New to the forum and to the task at hand (organic gardening). Two questions that are of immediate concern:

1st, I just applied my first application of corn gluten meal two weeks ago, apparently too late to accomplish any weed control--preemergent does not adequately describe the condition of my weeds. What should I do for weed control--I've got a bunch of them.

2nd, every summer we seem to have a mole problem--our yard abuts an open and unmaintained field. What can I do now as a "preemergent" discipline to prevent the moles from returning?

All suggestions appreciated.

Ed.

Hi Ed, welcome to the forum.

For the weeds, use your lawn mower every week. The following is the regimen to use for watering, mowing, and feeding.

1. Water deeply and infrequently. Deeply means at least an hour in every zone, all at once. Infrequently means monthly during the cool months and no more than weekly during the hottest part of summer. If your grass looks dry before the month/week is up, water longer next time. Deep watering grows deep, drought resistant roots. Infrequent watering allows the top layer of soil to dry completely which kills off many shallow rooted weeds.

2. Mow at the highest setting on your mower. Most grasses are the most dense when mowed tall. Bermuda, centipede, and bent grasses are the most dense when mowed at the lowest setting on your mower. Dense grass shades out weeds and uses less water when tall. Dense grass feeds the deep roots you're developing in 1 above.

3. Fertilize regularly. I fertilize 4 times per year using organic fertilizer. Which fertilizer you use is much less important than numbers 1 and 2 above.

For the moles, apply one Jack Russell Terrier per dozen moles per day. A peppy JRT will take care of them for you tout suite.

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