Home > Lawn & Garden > Home Gardening > Lawns > Soil & Fertility > Winterizing Your Southern Lawn [Image: grass] Winterizing is an attempt to toughen plant tissues for the winter freezes much as you would add antifreeze to your car’s radiator for freeze protection. Soil Test in Fall or Winter [Image: test] Knowing what is in your soil and what it needs is a basic and first step to a good crop and plant health. This off-season time is a good time to get this information and find the products you will require. Investigating Problem Turfs [Image: problem] Turf problems can be categorized as cultural (man-made), environmental or pest-related. Often two or more of these factors contribute to the problem. Results are only as good as sample [Image: spot] The chemical analysis of a soil sample has been worked out and calibrated so that the numbers reported mean something useful to the client. However, the results are only as good as the sample is representative of the area and crop’s root zone.  more articles... Essential Steps When Starting A Southern Lawn Spring is the time to begin working on a new lawn, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske has advice for those undertaking such a project. Should new sod be fertilized? [Image: lawn] Many wonder if newly laid sod should be quickly fertilized to help speed establishment. Ironing Your Turfgrass Although the earth’s crust is about 5% iron (Fe), we still see iron deficiency in plants. This may be because of a problem with the plant roots, soil and/or environment. This publication includes tips on how to care for your turfgrass. Replanting Storm-ravaged Landscapes Begins [Image: Landscape] Landscapes damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can be revitalized. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about what can be done to repair the damage. Jefferson, Orleans Soil Contamination May Not Be As Serious As Feared LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil. LSU AgCenter Faculty Checking New Orleans Soil, Plants [Image: LSU AgCenter faculty testing soil in Jefferson and Orleans parishes] Will the grass come back and how long will it be before vegetable gardens can be planted were questions on the minds of LSU AgCenter faculty members who recently toured the New Orleans area. Beware Of Lawn Winterizers, Cautions LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Louisianians who winterize their lawns in October need to be especially careful at reading the nutrient label on the fertilizer bag, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Nitrogen in Lawn Fertilizers [Image: Plots with nitrogen fertilizers] Nitrogen is the chief nutrient and controller of plant growth in average soils. It is provided in several commercial fertilizer forms. Dealing With Salinity in Lawns Soil salts affect turf mostly by withholding moisture from plant tissues. They may also compete for uptake of nutrient ions. Try these suggestions to manage a soil salinity situation. Thin Areas in Summer Lawns [Image: Bare areas] When attempting to determine the cause of dying patches of grass during the summer, always check the soil first. Click for more information...