Autumn doesn't mean it's time to neglect your lawn, and before you retire the mower for the season, be sure to give your grass a proper feed. October is the prime time to fertilize your lawn in preparation for the winter months , ensuring it remains robust and verdant come spring.
Money-saving guru and Everyday Cheapskate founder Mary Hunt has divulged an economical tip for a lush lawn without splurging . She remarked: "I love a beautiful yard, but I hate spending a lot of money to get it that way, which explains why I am always looking for cheap do-it-yourself ways to kill weeds, grow flowers, and feed lawns."
The trick lies in combining your fertilizer with Epsom salt , a naturally occurring mineral that bolsters plant proteins and root vigour. Although Epsom salt is often used for baths, it's rich in magnesium, essential for plants to soak up sunlight and generate energy.
By adding Epsom salt to your lawn fertiliser, you're enabling your grass to conduct photosynthesis more effectively, allowing it to stockpile nutrients before the dormant winter period. This results in stronger roots and more resilient grass that bounces back swiftly when spring dawns, promising a denser, greener lawn in the new year.
Discover how to use Epsom salt as a homemade lawn fertilizer
Epsom salt can be a useful addition to your lawn care routine, but it shouldn't replace fertiliser entirely. Lawns still require a significant amount of potassium to withstand frost and disease.
When selecting a fertiliser, opt for one high in potassium but low in nitrogen, as excessive nitrogen can promote new growth that's vulnerable to cold damage. Instead, you want to focus on developing a hardy lawn with strong roots for winter.
To incorporate Epsom salt into your lawn care, mix four pounds of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) with a bag of your preferred lawn food that covers 2,500 sq. ft.
in a large bin or bucket. Then, apply the mixture to your lawn according to the recommended amount on the lawn food bag.
Mary advises, "Mix four pounds of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) in a giant bin or bucket with a bag of your favourite lawn food that covers 2,500 sq. ft. Now feed your lawn the same amount of this mixture as recommended on the lawn food bag."
This approach not only saves money by using half the normal amount of fertiliser but also reduces nitrogen, which can lead to rapid growth. The ideal time for fertilizing your lawn is a few weeks before the ground freezes, typically between late September and mid-October.
By incorporating Epsom salt into your lawn care, you can expect a greener, lusher, and healthier lawn come spring. Mary notes, "You'll have the wonderful deep-green color, better root structure, and you won't have to mow as often."
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Local News
Comments / 0