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How to Make Lawns Spring Under Your Step

Andy Miccone

As April showers kick off spring weather across the state, flowers are beginning to bloom, and grasses are starting to grow. Iowa State University Extension turfgrass specialist, Adam Thoms, shares some advice for how to establish and maintain healthy lawns.

“Never apply more than ¾ of a pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet," Thoms says. If you're applying corn gluten meal, make sure not to exceed 20 pounds of meal per 1000 square feet, Thoms adds.

Thoms also weighs the pros and cons of quick- and slow-release fertilizers, warns against cutting grass shorter than 3 inches, and discusses aerifying turf.

On this Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe is joined by Thoms and ISU extension horticulturist Richard Jauron. They discuss the ins and outs of healthy lawn care and answer questions from listeners. 

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