The Grass Doctor

Lime, starter fertilizer, and grass seed... Where do I start?

My lawn needs to be brought back to life. I tried to reseed last year, and the year before, but the grass just does not seem to want to flourish. I have raked it out to free it of debris. I picked up several bags of lime pellets, starter fertilizer, and grass seed (my neighbor, who has a gorgeous lawn, said lime pellets worked well for him). Where do I start? I know it takes time and dedication to have a beautiful lawn, so how should I use what I bought? Do I need to buy anything else? Feel free to e-mail me if you do not have enough space to answer. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. It may be the lime. Lime will turn the soil alkaline which tends to bind up nutrients in the soil making them unavailable to plants. I buy a soil pH test kit (any garden supply store) and check your soil pH. Its very easy to do but is not as accurate as having tested by a lab but it will get you pretty close to the actual value. You really want a soil pH of around 6.5 give or take .5 or so. If your soil is too alkaline you may have to acidify it with a sulfur compound (at your local garden store). One nearly full proof sign your yard may be too alkaline is the presence of clover in the yard as clover likes an alkaline soil. Of course just because there may not be clover present doesn't mean you soil is not alkaline. Clover is also an indicator of lack of nitrogen. Try testing the pH and I bet you will find your problem. Just to clarify if your pH is below 6 then lime may be needed, if it is above 7 then you need to acidify. Anywhere between 6-7 is perfect.