Grass that has trouble putting down roots will often let them grow on the surface of the soil and into the buildup of organic grass clippings and leaves. Over time, these roots can form a dense carpet that won't let water penetrate into the soil. While some gardeners solve this solution by buying or renting dethatching machines that scrape the organic mat and roots off of the soil, you can actually correct thatch with a homemade dethatching solution.
Instructions
1. Rake up excess organic materials from your lawn with a garden rake. These materials can be added to your compost pile, and will discourage roots from growing upward and away from the soil.
2. Apply Gypsum to your soil at a rate of 100 pounds per 1,000 square feet. To apply gypsum, shovel the substance onto your lawn and then spread it out with a garden rake. Work the gypsum into your lawn by scratching it into the soil's surface with the rake. Gypsum will help to loosen the soil while putting nutrients into the dirt that encourage the roots of plants to grow downward.
3. Make an organic compost tea to provide nutrients to the soil. To do this, place compost in a burlap bag and soak the bag in a 5-gallon bucket for 2 hours. Remove the bag and return the soil to your garden. Then pour the water into the soil.
4. Feed the microbes that break down organic grass clippings in thatch by adding simple table sugar at a rate of 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet to your lawn. Sprinkle the sugar over your lawn and water well so that it dissolves and does not attract ants or roaches.
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