Pansy Mania Days starts this Friday. Spend your Mania Money!
Hello, again!
Mid-September is considered by Kansas State University to be the ideal window for seeding turf-type tall fescue in Kansas. The summer heat is beginning to ease, yet the soil is still warm enough to encourage quick germination and strong root development. For homeowners who want a thick, resilient lawn that also makes wise use of water, this is the time to act.
Fescue thrives in cooler conditions. Seeding in September allows young grass to establish before winter sets in, while also avoiding the heavy weed pressure common in spring. A fall-seeded fescue lawn will have two cool growing seasons - fall and the following spring - before facing its first hot Kansas summer. This head start builds deeper roots and better stress tolerance.
Successful seeding begins with proper preparation. Start by mowing existing turf short and removing debris. Dad would always have us rake the existing turf with a special rake - the Cavex rake - to get good seed-to-soil contact. Today, I use a power rake to open the soil surface, giving seed-to-soil contact. Good contact is critical because seed sitting on thatch or debris will dry out and fail to germinate.
At planting time, apply ferti-lome New Lawn Starter. This product provides the right balance of nutrients, especially phosphorus, to help seedlings establish strong root systems. Pairing it with ferti-lome HuMic will further improve soil biology and nutrient availability, supporting long-term lawn health.
As fall progresses and the grass matures, switch to ferti-lome Winterizer, which is specially formulated to protect, nourish, and strengthen grass roots during the winter months. Applied in fall, Winterizer will pay dividends in the spring when your lawn is healthier and more disease-resistant - even after a long, cold winter. Trees, shrubs, ornamental plants, and evergreens will also benefit from a fall application of Winterizer.
Water is often the limiting factor in lawn care, particularly in Kansas where summers can be hot and dry. Newly seeded lawns need consistent moisture, but that doesn’t mean heavy watering. Aim for light, frequent irrigation to keep the top half-inch of soil damp until seeds germinate. Once seedlings appear, gradually shift to deeper, less frequent watering. This encourages roots to grow downward, making the grass more drought-tolerant in the long run. Installing a simple rain gauge or using the ‘screwdriver test’ (checking soil depth with a screwdriver) can help monitor moisture levels and avoid overwatering. Early morning irrigation is best, as it reduces evaporation and disease risk. It's good to note, our updated Wichita water restrictions allow you to request an exception during overseeding.
A fescue lawn seeded in mid-September may not look full until late fall or the following spring. Resist the urge to overseed again too quickly. Allow the grass to mature, fertilize appropriately, and manage water wisely. By the time summer returns, your lawn will be thicker, healthier, and more resilient - requiring less water and maintenance than a poorly established stand. If you want to know more, watch us on Johnson's Garden Time or visit one of our free Lawn Seminars at the stores.
Our spring flowering bulbs have arrived, which is another sign that fall is here. While I’d wait a few weeks to plant bulbs, now is the time to come into the stores while the selection is at its best. I visited with Piet (our Dutch bulb supplier) this morning on what he has in mind for our landscape beds at the stores. I can’t wait to see what he sends us!
We’ve also received our first shipment of pansies for the fall. I hope you’ll be in to spruce up your color areas during Pansy Mania Days (starts Friday!) I sure am ready for a refresh after the recent hail storm. Pansies and fall mums make the perfect combination for fall color.
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
