210 FARM GRASSES OF THE "UNITED STATES 



nate if covered to any considerable depth. An eighth 

 of an inch is an ideal depth, and one- fourth inch as 

 deep as is at all safe. The careful use of the roller 

 will press all the seed into the soil, and at the same 

 time it firms the surface soil in a very helpful way. 

 On small plats a light mulch of rotten leaf mold or 

 similar substance will protect from birds and prevent 

 the drying of the surface soil. If it is necessary to 

 water to promote germination this should be done 

 with great care, imitating a gentle rain as much as 

 possible. At the same time it is well to fully soak 

 the ground, so that no more water may be neces- 

 sary till the grass is well up and out of danger of 

 injury. 



Grass-seeds may be sown at almost any time of the 

 year. The early spring and early fall months are de- 

 cidedly preferable, however. Most of our lawn grasses 

 at least, those used in the Northern States are 

 adapted to cool climates, and make their best growth in 

 cool weather. Spring sowing should be done as early as 

 possible, so that the grass may become firmly established 

 before hot weather sets in. Fall sowing should be done 

 in the latter part of August or in September. Grasses 

 started then will be well set before winter. Seeds sown 

 late in October will generally not germinate that fall, 

 but if conditions are favorable will remain in the ground 

 over winter and start very early the following spring. 

 Unless a quick cover crop is needed to prevent washing 

 of the land or for the green appearance, no nurse crop 

 should be used with grass-seed. Grasses seldom need 

 any protection, and are often injured by the shading and 

 smothering of the more vigorous nurse crop. 



