Gardening tips for lawn maintenance and fertilizer storage

Gardening experts provide guidance on seasonal maintenance for lawns and plant nutrition as summer ends.

Using a string trimmer instead of a traditional lawn mower for large areas can damage grass. While useful for edges, sidewalks, and fences, the nylon line can cause small wounds on grass blades, leading to browning, drying, and increased susceptibility to fungal diseases. Additionally, string trimming results in an uneven appearance and is more physically demanding for large plots.

Regarding fertilization, experts advise against applying nitrogen-based fertilizers to shrubs or vegetables at the end of summer, as this promotes leaf growth that should be avoided before winter. Nitrogen may still be used for leafy greens, but for woody plants, fertilizers rich in potassium and magnesium are preferred to help tissues mature and resist frost and moisture.

When storing fertilizers for the next season, solid fertilizers should be kept in tightly sealed containers to prevent moisture from degrading the granules. Liquid fertilizers must also be protected from pests and frost to maintain their effectiveness.