Get a Leg Up on your Lawn

techniques , lawn , Think Spring

Spring will be here before you know it and we’re as excited as you are. Spread out your early spring to-do list and take the first steps to a fantastic lawn today. Then you’ll be free to focus on the fun, colorful plants when the time comes.

TO DO #1: OVERSEEDING

Take a look at your lawn. If it looks great, congrats, you can skip this part. But if it’s looking thin or riddled with bare spots, we’re here to help you turn it around. Cool temps this time of year make it a terrific time to spot seed or overseed your lawn. SOME RULES FROM THE GREEN THUMB:

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED

A superior lawn starts with fresh, quality seed customized for Central Illinois lawns and blended to resist fungus and disease. Selections include: Professional Blend (sod quality, Kentucky bluegrass blend), Emerald Mix (most popular – for active outdoor families) and Shady Super Fine Mix (tolerates shade to part shade conditions).

2. PREPARE SOIL

Break up soil at least two to three inches deep with a hoe or shovel. Adding a little water to the soil the day before will make it easier to work.

3. SPREAD THE SEED

Sprinkle the seed like salt and pepper into the bare spots and the surrounding area. Lightly press the seed into the soil to ensure good contact. For best results, we recommend adding Ferti-lome New Lawn Starter fertilizer to the seeded area.

4. WATER!

Water gently initially, taking care not to displace seeds. Do not let seeds or sprouts dry out or they will die. Water every morning until you see slight puddling and, depending upon weather conditions, you may need to water twice a day. Seeds will not germinate at the same time. Until the planted area is showing a dense, green growth, do not allow it to dry out.

The best time to spot seed is typically the end of August through September, but early spring is also one of the best times to renovate as needed. Plus, doing it early leaves you plenty of time to enjoy it this summer.

**If you have a lawn care company fertilize your lawn, please notify them that you planted grass seed! The chemicals used will prevent the seed from germinating.

TO DO #2: START THE 4-STEP DIY LAWN PROGRAM

FERTI-LOME CRABGRASS PREVENTER PLUS LAWN FOOD**

** If you seeded your lawn, apply Scott’s Step 1 for Seeding. This product is formulated for crabgrass control and safe for grass seedlings. Other Step 1 products will prevent seed from germinating!

The ideal time to begin the 4-Step DIY Lawn Program is March through mid-April. You’re generally safe to start once the weather breaks and the forsythia is in bloom.

1. STEP ONE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT

The first step provides a critical boost of fertilizer on the heels of winter and includes pre-emergent Crabgrass Control that can save a lot of time and trouble down the line. Hoerr Nursery recommends Ferti-lome Crabgrass Preventer plus Lawn Food to get you started.

2. STEP TWO

The next lawn application date is around Memorial Day.

Growing fantastic, green grass can be easy with the right tools and timing. And please let us know if you need any advice along the way. Of course, if you’d like to focus on other outdoor projects, our lawn and landscape teams are always available to tackle the job and leave you with one less To Do.

Magnolias Mean Spring

trees , favorites , Think Spring

If you’re craving a little spring therapy, magnolias are eager to please. These traditional Southern Belles are easy to grow and surprisingly hardy right here in Peoria. The picturesque blooms carry a sweet, distinctive scent and come in a rainbow of creamy pastels. Check out some of our favorites and pick up a few pointers along the way. You’ll have no regrets!

Highlights

Depending on the variety, Magnolia blooms vary in creamy shades of pink, white, and yellow. They are easy to grow, relatively pest free and range in size from 15-25ft tall. As an added bonus for bird lovers, magnolia seeds are a favorite of songbirds.

Saucers & Stars

Magnolias blooms have distinctive saucer or star shapes. Saucer Magnolias typically come in tree form, with one stem reaching up to 25ft tall. Saucer blooms are much larger than stars, just not as prolific. Star Magnolias have a multi-stem, bush form. They are typically smaller, about 15ft tall and covered in smaller, star-shaped blooms.

Best Results

Most varieties perform best in full sun, although some will tolerate part shade, and well-drained, acidic soil.

Our Favorites

'Butterflies' Magnolia
Known for its fragrant, yellow tulip-like flowers, this variety grows up to 20ft tall on a single trunk (also grows as multi-stem) with a compact, pyramidal form.

'Royal Star' Magnolia
A shrub-like form that reaches up to 10-15ft tall and features showy, white star-shaped white flowers.

'Galaxy' Magnolia
Larger, tree form magnolia with upright branches (great for narrow spaces) and large, pink flowers that bloom late enough to avoid spring frost damage.

'Ann' Magnolia
Over-sized dark pink flowers that bloom a little later for a lower risk of frost damage. Noted for its shrubby form that reaches 10-15 ft tall.