Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 195, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 August 1915 — HONE TOEN HELPS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HONE TOEN HELPS

PROPER CARE OF THE LAWN Grass Plat Must Never Be Neglected If Home Is to Have a Proper Appearance. One of the most Important duties on the home place during the summer is the care of the lawn. There Is nothing about a place that makes so much for general attractiveness as a well cared tor lawn. Many people make the mistake of keeping the lawn cut too close. In that case the grass roots are exposed to hot sun and drying winds during the summer. Cut the lawn frequently, but do not set the machine too close. To keep the lawn looking clean at all times have a grass-catcher attachment on the mower. A careful watch for weeds on the lawn should be kept. Cut them out well below the surface with an old knife as soon as they are large enough to be seen. A roller on the lawn is advisable, but it should be used with care. Lawns that have been rolled lor a long time are likely to become over-rolled; there is surface cohesion or closepacking of the top soil, which prevents the admission of air and healthy root development. The remedy is the use of the spiked tamper. A home-made one may be made by taking a piece of two-inch plank, some 12x12-inch timber and inserting four-inch spikes an inch and a half or two inches apart Bore holes a little smaller than the spikes before driving them in, to prevent splitting the wood. Perforate the whole - surface thoroughly with this, give a top dressing, lightly rake it in and water the whole thoroughly late in the afternoon.