Basics of Successful Lawn Care

Now is the time to have your questions answered about what should be done to have a nice lawn in 2014 and still maintain a healthy environment and a reasonably intact wallet.   A four-part course, Basics of Successful Lawn Care, will be offered at the Mercer County Cooperative Extension office for professionals in the lawn care industry and for homeowners who care for their own lawns or hire maintenance companies.

Mercer County Horticulturist Barbara J. Bromley will hold four 90-minute lawn-care sessions on Wednesday evenings, February 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.  Pesticide recertification credits are being offered.  The charge will be $12.00 per class or $40 for all four to cover the cost of printed handouts. 

 The course has been divided into four parts. Although it is not required, it is recommended that participants plan to attend all four sessions.   Each session is equally important to a basic understanding of how to establish and maintain a healthy lawn.  Part 1, Management Strategies and Selection of Grasses, will cover determining lawn maintenance levels, characteristics of cool and warm season grasses grown in New Jersey, soil testing, and understanding the basic grass requirements of light, water, and soil.  Part 2, Maintenance, includes mowing, edging, soil testing, fertilizing, liming, and watering. Part 3, Pest Control will cover the identification and control of insects, weeds, and diseases.  Part 4, Troubleshooting and Lawn Renovation and Establishment, includes how to identify some common problems, renovate a damaged lawn and establish a new lawn on bare soil by seeding or sodding.

For a full outline of the course, to have questions answered, or to pre-register (required) call Rutgers Cooperative Extension at (609) 989-6830 or visit the office from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at 930 Spruce Street in Lawrence, adjacent to the Trenton Farmer’s Market.  All classes will be held at the Extension office.  There is ample parking.