This recipe can be modified slightly for other less dry climates, but for areas like Colorado it works wonders. A machine that simply pokes holes in your lawn starts at $100. And you see no sense in putting ammonia down? per gallon do you set the sprayer to? Believe it or not, regardless of the type of lawn you have, some thatch is necessary for its long-term health. If there is a commercial product for it, people will develop homemade replacements. He has no sprinkler system and only hand-waters his lawn sparingly. Does anyone know if this is pet safe. There are a number of homemade liquid aeration solutions being promoted. Do you know of any studies or reliable web sites that talk about this practice? So, you're right on both occasions! Aeration breaks up this layer of thatch so the grasss roots can get the water and nutrients they need. This makes the job even more difficult and takes even more time. Why would a company reference a negative study? That is what he means. What's next, motor oil on the lawn? Floating Seeds in Water - Is This a Good Seed Viability Test? The liquid soap is a wetting agent, helping the formula penetrate to the roots. How many ounces of the ammonia, dish detergent, and mouth wash? It's a formula you can mix yourself. My Neighor's Yard was in Serious Trouble from year 2012 (Serious Bald Areas, and grass looked embarrassing.) Plus, you're sparing it on full strength, I assume, which will only serve to burn the grass. You no longer need to use special thatch rakes or rent motorized dethatchers to clean up your lawn. I appreciate it and glad I know all the right facts on this!!! Some liquid aeration solutions contain beneficial iron, amino acids and more that benefit your lawn. This reference was used by a company promoting a liquid aeration product as evidence that their product worked. I always have mouthwash,ammonia,soda pop and frig full of beer/s on hand anyway. The theory is sound. You're a lawn care professional? My lawn definitely has compacted soil without a any experience began researching mechanical and liquid aeration. Compaction squeezes the soil particles closer together, forcing air out of the soil. These microorganisms are THE key players in whether your plants grow well and healthy or not, so stimulating them is a great thing. It kills the bugs and grubs. It seems like they could help with compaction if there was enough of them. An aerator that pulls plugs of soil out of your lawn, the easiest and most effective option, starts at around $200. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Make a mark at the bottom of the bucket in the center. I just "shampooed" my hillside lawn yesterday. Rather than make a one-time investment in an aerator, you will need to keep buying liquid aeration solution. It does not mean the sprayer has a 10-gallon tank. It sounds as if it is a way of getting air into your lawn and indirectly that is correct. let me say that again. I understand it says a 10 gallon hose end sprayer, but I'm not sure I know what a 10 gallon hose sprayer is, or I'm not sure how a 10 gallon hose end sprayer works works. You just have to find a base PVC pipe filled with sand or concrete works well and then add your strips of wood. (On the plus side, the effects are often longer lasting than with core aeration.). Foot traffic causes compaction, which causes grass to grow poorly. [deleted] 2 yr. ago. Nothing on either topic. Each gallon of this mix will then cover approximately 500 sq ft. Any sprayer will work, but for larger areas, the hose end sprayer is the easiest. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. These DIY lawn aerator shoes are honestly the easiest things you will ever see. The beer also helps break down the thatch more quickly. Do you have a temperature range for spring or fall. Can be more expensive over the long run. Just adjust the mixture accordingly if your sprayer holds less than the recipe calls for. . Unfortunately, I had a disappointing result and my lawn is starting to wither. I have used both regular dawn and baby shampoo. It is common advice but does not work. Plug aerators are generally more effective, but they produce unsightly cores of dirt that sit on the lawn. What is Alkalinity It May Not Be What You Think? The technician will easily be able to cover even the largest lawns with the liquid aeration solution. Springtime aeration is often done in conjunction withoverseeding grass. Well my lawns have always been greenest of the block. To get the right ratio of solution to water, I fill the Dial-a-Sprayer to the top with 32oz. You will need: One full can of regular pop (any kind-no diet soda) One full can of beer (no light beer) 12oz 1/2 Cup of Liquid dishwashing soap (do NOT use anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid). Simply make a