Brought to you in cooperation with the Kansas State Johnson County Research and Extension Master Gardeners.   Each week we feature the most popular questions received on their "Hotline".

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Week of 3/29/04

We were happy to participate in Family Tree Nursery’s 9th annual Open House this past week, and to see the thousands of gardeners and future gardeners who were so eager to get growing. They asked many questions, and were obviously enjoying the beautiful presentations and surroundings. We congratulate the owners, management and employees on a very special event.

It was interesting to see that an evident concern of many visitors to our space as well as to Hotline callers this week was “Is it too late to plant grass seed?” If you are overseeding an existing cool season grass lawn or dealing with bare spots, the right answer is a conditional “no”.  Everyone has probably heard by now that fall is the best time of the year to get bluegrass or fescue lawns off to a good start. The more benign temperatures encourage growth of strong roots. Seeding in spring to any major extent is likely to result in quick top growth that struggles to withstand summer heat and periods of drought. You can do it, if you are willing to go heavy on the watering, but fall is definitely the preferred time to recondition your lawn, or certainly to start a new one. For those who have no choice but to start a new lawn in spring or summer, good sod is the answer.

Another part of the conditional “no” answer on spring seeding is the desire of many to treat their lawns with a preemergent to control the germination of crabgrass and other similar weeds. Most of these chemicals work by creating a barrier in the soil through which weed seeds will not emerge. This applies unfortunately to grass seeds and seeds of other desirable plants, as well. If you do put down grass seed at this time of the year, read the warnings on packaging of any fertilizer or lawn care products which may contain a preemergent herbicide, and avoid disappointment.

It’s not too early to start making plans to attend the biennial informational Master Gardener Garden Tour 2004 to be held May 21 and 22. Sponsored by the Johnson County (Kansas) Extension Master Gardeners, this year’s tour includes five gardens of Extension Master Gardeners, each of which has been carefully selected to offer variety and excellence that are within the capabilities of any home gardener to create. Among the gardens that await your visit are a “Cottage Casual” Prairie Village garden; a “Personal Paradise” located in South Overland Park; a “Hospitable Habitat in Mission Hills which is certified by the National Wildlife Federation; a “Shady Success” located in Prairie Village; and “Everyday Elegance” located in South Overland Park. You may visit them in any order, and will find them staffed by informed Extension Master Gardeners ready to answer any questions you may have. Complete packets of information will again be available on the plant materials featured and other items of interest. Tickets are $8 through April 30, and $10 each beginning May 1. Call the Extension Office at (913) 764-6300 for ticket and tour information.

Articles submitted by Bill Latimer, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Assistant and Dennis Patton, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Agent.

Previous Weeks' Hotline Tips

* The "Hotline" is an information service of the Kansas State Johnson County Research and Extension Master Gardeners.  Research-based responses are provided by Extension Master Gardener volunteers weekdays from March 1 through October 31, from 9:00 am to 4:30pm .  To telephone, call (913) 764-6306 or visit the Extension Office at 13480 South Arapaho Drive, Olathe, Kansas.  Visit their website at www.oznet.ksu.edu/Johnson 

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