ECOLOGICAL LAWN CARE

(Page 9 of 9)

May/June 1990
By Michael Talbot 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

Bahia grasses:

RELATED CONTENT

This former pasture grass (Paspalpum notatum) is potentially one of the most versatile Southern lawn grasses. It stays greener in the winter than most and tolerates shade well (use it instead of high-maintenance saint augustine grass). It also grows in poor conditions and resists insects and disease. However, it's open to weeds and develops unattractive seed heads in the spring.) Mow high to shade out weeds and omit early spring fertilization to reduce seed heads. Combine with fine fescues for more rapid initial cover and with tall fescues for year-round color.

Centipede grass:

This may be the lowest maintenance of all the warm-season grasses. Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) spreads moderately quickly, develops good, weed-free turf, tolerates drought and has few disease or insect problems. It needs only one light fertilization in the spring and mowing every 10 to 20 days.

However, centipede grass can develop iron chlorosis in high pH soils (counter with iron sulphate or a high-iron organic fertilizer). And it does not tolerate heavy traffic. Oaklawn, AU Centennia and Tennessee Hardy are the best new selections to date.

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

  • Gingerine 2/5/2008 8:30:10 PM

    a very informative article. I do miss the hint that even in a
    nice lawn there can be blooming plants like low growing blooming
    plants. I planted red and white clover and a few others, the bees
    and bumblebees love it. On the sides and the bed I let some
    California poppies grow wild among other bloomers and there also is
    heavy bee traffic. The green stuff is going dormant during our hot
    summers, I want to save water and it works just fine.

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.