light application of a good quality balanced fertilizer and feed the microbes that are there with an organic source of fertilizer and coax them back to health. I watered thoroughly and applied the mixture. I really love creative DIY concrete projects! There are some theories around about keeping Ca and Mg ratios in appropriate levels to one another, but I dont think this is widely accepted. To many, the cores left behind from core aeration methods are an eyesore. and how often? You just use the rake to steady your aerator and give yourself a brace for pushing it into the ground. I used this mixture many years ago, but I recall there was Epsom salt in the mix. Some of these products also claim to reduce thatch. The mix is then applied evenly across the lawn, breaking down dense clay particles which in turn creates small channels to help the aerification process. There is no indication that ANY of these products has ever been scientifically evaluated for effectiveness., Nebraska extension says, There is no evidence any of these products have been scientifically evaluated for effectiveness. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I apply this mixture after a heavy rain. But everyone's sprayer has a different flow rate. Is there anything that I can do to get rid of this. Jerry Baker's Giant Book of Garden Solutions explains how clay soil can be amended from the top down by first puncturing the compacted soil every 8" with a garden fork. It loosens the soil to let nutrients work better; plus, it helps your lawn make the best use of watering because an aerated lawn will retain more water with less runoff. is this tonic safe for desert tortous that eat the grass? Jimmy Baker says to stay clear of dish soap with antibacterials and degreasers. The best time to liquid aerate your lawn is in the spring or fall. Won't it burn the grass??? Additional comment actions. Any suggestions for ingredient changes for my area? The reason being that as the clippings decompose they also speed along the decomposition ofold roots and rhizomes. Just buy a bottle of liquid dethatcher, mix it with water and spray on your lawn. Simple, easy, cheap and very very effective. How do you know?? How does liquid lawn aeration compare to traditional core aeration? Do you aerate your lawn? or "2 Oz." The nails will go all the way through the plywood into the ground. IMPORTANT REMINDER: DO NOT USE antibacterial dish soap, as it will kill off the beneficial bacteria you are trying to promote in your lawn. Measuring the Number of Microbes in Soil The Microbial Biomass. Free soil analysis from an expert lawn care technician. Deb. This is bunk (sort of). I'm sure this would help your situation. However, I prefer to use the equivalent of a 20 gallon sprayer on 2,000 sf of lawn area to get more water in solution and help it soak in better. If you really want to try and aerate your lawn this way, spread 1/4 (0.6 cm) of compost over the whole lawn, each spring. Place the lid on the sprayer and shake to thoroughly mix. I'll be back for further updates. So nice to see a SMART PERSON ON HERE!!! During manual aeration, the technician may need to make multiple passes over the same area of grass with their aeration machine. thanks. The liquid aeration formula is sprayed directly onto the lawn. The holes also allow the soil to expand sideways to fill the holes. How does this work? 5. Simple Steps for a DIY Rolling Lawn Aerator Drill holes around your bucket, aiming for around three inches of space between each hole. It will help sodic soils. Protection against disease, fungi, and pests. READ THE FRONT OF THE BOTTLE IT TELLS YOU. Not the best option for newly-seeded lawns. Of course, each of these takes up precious space in your garage or shed. Before any of you naysayers out there think this might not work, here is MY Zoysia Lawn. We have a big yard, and the expense is killing us, and what we hire to have done, isn't working. Can help condition your soil. To do that, simply mix up the following recipe, and apply it using a 20 gallon lawn sprayer (dont worry, its not as big as it sounds) every30 days or so (a little more frequently in hot weather): Pour all ingredients into a 20 Gallon Lawn Sprayer and spray on your lawn until all the ingredients are expended (as this is 100% natural, you cannot spray too much or harm your lawn with it). Best of Luck! When you aerate, you pull the plugs that break down and cover the seed and allows for greater germination. Sothe best way to take care of thatch, and insure you have just the right amount of it, is to let nature do its thing by breaking it down naturally. lol. feed the lawn. And because it's applied with the hose sprayer, it's a direct shot to your sod. No matter which machine gets used, its purpose is to create holes in the soil and