Skip to main content
Holmes Agro logo
  • green shopping cart svg icon
  • Lawn and Garden image FAQs

    FAQs

  • Lawn and Garden image FAQs
    FAQs
  • Lawn and Garden image FAQs
    FAQs
  • Lawn and Garden image FAQs
    FAQs

LAWN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Type of Grass Seed Should I Purchase?

Buy your grass seed based on quality, not price – it will be a great investment for your home. Once your seed is established, your lawn will be around for a long time.

Focusing on the advantages homeowners gain by planting certified seed is important. Certified seed is tested, inspected and graded by accredited experts to ensure excellent germination, pest and drought tolerance, and much more. By using certified seed you can be certain you are receiving the best quality product. It all starts with certified seed. Why settle for less?

How do I Get Rid of Weeds in my Lawn?

Overseeding is the best way to fight weeds in your lawn. If your lawn is healthy, weeds will be crowded out and will have a harder time taking root. Overseeding is spreading grass seed over your existing lawn to make your current lawn thicker. If there is not a lot of top soil on your existing lawn, be sure to rake in good quality soil with the seed to ensure germination.

How Long Does it Take Grass Seed to Germinate?

Depending on the mixture, you should expect initial growth to begin in 10-14 days providing moisture is available to the seedlings and the soil is warm enough.

Seed germinates best when soil temperatures are above 17° C (62° F).

TIP: Do not let the seeded area dry out, but avoid puddles. Both of these will prevent the seed from germinating.

How Do I Plant my Grass Seed?

You can spread grass seed by hand or a spreader. If planting by hand, ensure to spread the seed evenly.

A frequent mistake made with planting grass seed is planting it on thin topsoil. Lightly rake the soil surface to ensure good seed to soil contact after applying the seed. Avoid burying the seed too deeply.

If seed is planted too deep, it may fail to emerge. A planting depth of 2mm (1/16 inches) is ideal.

TIP: Seed cannot germinate without seed to soil contact.

When is The Best Time to Plant my Grass Seed?

Plant your grass seed in the spring (May to mid June) or fall (September to early October).

Planting in the fall gives you an advantage for the seedlings have two seasons (winter and spring) before the grass goes through the hot summer.

How Often do I Have to Water my Newly Planted Lawn?

Watering your new seedlings is crucial until they are established.

Water restrictions in your area? A little water is better than none.

TIPS: Best time to water your lawn is early in the morning. Never allow the soil where the seed is planted to dry out. Avoid puddles of water when watering.

How do I Get a Nice Looking Lawn?

Overseed, overseed and more overseed!

Overseeding your lawn every year will help thicken and improve the appearance of your lawn. If your lawn is thin and patchy, overseeding is the best way to fill in these bare spots.

How do I Get Rid of Insects From my Lawn Naturally?

One of the best ways to keep insects away from your lawn is by keeping your lawn thick and healthy by overseeding.

Buying endophyte-enhanced mixtures will greatly reduce the risk of insect infestation.

Endophytes are a natural and beneficial component to a lawn seed mixture.

An endophyte is a natural fungus that grows inside a grass plant.

We are excited to announce we now carry Nemagard which will help to combate the grub problems in your lawn. Click here to read more and call us today with any questions.

How do I control Mice in my House?

Bait stations are an effective method of controlling mice, as they attract mice with the scent of food and retain the mouse in station. Holmes Agro offers a product, Ramik Mouse Maze, that contains fish flavoured grains mixed with the active ingredient diphacinone (0.005%). These handy little stations can be used both indoors and outdoors, helping you get these pests under control! Click here to read more and call us today with any questions 

LAWN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Type of Grass Seed Should I Purchase?

Buy your grass seed based on quality, not price – it will be a great investment for your home. Once your seed is established, your lawn will be around for a long time.

Focusing on the advantages homeowners gain by planting certified seed is important. Certified seed is tested, inspected and graded by accredited experts to ensure excellent germination, pest and drought tolerance, and much more. By using certified seed you can be certain you are receiving the best quality product. It all starts with certified seed. Why settle for less?

How do I Get Rid of Weeds in my Lawn?

Overseeding is the best way to fight weeds in your lawn. If your lawn is healthy, weeds will be crowded out and will have a harder time taking root. Overseeding is spreading grass seed over your existing lawn to make your current lawn thicker. If there is not a lot of top soil on your existing lawn, be sure to rake in good quality soil with the seed to ensure germination.

