Category Archives: Lawn Care

A Basic Soil Chemistry Review

By Justin Keay [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue. It is part of a 4-part series of articles on how to test soil, get the sample analyzed, understand the report and use it to apply the correct type and amount of fertilizer.] Before you take on the task of analyzing a soil test, it

» Read more

How, Why and When to Test Your Soil

A picture of someone taking a soil sample

Soil testing is an important practice for anyone trying to grow healthy and productive plants. By Justin Keay [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue.] MU Extension offices across the state processes thousands of soil samples every year and MU Extension Specialists are always happy to help you understand your soil test results. Soil testing

» Read more

How to Choose and Apply Fertilizer

By Justin Keay [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue, and is part of a 4-part series on how to take a soil sample and how to analyze a soil test report and then use that information to purchase and apply the appropriate fertilizer.] Now that you’ve taken a soil sample, had it analyzed and

» Read more

Lawn Alternatives

Image of Loriope No Mo

The green sea of a well-kept lawn adds a sense of serenity to the yard, however harsh chemicals and time spent on upkeep can ruin this tranquility. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener March 2019 issue.] The green sea of a well-kept lawn adds a sense of serenity to the yard, however harsh chemicals

» Read more

Rescue and Renovate Your Cool-Season Lawn

a photo of a man fertilizing a lawn

Cool-season lawns need “cool” temperatures at night for them to recover from the high daytime temps. When we don’t get cool nights and rain, the lawns suffer (get diseases & weeds) and they won’t recover until the cool nights return. By Glennon Kraemer (This article first appeared in The Gateway Gardener September 2014 issue) Cool-season lawns need “cool” temperatures at

» Read more

The Secret to a Lush Lawn Next Spring: Top Dressing This Fall

a photo of a man with fertilizer spreader

by Patrick Geraty (This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener October 2010 issue) Want the secret to a lush spring lawn?  It’s autumn top dressing!  Fall might mean your harvest is slowing down, but it is prime time for lawn and garden care that reaps bountiful benefits next planting season.  Top dressing with a nutritious diet of compost

» Read more

Spring Lawn Prep

By Glennon Kraemer (This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener March 2010 issue.) Any successful business, weight loss program or retirement account requires planning. It’s the sound execution of that plan that brings the most reward. Your lawn is no different. There are no “magic pills” for your lawn (only Magic Mix, but I digress). If you take

» Read more