Vacuum the pebbles : Gravel and sand hinder grass growth, so vacuum them up. Vacuum the yard until you no longer hear stones getting sucked up. Your neighbors will think you've lost your mind when they see you vacuuming your lawn. But by the end of the summer, they'll be asking you for lawn care advice.
For your spring and summer mowings : Cut just the top third of the grass. So if your grass is 3 in. high, take 1 in. off the top. Mowing more than one-third stresses the grass. You can mow the grass shorter in the fall.
Your lawn and chicken's manure - a marriage made in heaven! : Chicken manure is rich in nitrogen, which is a key nutrient for a healthy lawn. I use Chickity Doo Doo Organic Fertilizer.
Apply lawn fertilizer : Between your second and third mowings, apply a lawn fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen (a 20-lb. bag covers 5,000 sq. ft.). Follow the spread rate listed on the fertilizer bag and spread it on the entire lawn.
Use soil activator : Fifteen days after applying the fertilizer, spread soil activator on the lawn.
Spot-spray individual weeds : Don't treat the entire lawn if you have just a few weeds. A pump sprayer is more economical than buying spray bottles. Be sure there's no rain in the forecast for 24 hours.
Face winter with short grass : Mow the grass short at the end of the year. This reduces the chance that your lawn will get snow mold and vole damage.
via : Family Handyman