Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 258, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 October 1920 — HOME TOWN HELPS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HOME TOWN HELPS

DIRECTIONS FOR GOOD LAWN Good Judgment and Much Work Necessary, But the Result* Will Be Found Worth While. - Success or failure in lawn-making to based on the preparation of the seed bed, which necessarily requires great care and good judgment The physical condition of the soli may be greatly Improved by growing some soil-build-ing crop preparatory to seeding. The land should be turned and sub-soiled to a depth of 6 to 12 inches,. and harrowed until it to thoroughly pulverized. Before turning, a liberal applications (6 to 10 tons per acre) of well-decomposed stable manure and 300 pounds of lime should be applied. When a perfect seed bed has been made, apply 600 to 800 pounds of 8-4-4 commercial fertilizer and harrow thoroughly into the first few inches of soil. The lawn grasses should be carefully selected, and only those grasses or mixtures used that are adapted to that locality and are capable of making a good sod under existing conditions. A mixture of Kentucky blue grass, Bermuda, and white clover is especially suitable to the partially shaded lawn, the blue grass predominating in the shaded portions of the lawn and the Bermuda in the sunny spots while the clover keeps the entire lawn green throughout the winter. The mixture should be planted during early October, using 30 to 35 pounds of blue grass, four to five pounds of clover, and a proportionate amount of Bermuda roots per acre. The seeding of the blue grass and clover should follow the planting of the Bermuda, which should be planted in rows 18 Inches apart, dropping the,, roots 12 to 15 inches apart and covering thtee to five inches deep with alternating rows. Separate sowings of blue grass and clover should be made, sowing the seed broadcast by hand or by use of a mechanical seeder. The seed should be covered lightly, brushing lightly or raking Into the soil, and this followed by a light rolling.