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The Roots Of Kentucky Blue Grass

The type of grass known as Kentucky Bluegrass is not native to North America but originates from Europe, the mountains of North Africa and Northern Asia. It was brought in as seed mixtures by early emigrants and took particularly well to the cool, humid areas of the US. It can now be found in most regions of the country.

It is one of the most familiar grasses in the US: the blades tips are boat shape and grow from half a foot to about two feet high. Its growth rate evolves throughout the year, depending on the amount of daylight it receives.

Should you want to sow Kentucky bluegrass you need to allow

about 2 to 3 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. Though it will grow best if planted in the spring or fall you can sow at any time you want. You should water the newly sowed lawn 2 to 3 times a day in the first fortnight, depending on the weather, then reduce the frequency once you are able to see the grass shoots.

Compared to many other grasses, and specifically warm season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass requires a lot of water. To stay healthy it will need as much as two inches of water every week. That should keep the grass green and bright throughout the summer. In order to help the roots to grow deeper and hardier, water

no less than an inch on any single day of watering. If your Kentucky bluegrass happens to go dormant during a drought, it will need only about an inch of water every two or three weeks. That will keep the crowns of the grass alive so that when rainfall does come the grass will recover fast.

Throughout most of its life Kentucky Bluegrass will need regular Nitrogen feeds to thrive, in big quantities. We re talking about 5 or 6 pounds worth in its first year, then about half this amount. A slow release nitrogen source is an option worth considering, especially if you are new at this, as it will prevent burning and allow less frequent applications.

Weeds such

as dandelions, clover, crabgrass etc can usually be controlled with specialist weed killing products. Like other pure breed grasses Kentucky Bluegrass can be very attractive to insects that will need to be controlled with pesticides before any infestation gets out of hand. The effect of disease can be reduced by sowing a mixture of disease-resistant strains of bluegrass with your lawn. If your soil was acidic before sowing and did not get treated you Kentucky Bluegrass may also display yellowing between the veins that is typical of iron chlorosis.

This popular strain of grass is not as difficult as its reputation would suggest. With the proper planting, watering and maintenance regime you too should be obtain a stunning lawn with

this distinctive, bright colored US native species. In cool and humid weather, seeding at the right density and time of year will give you a lawn to be proud of.

Andrew Caxton is the editor and journalist of many information websites like http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com , who has written more articles and newsletters on gardening . A website with tips on [http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/john-deere-lawn-mowers.html]John Deere tractors.