Soil Testing?

Every now an then soil needs a bit of a boost. How can you tell when your soil needs some help? 

Soil is more complicated than it looks. Lawn and garden plants need at least 17 essential elements for healthy growth: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, and nickel.

Plants get a few of these — carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen — from air and water. But the rest they get from the soil. If the soil doesn’t have enough of these nutrients, you need to add them.

How do you know? That’s right — soil testing. Here’s a look at what a thorough soil analysis does and why it’s important.

Why Should You Consider Soil Testing?

Soil testing is the only way to accurately determine what is going on with your soil makeup. 

Your soil might need nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium. Its pH might be off, so you might need to add limestone or sulfur.

A soil test will tell you what you need to know. And just because your neighbor has a certain type of soil, it doesn’t mean you do, too. Soil quality can vary greatly from house to house and even within the same yard.

When Should You Test?

The best time to test soil is in the spring, before you add any compost or other amendments. But you can test soil any time, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.

It’s a good idea to test your soil every few years. And it’s especially important if you’re planting in soil for the first time or if your grass isn’t growing as well as it should.

What Do Soil Tests Measure? 

One of the most important things a soil test will tell you is your lawn’s pH level.

Your lawn pH is the measure of soil acidity or soil alkalinity. In basic terms, it’s how sweet or sour your lawn is.

A number shows pH on a scale from 0 to 14. A neutral reading is 7. Any reading below 7 represents an acid soil, and the lower the number, the more acidic the soil. Any number above 7 indicates an alkaline condition. The higher the number, the more alkaline your soil.

The best soil pH for lawns is a range between 5 and 7.

Soil Chemistry — Why Should You Care About pH?

The pH of the soil determines what nutrients are available to the lawn. If the soil pH is above or below the recommended range, nutrients may not be absorbed, or too many nutrients may be absorbed.

Fertilize all you want, but if the pH is wrong, some of the nutrients in the fertilizer never make it to your grass. That’s just a waste.

The good news is you can alter your New York or Connecticut landscape’s soil to create a more balanced pH.

If your soil has too much acid, you can add lime — a soil amendment made by grinding limestone — which reacts with water and releases calcium that neutralizes the acid and raises the pH of the soil.

If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding aluminum sulfate, iron sulfate, and powdered sulfur.

Other Valuable Soil Tests 

In addition to measuring your soil’s pH, laboratory tests often check for plant nutrients in three categories:

• Major nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
• Secondary nutrients — sulfur, calcium, magnesium
• Minor nutrients — iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum, chlorine

Nitrogen gives your lawn that nice green color you crave. The other nutrients affect the health of the roots. Lab tests usually come back in about two weeks, then you can make a treatment plan for your lawn based on what it’s lacking.

But don’t be in a hurry. If your lawn is lackluster because it’s missing essential nutrients, it won’t transform overnight. Plan on a couple years of a good fertilization plan before you get that lush green carpet.

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Spring in Tennessee!!

Middle Tennessee Lawn Care Tips

Most lawns in Middle Tennessee are predominantly blends of tall fescue, a cool season turfgrass that, with proper care, will remain green and lush year-round. Most landscape managers and home gardeners work to free fescue lawns from everything else: pests, weeds and other types of grass. Assuming the turf is established, and a certain amount of chemical practices are acceptable, great lawn care is not out of reach. To keep a healthy, green fescue lawn in Middle Tennessee, understand four basic aspects of turf management.

Mowing

Beginning in late March, get the grass blades used to growing at the height you want them to be. Start by making sure the mower blades are sharp. The University of Tennessee Extension Service recommends setting blade height to about 2 to 3 inches from the ground. Mow in a back and forth pattern, to show off the ability of fescue grasses to reflect sunlight. Do this once per week through spring. As daytime temperatures rise through the summer, reduce mowing frequency if needed, and raise the mower deck to 4 or 5 inches to conserve moisture and nutrients.

Water Management

Most Middle Tennessee lawns get enough water from rain throughout the spring. Excessive irrigation will only invite disease problems. When summer heat begins to take its toll, begin a periodic watering routine in the morning hours. According to the University of Tennessee Extension Service, "A key to effective watering is to irrigate deeply, to a 4- to 6-inch soil depth, and infrequently. Actively growing fescues usually require from 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water each week." If you have an automatic irrigation system, set each spray zone to water three times per week, 10 minutes at a time. Set rotor heads to run 20 minutes a piece.

