There was a time when I was pleased with the great bio-diversity in my yard. My lawn was a wonderful mix of grass, weeds and white clover. Now about the only thing I can find is crab or fall grass or whatever it is. For the rest of the article I'll call it crab grass since I don't want to develop a first name friendship with it.

Judging from several recent conversations, I have lots of company. Why this year and what can be done?

Conversations with a yard chemical salesman proved enlightening. When asked if there was anything that could be done now he said yes with a great bit of hedging. Chemical control now is possible, but when he suggested that I wait for a good frost, I got the feeling it wouldn't be too effective.

In my own yard, since it has never been sprayed I know what happened. We had a wonderful year for seed germination and plenty of weekly moisture for lush growth. Obviously I had plenty of seeds waiting from recent years.

It is also quite possible that one might have sprayed and still been rewarded with vast patches of crab grass. The salesman suggested that when the first warm days arrive in the spring, many people rush for the crab grass control. That's too early, especially in a cool, damp spring like we had this year.

His rule of thumb for crabgrass control is to wait until the neighborhood is yellow with forsythias. There are a number of possible control materials, including some that contain fertilizer.

From the organic gardeners, the solution is to spread corn gluten to inhibit seed germination. There is no question that practices derived from using parts of the cereal grains will reduce weed germination. I've used them. That's one reason to plant cover crops in the vegetable garden each fall. I have not talked to anyone who tried this organic approach in his or her lawn.

Please note that I am not the person to suggest specific products. Contact the Penn State Extension Service at 394-6851 or find a replicable dealer who can answer your specific questions. Remember, chemicals can be used as tools or they can be weapons in careless uninformed hands.

This is one instance where I might consider using a professional. They are licensed in the use of chemicals and have access to materials that the home gardener doesn't. They also have the equipment and the experience to do the job effectively and safely.

Will I break my tradition and treat my yard? I don't know. After all lawn is just that empty area between flowerbeds but I'm quite disgusted with crab grass right now.