How Long Does it Take Grass Seed to Germinate?

Depending on the mixture, you should expect initial growth to begin in 10-14 days providing moisture is available to the seedlings and the soil is warm enough.

Seed germinates best when soil temperatures are above 17° C (62° F).

TIP: Do not let the seeded area dry out, but avoid puddles. Both of these will prevent the seed from germinating.

How Do I Plant my Grass Seed?

You can spread grass seed by hand or a spreader. If planting by hand, ensure to spread the seed evenly.

A frequent mistake made with planting grass seed is planting it on thin topsoil. Lightly rake the soil surface to ensure good seed to soil contact after applying the seed. Avoid burying the seed too deeply.

If seed is planted too deep, it may fail to emerge. A planting depth of 2mm (1/16 inches) is ideal.

TIP: Seed cannot germinate without seed to soil contact.

When is The Best Time to Plant my Grass Seed?

Plant your grass seed in the spring (May to mid June) or fall (September to early October).

Planting in the fall gives you an advantage for the seedlings have two seasons (winter and spring) before the grass goes through the hot summer.

How Often do I Have to Water my Newly Planted Lawn?

Watering your new seedlings is crucial until they are established.

Water restrictions in your area? A little water is better than none.

TIPS: Best time to water your lawn is early in the morning. Never allow the soil where the seed is planted to dry out. Avoid puddles of water when watering.

How do I Get a Nice Looking Lawn?

Overseed, overseed and more overseed!

Overseeding your lawn every year will help thicken and improve the appearance of your lawn. If your lawn is thin and patchy, overseeding is the best way to fill in these bare spots.

How do I Get Rid of Insects From my Lawn Naturally?

One of the best ways to keep insects away from your lawn is by keeping your lawn thick and healthy by overseeding.

Buying endophyte-enhanced mixtures will greatly reduce the risk of insect infestation.

Endophytes are a natural and beneficial component to a lawn seed mixture.

An endophyte is a natural fungus that grows inside a grass plant.

We are excited to announce we now carry Nemagard which will help to combate the grub problems in your lawn. Click here to read more and call us today with any questions.

How do I control Mice in my House?

Bait stations are an effective method of controlling mice, as they attract mice with the scent of food and retain the mouse in station. Holmes Agro offers a product, Ramik Mouse Maze, that contains fish flavoured grains mixed with the active ingredient diphacinone (0.005%). These handy little stations can be used both indoors and outdoors, helping you get these pests under control! Click here to read more and call us today with any questions 

FERTILIZER FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Three Numbers on the Fertilizer Bag and What do They Mean?

The three numbers on the bag (such as 10-0-5) indicate the ratio of three key nutrients included in all fertilizers: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, always listed in this order. Meaning, if a bag reads 21-4-3 it contains 21 percent nitrogen, 4 percent phosphorus, and 3 percent potassium.

Nitrogen: Boosts growth and green colour. Slow release nitrogen breaks down over time to continue to enhance top growth.

Phosphorus: Feeds seedlings and stimulates new root growth.

Potassium: Provides all around vigour and health while strengthening for resistance to disease and stress.

When Should I Apply Fertilizer?

Feed your lawn every other month beginning in April. A lawn fed three to four times a year develops a deep root system to resist heat, drought, and wear. It also develops thick green top growth to naturally resist weeds, disease, and insects.

Tip: Canadian holidays are an easy way to remember best times to feed your lawn. Think Easter, Victoria Day, Labour Day, and Thanksgiving.

How Much do I Apply? Does This Work with my Current Spreader?

We encourage 4 bags to the acre; this allows for a generous covering to get you that beautiful lawn!

We recommend spreaders to set notches in the middle rate.

Why is it Necessary to Fertilize my Lawn in the Fall?

A thick and healthy lawn requires a strong root system. As the root system of the grass plant grows most vigorously in fall, feeding your lawn with an application of fertilizer in fall helps promote root growth. At the same time, fertilizing your lawn in the fall will prepare your green space for a long winter and help it recover in the spring.

Is it Okay to Apply Fertilizer During the Hot Summer Months?

Do not apply fertilizer when the temperature is above 30 °C. Fertilizing in very hot and dry conditions can burn your lawn. 

Is Fertilizer Safe for my Pets and Kids?

