Winter is with us for only a few more weeks and there are some things we need to be sure we finish before we get into the Spring season. One of them is dormant seeding of any turf areas. There are only two really good times to plant grass seed during the year here in the Miami Valley. The best time is the August / September period. The next best time is right now. If you have thin or bare spots in the yard you only have a week or so to take advantage of the serious freezing and thawing that occurs at this time of the year. This freezing and thawing process helps the seed make good contact with the soil. You know how the top inch or so of the soil surface or grass areas feel like a sponge after a good freeze? I think of it as honey combing. Well this is an easy way to get grass seed in good contact with the soil. You can actually broadcast your lawn seed right on the snow without hurting the seed. This soil contact is essential for germination which will take place as soon as the soil warms later in spring. Crabgrass control will need to be used to prevent this pesky weed from taking over the new grass seedlings in June. The crabgrass preventer MUST be the type that will allow the good grass seed to grow. This “preventer” is the one with the “brain” and will cost more than the regular crabgrass control.

If you haven’t pruned your fruit trees and berry plants, this is a good time to do that. If you need some information about pruning, Google “pruning (whatever plant you’re getting ready to work on)”.

What about your lawn mower, have you changed the spark plug and the oil and sharpened the blade? If you need to get your mower into the shop this is a good time to do that before everyone, who has waited until the last minute, causes you to get your mower back a little late for that first cut.

This time of the year is when we can get educated about some of the basics in gardening or just get exposed to some fun gardening stuff. There are seminars and workshops offered by local nurseries/garden centers or the county extension offices in the area. These sessions are very informative and many times entertaining. Sessions that cover some of the new gardening interests like “vertical gardening”, “miniature or fairy gardens” or “gardening with succulents” are some of the popular things that people sign up to do with a friend or family member. Go to websites of these organizations to check out what is being offered in the area and sign up early as space may be limited. Look for sessions on vegetable gardening so you can decide on what it is you want to grow this year. Seed racks are ready for you and it would be a good idea to make your selections early so you have all the choices available.


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