I like to have a good looking lawn in the summer. Anyone found a cheaper product that is as effective as Scott's? I have found that their dandelion formula works extremely well as do all their products. Have tried some other cheaper ones that just seem to not work as well.


With the weather getting to the 50's next week I thought this may be a good time to bring up this topic again.

Any special things you do?
I usually dont plant my garden until the week before memorial day. Too many people seem to want to get their crops in as soon as possible and then middle of may have to fight the late frost.

Saw something the other day I may try and modify. They used a small bucket with holes drilled in the sides and bottoms. PLanted tomato a plants around it and put water into the bucket when it went dry. May try that and maybe some PVC pipe with holes between rows of corn and could just put water in that instead of getting the garden hose out when it gets dry.


Would next week when the snow melts off be too early for some of the crabgrass and weed-feed to be applied?

I don't think it's too early. I have used a service for a few years and they usually do their early emergent treatment after the snow melts off.

I won't be able to do that this year. Had to have a new drain installed late in the summer last year, so I have to plant some new seed when the snow melts to help fill in the spots that needed to be dug up in the back.

I swear by Lesco brand. My first application is Lesco Dimension. It's a pre-emergent for crabgrass. Crabgrass doesn't germinate until soil temp hits 60. That's usually April. Then usually mid-May I treat the weeds (dandelions).

Anyone else have a good brand to prevent crabgrass. That was the only problem we had last year because we didn't get sod until April and we didn't want to treat it right away and kill it.

this is one thing I sorta miss about ohio. it would be nice to have the winter break for gardening. out here its basically always garden season. in the winter I am fighting weeds and trying to repair my lawn from the summer's drought. in the summer I am trying not to let my grass die while not using too much water.

sportchampps;1710655 wrote:Anyone else have a good brand to prevent crabgrass. That was the only problem we had last year because we didn't get sod until April and we didn't want to treat it right away and kill it.

I use Lesco's Dimension. You can get it at any John Deere Landscapes (formally Lesco) or Home Depot carries it now. http://www.homedepot.com/p/LESCO-19-0-7-Dimension-Crabgrass-Preventer-080311/100185665

Dimension is a pre-emergent. Crabgrass germinates when the soil temps reach about 60°. Southern Ohio the window is generally March 1 to April 1, Central Ohio March 15 to April 15, and Northern Ohio April 1 to April 25. Here is a map showing current temps. http://www.centralohfarm.com/index.cfm?show=1&mapID=20&showMenu=0 You put it down too early and the dimension won't last through the germination period. Dimension will last you about 90 days, then you can do a 2nd application, but I never have issues and need to do a 2nd one. Dimension will also need watered in. I always do it before or during a light rain. Saves me running a sprinkler.

Over the years I find what works best for me and stay with it, cheap lawn and garden additive and preventative never work. In the long run cheap cost more. I do use some homemade lawn and garden stuff that adds to the prevention of insects, mold and other harmful elements.

If if you have some ungrass areas ... I found that at Sam club they have this grass seed that grows anywhere. As the snow is beginning to melt away I throw this seed on top of the snow. As the snow melt, softens the ground the seed starts to grow. By spring the grass is well establish and growing.

I plant my garden (plants and seeds) on May 10 .. I live on a higher level and my garden is surrounded by tall pines so the frost generally does not effect my plants. Some plants I'm able to stager planting dates and get two growing producing harvest.

Have to get rid of the grubs in my yard. At the end of the season last year I noticed a few moles had moved in out by our barn. So that will be the only thing I put down on my yard. Dandelions are good to eat in salads or cooked and the best part they are free and plentiful.

mcburg93;1710750 wrote:Have to get rid of the grubs in my yard. At the end of the season last year I noticed a few moles had moved in out by our barn. So that will be the only thing I put down on my yard. Dandelions are good to eat in salads or cooked and the best part they are free and plentiful.

getting rid of grubs does not insure getting rid of moles .... Save your money on grub prevention and find a Gardersnake Problem solved

I think I'm going to buy a tower garden since I'm back in Ohio now. Can be used indoors during the winter. From the research I've done less pest issues than if you plant in ground.

