Gardening Questions & Answers

Q: When is the best time to start grass seed?
A: Grass is a cool weather crop, so it is certainly worth considering to overseed with grass seed in mid-spring, before the weather gets too warm. While each year is different, in general the best time in spring to overseed your lawn is about the third week of April to the third week of May. Bear in mind that prolonged cold soil temperatures and wetness may affect the germination rate for the grass seed. Never fear, if your 'take' of grass in the spring isn't tremendous, you can always overseed very successfully again in late August to early September.  

Q: What do I need to know to plant a tree properly?
A: Planting a tree doesn't need to be difficult (although digging through roots and rocks can be!).  Here are some tips. First, select a spot for the tree that is not in the path of water and where there is adequate light for the tree species you have picked. Next, dig a hole that is roughly twice the size of the pot in width, by about the same depth.  Most trees are planted so that the root ball should be about 2 inches higher than the surrounding lawn. This depth is critical in particular with trees planted on heavy soils, as a tree planted too deep could be more susceptible to root rot.  Some of the soil from your hole can likely be re-used (the topsoil), and it should be amended with compost and peat moss to make a rich planting soil. Below the topsoil might be good soil, or it might be junk.  When in doubt, throw it out!  Replace the soil with more good planting mix.  Firm the soil around the root ball, and make a raised lip or dike around the perimeter of the tree to retain applied water.  Stake your tree for a year or two to ensure it stays straight, and don't forget to water the tree with Parkwood Transplanter fertilizer so that the rooting hormone in it can force the tree to set new roots. That's it!