We officially entered Spring on March 20th but it took a couple weeks for it to actually feel like Spring. Before you know it, we will be out in the garden and enjoying the sunshine on a daily basis. Below and in the pictures above are Spring tips for March and April to get your yard ready. For more monthly tips, visit our Storm Water Education page under Programs.

MARCH - MOWING MARCH MADNESS

• Get your lawn mower ready for the busy season ahead.
  -Sharpen mower blades
  -Check filters and replace if necessary
  -Clean spark plugs and replace if necessary
  -Clean the deck
  -Set the blades at 3 or 4 inches

• Every 3 years, soil test in Spring (or late Fall) to determine what nutrients need to be added to the soil. Testing saves money, time and prevents over application of nutrients. Kits can be found at local Soil and Water Conservation District or Cooperative Extension offices.
• Lightly rake the lawn to remove compacted grass and snow mold caused by excess moisture.
• Start a compost pile with the first grass clippings of the season. Subsequent clippings should be left on the lawn as nature’s fertilizer.

Did You Know? Studies show mowing your lawn to a height of 4 inches prevents crabgrass as effectively as a chemical herbicide.

APRIL - HOP TO IT, GET OUTSIDE

• If soil test results indicate the need, amend your soil. Organic products are best.
• Tolerate some weeds in your yard; they are not the enemy. Plant biodiversity in your lawn provides food for pollinators and beneficial soil organisms. If you must remove weeds try these non-synthetic chemical approaches.

-Apply corn gluten meal to prevent annual weed seeds from germinating.

-Spot treat existing weeds with an organic weed control product that contains molasses or liquid iron.

-Hand-pull weeds. Purchase a tool to help, like a Speedy Weedy, or encourage your children to pull.

Did You Know? Don’t leave fertilizer pellets and grass clippings on your driveway and other hard surfaces! They wash into streams and rivers, blocking water flow and adding unwanted nutrients. Aim your mower so grass clippings stay on the lawn where nutrients are needed!