Evening star., 1941-08-23

% the grass growing vigorously 1Of n
dressing mixture contains half rich
top soil and half compost. Approx
mately $50 pounds of a complete fe-
tilizer such as 4-8-5 or 4-12-4 are
added to each cubic yard. A cubic
yard will cover 145 square yards or
approximately 1000 square feet q
quarter-inch thick, which is ample
if applied each year.
On old lawns bare spots should
have the soil fooSened and reseeded.
If the grass is thin or weedy it may
pay to scatter seed over the entire
lawn before applying the top dress
ing. Our soil and climatic condi-
tions are not exceptionally suitable
for Kentucky bluegrass, but there
are no really satisfactory substi-
tuteS. Under our local conditions
the only way to insure successful
and attractive lawn is to provide
the best growing conditions possible
for bluegrass. With care and proper
growing conditions Kentucky blue
grass will produce an attractive
lawn
The commonly recommended grass
seed mixture for this area contains
from two-thirdS to three-quarters
Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis). ..
Red top (Agrostis palustris), peren-
NAL rye grass tLollum perenne) and
white clover are added according
to the desires of the gardener. Both
the red top and rye grass are de-
Sirable in that they germinate
quickly and provide protection for
the slower terminating bluegrass,
although they seldom last for but a
year or two. Rhode Island bent
tAgrostis capillaris) may be sub
stituted for the common red top as
1t Is smaller and perhaps better
adapted to our acid soils.
Creeping bent grass (Agrostis
maritima) which looks so splendid
on putting" green's, is often con-
sidered for the home lawn. Unless
one is prepared to water, fertilize
and cut it nearly every day, how
ever, it is not desirable Then, too,
it is subject to destructive disease
brown patch"
For the shady lawn one may Use
rough bluegrass CPoa trivi-
aliS) or Chewings fescue, variety
of red fescue Festuca rubra),
for part or all of the bluegrass, de-
pending upon the density of the
shade. In lightly shaded situations
the Kentucky bluegrass will thrive.
AS the density of the shade in
creases more dependence should be
put upon the shade loving grasses.
Most gardeners do not care to
buy the grass seeds separately and
make their own mixture. In such
case they should insist upon buying
f1rst-class seed. Good grass seed,
while never cheap is a good invest
ment. The higher quality seed will
have better termination and con-
tain fewer weed seeds.
In sewing grass seed the general
rule is to use pounds per 1000
square feet However, this should
be varied according to the wear to
be given the lawn. Where little
tramping is to be expected pounds
may be ample. In those spots re-
ceiving heavy usage up to 7 or 8
pounds per 1000 square feet may be
desirable.
1t is desirable to divide the seed
into two lots, sowing one-half each
way of the lawn whether broadcast
ing or using seeder On steep
slopes it is usually more desirable
to use sod than to SOW seed, al
though one may use seed with sue
cess by grading the soil at the top
of the slope to avoid washing. 1t is
we'll to cover newly seeded slopes
with burlap or cheesecloth. This
will protect the seed and in most
cases prevent washing. The cover
should be pegged down with small
stakes or wire pins. No effort should
be made to remove tthe cover as it
soon rots.
Contrary to the usual belief, blue
grass is quite tolerant of acid soil,
although admittedly prefers a sweet
soil. However, many weeds that
are troublesome on sweet soil seldom
appear on acid soils, and it is for
this reason that lime is seldom rec
commended for lawns. Under most
conditions neutral or slightly acid
soil is preferred Ground lime or
hydrated limestone should be added
at the time of soil preparation
some time in advance Of sowing the
seed.
To grubproof the new lawn one
may incorporate from 5 to 10 pounds
of lead arsenate per 1000 square
feet of area. The arsenate should
be mixed with sand or moist soil
so as to give sufficient bulk to IA
cilitate even distribution. Rake into
the top 2 inches OF soil before
applying the seed. The lead ar
senate will control both the jap
anese beetle and the common gar
den grub, which feed on grass roots
during their period in the soil.
Grass seed should always be
lightly covered. Usually this is done
by raking it into the SOIL Care
should be taken, though, that 1t is
not covered more than a half Inch
in our heavier soils. In light, sandy
soil deeper planting is safe.
After covering the seed the soil
may be rolled, although this is sell
dom necessary with fall planting
Keep the soil surface moist so
that the seedlings may push through.
If the surface becomes too dry many
seedlings will be lost.
Start cutting when the grass
is 2 or 3 inches high. The cutter
bar should be set to cut about IL
inches high. Frequent cutting en-
courages "stooling" and also helps
to keep the grass growth firm. Soft,
lush growth is subject to disease,
which we should seek to avoid. FIRE.
quent moving Is the best method.