FOR FARM AND HOME PLANTING 17 



The same cottages as in previous picture three years after planting. The simpler 

 the architectural features the greater is the importance of plantings. 



Sowing the Seed. In starting a lawn use plenty of seed, one and one 

 fourth pounds to about 1000 square feet or fifty pounds to the acre (43560 

 sq. ft.) being none too much* Thick seeding chokes out weeds and assists 

 in producing a quick effect. 



Select a day when there is no wind to sow the seed. Early in the 

 morning or about sun down is a very good time, and if just before a rain, 

 so much the better. 



By sowing the seed in the following way, an even stand is quite assured : 

 taking one half of the amount of the seed to be sown and beginning at one 

 end of the lawn, sow in parallel strips until the entire lawn is covered; then 

 take the remaining one half of the seed and sow in strips in the other 

 direction. If this is properly done, there should be no streaks or vacant 

 spots in the future lawn. 



After sowing the seed, unless directly followed by rain, the soil should 

 be rolled. Raking or harrowing after sowing is apt to bury the seed 

 unevenly. 



Maintenance. After the grass has grown to a height of from four to 

 six inches, it should be given the first clipping, being careful not to cut 

 very close. A scythe is better for this cutting than a lawn mower as it 

 will not pull out the young plants or cut as close as the mower. The 

 future cuttings should be performed frequently enough to permit the 

 clippings to remain on the lawn without being unsightly. These clippings 

 if allowed to remain, will form a dense mulch around the base of the plants 

 and protect the soil from drying out during the summer months. Cut 

 frequently then but not too close. 



Additional seed should be applied. to all lawns at least every spring 

 and often another sowing would prove beneficial the latter part of June 

 or in September. 



The most effective method of controlling weeds in lawns is by securing 

 good drainage to the soil, keeping the lawn well supplied with plant food 

 and the soil well filled with pure seed. Make the conditions for plant 

 growth most favorable and there will be little chance for weeds to gain a 

 foothold and develop. 



