YOUGHAL A4 MARCH 31.qxd - Youghal News
YOUGHAL A4 MARCH 31.qxd - Youghal News
YOUGHAL A4 MARCH 31.qxd - Youghal News
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GARDENING AND GARDEN MAINTENANCE 2011<br />
WEEDING<br />
A few weeds in a lawn are no great problem – indeed, it can be<br />
quite attractive to have a few daisies! However, a heavy infestation<br />
by weeds, such as daisies, clover or speedwell can squeeze<br />
out the grass, spoil the look of the lawn and reduce its ability to<br />
withstand wear.<br />
Weeds cope better than grass with low levels of soil fertility.<br />
Starved grass is susceptible to competition from weeds, so feeding<br />
the lawn is essential. Irregular ‘scalping’ of the lawn opens the<br />
grass sward and allows weeds to become established. Too tight<br />
mowing weakens the grass and this also gives weeds a chance.<br />
Daisies and most other lawn weeds can grow flatter than lawn<br />
grass and thrive on tight mowing. Regular mowing, using the<br />
grass-bag, prevents existing weeds from seeding and spreading.<br />
When weeds have become too dominant, a chemical lawn weedkiller<br />
can be used to help restore the balance, but feeding will be<br />
necessary as well. A variety of lawn weedkiller products is available.<br />
Use a product contianing the active ingredient mecoprop to<br />
control clover.<br />
These contain similar active ingredients and are best applied in<br />
fine, warm weather when growth is active. April, May and June<br />
are ideal, but they can be applied between March and September<br />
after warm weather when the soil is moist. Feeding the grass two<br />
weeks before application improves results.<br />
Combined feed and weed products work well and have the advantage<br />
of convenience, but they can be expensive if a large area has<br />
to be treated. The weedkilling function only works well in warm<br />
weather.<br />
Lawn sand is a traditional lawn tonic combining feeding and weed<br />
suppression. Twenty parts clean sand, 3 parts sulphate of ammonia<br />
and one part sulphate of iron is the formula. Ready made lawn<br />
sand products are convenient to use.<br />
Speedwell has pale blue flowers in April. It is quite difficult to<br />
control. Lawnsand will give some control.<br />
Mind-your-own-business or baby’s tears, or helxine is a common<br />
weed of shady, damp corners. It spreads over the surface of the<br />
soil swamping grass and will even climb over damp stones. Use<br />
lawn sand.<br />
COLLINS<br />
TOWN AND COUNTRY SUPPLIES<br />
UNIT 3, YAWL BUSINESS PARK, FOXHOLE, <strong>YOUGHAL</strong><br />
Tel/Fax: 024 - 20655<br />
EVERYTHING FOR YOUR GARDEN THIS SPRING<br />
Shrubs, Bedding, Seeds, Compost, Bark Mulch,<br />
Foliar Feed, Lawn Seed, Chemicals, Lawn Feed Weed and<br />
Moss Killer, Decorative Stone, Pots, Furniture, Features and<br />
much, much more<br />
ALSO AVAILABLE:<br />
Coal, Gas, Briquettes<br />
Large Selection of Greyhound Food<br />
Dogfood from €13.00 / 15kg<br />
Large Selection of Agri Inputs<br />
& General Hardware