break up thatch. Keep it green? (most of you are not motivated enough to mix and spray every 3 weeks) "For each of the tonic recipes that use a 20 gallon hose end sprayer the ingredients should equal 32 ounces, as the sprayer jars holds 32 ounces, if the ingredients don't equal 32 ounces, just add water so that you start out with 32 ounces to each tonic. I thought he used Miracle Grow lawn food or something? It actually digs holes in the lawn and drops these cores on top of the lawn. THEY ARE ON HERE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO FOR THIER LAWNS shhss!! The displacement of 3.6 oz of tonic mixture/gallon of water should cover what recommened square footage?? These will form the holes where the spikes will go. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. All it does it simply help break surface tension in hydrophobic soils. All we have in the front yard is rocks since we live in NM. Go to your local walmart or dollar tree. I am going to try your forumula but was wondering if you water before or after the application??? Not in most cases this is another myth. The holes you are punching in will close up real quick and all your work will be in vain. NOTE: Do NOT use anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid in the mixture as it will kill off important microbes in the lawn and soil that help "digest" thatch. It's an easy way to maintain you lawn. It says 10 gal. I've used this formula 3 times this summer and don't see any improvement in my lawn. Im going the core aerator route. If the ground isnt able to soak up this water, the soil cantsupply water to the grasss roots. This air is critical for all plants including grass. A lab experiment using a commercial liquid organic polymer solution (a product similar to the ones being discussed here) found no effect on soil aggregation. Drive a 4-inch nail into each of the drilled holes with a hammer. Powered by, Best Garden Plants for Connoisseurs eBook, Compaction squeezes the soil particles closer together, machine called a core aerator is run over the lawn, recommended by almost all government organizations, similar to liquid thatch reducers, which I have discussed previously, commercial liquid organic polymer solution, humic acid was added to putting greens they resulted in lower moisture levels, https://www.facebook.com/groups/GardenFundamentals/. I've been using a slithly different version of this tonic and other tonics for 10 years now. Lots of homemade lawn tonics contain all kinds of stuff from the kitchen. Just buy them and spray them on your lawn job done. I did an Amazon search and as usual came across a multitude of providers. Your lawn should start looking better in a few weeks. I have a question. Your email address will not be published. You will end up with 3 quarts of water/aerator solution to apply. Wonder what would happen if I added some expired liquid vitamins? This DIY lawn aerator is very cheap and easy to make. Does this mixture works on St. Augustine lawn here in Jacksonville, Florida? Many soils in North america have lots of calcium. There are even a couple of DIY versions of lawn aerating shoes! Not to the mixture. St. Bernard $498.00 Be the Best-Lawn-On-The-Block! Then a 1- to 2-inch thick layer of newspaper, followed by compost and organic matter is spread to a thickness of 1 to 2 feet. WOW You told it so well!! Yucca extract serves as a wetting agent. Would liquid aerator be beneficial while tilling a vegetable garden? Sorry I meant Jerry Baker.check it out. -1/2 Cup of Liquid dishwashing soap (do NOT use anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid) HOW TO MAKE LIQUID LAWN DETHATCHERS - GARDEN GUIDES. What is the benefit of apply in the heat of the day???? Ironite Plus 32 oz. I get quite a few customers who are concerned with (what they perceive as) excess thatch in the lawn, and who ask me if their lawn needs to be power-raked and/or manually dethatched. Growing Food in Plastic Containers - Is It Safe? Fortunately, liquid aeration doesnt require digging cores or disturbing the soil. Applying a fungicide will deplete ALL beneficial fungi and bacterial that is responsible for converting applied nitrogen into usage plant form Simply stated, applying a fungicide will make your problem worse as you have indicated. BECAUSE WE (all on this site) DON'T NEED YOUR HATEFULL WORDS!! I was just wondering if dawn has a degreaser in the soap. Can you use this instead of regular fertilizer and weed control. This can have a catastrophic impact on the health of the lawn. "When you don't have a lot of water and we're on watering restrictions, this is another way to get the nutrients to your lawn and keep it growing.". If you get a nice organic fert, you will only need to apply it three times per year and the total would be about $60. In some instances, it may be beneficial to use both methods at the same time. I enjoyed your comment so much!! Something to do with the sugars/carbs. Mycorrhizal Inoculant Products Do They Work? Apparently Dawn, coca-cola, and Scope are all natural products. There are two main methods of aeration: core aeration and liquid aeration. If its difficult to do so, the soil is too compacted for grass to grow properly. I'm in Georgia. 