How to Make a Thatch Buster Tonic
Thatch is the living and dead organic matter that is sandwiched between soil and grass. A thatch build up of more than an inch can cause a hospitable environment for pests, decrease air circulation and promote fungal infections.
While many gardeners can remove thatch with a dethatcher, you can break down existing thatch by mixing up a thatch buster tonic. Not only will the tonic save you time and money, it may break down the thatch so you can restore the health of your yard.
Things You Will Need
- Bucket
- Soda
- Dishwashing detergent
- Beer
- Ammonia
- Mouthwash
- 10-gallon sprayer
- Hose
- Measuring stick
Tip
Find out how much thatch you have in your yard by pressing a measuring stick through your grass and into the soil.
Warning
Use nondiet soda in the tonic busting mixture for the best results.
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In a bucket mix one can of soda, 1/2 cup of dishwashing detergent, one can of beer, 1/2 cup of ammonia and 1/2 cup of mouthwash. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
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Pour the mixture into a 10-gallon sprayer that has a hose attachment. Choose a time in the morning or early afternoon to apply the tonic to the lawn. Avoid spraying in the late afternoon, because wet grass encourages fungal infections.
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Attach the hose to the sprayer. Turn on the hose. Walk as if following an imaginary line back and forth across the lawn. Allow the tonic to soak into the grass before using the lawn area for a few hours. If you have pets, keep them in to prevent them from coming into contact with the tonic.
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Apply the tonic to the lawn again in three weeks, if applying the tonic in the summer. You can wait two months if applying to cool season grass in the winter or fall.
The Drip Cap
- Thatch is the living and dead organic matter that is sandwiched between soil and grass.
- While many gardeners can remove thatch with a dethatcher, you can break down existing thatch by mixing up a thatch buster tonic.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Choose a time in the morning or early afternoon to apply the tonic to the lawn.
References
Photo Credits
- grass image by green308 from Fotolia.com
- grass image by green308 from Fotolia.com
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