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• The Seeding and Care of Golf Courses 



wishes to begin the use of the course. If winter conditions 

 permit, the fall period is preferable. Turf-grasses stool bet- 

 ter in cool weather, while if sown during the hot summer 

 season, they tend to grow tall and slender. For this reason 

 hot weather sowing requires greater quantities of seed. Fall 

 sowing also avoids the period of greatest weed growth, 

 which is a serious menace to young plants. Moisture condi- 

 tions also are likely to be more favorable in the fall than 

 during the summer. 



Even in the severe winter sections such as New England, 

 turf experts now favor early fall sowing. Originally spring 

 seeding was advocated because the season is likely to be 

 cool and thus favorable. 



Bermuda-grass should be sown in the spring or summer. 

 It is extensively used in Southern States and while easily 

 killed by frost, this grass is not discouraged by hot weather. 



The amount of seed used on the fairway will depend upon 

 variety, but may be stated in general as loo to 150 pounds 

 to the acre. Sow enough. No particular injury can result 

 from heavy seeding, while too light seeding is often respon- 

 sible for a poor turf. To insure an even stand of seedlings 

 heavy sowing is usually necessary. 



In sowing, the use of a drill is inadvisable as it produces 

 ridges in the turf. The seed must be evenly distributed, for 

 irregularity produces a spotted course and the bare places 

 offer a harborage for weeds. Broadcasting by hand is waste- 

 ful of seed and results in an irregular distribution unless the 

 sower is exceedingly expert. A wheelbarrow seeder or a 

 hand seeder should be used. Sow the seed half in one direc- 

 tion and half at right angles, to insure evenness of distri- 

 bution. Sowing should be done on a windless day. 



After seeding, the surface should be harrowed 