Fertilizer particles do not pose a safety risk to you, your kids, or your pets. To avoid picking up any fertilizer particles on footwear or feet, we recommend waiting 24 hours if children and pets want to play on the lawn.

Can I Keep my Extra Lawn Seed and Fertilizer for Next Year?
Yes you can. As long as they are sealed and stored in a dry area. Keep away from moisture and pests.
Do my Trees Need the Same or Different Lawn Fertilizer?

Your trees need a special blend of fertilizer, but don’t worry, we have created a special blend just for trees and shrubs!

Click here for a reference sheet.

What Does Epsom Salt do for my Lawn?

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), does indeed contain magnesium, which is an important component of chlorophyll. It is touted as a safe, natural product that can be used to increase everything from seed germination, nutrient absorption, growth, and general health of lawns and plant.

What does Bone Meal Provide my Lawn With?

Bone meal serves as a slow-release, that provides phosphorus, nitrogen and calcium to your lawn. Phosphorus helps your lawn build deeper root systems and makes it more resistant to stress, such as drought. Nitrogen helps keep your lawn green, while calcium builds stronger cell walls in your grass. Usually sold as a powder made from the steamed and ground bones of livestock, bone meal spreads easily with a seed spreader.

FERTILIZER FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the Three Numbers on the Fertilizer Bag and What do They Mean?

The three numbers on the bag (such as 10-0-5) indicate the ratio of three key nutrients included in all fertilizers: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, always listed in this order. Meaning, if a bag reads 21-4-3 it contains 21 percent nitrogen, 4 percent phosphorus, and 3 percent potassium.

Nitrogen: Boosts growth and green colour. Slow release nitrogen breaks down over time to continue to enhance top growth.

Phosphorus: Feeds seedlings and stimulates new root growth.

Potassium: Provides all around vigour and health while strengthening for resistance to disease and stress.

When Should I Apply Fertilizer?

Feed your lawn every other month beginning in April. A lawn fed three to four times a year develops a deep root system to resist heat, drought, and wear. It also develops thick green top growth to naturally resist weeds, disease, and insects.

Tip: Canadian holidays are an easy way to remember best times to feed your lawn. Think Easter, Victoria Day, Labour Day, and Thanksgiving.

How Much do I Apply? Does This Work with my Current Spreader?

We encourage 4 bags to the acre; this allows for a generous covering to get you that beautiful lawn!

We recommend spreaders to set notches in the middle rate.

Why is it Necessary to Fertilize my Lawn in the Fall?

A thick and healthy lawn requires a strong root system. As the root system of the grass plant grows most vigorously in fall, feeding your lawn with an application of fertilizer in fall helps promote root growth. At the same time, fertilizing your lawn in the fall will prepare your green space for a long winter and help it recover in the spring.

Is it Okay to Apply Fertilizer During the Hot Summer Months?

Do not apply fertilizer when the temperature is above 30 °C. Fertilizing in very hot and dry conditions can burn your lawn. 

Is Fertilizer Safe for my Pets and Kids?

Fertilizer particles do not pose a safety risk to you, your kids, or your pets. To avoid picking up any fertilizer particles on footwear or feet, we recommend waiting 24 hours if children and pets want to play on the lawn.

Can I Keep my Extra Lawn Seed and Fertilizer for Next Year?
Yes you can. As long as they are sealed and stored in a dry area. Keep away from moisture and pests.
Do my Trees Need the Same or Different Lawn Fertilizer?

Your trees need a special blend of fertilizer, but don’t worry, we have created a special blend just for trees and shrubs!

Click here for a reference sheet.

What Does Epsom Salt do for my Lawn?

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), does indeed contain magnesium, which is an important component of chlorophyll. It is touted as a safe, natural product that can be used to increase everything from seed germination, nutrient absorption, growth, and general health of lawns and plant.

What does Bone Meal Provide my Lawn With?

Bone meal serves as a slow-release, that provides phosphorus, nitrogen and calcium to your lawn. Phosphorus helps your lawn build deeper root systems and makes it more resistant to stress, such as drought. Nitrogen helps keep your lawn green, while calcium builds stronger cell walls in your grass. Usually sold as a powder made from the steamed and ground bones of livestock, bone meal spreads easily with a seed spreader.

CONTACT

Holmes Agro logo
CONTACT
Holmes Agro logo