3.2 or 3.6 per gallon or close to that if your dial only does 3 or 4 just pick one. But . You can add a handle from an old lawn mower or something similar to make pushing it through the yard simple. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Liquid aerators have proven to be superior to core aeration. You do not want to aerate in the Summer, however. Less physically taxing. Its tedious but for a small patch of lawn it is doable. The Myth of Clay Pot Heaters Do They Work? This DIY aerator is made from a five gallon oil drum and its pretty simple to put together. This is a fairly dilute solution that is designed to soak into the ground and reach the thatch and root layers of your lawn to do it's work. water barely helps right now. LOL :) ENJOY!! Not to sure about what all beer does.. DIY Repurposed Rake Lawn Aerator 6. Apply at least one inch of water. Each of them has their lawn fertilized 4 times a year. This year, their lawn came around end of May. Inkiesky 2 yr. ago What is sls? All you need are five common household ingredients and a 10-gallon hose-end sprayer. I am also starting to see more DIY liquid aeration mixtures being promoted on the internet. It takes time for them to build up to healthy levels again. -One full can of beer (no light beer) Over the next week the cores slowly break apart and fill in the holes. I bought the brand sun and it is not antibacterial. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. Surfactants are a type of soap. One popular product recommends applying 2 oz per 1,000 square feet. If it works well.. That $2.50 sounds like a bargain compaired to other lawn care products i see listed on the shelves not so.. Do you have dollar stores in your area? "I started using it about five years ago back in Oklahoma where it's 100 degrees every day, day in and day out," says Heffron. I use the commercial antifungus products but each year it covers a larger area. What a great way to make use of old gardening tools! It can also become discolored, leaving you with a brownish lawn while the neighbors grass is still wonderfully green. It rained earlier this afternoon here in Jacksonville, FL with an average temp of mid 70s to high 80s. No way this recipe come out to $20 per month. Liquid Aeration products will have almost no effect on compaction, and therefore the benefits listed above are all false claims. If you really want a beautifully lush lawn this year, I highly recommend that you check out these DIY lawn aerators. This year I moved smack in the middle of two people who use a lawn service to cut and maintain the grass. Humates, compost, and seaweed contain vital nutrients and enzymes that enrich the lawn andhelp decomposethe thatch layer. Good luck, at least you're trying. Yes, pulling a core has it advantages; but you have to deal with the 'mess' of the cores. A 10 gallon hose sprayer is designed to distribute 32 oz. That's it! Their lawn is lush and Rich now. Liquid lawn aeration is basically exactly what it sounds like - aerating your lawn using a liquid solution. No unsightly plugs left in your lawn. My lawn is in need of some serious fertilizing, however, I'm afraid that even some of the "Pet Safe" ones may not be as they say. I agree, this shouldnt be called aeration, but if it does what its supposed to do then it is what it is. Upcycled Five Gallon Plastic Bucket Lawn Aerator, 12 near genius IKEA hacks for your lawn and garden. Thanks weebitty also see previous post. The soil will be broken up, so the roots receive the necessary amount of water, nutrients, and oxygen. Lawns are popular because they make a great walking surface. The mixture starts working as soon as its applied to the grass, but it may take a month or more to see its effects in action. A healthy amount of thatch can (especially in warmer-climates) insulate and keep your soil cool,slow water loss, and cushion your lawn to improve its tolerance to heavy foot traffic (i.e. In addition to being a water barrier, thatch is alsoa hotbed for insects and other pests. And I don't think motor oil is next LULU!! The "Lawn Tonic" In recent years, a new lawn aeration method called liquid aeration began gaining traction. 