[JesusIsLord]

Don't know if I'm out of bounds writing about grass. Zone 6 (PA). My lawn is under full sun. Turf type tall fescue is a recommended grass for this area because it requires little rain and tolerates prolonged heat. This seed constitutes 85% of our grass. This season, we had beautiful grass until July, after which we were hit with prolonged hot weather. The turf type tall fescue goes dormant in those conditions and looks like it died off. We've seen our grass recover from this dead-dormant state many years.

What do I do in early fall to help/prepare the lawn for next Spring? Aerate, overseed and fertilize.

Any other suggestions for prepping the lawn in fall for Spring?

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I always recommend a seed mix/ratio that contains these three seeds:

50% - Kentucky Bluegrass
25% - Creeping Red Fescue
25% - Perennial Ryegrass

Madison Parks is the best I’ve ever found and/or sold when I was in The Biz. It was designed for conditions in the public parks. This mix/ratio is recommended for Zones 4-6. We use it in our own house yard, Zone 5.

https://us.dlf.com/la-crosse-seed/turf/mixes-blends/turf-mixes-blends/details/catagory/usdturf/mixes-blends/madison-parks-mix-470ae0008uc

You don’t have to buy THIS specific brand, but the seed combo works really well the next time you have a dead patch or have done some landscaping or just want to do an over-seeding in Fall or Spring.

(I pinged a few ‘Lawn Guys’ for ya!)

Also - DON’T fertilize this fall. You’re wasting your money. Grass will be going dormant soon. Fertilize in the Spring with a good quality ‘Weed & Feed’ granular product. Follow the direction on the bag. If you don’t have a ‘seeder’ most Garden Centers will let you borrow one or charge a small fee.

[Liz]

CANDY APPLES / coated with coconut

Ing 6 apples 6 wooden or bamboo skewers 1 1/2 c sugar 1/8 tsp cream of tartar 1/3 c water 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice 6 whole cloves 1 tsp red food coloring cinnamon red hots candies, crushed (optional) flaked coconut or chopped nuts

Method Insert skewers into apple stem ends. Dissolve sugar/water/cream of tartar. Add l/juice, cloves and crushed cinnamon red hots. Add red food coloring. Boil without stirring, to 310°F on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage). Remove pan from heat. Dip apples, turning to coat. Roll apples in coating while still warm. Leave on cookie sheet to cool. CAUTION: Be very careful when handling hot sugar - it will burn!

[Liz]

GERMAN POTATO SALAD / traditionally served warm.

Ing 6 slices bacon 2 tbl flour 2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper 1/3 c sugar 1 egg 1/4 c cider vinegar 1 c water 1/4 c l/juice 6-8 med cooked potatoes, 1/2 c onion, sliced 1/4 c parsley, minced 1 tsp celery seed

Method Fry bacon delicately brown. Add flour, salt, pepper and sugar to bacon; blend well. Beat egg slightly, add vinegar, water, l/juice gradually to skillet; stir/cook til thickened. Pour while warm over sliced potatoes, sliced onions. Add parsley, celery seed. Toss lightly.

[Liz]

Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Turn store-bought rotisserie chicken into a tasty dish.

Ing 1 cup mayo 1 minced gar/cl 1 tbl ea white vinegar, water 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp ea whole grain mustard, Worc 1/2 tsp ea dried oregano, sriracha, s/p, 1/4 tsp onion powder 1/8 tsp paprika 5 c diced rotisserie chicken

Method Whisk mayo, garlic, vinegar, water, sugar, mustard, Worc, oregano, sriracha, s/p, onion powder, and paprika. Fold in diced chicken. Chill until serving.

Chef Notes: Rotisserie chicken is highly seasoned, so taste before adding s/p. Dice chicken into uniform pieces for best texture. Can adjust dressing ing to your taste. Allow to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to let flavors meld. Enjoy it in lettuce wraps, on slices of bread or rolls for sandwiches, or with crackers. Fresh garlic and herbs make a big difference in flavor.

[Liz]

French Breakfast Puffs / so much deliciousness for so little work.
Heavenly quick-fix breakfast puffs coated with cinnamon and sugar.

Ing 1/3 c shortening 1/2 c sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 c flour 1 1/2 tsp b/powder 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/2 cup milk, Coating 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 c sugar 1/2 cup butter, melted

Method Grease 15 muffin cups, 2 1/2x1 1/4". Mix well shortening, 1/2 c sugar, egg. Stir in flour, b/powder, salt, nutmeg alternately w/ milk. Place in muffin cups. Bake golden 350 deg 20-25 min.

Final Roll hot muffins immediately in melted butter, then in cinnamon-sugar. Serve hot.