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LANDSCAPE GARDEN SERIES 



Any soil deficient in lime will not grow Kentucky blue grass, the 

 standard grass and basis of most mixtures. A deficiency of lime is 

 determined by making a test for acid. Dampen a small sample of the 

 soil formed into a mudball and place a strip of blue litmus paper (easily 

 secured at a drug store) in the center. If the paper turns red it ia an 

 indication of the presence of acid vegetable matter. Even if the soil 

 is not acid it is desirable to make an application of lime for the lime 

 improves the physical condition of the soil and makes good results much 

 more certain when blue grass is planted. 



For ordinary application use 1-1 1/2 tons of hydrated lime per acre 

 or 3 tons of ground limestone which has passed through a screen of 

 20 meshes to the inch. Limestone is slower to act than the slaked lime 

 and almost twice the quantity is required for the same purpose. The 

 limestone is as cheap and quite convenient to handle. Lime in any form 

 should be applied by broadcasting; and then working into the soil. 



The best fertilizer for lawns is well rotted manure applied at the 

 rate, and in the manner, previously described. As the best and only 

 opportunity for thoroughly enrichening the soil is offered when the soil 

 is prepared it is a good policy to apply at this stage those fertilizers which 

 will insure for all time an ample supply of the elements most needed for 

 the growth of grass. The following formulas offer various combina- 

 tions to be used for this purpose.* 



"As a more specific mixture, we suggest the following: 100 Ibs. 

 nitrate of soda, 1 00 Ibs. bone meal, 1 00 Ibs. acid phosphate (dissolved 

 rock) and 100 Ibs. muriate of potash, an acre." 



* From 4th report Agricultural Experimental Station, Geneva, N. Y., as reprinted 

 in The t-'arm and Garden Rule Book. -L. H. Bailey. 



