'Sodfather' shares the secrets of the perfect turf

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Roger Bossard, known as the "Sodfather," is the head groundskeeper at US Cellular Field. Wednesday, Sox fans and fellow groundskeepers were able to join Bossard for a lesson in growing grass and maintaining it during baseball season, all while strolling on the pristine fruits of his labor.

Bossard is the third generation head groundskeeper at the ball park and is highly regarded as the best in the business. But even such an experienced groundskeeper has felt the aftershocks this tough, seemingly endless winter.

"It's been the worst year," said Bossard, "the worst spring. It's the permafrost that really got everybody."

Many of those at the park Wednesday look after high school and park district playing fields, but they're also looking for help with their own lawns and gardens at home.

"I'm thinking of ways to use this at home, especially with the grass," said Brian Jennings of Griffith High School.

Despite the conditions, the Sodfather says his field is in great shape, but then he has a little more help than the average homeowner.

Experts say now that the threat of sub-freezing temperatures is gone it is time to begin working on lawns and gardens. Plant nurseries in the area have been doing brisk business all week. Many customers are looking to replace perennial plants that failed to survive the harsh winter.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people's plants are done and need to be pulled out," says Renee Young of Christy Webber Landscapes. "People have been replanting evergreens like crazy this spring."

Now that it's the middle of May, it's safe to start planting flowers and even some vegetables and herbs. Experts say fertilizer is the secret weapon for early spring planters, and the Sodfather agrees. He fertilizes the grass at U.S. Cellular Field every two weeks.