™ 
TEN PCINTERS ON KEEPING GOCD IAWNs 
There are ten points to observe in keeping a lawn in good condition, 
1. The lawn should be fertilized in the nroper season - when the 
grass beoo wes thin or unthrifty. aA commercial fertilizer of 5-10-5 
(or sinil. Pf} on.lp. is isu recommended. ‘That ne ans 5 percent nitrogen, 
10 percent phosphoric acid, and 5 percent potash. A, good standard is 
20 pounds per 1,CO00 square feet. Because in some regions other types 
of fertilizers may be nesded, it is wise to consult local and State 
authorities. In thecool humid regions, applications should be made in 
early fall and very early spring. In warm humid regions applications 
should be made in spring and carly summer when the grass is-growing 
actively. Fertilizer may .be distributed by some- of the fertiri7zerem™™= 
distributors on the market. Care must be used to prevent skipping 
aml overlapping. Another © od way is to broadcast the fertilizer by 
hand. If that method is used, the fertilizer should be divided into 
two lots. The first lot sheull be distributed while walking length- 
wise of the area and the sem nd lot should be broadcast while walking 
crosswise of the area, to insure a thorough and uniform coverage. 
as S011 tests are the basis unon which the need for. lime should be 
determined. Ganerally speaking, soils in the eastern United States 
Peghne Vine, 
Ground limestone is the cheapest form of lime. It is usually © nsider- 
‘ed to be equal in-value to other kinds. 
Lime. can be applied at any season - late fall or early spring are good 
tines. 
3. Frequent mowing with a sharp, properly adjusted mower will keep a 
lawn looking neat. Mowing also promotes tillering and spreading of 
the grass. plants. ; 
> Height of- mowing depends upon the species of lawn grass, Stoloniferou 
_ (ereeping or spreading) grasses - Bermuda, Zoysia, centipede, St. 
_ Augustine - will withstand dose mowing if they are kept fertilized, 
They may be kept mowed at 1/2 to 1 inch. 
Ne 
#, .Watering is the itaintenance practice that is most often done 
mcorreculy.. te few rules are simple enough. 
Do soak the ground thoroughly at infrequent intervals when the grass 
begins tc suffer from drought, Water just often enough to keep the 
plants clive. 
Do not sprinkle lightly every day "just to cool things off". Light 
sprinkling encourages shallow root systems and helps crabgrass more 
than it does the permanent grasses. It mes more harm than good. 
Many of the grasses of the cool humid region go through 2 dormant 
Ho period in midsummer. If they are forced into active growth, the 
plants may actually be injured. 
