FERTILIZERS 
Ammonium Sulfate— is an inorganic fertilizer con- 
taining 30% nitrogen. It stimulates the growth of 
grass and discourages many weeds. As it may burn, it 
should be mixed with compost before applying. 
Bonemeal— is a slow acting, safe organic fertilizer. 
Dried Manuye— is commercially-prepared natural 
manure, usually mixed with a peat moss or other base. 
It is a satisfactory substitute for the barnyard variety. 
Cottonseed Mea!— is recommended for lawn use as 
it is rich in nitrogen, needed by the grass, and also 
because its application never injures turf. It also pro- 
vides some humus. 
Sovbean Meai!— is similar to the above and equally 
desirable. 
Limestone— Raw ground (or Horticultural) is a 
soil conditioner rather than a fertilizer. It neutralizes 
acid soil. This is the safest form of lime to use. 
WATERING 
A well-constructed lawn, once the sod is thoroughly 
established, needs watering only under really dry 
conditions. Too much “‘sprinkling,’’ especially if it 
does not really soak the turf to a depth of four to six 
inches, may do more harm than good as it draws the 
roots toward the surface in search of the inadequate 
moisture supplied there, and benefits shallow rooted 
weeds more than the grass. Very heavy watering 
when not actually needed, may, on the other hand, 
waterlog the soil and drown the grass roots, espe- 
cially on clay soils where drainage is poor. 
Water established lawns between May and Septem- 
ber in really dry spells if the sod is dry down to its 
roots. Water each area slowly and thoroughly so that 
the moisture really penetrates the soil. One such deep 
watering usually lasts a week to ten days if there is 
enough humus in the soil to hold moisture as it 
should. In extremely sandy soils, watering may be 
needed almost daily in drought periods. 
Although watering of the lawn may be necessary 
only occasionally throughout the summer season, it 
is essential that water be available if needed. If possi- 
ble have outdoor spigots installed at points which 
will make it convenient to cover the whole lawn in 
case of need. A very efficient way of watering a lawn 
is with a ‘‘rain machine’ which turns from side to 
side, throwing sprays of water drops in a wide fan 
from irrigation nozzles. 
Rotating sprinklers usually apply water more 
quickly and (depending on the soil) it may be nec- 
essary occasionally to turn them off to allow the 
water to be absorbed into the ground. 