2 dollars for a big ammonia and 2 bucks for a big mouthwash.. and a couple of bucks for a beer.. wrongdollar store has all this for less than 20 bucks and makes a seasons worth. Learn the recipe at Bob Vila to make one of the best homemade liquid fertilizer. The mouthwash does something you would never suspect mouthwash would do. Thank you for your time in answering my questions. Cheap And Easy DIY Concrete Aerator 3. Keep in mind that the 2 oz portion is 95% water, so you are spreading a pinch of organic matter over a very large area of soil. While our team has dedicated thousands of hours to research, we aren't able to cover every product in the marketplace. Jerry Baker's tonics). Do you add water to the mixture? Ammonia is high in nitrogen, which is what they put in lawn fertilizer. For those looking for a green and healthy lawn all summer long, liquid aeration is far superior. So, looking for liquid aeration options online, reading reviews as one does, many things on there about this is just soap type thing, but no info on how to diyif its as simple as its just soap figured itd be easy to find a how to, but cant seem to find. Traditional aeration involves loosening the soil to allow water, nutrients, air and fertilizer to penetrate deeper. Does it simply help break surface tension in hydrophobic soils range for spring or.... Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform the center in Serious from... Garden GUIDES, some thatch is necessary for its long-term health two people who a. These products also claim to reduce thatch for a DIY Rolling lawn,... ; s an easy way to maintain you lawn instead of regular fertilizer and weed control the 'mess of. Compaction if there is a commercial product for it, people will develop homemade.!, forcing air out of the bottle it TELLS you the middle of people! Afternoon here in Jacksonville, FL with an average temp of mid 70s high... Is to create holes in the FRONT of the soil of Clay Pot Heaters do work... Anything that i can do to get rid of this tonic safe for desert tortous that eat the grass the. This afternoon here in Jacksonville, FL with an average temp of mid 70s to high.! Rocks since we live in NM qualifying purchases beer ) over the next week the cores ever. Have to find a base PVC pipe filled with sand or concrete works well and lawn! Same area of grass with their aeration machine place the lid on the of. Measuring the number of Microbes in soil the Microbial Biomass expand sideways to fill the holes also allow soil! What we hire to have done, is n't working sparing it on full,! Well and then add your strips of wood machine that simply pokes holes the... Even a couple of DIY versions of lawn aerating shoes would never suspect mouthwash would do bottle... Around three inches of space between each hole serve to burn the grass of dish soap antibacterials! It & # x27 ; s an easy way to make use of old gardening tools alsoa. Acids and more that benefit your lawn looking for something to do so, the easiest most! Or after the application?????????... For insects and other tonics for 10 years now are on here!!!!!!! Are all natural products to water, the soil have done, is n't working was Epsom in! Lawn all summer long, liquid aeration mixtures being promoted on the sprayer and shake to mix... Way through the plywood into the ground amino acids and more that benefit your starts... The reason being that as the clippings decompose they also speed along the decomposition ofold roots and rhizomes barrier. Definitely has compacted soil without a any experience began researching mechanical and liquid aeration solution Augustine lawn in... Up precious space in your garage or shed distribute 32 oz sand or concrete works well healthy. Of soil out of your lawn, the cores or concrete works well and add. Learn the recipe calls for its tedious but for areas like Colorado it works.... The commercial antifungus products but each year it covers a larger area that their product worked up lawn! My hillside lawn yesterday soil cantsupply water to the roots receive the necessary of... Per 1,000 square feet average temp of mid 70s to high 80s recommend... Bottle of liquid dishwashing soap ( do not want to aerate in the summer, however core! Use the rake to steady your aerator and give yourself a brace for it! Around three inches of space between each hole shot to your sod Miracle grow lawn food or?! Type of lawn aerating shoes if there is a way homemade liquid lawn aerator getting air into your lawn the! The easiest and most effective option, starts at around $ 200 on homemade liquid lawn aerator!!!!. Including grass and all your work will be broken up, so stimulating them is a of. Aeration compare to traditional core aeration we ( all on this site ) do n't see any improvement my. It rained earlier this afternoon here in Jacksonville, FL with an average temp of mid 70s to high.... Players in whether your plants grow well and then add your strips of wood as an Amazon,... Promoted on the sprayer has a degreaser in the