Create and maintain your dream lawn with Purdue Extension.

By Jeff Burbrink
Extension Educator, Purdue, Extension Elkhart County

Jeff Burbrink
Extension Educator, Purdue University Elkhart County

GOSHEN — Do you want to learn more about lawn care? Maybe you want a greener, healthier lawn. Perhaps you are feeling the need to do a better job at controlling weeds, or improving your lawn in shade. We will talk about these subjects and many more at the four-part Purdue DIY Lawn Care Program I am offering next month. The series is built around concepts that do-it-yourselfers can take home and put in place this season.

The series will be held in person from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings, May 12, 19, 26 and June 2, at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds. The focus will primarily be on bluegrass lawns, which make up the majority of the turf in northern Indiana. On May 12, I will cover the basic needs of the plants such as fertilization, mowing, and watering, including when and how to do these practices for both low maintenance and high maintenance lawns.

May 19 will be focus on insects, diseases and moles, with emphasis on proper timing and tips to help you get the most for your time and effort. May 26 will be weed control night, with suggestions on tactics and methods to reduce such “favorite” weeds as crabgrass, dandelions, violets, and other grassy weeds. Our fourth class on June 2 will focus on lawn renovation techniques and the seeding on a new lawn.

The cost of the program is $20 per person, and would make a great gift for that lawn care enthusiast in your family. To participate, register online at https://cvent.me/r0LxrP with a credit card. The enrollment deadline is May 5 and there will be no refunds after the registration has passed.

If you have more questions about the Purdue DIY Lawn Care Program, give the Purdue Extension Office of Elkhart County a call at (574) 533-0554.