Fertilization and Weed Control

Good mowing and water management practices will help to keep fungal diseases away from Middle Tennessee fescue lawns. Keep an eye out for discolorations in your turf, however, as these may be signs of disease problems. To prevent and control weeds, incorporate herbicides into your fertilization program. Fertilize once in early spring and again late in the season with a high nitrogen, general lawn fertilizer containing both a pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control. This will rid the lawn of existing broadleaf weeds and prevent future crabgrass growth. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer in summer, combined with a post-emergent weed control. Do not use a crabgrass preventing herbicide, for it will hamper seeding efforts later on. Put down a winterizing fertilizer high in phosphorus in mid-November to promote root growth during the dormant months. Follow product label instructions properly with each application.

Aerating and Overseeding

The hot summers of Middle Tennessee tend to thin out fescue lawns, while foot traffic and tree roots compact the soil and restrict air and water flow. Repair this by aerating and over-seeding the lawn in mid-October. Unwanted Bermudagrass and other grass-weeds will soon turn brown and go dormant. Take the opportunity in mid-fall to kill these off. Spray patches with a non-selective liquid herbicide, such as Roundup. Use a walk-behind or tractor-pulled aerator to pull cores from the soil, back and forth, as in a mowing pattern. Seed the lawn at a light rate, being careful to keep grass seed out of landscape beds. Follow with an application of a starter lawn fertilizer, generally containing only nitrogen. Keep the lawn watered until new grass blades begin to emerge.

Read more:  Middle Tennessee Lawn Care Tips | Garden Guides http://www.gardenguides.com/97394-middle-tennessee-lawn-care-tips.html#ixzz3UUgWLEkP

Basic step by step

Lawn Care Guide: Fertilizing Your Lawn

The 3 major nutrients your lawn needs to thrive are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium(K).

Nitrogen (N): Promotes vigorous blade, leaf and stem growth encouraging a dark green color. It improves overall plant health, quality and density and aids in tolerance to heat, cold and drought stress. However, too much nitrogen can cause quick blade growth at the expense of strong root development. The best type of nitrogen for your lawn is slow-release, because it offers a consistent supply of nitrogen, has less chance of burning the grass and reduces nutrient loss due to leaching from the soil. Slow-release nitrogen also reduces pollution caused by fertilizer run off from over watering or heavy rain.

Phosphorus (P): This nutrient promotes early plant development, hastens plant maturity and stimulates bloom and root development.

Potassium(K): Acting like a vitamin, potassium helps strengthen the grass plant. It also works to make your lawn more disease resistant and hardy.

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) are always listed in this order on fertilizer bags. The numbers correspond to the amount of each in the formula.

Premium vs. Professional Comparison Chart

	Premium	Professional
Polymer Sulfur Coated Urea PSCU slow-release nitrogen:
> Controlled release up to 8 weeks
> Contains sulfur for additional turf greening
Grassy and broadleaf weed control available with or without fertilizer
Select products contain Dimension®:
> Post and pre-emergent control of grassy and broadleaf weeds
Combination summer lawn food with insect control available
Lawn Starter Fertilizer is formulated to Professional Line standards
All Southern States Brand Lawn Fertilizers
Formulated and manufactured above industry standards
Uniform flow through applicators
Uniform coverage during application
Contain iron for additional turf greening
Contain sulfur for additional turf greening
Will not burn turf when applied as directed
Professional Line
Methylene Urea slow-release nitrogen:
> Controlled release up to 12 weeks
> Uniform feeding during broad range of environmental conditions
Select products contain Avail®:
> Enhanced phosphorous nutrient release
Select products contain Wolf Trax®:
> Micronutrients are distributed evenly and consistently
Select products contain Barricade®:
> Pre-emergent control of grassy and broadleaf weeds
> Longer lasting control
More environmentally friendly:
> Less run-off and less leaching
Contains higher sulfur content for additional turf greening
Select products contain magnesium for additional turf greening
Select products contain potassium to promote summer and winter hardiness
Low chlorine (salt) content to minimize turf burn potential
Fewer fertilizer applications necessary to maintain healthy turf
Select products are also recommended for flowers and ornamentals
Dimension® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences, LLC. Wolf Trax® is a registered trademark of Wolf Trax, Incorporated. Barricade® is a registered trademark of Syngenta Group Company.