TedSheckler;1710729 wrote:I use Lesco's Dimension. You can get it at any John Deere Landscapes (formally Lesco) or Home Depot carries it now. http://www.homedepot.com/p/LESCO-19-0-7-Dimension-Crabgrass-Preventer-080311/100185665

Dimension is a pre-emergent. Crabgrass germinates when the soil temps reach about 60°. Southern Ohio the window is generally March 1 to April 1, Central Ohio March 15 to April 15, and Northern Ohio April 1 to April 25. Here is a map showing current temps. http://www.centralohfarm.com/index.cfm?show=1&mapID=20&showMenu=0 You put it down too early and the dimension won't last through the germination period. Dimension will last you about 90 days, then you can do a 2nd application, but I never have issues and need to do a 2nd one. Dimension will also need watered in. I always do it before or during a light rain. Saves me running a sprinkler.

I know they said you dont want to put down the dandelion stuff, of which scotts formula works fantastic for them, until they start to pop up as it is isnt a preventer. So you think the crabgrass preventer would be too early this week to put down?

Yes. Wait until the soil temps come up. I'd wait at least another month. Check that map I posted. When soil temps get close to 60, then put it down.

TedSheckler;1710761 wrote:Yes. Wait until the soil temps come up. I'd wait at least another month. Check that map I posted. When soil temps get close to 60, then put it down.

Correct... any fertilizer requires the correct working temperature both soil and weather temp. Needs to be above 60 degrees if not you're pissing away money. Check the package for this working temps.

I don't do anything for grass. I like the dandelions and the bees it brings.

Belly35;1710753 wrote:getting rid of grubs does not insure getting rid of moles .... Save your money on grub prevention and find a Gardersnake Problem solved

I will also trap them. I just know if you take their food away they are less likely to come back. I havent had an issue with them in many years. I also like to shoot them with my 22.

Belly35;1710753 wrote:getting rid of grubs does not insure getting rid of moles .... Save your money on grub prevention and find a Gardersnake Problem solved

*Garter Snake

TedSheckler;1710639 wrote:I swear by Lesco brand. My first application is Lesco Dimension. It's a pre-emergent for crabgrass. Crabgrass doesn't germinate until soil temp hits 60. That's usually April. Then usually mid-May I treat the weeds (dandelions).

Is that price comparable to Scotts? May see if Menards has it. Home depot is an hour away.

Menards won't have it. I thought you were from the Logan Co. area. Marysville has a Home Depot.

There is also a John Deere Landscapes in Plain City off Industrial Parkway.

Oh, and yes. Price is comparable.

TedSheckler;1710805 wrote:Menards won't have it. I thought you were from the Logan Co. area. Marysville has a Home Depot.

There is also a John Deere Landscapes in Plain City off Industrial Parkway.

Oh, and yes. Price is comparable.

I go by that one a couple of times a month so maybe I will stop in, but if the price is comparable I would just get the scotts as I have always been happy with it.

I just looked on HD's website. Lesco Dimension is about $10 cheaper for 15,000 sq/ft coverage.

Two things to know, Scotts Halts and Lesco Dimension have different active ingredients to battle crabgrass. Scotts has pendimethalin. That's just a pre-emergent.

There is dithiopyr, used in Dimension which offers pre emergence and a little post emeregent protection for grassy weeds and some broad leaf weeds.

I have 6 Mexicans handle all my horticultural needs.

South of 70 is good to go for your crabgrass pre-emergent. North of 70, another week or two.

TedSheckler;1718490 wrote:South of 70 is good to go for your crabgrass pre-emergent. North of 70, another week or two.

Yeah, just bought mine last night and was hoping to put on late next week if it all went well.
This rain and lightening has really been greening up the lawn

I'm waiting another week befor I start any type of yard or garden projects.

GoChiefs;1710789 wrote:*Garter Snake

I wonder how Belly trains his Garter snakes to stay on his property?