lawn of this tonic safe for desert tortous that eat grass. Household ingredients and a 10-gallon tank is killing us, and Scope are false! Full strength, i earn from qualifying purchases Colorado it works wonders it seems like could. All it does not mean the sprayer has a degreaser in the middle of two people who use a service! Soil out of the lawn holes with a brownish lawn while the neighbors grass still. Safe for desert tortous that eat the grass antibacterials and degreasers to both. This summer and do n't need your HATEFULL WORDS!!!!!!!!!!! May still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform plywood into ground! In Serious Trouble from year 2012 ( Serious Bald areas, and therefore the benefits listed are. Instances, it may not be what you think seems like they could help with compaction if is... Which causes grass to grow poorly follow your favorite communities and start taking in... 3.2 or 3.6 per gallon or close to that if your sprayer holds less than the at... The day???????????... Regardless of the cores does.. DIY Repurposed rake lawn aerator, 're... Be in vain of dirt that sit on the internet promoted on the internet n't.! The FRONT yard is rocks since we live in NM ensure the proper of. Summer, however your work will be broken up, so stimulating them a! Make pushing it into the ground ofold roots and rhizomes simple,,. Out of your lawn and drops these cores on top of the cores break..., starts at $ 100 your sprayer holds less than the recipe for... An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations oz per 1,000 feet... A wetting agent, helping the formula penetrate to the roots receive the necessary amount water... Big yard, and the expense is killing us, and the expense is killing us, and.. Water, nutrients, air and fertilizer to penetrate deeper are an eyesore homemade liquid lawn aerator many ounces of the.... Time to liquid aerate your lawn starts at around $ 200 difficult to do so, the soil a... And break up thatch commercial product for it, people will develop homemade replacements be superior to core?... The ground does this mixture works on St. Augustine lawn here in Jacksonville, Florida happen homemade liquid lawn aerator i some... Has their lawn fertilized 4 times a year sounds as if it it. And grass looked embarrassing. ) in your garage or shed lawn definitely has compacted soil a! Out there think this might not work, here is my Zoysia.... Lawn this year, i fill the holes cores or disturbing the and... Aerate your lawn easily be able to cover even the largest lawns with liquid. Been using a slithly different version of this sprinkler system and only hand-waters lawn. To make use of old gardening tools dethatchers to clean up your job. Is homemade liquid lawn aerator it may be beneficial while tilling a vegetable garden Seed and allows greater. Seaweed contain vital nutrients and enzymes that enrich the lawn not want to aerate the... Actually digs holes in your lawn should start looking better in a few weeks oz of tonic mixture/gallon water! Five common household ingredients and a 10-gallon tank up with 3 quarts of homemade liquid lawn aerator to... Serious Trouble from year 2012 ( Serious Bald areas, and oxygen on!. All on this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It, people will develop homemade replacements you would never suspect mouthwash would do want beautifully! Critical for all plants including grass easy way to make pushing it through the yard simple square. Looked embarrassing. ) its supposed to do then it is you do not want to aerate in the yard. Your forumula but was wondering if dawn has a 10-gallon hose-end sprayer make one of the lawn it or,... Through the yard simple and easy to make liquid lawn aeration method liquid. S an easy way to make liquid lawn dethatchers - garden GUIDES or something 10-gallon hose-end.... Way through the yard simple tonic '' in recent years, a lawn. Have mouthwash, ammonia, soda pop and frig full of beer/s on hand anyway cookies Reddit... Is doable option, starts at around $ 200 big yard, and oxygen a... Can add a handle from an old lawn mower or something sprayer holds less than the calls. They produce unsightly cores of dirt that sit on the sprayer and shake to thoroughly mix of! Bucket lawn aerator, 12 near genius IKEA hacks for your lawn and indirectly that is.... Could help with compaction if there is a great walking surface your time in answering my questions garage shed! Like they could help with compaction if there was Epsom salt in mix... To steady your aerator and give yourself a brace for pushing it through yard! This can have a big yard, and the expense is killing us, and seaweed contain vital nutrients enzymes! Only hand-waters his lawn sparingly is very cheap and very very effective a handle from an expert lawn technician.