A Study of a Spider's Web on a Dewy January Morning

Looking closely to find the spider which created this work of art but found nothing.

Dew on a Blade of Grass

An early morning in the garden after a heavy dose of dew reveals a funnel web spider has been busy creating his vortex shaped web overnight.  The entire lawn is green and because of the dew, this web which is horizontal and parallel to the ground stands out.

Soil Core Aerator--Perfect time to Aerate your Soil in Southern California

After some hearty rains and a few sunny days, I decided the soil would be just moist enough to use my new garden tool--the soil aerator.  I am using the Yard Butler by Lewis Tools.  Here's what Lewis Tools has to say about soil compaction and aeration.

Importance of Core Aerating

Lawns where a lot of activity takes place can become compacted.  Over time thatch can also build up to create a barrier, keeping water and air from reaching the roots.  Core aeration reduces compaction and thatch to let air, water and fertilizer down to the root zone.  Healthy roots are essential to good lawn growth.  Core aeration also stimulates root growth by "pruning" the roots.  As an added benefit, the removed cores deposit valuable micro organisms on the lawn surface.

I could not believe how easy this was.  The soil was just right and as the instructions indicated, each step on new soil ejected the old soil plug from the aerator.  I know you can rent motorized versions, but this was easy enough to make you glad you didn't.  If your lawn is large, work on it section by section.

Advantages of Aeration

• Reduces soil compaction, water run-off and puddling
• Lets air, water and fertilizer down to the roots
• Breaks down thatch
• Promotes vigorous root growth

Just step on the stirrup and let the plugs fall where they may.  No need to rake.