PLANTING DICHONDRA WITH NURSE CROP 
Many experienced gardeners now prefer to start 
a new dichondra lawn with a nurse crop. Short- 
lived grasses or white clover are most frequently 
used for this purpose. 
When the ground is well prepared, divide in two 
equal parts a sufficient quantity of the nurse crop 
seed to be used. Sow one part sparsely enough to 
cover the entire area, going in one direction. Then 
sow the other part in the same manner but this time 
going across the area at right angles to the first. 
The dichondra seed is then sown as uniformly as 
possible, using the same method. Again divide the 
proper amount of seed in two parts and sow each 
half broadcast while going in two different direc- 
tions, to insure a more even coverage. Rake lightly 
or cover with a mulch; do not use steer manure. 
Water well until nurse crop is up and then two to 
three times a week, depending on the weather, until 
clover or grass is large enough to shade the ground. 
White clover has a closer resemblance to dichondra 
and is often preferred as a nurse crop, unless hard 
usage is anticipated. In that case, annual rye grass 
is suggested. 
Keep clover or grass mowed during the early 
period to two and one-half or three inches high. 
When the dichondra begins to show in the lawn, 
set the lawn mower lower, to cut even with the top 
of the dichondra. This helps the dichondra to crowd 
out the nurse crop and you soon will enjoy a beau- 
tiful all dichondra lawn. Clover or grass clippings 
should never be left on the lawn as it is injurious 
to the dichondra. 
LANTING DICHONDRA IN AN OLD LAWN 
Dichondra will establish itself in an old lawn 
without extensive preparation. Cut the old lawn 
closely. Rake by hand or use power renovator. Sow 
about one-half the amount of dichondra seed used 
in making a lawn and scatter it in the same way 
recommended for a new lawn. Give it the same 
care, water and fertilizer. The time required for 
dichondra to take over an established lawn depends 
upon the kind and density of the turf. But, if well 
watered and fertilized, and closely mowed, the 
dichondra will be well in evidence in one year. 
A DICHONDRA LAWN FROM FLATS 
Many dichondra lawns are established with di- 
chondra grown in flats. The sod in a 16-inch flat is 
cut into 144 squares about one and one-fourth inch 
in size. These small squares are planted six to eight 
inches apart each way and under favorable condi- 
tions will cover the ground in sixty days. 
Dichondra in flats is a popular nursery item and 
easily obtained. A space 10x10 feet requires two 
to three flats of dichondra. 
