My KBG Renovation @ Day 44 - Feedback appreciated

16 years ago

Looking for feedback as to what you folks think of my KBG Renovation at Day 44. I started late as my mid-August renovation didn't turn out as I had liked (and I didn't have the guts then to RU to lawn). I still have some sparse areas and figure I only have about 5-10 days of real growing weather (although the hill you see in these photos faces southwest and tends to stay much warmer than any other area of my property).

Specifically, I'm curious if you think:

1) The areas between my front steps fill in? It's very difficult to grow seed there as people (my kids) keep stepping off the bluestone.

2) Will the various bare areas fill in or am I going to have to re-seed in the spring (which is always a challenge and seem to cause disease problems as you have to water so much, especially with KBG).

3) Is this typical for 7 weeks. I had to reapply seed once after a huge rainstorm wiped out a lot of the little sprouts (you can see the storm damage in the album).

4) Any advice going into the winter? Based on the weather forecast(s) I'm expecting to be winterizing in about 2-3 weeks (right around thanksgiving).

I put a 1/2 dose starter down at around Day 10 and Ringer Organic Lawn Food on about Day 28.

http://gallery.mac.com/jongoldman#100037

Any and all feedback appreciated.

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Comments (9)

jongoldman
Original Author
16 years ago
BTW, my mix as about 30% the SS 1100 blend from seedsuperstore, with the balance a mix of Bedazzled, Midnight II and Moonlight.
jongoldman
Original Author
16 years ago
BTW, the photos are at the url below:

http://gallery.mac.com/jongoldman#100037
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Jon, I know you're busy........but throw something organic down, this week (which would be good) or even this weekend. My preference would be the Milorganite, but you have a far better handle on that yard than I ever could. The Milorganite will give you a little shot of iron. Great lawn. Great hills. Great Half Walls. Look, dude, it's outstanding.
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turf toes, Your front yard certainly looks better than mine did at the same time two years ago. I'm not sure I believe that 100% (lol), but thank you very much! Your lawn was actually what inspired me to renovate mine. All last winter my plan was to overseed this fall with seed purchased from a big box store. Then I came across those photos of your lawn on another forum (which also lead me to this forum), and I knew right then that was the lawn I wanted! I think it even listed the cultivators that you used. So thanks again! The above statement is 100% true! Hey, how about some updated photos of your project this year! Paul, You are quit welcome! I have gotten alot out of this forum for myself, so it feels good to be able to help someone along the way. You are going to have a sweet looking back yard next year, and you'll be a pro by next year should you decide to do the front! FWIW, I just went out and mowed again (mulched this time)at 2-1/4" , wow I'm not use to cutting that low! 3" was always what i've done in the past. There are actually a few area's that really still have not been mowed. All of them are where there was either a small flower bed or a burning bush, I wonder if I should throw some organics stuff down there? Even though I will be fertilizing with TB with iron on Sunday.
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billhill
16 years ago
Congratulations. Your renovation looks great. Thin areas will definitely fill in. By June 2008, you will have a great KBG lawn. Your fertilizer plan is good. Bill Hill
jongoldman
Original Author
16 years ago
Bill, can bluegrass fill into the areas between the steps?
rutgers1
16 years ago
bill....When does KBG spread the most? And what is the best way to kick-start that spreading? Is there an art to coaxing it to spread (fertilizer application, watering, etc.)?
billhill
16 years ago
JonGoldman Â Judging by your photos, you have enough seedlings in and around the gaps in those step stones to fill in real well by next June. Just keep to your plan. I know its hard to believe at this point but by next June 15th, you will be blown away with your new lawn. Rutgers Â In my limited experience with KBG (two years), it will spread the most in June and July. I use a lot of compost. Weak areas, bare spots, dog pee spots repaired by plugging all get extra compost. When I have plugged the center of a bare spot and really need it to fill in from all directions, I use generous amounts of compost and alfalfa pellets. My results are nothing short of spectacular. Last spring, around May 15, 10 inch dinner plate sized dead spots, plugged with 3 inch plugs taken from an inconspicuous area, filled in completely by July 15. This year, my lawn has really shown the benefits of two years mostly organic fertilizing. I firmly believe that coaxing the highest performance from your lawn lies in the soil. You have heard the mantra before. "Feed the soil" Bill Hill
jongoldman
Original Author
16 years ago
Bill, by plugging do you mean grabbing a chunk of grass/sod from somewhere else and planting in the "hole"?
billhill
16 years ago
Yes. Plugging a bare spot in KBG is a lot easier than seeding. This fall, I planted a "nursery" in the back yard using the same cultivars as the KBG in front. In the Spring, or next Summer, I will just cut a plug from my "nursery" and repair the inevitable doggy spots that appear in the Spring. Bill Hill
bpgreen
16 years ago
Another way to get plugs is to use a turf hound. Use it on a spot with grass to get some plugs with grass to plant, then use it to create holes in an area without and plunk the plugs into the new holes.

My KBG Renovation @ Day 44 - Feedback appreciated

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My KBG Renovation @ Day 44 - Feedback appreciated

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