Dan's Papers - August 8, 2008

We have been liquid-feeding the lawn through July to keep it in good shape. This form of fertilizing got a bad reputation from the organics movements in the past because liquid lawn fertilizer applications were frequently used with high nitrogen water soluble ammonium based fertilizers that were speculated to have run off into local water bodies or aquifer. But you have so many options today that liquid feeding is possible and practical with out creating any side effects that harm the environment.

Miracle Gro makes a handy hose end sprayer that we use for everything, including fish emulsion, rooting hormone, humic acid, compost tea, compete - you name it. We hose down the gardens regularly, and were recently gratified to hear from the organics movement that liquid feeding is one of the most effective ways of feeding the plants. In order to keep this chore from becoming too time consuming, we frequently attach the hose end feeder to a sprinkler and let it run in big circles on the lawn until the container is clear.

After finding a bubbler, a Spackle bucket and a handy outdoor socket, we made some compost tea. Cheesecloth suspends some well-rotted compost in a bucket and the bubbler helps with the stirring. It has been a little weak at first, I admit, and we have been offered all kinds of helpful suggestions. Adding molasses to the brew increases the bacteria count as they feed off the sugars. We may just try this method out but it will be hard to quantify our results. Anything can be added to compost once you start to use it; a little fish emulsion, some liquid rooting hormone, suddenly you become a chef and a scientist. And there is nothing in these type of liquid fertilizers that can burn the garden, harm the environment or bother you.

Garden centers have all kinds of liquid organic fertilizers ready made if you don't feel like messing around and making it yourself. Organica, Neptunes Harvest and Plant Health care all have excellent ready to use products that take one step out of the process. All you have to do is set up the sprinkler in the morning, go back in and have your coffee and then come out and refill if necessary.

The reason that feeding the lawn now is so important is because it's August. When it comes to lawn fertilizing, timing is everything. August is typically dry, hot and humid. Offshore afternoon breezes make us feel better, but they add to the stress for grasses. Looking peaked is the norm for most green swards, but a few fertilizing measures can help it get over the toughest month of the year.

Fill in with annual color for parties and special occasions. But while you are doing that, make note of changes that you would like to see in perennial beds and make a list for some fall reorganization.

For more than 20 years, April Gonzales has been involved in garden design, installation and maintenance on the East End, as well as specimen plant scouting and site supervision for landscape architects.