Question
I live in New FAirfield CT. I want to get rid of my weeds and fertiize my lawn. I don't know how to get th best and quickest results. What do I do?

Answer
You can buy so-called weed-and-feed products which are combination fertilizer w/broadleaf weed control. The fertilizer (such as Scott's Turfbuilder 2+2) should be applied to a wet lawn and left on the leaves for 24-48 hours before washing in. Do not mow the lawn a few days before and after applying.

A good garden center or home improvement center can direct you to lawn fertilizer w/broad leaf weed control (also commonly called "weed-and-feed" products). At this point in time, do not buy fertilizer w/crabgrass control (e.g. Scott's Turfbuilder with Halts for example). This combination product is only effective against crabgrass and must be applied in early spring (march/april). The product you want is fertilizer w/BROADLEAF weed control (or weed-and-feed). Ask the people in charge of the fertilizers. they can direct you to the correct products.

Usually these products control weeds such as Dandelions, Plantain, Purslane, Pigweed Smart Weed, Chickweed, Clover, Ground Ivy, Stichwort and Knot Weed. It will not control crabgrass, however, or hard to control weeds like ivy, etc.

Another option is to use a regular lawn fertilizer (w/o broadleaf weed control) such as Scott's Turfbuilder and then buy a spray bottle of WEED-BE-GON. Weed-be-Gon is sprayed directly on the leaves and generally works better than the fertilizer/broadleaf weed control combination products. You can also buy weed-be-gon in bottles which attaches to gardenhoses and then water your lawn with the mixture.

In your area, fertilize your lawn in late spring, early fall and late fall. e.g. late may, early september and late october. do not fertilize during hot summer months. If you want to use weed-and-feed products, then apply same in late may or early september. temperatures should be consistently between 50 and 85 deg F for best result.