Willamette Valley Oregon, USDA Zone 8b
According to our holiday fertilization schedule laid out in the greener grass growing guide, we are due for our second fertilizer application. But, it is just too HOT out there. I’m going to wait for a few days until it cools down, so I can apply and water it in without fighting heat and evaporation.
Second Fertilizer Application
- If your lawn is still growing, mow it with the bag off to a height no lower than three inches. (Why? Read more here.)
- Do your second application of lawn fertilizer. Read the bag and apply at 1/2 strength as growth is much slower in the hot dry of summer. Use a lawn specific fertilizer with an NPK of 29 – 0 – 4. (Just fertilizer, not weed and feed.)
- Since there is no rain in the forecast, water in.
Irrigation
Check your weekly watering number at RegionalH20.org for how much. Currently it’s at 1.6 inches for my zip code. So I’ll shoot to deliver a total of 1-2 inches of water this coming week. To figure out your sprinkler flow rate, put out a tuna can or rain gauge and turn your system on for 15 minutes then measure the depth of the water. Then use three or so sessions to deliver the target amount of water.
A Few More Notes
Taller grass means deeper roots to reach deeper for water and nutrients. Tall grass also shades the soil, preventing weed seeds from germinating, while keeping the soil cool and moist. Taking off the bag will cause most mowers to mulch the clippings returning significant nitrogen to the soil and biomass. Read more about growing greener grass in my Turfgrass Growing Guide.
Second Breakfast Gardens 