Southern States^® Premium Fertilizers

 

Lawn Starter Fertilizer 10-20-15 with AVAIL^®
Apply in February-Early April or whenever you seed or reseed

• Promotes increased root development of new seedlings 
• Lower chlorine content for less burn potential 
• Ideal for landscape and ornamental plants 
• Contains magnesium to maintain green color 
• AVAIL^® phosphate enhancer makes the applied phosphorous more available to the turfgrass, thus making the fertilizer more environmentally favorable
  40 lb. covers 5,300 sq. ft. (600-20456)   

Early Spring Lawn Food With Crabgrass Control 32-0-4
Apply in February-Late March

• Formulated with Dimension^® for post-emergent crabgrass control 
• Contains iron for deeper green color 
• One application controls crabgrass for up to 4 months 
• Stops crabgrass before it starts 
• Contains slow release nitrogen (poly coated/sulfur coated urea-PCSCU) 
• Not for use on or around ornamentals and flowers
  15 lb. covers 5,000 sq. ft. (102-011784)
  45 lb. covers 15,000 sq. ft. (102-11785) 

Crabgrass Control with Dimension^®
Apply in February-Late March for season-long control

• Formulated with Dimension^®   
• Stops crabgrass before it starts 
• Provides post-emergence control up to the 3rd tiller development stage  
• Dimension^® can be applied up to 4 weeks later than other crabgrass preventers 
• Provides up to 4 months of control
  15 lb. covers 5,500 sq. ft. (102-05859)
  45 lb. covers 16,600 sq. ft. (102-05858) 

Dimension^® is a registered trademark of Dow Agrosciences, LLC.

Late Spring Lawn Food With Broadleaf Weed Control 32-0-4
Apply in Late March-Late April

• Controls 250 Broadleaf weeds 
• Contains slow release nitrogen (poly coated/sulfur coated urea–PCSCU) 
• Formulated with iron for deeper green color 
• Weeds controlled include: dandelions, chickweed, knotweed, plantains, henbit, spurge and others 
• Safe for use on Bahia, common Bermuda, Bluegrass, Centipede, Fescue, Rye, St. Augustine and Zoyia grasses
  5,000 sq. ft. coverage (102-11786)
  15,000 sq. ft. coverage (102-11787) 

Note: Late Spring Lawn Food with Broadleaf Weed Control can also be used as a fall application to control weeds the following spring.

Broadleaf Weed Control with Trimec^®
Apply in March-May and September-October

• Controls 190 broadleaf weedsincluding dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantains, henbit, spurge and many others   
• Safe for use on established turf of Kentucky Bluegrass, bent grass, Bahia grass, Centipede grass, fescues, Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass and perennial ryegrass
  10 lb. covers 5,000 sq. ft. (102-05328)
  30 lb. covers 15,000 sq. ft. (102-05857) 

Dimension^® is a registered trademark of Dow Agrosciences, LLC.

Summer Lawn Food With Insect Control 9-15-20

• Contains slow release nitrogen for long lasting green 
• Controls fleas, ticks, ants, and other insects 
• A unique combination of insecticide & fertilizer to
  control insects while replenishing essential nutrients in the turf
  15 lb. covers 5,000 sq. ft. (102-05324)  

Lawn Food 32-0-4
Apply Early April-Late April 

• Contains slow release nitrogen (PCSCU) for long lasting greening 
• Formulated with iron for deeper green color 
• Will not burn when applied as directed 
• Apply anytime during the growing season (when grass is actively growing or every 6 weeks)  
• Creates a greener, thicker lawn
  16 lb. covers 5,000 sq. ft. (102-11790)
  48 lb. covers 15,000 sq. ft. (102-11791) 

Fall Lawn Food 25-0-13
Apply Early September and Mid-November (after grass stops growing) 

• Contains slow release nitrogen for long lasting greening 
• Contains iron for deeper green color 
• Will not burn when applied as directed 
• Creates a greener, thicker lawn in the spring
  16 lb. covers 5,000 sq. ft. (102-11788)
  48 lb. covers 15,000 sq. ft. (102-11789) 

Southern States CarpetMaker^® Professional Quality Turf Fertilizers 

Southern States CarpetMaker^® Professional Quality Turf Fertilizers are high-quality fertilizers with aminimum amount of filler, delivering more nutrients invarious forms to both turf and ornamentals

CarpetMaker^®’s consistent, timed release of nitrogen throughout the season means less maintenance, mowing and watering, and fewer applications offertilizer. In addition, because of its unique slow-release formulation.

CarpetMaker^® is more environmentally friendly, with less leaching into the soil or run-off intothe environment, especially where the potential is high,like slopes, compacted soil or sparsely covered lawns. 

What the Professionals Use

CarpetMaker^® Professional Quality Fertilizers use methylene urea as their source of slow-release nitrogen. Used by professional golf course superintendents and turf landscapers, methylene urea assures efficient and sustained release of nitrogen under a broad range of environmental conditions, consistently feeding the plant over time. It even provides uniform feeding in heavy rains or when used in equipment that can cause particle fracturing. Less expensive fertilizers use a water soluble form of nitrogen that is released immediately to the grass, causing it to be consumed rapidly and/or lostin run-off.

