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The BEST TIME FOR SEEDING is September.
This time of year weeds are not germinating, cooler weather is approaching
and fall rains are beginning. The next best time is March or early
April, the disadvantage being that weeds, especially crabgrass, are becoming
established at this time and compete for space with the new grass seedlings.
Grass may be seeded May through August but watering and maintenance are more
extensive.
Good SITE PREPARATION is essential, not
only for successful seeding and establishment, but for avoiding long term
lawn care problems. If perennial weeds exist, treat the entire area
with glyphosate (Fertilome
Kilz-all) one or two weeks before seeding is
planned.
A SOIL TEST should be done before
starting if possible (we can send your sample to a lab for testing-please
allow 2-3 weeks for the results to return). This test will determine
what nutrients are required and if lime is needed.
SOIL PREPARATION is a key step in getting
your lawn established. Till the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches.
Grade the lawn to correct low areas that might hold water. Add lime
and Fertilome New Lawn Starter fertilizer at
this time. Apply one pound of fertilizer to 100 square feet.
SEEDING: Measure your lawn area to be
sown. The type of grass you desire will determine the amount needed.
Even distribution of seed is essential for good turf establishment.
This is best accomplished with a mechanical seeder. Apply half the
seed in a north-south direction, and the remainder in an east-west
direction. After sowing the seed, lightly rake the seed into
the soil to a depth of no more than one eighth inch.
MULCH the
newly seeded area with mulch. This will
hold moisture, and protect the young seedlings, plus prevent erosion
Be sure not to apply the straw too thick! Rule of thumb is to apply
one bale of straw per 500 square feet. Apply the straw so you can
barely see the soil through the straw, but no thicker.
WATER-WATER-WATER!
Improper watering causes more failure of newly seeded
lawns than any other single factor.
Soak the lawn thoroughly at first and then water as required. to keep the
top layer of soil moist constantly for good germination. Continue
until the grass reaches 2 inches high. At this point, water less
often, but water heavier at each watering. Apply 1 inch of water per
watering. This can be determined by placing a coffee can at three
locations under the sprinkler and then measuring the depth of water in
the cans.
MOW the grass when it reaches 3-4 inches
high. Make sure the mower blade is sharp and cut the grass to a
height 2½-3 inches.
FERTILIZE again in 30 days after sowing
with Fertilome New Lawn Starter.
TO RENOVATE A THIN LAWN mow the exsisting
grass a close as possible. Dethatch the area with a power dethatcher.
Rake up debris.
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