How Do I Get Grass to Grow Where Weeds Are Taking Over?

 

With unattended lawns, weeds will begin to take over the grass as they are the more dominant form of plant. As long as the soil has nutrients and is getting water and sunlight, weeds will thrive. Removing the weeds and encouraging grass to grow in its place can be done, but it requires a multi-step process, a bit of landscaping attentiveness and patience.

Remove the Weeds

The first thing to do is remove all of the weeds from the area where you want your grass to come back. This may be the most difficult part of the job, as weeds are very tough, resistant plants that can handle harsh conditions. You can poison them with organic pesticides, which won't effect the soil but will go right to the root of the weed. A good way to also do this is by using vinegar, which is a homemade weed killer and will quickly dissipate from the soil.

You can also dig the weeds up by hand. Dig out all of the roots and a small patch of the dirt surrounding the weeds and make sure you dispose of them in a trash bag or a bin that will never be near the yard, so that the weeds have no chance of coming back. You might want to do this in combination with an organic pesticide treatment.

Fertilize and Seed

Once the weeds have been properly disposed of, buy topsoil and fertilizer from a local home and garden store, along with the seeds of whatever type of grass you want to grow in the lawn. Evenly spread the fresh topsoil across the area where you want the grass to grow. Then, spread the seeds of the grass by sprinkling handfuls of seed evenly onto the fresh topsoil. For each bag of topsoil you want a full handful of grass seed. Next, spread fertilizer meant for grass lawns over the seeded topsoil to aid the growing process.

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Watering

Once the seed, fertilizer and topsoil have been properly spread, soak the area with water. Don't allow standing water to accumulate on the soil itself, but the spot should be watered a couple times a day, preferably in the mornings and at night. Keep an eye out for the sprouts of weeds that may be coming back to that patch of grass. If you see any, remove them immediately and replace with grass seed and topsoil.

Read Also:

What Is the Difference Between an Arbor & a Trellis?

How to Make Personalized Stepping Stones

How to Clean a Mildew Stained Sidewalk

 

What Is the Difference Between an Arbor & a Trellis?

 

Arbors and trellises have similar functions in a garden. Both structures are designed to support plants, but a trellis is much smaller than an arbor.

Definition of an Arbor

An arbor is a freestanding structure with open sides and decorative latticework. The word "arbor" is derived from old French "erbier" (grass/herb) and influenced by the Latin "arbor" (tree).

Definition of a Trellis

A trellis is a decorative fence. It is freestanding or attaches to an existing wall. Trellises may be made of wood or other material that is strong enough to support growing plants. A trellis may have decorative latticework, too.

Read Also:

How Do I Get Grass to Grow Where Weeds Are Taking Over?

How to Make Personalized Stepping Stones

How to Clean a Mildew Stained Sidewalk

Uses of an Arbor

An arbor usually frames an entrance to a garden, a walkway or shaded corner. Plants grow up the sides and over the top of an arbor through decorative latticework or slats.

Uses of a Trellis

A trellis is suitable for any part of the garden and can act as a fence or wall for climbing plants. Trellises are suitable for small gardens where space is minimal as well as larger gardens.

Plant Selection

Both trellises and arbors support a variety of climbing plants. Examples of climbing plants that are suitable for a trellis or an arbor include climbing roses, vines, honeysuckle, clematis and ivy.

How to Make Personalized Stepping Stones

 

Personalize the walkway to your front door or backyard garden with a homemade stepping stone. Stepping stone kits cost around $20. Purchasing your own supplies separately saves money, especially if you plan to make multiple stones. In addition, making your own stone allows you to create a one-of-a-kind decoration. Follow these easy steps to add a personal touch to your yard.

Making Your Stepping Stone

Decide on a shape for the stepping stone. Purchase a circle, square or octagon-shaped clear, plastic mold at your local craft store for around $2. While at the craft store, also pick up a bag of stepping stone concrete. It will cost around $4 for enough concrete to make three or four stepping stones. Purchase a bag of colored stones to complement the color scheme of your stone.

Prepare your work surface. Lay down newspaper and put on your gloves and safety glasses. Set the stepping stone mold on top of the newspaper.

Read Also:

How Do I Get Grass to Grow Where Weeds Are Taking Over?

What Is the Difference Between an Arbor & a Trellis?

How to Clean a Mildew Stained Sidewalk

Mix the concrete according to the instructions on the bag. Pour the concrete into the plastic mold about 3/4 of the way full. Gently tap the mold on the ground several times to spread the concrete evenly throughout the mold. Let the mold set for 45 minutes.

Gently place colored stones in the concrete. If you want to make a hand print or write something in the concrete, do it before placing the colored stones. Use the pen to inscribe your message.

Set the stepping stone aside, leaving it undisturbed for two days. Pop it out of the mold and place in your yard.

Tips & Warnings

1. Try decorations other than colored stones for your stepping stone.
2. If you make a mistake while decorating the stone, simply remove the items, smooth out the concrete with a craft stick and start over.

How to Clean a Mildew Stained Sidewalk

 

Unsightly mildew stains on sidewalks can greatly detract from the appearance of your home or business. These stains are usually resilient to most commercial cleaning agents, and cleaning products tailored for mold and mildew stain removal can be expensive. But there are methods you can employ with items you likely already have in your home. Make a simple solution with these common items and implement these techniques to successfully clean stubborn mildew stains from your sidewalk.

Instructions

1. Mix a solution of 1/2 quart of household chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of water in a bucket.
2. Apply the bleach solution to the stained sidewalk with a clean sponge. Allow to set for 30 minutes.
3. Scrub the mildew affected area with a nylon-bristled brush.
4. Rinse the sidewalk with clean hot water.
5. Repeat steps as necessary if mildew growth returns.

Read Also:

How Do I Get Grass to Grow Where Weeds Are Taking Over?

What Is the Difference Between an Arbor & a Trellis?

How to Make Personalized Stepping Stones

Tips & Warnings

• Never mix bleach with other chemicals as certain agents can produce toxic fumes if combined.
• Keep bleach out of the reach of children and pets.