applications of lawn fertilizer a year. The first application now, either a pre-emergent (if your lawn in prone to weeds) or standard fertilizer such as Jirdon’s Greenmaster or Pro-Rich by Richlawn. A second application in May of Jirdon’s Greenmaster (which has a high iron element to help break up the nice Colorado clay soil). The third application in July should be either Jirdon’s Greenmaster or Weed-n-Feed if your lawn has developed a fair number of weeds. Finally just before you drain your sprinkler system for the winter, mow you grass and apply a winterize. Some say this is the most important component of a healthy, green and lush lawn.

Now you know the secrets to a healthy lawn, we hope to see you soon to answer any questions and determine which fertilizer if best for you and your lawn.

Ask the Expert.

Carl asks: I have noticed “trails” in my lawn this spring, what has caused this and what can I do. Your problem is a common one in Colorado. The most likely case is either Voles or Moles. These rodents burrow under the grass in search of food. Voles have been known to chew on bark of trees and shrubs, especially junipers. You may notice dead branches on junipers later in the spring. Look deep inside the shrub and jou will see where the bark is missing. We carry products to eliminate this pest. There a several ways to control Voles. Set traps at the enterance or exit. Use Mole bait, similar to D-Con or spray the area with a Mole repellant. Once the Moles are eliminated you can work on repairing your lawn. Good luck.

If you have a questions for our staff, please send an email to hilltopgardeningco@gmail.com or stop by.