Hope to see you at the York County Fair this week from Aug. 6-9! All the activities can be viewed at: http://www.yorkcountyfair.com.

Renovating Lawns: August 15-September 15 are the best times to seed cool season grasses. Improving Turf in the Fall at https://go.unl.edu/2bn5 is a great resource to walk you through renovation depending on your situation. Some lawns can be easily improved by adding fall fertilizer. Sarah Browning, former Extension Horticultural Educator shares, “Lawns that are 10-15 or more years old typically need only two fertilizer applications a year. Make the fall application in late August or early September. On younger lawns, two fertilizer applications during fall are recommended. Make the first one in late August/early September, and the second in mid-late October.”

If overseeding is needed to fill in thinned areas but more than 50% of good turf remains, mow the existing grass 2.5” tall to make the soil prep easier. For lawns needing total renovation, start with a glyphosate (Roundup application) followed by waiting at least 7-10 days to kill the lawn. Mow dead vegetation as short as mower goes to then aerate the lawn three times. Full seeding rate for tall fescue is 6-8 lbs./1,000 sq.ft., and 2-3 lbs. for Kentucky bluegrass. When overseeding into an existing lawn, the seeding rate can be cut in half. Drilling the seed is perhaps best, otherwise, use a drop seeder. Seed half the seed north/south and the other half east/west for even distribution. Then lightly rake to ensure seed to soil contact.

Organic Field Days: The following are a few upcoming field days that may be of interest.

Schuchardt family farm

On August 7 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, the Schuchardt family is inviting us to visit their organic farm in Elgin (84151 523^rd Ave, Elgin, NE). This year, they experimented with roller crimping soybean compared to cultivating. The field day will be a great way to connect with other farmers and Extension and includes a delicious lunch. There is no cost to attend. Please register here Schuchardt Farm Field Day Registration

Hintz Produce evening farm tour

On August 12 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm, the Hintz family will welcome visitors for an evening farm tour in Hebron (Hwy 136 & Road 6200, Hebron, NE). See their diversified farm which includes a high tunnel, greenhouse and alfalfa fields and hear about their experiences transitioning to organic production. No registration is required. For questions, please reach out to Katja kkoehlercole2@unl.edu