Gardener’s almanac (Dec. 14)

Dormant grass seeding Some people didnt get their lawn overseeded this fall. It happens. But how cool is it that you can actually put down fescue seed from now until February to help fill in bare spots?

One method is to seed when there has been a light snowfall of up to an inch, Ward Upham of K-State writes in the Horticulture 2013 newsletter. This is shallow enough that bare spots can still be seen. Spread seed by hand on areas that need thickening up. As the snow melts, it brings the seed into good contact with the soil where it will germinate in the spring.

Another method is dependent on the surface of the soil being moist followed by some freezing weather. As moist soil freezes and thaws, small pockets are formed on the wet, bare soil that is perfect for catching and holding seed. As the soil dries, the pockets collapse and cover the seed.

A third method involves core aerating, verticutting or hand raking and broadcasting seed immediately after. Of course, the soil must be dry enough and unfrozen for this to be practical.

With any of the above methods, seed germinates in the spring as early as possible. There will be limitations on what herbicides can be used for weed control. Tupersan (siduron) can be used as a crabgrass preventer on new seedings even before they have come up. Also dithiopyr, found in Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper, can be used on tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass two weeks after germination. Dithiopyr is longer lasting and more effective than siduron. Other pre-emergence herbicides require that the turf be well established before application.

Illuminations The holiday Illuminations event continues at Botanica from 5:30 to 8:30 nightly through Dec. 31 (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas). Tickets are $7, $6 for members, $5 for children ages 3 to 12. You can buy them at the door, or in advance at QuikTrip stores or online at botanica.org.

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Gardener’s almanac (Dec. 14)