The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts of Spring Lawn Care in Kentucky

The Sunshine Gardening Podcast

Welcome to the Sunshine Gardening Podcast, where we aim to help you nurture your passion for gardening! I’m Kristin Hildabrand, your host. In today’s episode, we talk with guest Kenneth Clayton, University of Kentucky Extension Associate in Turfgrass, who will share some valuable tips on spring lawn care for Kentucky. We will discuss the dos and don'ts of maintaining a healthy Kentucky lawn, from rejuvenating grass to avoiding common pitfalls. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to cultivate a lush, thriving lawn that will last throughout the season. So, dust off your lawnmowers, roll up your sleeves, and join us as we dive into spring lawn care! Interview with Kenneth Clayton: 1. Can you explain the dos and don’ts of Spring Lawn Care in Kentucky? What should we do first? starts at 2:42. 2. Would you recommend seeding the lawn in the spring if you want to improve it significantly if it is thinning? starts at 7:07. Spring is the second best time for seeding the home lawn in Kentucky. It is a little more challenging because grassy weeds are now germinating. If seeding in the spring, you don't want to apply the pre-emergent herbicide. 3. Talk to us about weed and feed products in spring. Yes or no? starts at 8:47 4. What are your guidelines for fertilizing the lawn in the spring? starts at 10:02 5. Spring mowing will soon start. What general recommendations do you give for mowing? starts at 15:18. 6. Are there things we should avoid for spring lawn care in the Kentucky lawn? starts at 19:23. Don't just fertilize to fertilize. You may not need fertility if the grass is healthy and growing well. Nitrogen may be the only ingredient needed. Usually, a healthy Kentucky lawn requires 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Soils are generally rich in phosphorus and potassium. Don't scalp the lawns. If you do get rain and can't get mowed, raise the mower's height and come in a couple of days later to mow it down so that the clippings do not smother the lawn. 7. What do you recommend for areas in the lawn that receive a lot more shade and not a lot of sunlight? starts at 21:33. 8. If homeowners have questions about home lawn care for Kentucky, do you have a website where they can get more information? https://ukturf.ca.uky.edu/ Thank you for listening to the Sunshine Gardening Podcast! We hope you found today's episode on the dos and don'ts of spring lawn care in Kentucky informative and helpful in enhancing your gardening skills. Remember, proper care and attention are crucial for maintaining a robust and lively lawn. Thank you to our guest, Kenneth Clayton, for joining us today! To access the show notes for episode 26, please visit our blog at warrencountyagriculture.com. Before we end, subscribe to the Sunshine Gardening Podcast to receive future gardening tips, inspiration, and knowledge straight to your ears! Stay tuned for more episodes filled with valuable tips and gardening wisdom. Until then, happy gardening! Resources: https://ukturf.ca.uky.edu/