A great Lawn in summer was tended to last fall.
Fertilize Cold Season Grasses
Fertilize cool season lawns, such as Kentucky bluegrass, ryes, and fescues, to encourage good root growth. Even though you may have fertilized them in September, it’s a good idea to do it again in October to encourage faster greening up in the spring. And keep that fertilizer where it belongs. If you are using granular fertilizer and some of it falls on a sidewalk or driveway, sweep it back into the lawn so it stays in the soil where the grass can use it and doesn’t wash into a nearby sewer or stream. Not only are you protecting the waterways but you’ll be maximizing the money spent on the fertilizer.
Fertilize the Warm Season Grasses Too
October is also a good month to fertilize warm-season grasses, such as zoysia, which will also prompt them to green up faster in spring.
Rake Leaves as Needed
Keep it off the grass–it can suffocate it. However, if it’s collecting in your flower beds and borders, consider leaving them. It’s nature’s own winter mulch!
After The Frost, Do One Final Mowing
Maintain your mower. Run your power mower to empty the gas tank for winter. Gas that is left over the winter in the tank may damage the engine and shorten the life of your mower if you start it up next spring with the old gas still in it. Check your owners manual to see if any filters need to be cleaned or replaced and what, if anything, should be done with any oil that is added to the mower. Sharpen the blade or take it in to be sharpened. In Iowa, even with our softer grasses and shorter growing season, mower blades should be sharpened at least annually.
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