CarpetMaker^®’s unique triple-action release uses both hydrolysis and microbial activity, providing quick, immediate and long-lasting results. And, because CarpetMaker products are formulated with low chlorine content, there is less build-up of salts in the lawn and less burn potential when conditions are dry.

Application

To apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, divide the first number on the fertilizer bag into 100. For example, CarpetMaker^® 16-4-8 fertilizer should beapplied at a rate of 6.25 pounds per 1,000 square feet (100/16 = 6.25 pounds).

Or, divide 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet by the nitrogen percentage (1/0.16 = 6.25 pounds).

Carpetmaker^® is a registered trademark of Southern States Cooperative, Incorporated. 

CarpetMaker^® Turf Fertilizer 16-4-8
Apply in February-Late April and Fall

• High-quality, all purpose fertilizer with added iron and magnesium for greener and healthier lawns 
• Blended with AVAIL^® phosphate fertilizer enhancer making more phosphorus available to the turf and Wolf Trax^® micronutrient iron for consistent nutrition 
• 25% slow-release nitrogen from methylene urea 
• Recommended when a pre-emergence herbicide is applied separately.
  40 lb. covers 7,000 sq. ft. (102-37291) 

AVAIL®

A polymer coating for phosphorus fertilizer helpsincrease phosphorus use efficiency. AVAIL^® absorbs aluminum, iron and other cations in the soil to help keep the phosphorus more available. It works with all phosphate fertilizers.

Wolf Trax DDP^® Micro-Nutrient Dry Fertilizer Coating

Physically and chemically formulated to coat dry fertilizers. It will not come off. Spreads evenly throughout the fertilizer blend. This ensures micronutrient is spread throughout your turf and plant uptake is more consistent. Granular micronutrients are often unevenly spread throughout a blend, leading to inconsisten tapplication across your lawn. Each fertilizer prill is thoroughly coated with this micro-nutrient. Every time the plant root intercepts a prill of nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus, it is also finding the micro-nutrient. Root to nutrient contact is virtually assured.

Wolf Trax^® and DDP^® are registered trademarks of Wolf Trax, Incorporated.

CarpetMaker^® Professional Quality Turf Fertilizer 16-4-8 with 0.43% Barricade^®
Apply in February–Late March for season long control

• Barricade stops crabgrass and broadleaf weeds before they start with season long protection 
• Barricade is safe for flowers and ornamentals 
• 25% slow-release nitrogen from methylene urea 
• Blended with AVAIL^® phosphate fertilizer enhancer making more phosphorus available to the turf and Wolf Trax^® micronutrient iron for consistent nutrition
  40 lb. covers 7,400 sq. ft. (641-03456)  

CarpetMaker^® Turf Fertilizer 6-0-18 with 0.43% Barricade^®
Apply in February–Late March for season long control

• Environmentally friendly with phosphorus free formula 
• Barricade^® stops crabgrass and broadleaf weeds before they start with season long protection 
• Barricade^® is safe for flowers and ornamentals 
• 100% slow-release nitrogen from methylene urea 
• Blended with Wolf Trax micronutrient for consistent nutrition 
• Non-leaching formula provides uniform feeding even after heavy rain
  40 lb. covers 7,400 sq. ft. (600-20556) 

Barricade^® is a registered trademark of The Andersons, Incorporated. Treflan^® is aregistered trademark of Dow AgroSciences, LLC. Ronstar^® is a registered trademark of Bayer. Surflan^® is a registered trademark of United Phosphoroous, Incorporated.

CarpetMaker^® 10-0-20 All Season
Apply All Season  

• Environmentally friendly with phosphorus free formula 
• Blended with Wolf Trax®micronutrient for consistent nutrition 
• 75% slow-release nitrogen from methylene urea 
• Formulated with magnesium and potassium for summer and winter hardiness 
• Strengthens turf without excessive shoot growth 
• Non-leaching formula provides unifrom feeding even after heavy rain
  40 lb. covers 8,000 sq. ft. (600-20856) 

Table of Contents Step 1: Test the Soil for pH and Nutrient Value Step 2: Determine Lawn Area  Step 3: Adjusting Soil pH  Step 4: Choose the right grass seed  Step 5: Sow the seeds Step 6: Apply fertilizer  Step 7: Apply seed protection  Step 8: Watering  Step 9: Mowing & Maintenance  Step 10: Maintaining an Established Lawn  Appendix: Fertilizing Your Lawn Q & A: Common Lawn Problems Lawn Care Record & Project Check List Download the Brochure

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Some states may regulate the use of phosphorus in fertilizers. Please check with your local Southern States dealer for additional information on which fertilizer is right for your task and local region.