Dave's Wholeganic Lawn Care Program for Cool Season Grass in Massachusetts - Updated 2026

➡️ Step-by-Step Lawn Care Program

Below is my exact lawn care plan that gives me the results you can see in the photo above with my bulldog enjoying a lush green carpet.

Early Spring - Dethatch/Fertilizer/RGS

Step 1: Mow extra low at about 2.5-3” and bag the clippings. After mowing use a dethatch machine to comb up matted down grass that might be suffocating the lawn. Go over with the mower and bag again to clean up everything. The goal is to remove leaves, twigs, and other winter debris as well as suck up any weed seeds lingering in the grass.

Step 2: After the lawn is all cleaned up use a granular fertilizer spreader to apply EarthWorks 8-2-2 carbon nitrogen fertilizer @7lbs per 1000 sq. ft. to provide a quick green-up and jumpstart soil biology.

Why Carbon & Nitrogen Matter

The synergy of compost and ammonium sulfate:

• Provides quick nitrogen for fast green-up

• Supports microbial activity for improved nutrient cycling

• Enhances soil structure and water retention

• Supports long-term turf resilience and vitality

Step 3: Spring is the time to drive down roots before hot summer temps arrive. N-Ext RGS (Root Growth Stimulant) is the missing link in most fertilizer programs. It is designed to increase rooting mass and depth, and decrease stress pressure caused by heat and drought. The biologically active material contains Humic Acids and Sea Kelp to aid in color response, buffer and extend nitrogen release rates, and to add oxygen to the soil profile for greater nutrient uptake. I use a FlowZone Cyclone 4-gallon backpack sprayer to apply N-Ext RGS @ 5oz per 1000 sq. ft. per 1 gallon water.

2 Weeks Later: Apply N-Ext RGS @ 5oz per 1000 sq. ft. per 1 gallon water.

Spring - Grub Preventative

Apply Milky Spore granular grub control to prevent grass root damage and the adult Japanese beetle from infesting crops. Milky Spore does not harm beneficial microbes in the soil and is a natural, environmentally friendly bacterium designed to kill white grubs that then release billions more spores into the soil, creating a long-term control cycle.

Memorial Day - Fertilizer/Weed Control

Step 1: Apply EarthWorks 8-2-2 carbon nitrogen fertilizer @7lbs per 1000 sq. ft.

Step 2: Spot spray weeds with a 3-way herbicide that contains 2,4-D, MCPA, and Dicamba. I use Lesco Three-Way Selective Post Emergent Liquid Herbicide.

2 Weeks Later: Apply N-Ext RGS @ 5oz per 1000 sq. ft. per 1 gallon water.

4th of July - Fertilizer/Weed Control

Step 1: Apply EarthWorks 8-2-2 carbon nitrogen fertilizer @7lbs per 1000 sq. ft. to reduce summer stress and increase density, color, and vigor.

Step 2: Spot spray weeds with a 3-way herbicide that contains 2,4-D, MCPA, and Dicamba. I use Lesco Three-Way Selective Post Emergent Liquid Herbicide.

August - Weed/Disease Control

Broadleaf Weeds: Spot spray weeds with a 3-way herbicide that contains 2,4-D, MCPA, and Dicamba. I use Lesco Three-Way Selective Post Emergent Liquid Herbicide.

Crabgrass: Spot spray crabgrass with a broadleaf herbicide that contains Quinclorac. I use Lesco Quin-Way Post Emergent Liquid Herbicide.

Disease: It has been proven that the same RGS used for soil conditioner also provides effective control of lawn disease. It is an organic alternative and is about 1/10 the cost of most commercial fungicides. Spray affected areas with N-Ext RGS @ 5oz per 1000 sq. ft. per 1 gallon water. Be sure to bag all grass clippings when disease is present to prevent spreading.

Fall - Aeration/Overseed/Fertilizer

Step 1: Core aeration in the Fall is one of the best things you can do for maintaining optimal soil conditions. It relieves compaction and can be used to repair lawn damage when combined with overseeding. Be sure to mark sprinkler heads and any other surface objects with flags to avoid damage from the machine’s coring tines.

Step 2: Overseed with a blend of Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fescue with cultivars similar to Jonathan Green’s Black Beauty Ultra for improved drought and disease resistance.

Step 3: Apply EarthWorks 8-2-2 carbon nitrogen fertilizer @7lbs per 1000 sq. ft. to ensure new seeds establish quickly and grow strong roots.

Late Fall - Soil Test/Dolomitic Limestone

During core aeration I collect a few soil plugs and send them off to UMass Amherst Agricultural Lab for testing. There are others like mysoiltesting.com - Once the results are in apply the recommended amount of Lime before Thanksgiving.

*I know all these steps seem overwhelming but with the right tools (push spreader & pump sprayer) and consistency, it will get easier with practice.

Alternatively, you can keep things the way they are whether you DIY or use a fertilizer company and hire us for core aeration and overseeding in the Fall, with RGS soil conditioner applications in the Spring.