Spring 2020 YardScaping Workshops

Wait! Before you start your routine spring chores, do you know what your lawn really needs? Join us this spring to learn how to grow a beautiful lawn that is safe for families, pets, and the environment while saving money, time, and effort!

YardScaping is the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District's healthy lawn care program that teaches homeowners how to grow a healthy lawn without pesticides and with proper fertilization. Whether you do-it-yourself or hire a professional, this class is for you! Check out our Facebook page to sign up for upcoming workshops in Portland, Cumberland, Gorham, South Portland, Scarborough, and Old Orchard Beach.

By giving your lawn a head start in the spring, you set it up for a healthy, productive growing season. Here’s a few steps you can take to make your work easier during the summer months:

1. Test your soil. Test kits are available at the District, Scarborough NRCS Office, and Falmouth Cooperative Extension.                                      In order to test your soil, take several soil samples from around your lawn and mix them together before filling the box provided with the test kit. Complete the form and then send the soil sample, form, and payment to the University of Maine Soil Lab in Orono. The test results will tell you exactly what your soil is missing and make recommendations for adding only what your lawn needs to have healthy soil. Soil experts are always on hand at the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District if you have any questions about interpreting your results.                                                                      If your soil test indicates you need to amend your soil, you have several options available to you depending on what it needs. Healthy soil is the best foundation for healthy grass.
2. Aerate your lawn. Aerating during the spring helps to allow more nutrients, air, water, and helpful microorganism to access the soil during the growing season.  Power aerators can be rented from local nurseries and hardware stores.
3. Topdress. Add a layer of compost to your lawn.  This will improve soil health and reduce the need for fertilizer later on in the year.  If you have any bare-spots, make sure to topdress them before you plant new grass. If you have a large lawn to cover, consider using compost tea to add helpful nutrients and microorganisms instead.
4. Overseed.  If necessary, rejuvenate your lawn by adding new grass seeds. Choose a shady seed mix with a 60-70% fescues and 30-40% perennial ryegrasses.
5. Mow better.  For your first spring mow, set your mower blades to 2″.  Cutting your grass to this length will stimulate growth and green up.  After this, set your mower blades to 3″ to promote root growth, drought resistance, and an overall stronger lawn.  Remember to leave  grass clippings for free fertilizer!

Following these simple steps can help prepare your lawn for a productive, healthy growing season while making your lawn safer for kids, pets, and the environment.

Longfellow Elementary School students conduct YardScaping research each year in the school courtyard.

For more information on preparing your lawn in the spring, visit the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District’s YardScaping program.

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