This month in Greene County

Rest the lawn and get the mower ready.

• Service the mowerChange the oil, replace the air filter, clean the spark plug and sharpen the blade before spring.
• Note any snow moldPink snow mold is the most common kind in Ohio. Rake matted patches lightly in spring.
• Plan the yearSeeding and most feeding happen in September. Crabgrass preventer goes down in spring by soil temperature.

Dormant seeding can fill thin spots.

• Consider dormant seedingSpread seed on thin spots when the soil isn't frozen, and cover or mulch it.
• Finish mower serviceSharpen the blade now so the first cut in March is clean.
• Start watching soil temperatureCrabgrass preventer timing depends on it. The reading is free online.

Clean up and watch the soil thermometer.

• Clean up leftover leavesRake or mow the leaves still sitting on the lawn.
• Check soil temperatureCrabgrass preventer goes down when 2-inch soil reaches about 50°F, usually around forsythia bloom.
• Mow when it growsStart mowing once the grass is growing, at 3 to 4 inches.

Crabgrass preventer goes down by soil temperature.

• Apply crabgrass preventerWhen 2-inch soil temperature reaches about 50°F. Early April usually beats March.
• Light spring feeding0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, mostly slow release.
• Mow at 3 to 4 inchesMow at least weekly; twice a week when the grass is growing fast.

Mow high and leave the clippings.

• Mow at 3 to 4 inchesTake off no more than a third of the blade each time.
• Leave the clippingsThey supply up to 30 percent of the lawn's nitrogen for the season.
• Last call for spring feedingOSU doesn't recommend fertilizing in summer heat.

Keep the mower high as the heat builds.

• Keep mowing highThe top of the 3 to 4 inch range helps the lawn through heat.
• Skip fertilizerThe next feeding is in September.
• Water only when it wiltsEarly morning, before 9 a.m.

Water it or let it go dormant.

• Choose: water or dormancyKentucky bluegrass can sit dormant through four to six weeks of drought.
• Don't mow a stressed lawnWait until it recovers, and keep foot traffic off.
• Grubs lay eggs nowJuly is egg-laying month for most Ohio grubs.

Scout for grubs and get ready to seed.

• Scout for grubsTen or more per square foot can kill turf. A few are no problem.
• Seeding season opensLate August into September is the best time to seed or overseed.
• Early fall feeding can startLate August through September.

The best month of the year to seed and feed.

• Seed or overseedOSU says any time in September works in central and southern Ohio.
• Feed the lawnMost of the year's fertilizer belongs in September and October.
• Last grub checkEarly to mid September is the time for grub control.

Feed, finish seeding, and treat weeds late in the month.

• Finish seeding by October 30After that, OSU says to wait for spring.
• Treat broadleaf weeds late in the monthFall control can last up to a year.
• Mow the leaves into the lawnRun the mower over them in two directions.

Chop the leaves and make the last mow.

• Keep chopping leavesMow them in weekly, or rake and compost the extra.
• Mow while it growsKeep going until the grass stops.
• Early November weed controlThe fall weed window closes this month.

Put the mower away.

• Clear the last leavesA mat of leaves over winter can kill the grass under it.
• Last mow if neededOnly if the grass is still growing.
• Put the mower awayService it now or in late winter.