The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-09-24
FARM WORK FOR SEPTEMBER.

Wo have discussed, in former numbers,
preparation for all crops. The time has come
for planting them. September is the natu-
raj and best seeding time for grasses, clover,
lucerus, oats rye and barley. We say nat
ural seeding time, because tho seeds of the
various plants enumerated are matured in
the sumner when it is hot and dry, and
even the heads are shattered and the
seed scattered on the ground, the latter
do not .fnd proper conditions for germinat
ing till the later rains set in and cool nights
and heavy dews prevail. The earlier in the
month - sadisions are present the bet
ter it is, oecause ample time is furnish ed
the young plants to establish themselves
we'll and firmly in the soil before the
freezes of winter. In a wild or unculti-
vated state these plants begin their growth
at time indicated this is natures appoint
ment, therefore, and is best suited to the
wants of the plants. In northern attitudes,
where hardest freezes prevail, snow protects
the young plants during winter; in the
South longer and stronger Autumn growth
must tako the place of tho snow covering.
AS winter grasses abound moro in north .
ern than in southern latitudes, the conclu-
sion seemed natural that the heat of South
ern climates was prejudicial TO these plants;
and one step further In tho same direction
seemed reasonable, to wit, that they needed
shade in the South. Hence the practice
of seeding grass and clover with email
grains to gst the benefit of their shade
Doubtless some shade is desirable during
periods Of intense heat and drought, but
can it be procured in the manner spoken
of, without incurring other injury greater
than tho good received when grass is sown
with grain? Our observation is that more is
lost than gained. In the first place the
projecting shade is taken away jus. when
most needed; grain is harvested in June
and July when the greatest heat and ss-
verest droughts prevail. Plants accustomed
to partial shade are then suddenly exposed
to intensest heat. But this is not all. In
the case Of grasses proper, the grain crops
make demand upon the soil for exactly tho
same fppd the grasses need, Being larger
and RIore vigorous az the start, the former
over-paseer the grass at the beginning and
get Ae lions share of the food. At har-
vest, therefore, the grass is suddenly cx-
posed to the fercest rays of the sun when
it is comparatively starved and weak from
the unequal struggle. On exceedingly rich
soils where there is ample food for both,
this objection does not hold so strongly,
but such soils arc not generally found.
This difficulty may in part be obviated by
top-dressing in the Spring. But where
land is so abundant, amply enough for every
crop farmer could wish to cultivate, as
rule, it is better to SOW the grasses by them
selves and not in conjunction with grain
crops. This gives them an opportunity of
getting strong during the carly stages of
growth, when they are naturally weak, and
puts them on vantage ground whom the
struggle with. heat and drought begins.
These remarks apply with greater
force to tho annual winter grasses and
clovers which complete their growth in
early spring. These Of necessity Must be
sown by themselves or with some crop
which follows after them, but does not grow
simultaneously with them.
Wo cannot urge too frequently upon
beginners the Importance Of heavy seeding,
be sure to sow enough for the plants to oc-
cupy all of tho land-leave no place for
intTuders. Sow enough to allow for defect.
i've seed--for adulteratcd seed, and for tho
dying out Of weak plants. After one has
taken all the trouble OF thorough prepara-
ton and heavy manuriug-such as grass
requircs-it is folly to fail from insufficient
seeding.
Very light covering of tho seed is of the
first Importance deep covering will GER
tainly bring failure. Bat when lightly
covered, seeds will not germiuate we'll il
the weather is dry, unless they are firmly
pressed into the soil. Hence the import.
ance Of the roller. 1t is almost indispen
sable in grass culture it smooths and levels
the ground for the mower, presses small
rocks below the surface, hastens the ger
mination of seeds, and imparts vigor to the
young plants. Heavy, impacting rain.
may do some Of the work Of the roller
bat in their absence the surface soil is toe
loose and too easily dried of for the little
plant to establish itsolf in it. Remember