I’ve got some solid tips for keeping your yard looking lush – skipping an annoying chore will get you free fertilizer
SKIPPING a tedious step when tidying your backyard could be beneficial for maintaining lawn health, says an expert.
He revealed the must-try tips he’s picked up in his countless years working on home renovation projects.
Justin White is a contractor, garage remodel/installation expert, and VP of Marketing at Overhead Doors.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, he revealed how to keep gardens “looking lush and pristine” in every season.
PERSONALIZED PLANTING
White said knowing the type of grass you’ve got and your local climate is crucial for understanding how to best take care of it.
“For example, I live out in the Southwest where our summers are just brutal,” he said.
“Overseeding in the fall with a hardy, drought-resistant grass variety has been a game-changer for me.
“Before spreading that new seed though, I’ll put down a thin layer of compost or manure to give the new grass some great nutrient-rich soil to really establish those deep roots in.”
WATER WONDERS
“Don’t be afraid to let your grass grow out a little longer in the summer months,” White said.
“That extra length provides some nice shading for the soil to help conserve moisture.
“Just be sure to adjust your mower height accordingly with the seasons.”
He warned that proper watering is “absolutely crucial” but when overdone it can have undesirable results.
“I always recommend installing one of those smart irrigation systems – they measure the soil moisture and automatically adjust the watering schedule for you,” he said.
“Simple upgrade but it saves so much water and money in the long run.”
UNPOPULAR OPINIONS
White revealed trial and error over the decades has helped him to craft unconventional tricks that make yards thrive.
“Don’t bother bagging those clippings,” he said.
“Just leave them on the lawn to decompose. Those tiny grass clippings are basically free nitrogen fertilizer for your yard.
“Get a core aerator and aerate that lawn at least once a year,” he added.
You’ve really got to experiment and get a feel for what works best in your yard’s unique environment and conditions.
Justin White
“It pulls up little soil plugs which allows better air and water flow down to the roots.
“Helps prevent compaction from foot traffic too.
“Look into overseeding with micro-clover.
“I know clover used to be considered a weed taking over lawns.
“But micro-clover is great.
“It stays green without needing fertilizer, out-competes other weeds, and its nitrogen-fixing properties actually feed the grass around it.”
CLEVER COMPOST
The home renovation expert said applying a thin layer of mushroom compost once a year is his favorite hack for a healthy lawn.
“That compost is magic – it introduces beneficial microbes into your soil to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds/disease,” he said.
“Stuff is golden.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon’s Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
“At the end of the day, you’ve really got to experiment and get a feel for what works best in your yard’s unique environment and conditions.
“Having an awesome lawn is part art, part science.
“But trust me, once you dial in your strategy and put in a little sweat equity, you’ll have the whole neighborhood jealous of your yard oasis.”
Mushroom compost is available for $35.44 at Walmart.
Delighted customers have given it a 4-star rating out of 5.
According to the manufacturer, it is an “ideal soil amendment” for planting flowers, vegetables, new lawns, and other plants.