Brand new lawn

stanmyers – posted 20 September 2004 12:55

I have a brand new plot of land (appx 7500 sq ft) I have 4 inches of composted cow manure and top soil sitting on top of sand. I know its late in the season but is it too late too seed and what is the latest I can seed ?what type of grass seed would sprout faster this time of year. There is a grass seed that comes in pellet form covered with fertilizer / mulch …is this stuff any good…will the grass sprout faster. I was thinking about adding some lime, peat moss, and wood chips to the soil…the soil has been screened thoroghly and is very fine…is this wise and what else do you think should be added.

Is there any product out the that will kill dormant weed seeds and what can i do to prevent an over growth of weeds before the lawn has a chance to set up healthy.

thanksStanley

In case you need to know I am in dover Deleware…I am new too the area so I am not sure when it starts to get cold here.

cohiba – posted 20 September 2004 14:26

Stanley,In Delaware You would be looking at a cool season turf. Depending on what type of sun exposure you have. Sun is Ryegrass, or Kentucky bluegrass, turf type tall Fescues also do well. Shady areas? The choice should lean towards fine fescue. As far as preparations go:I like the cow manure and topsoil. I would till the 4″ into the top two inches of sand. this will give you a good rootzone of 6″. Test the soils on the property and till in amendments based on the results. Add a high P fertilizer or starter fertilizer (like 10-25-10). You may need Lime. But don’t just add it unless your results say to add it. And by all means pick the right lime! Keep the wood chips for the flower beds. In the soil they use nitrogen to decompose. Taking the N from the soil and the turf. The peat moss is ok it will help hold water in the sandy soils. However, your adding manure. That will hold water on its own, so save your money and put it into a good mower. After planting a good mixture of ryegrass/bluegrass/fescue, water light and infrequently. The lawn will be up in no time. So will the weeds. After four or five mowings you can put broadleaf weed control down to take care of those weeds. Fertilize in late fall with 1# of N and use something like 20-10-20. The potash will help with winter stresses. In spring you will need to use Crabgrass preemergence and take care of any winter annual weeds. Using the same three way type product works best(trimec).

The fall is the best time of year to plant a new lawn. It sounds like you have alot of work ahead of you but your in good shape.

Good Luck and take care………….