From Eveningsnews.com
The Season For Reseeding
By
Jan 23, 2006, 21:08
(NAPSI)-If the idea of getting a good lawn tends to mow you down, consider this: Now is the ideal time of year to reseed lawns for full and lush lawns next spring. By planting new grass seed in late summer or early fall, you help the new grass have plenty of time to become established before the cold sets in.
"Many people are surprised to hear that this time of year is more conducive to planting than spring, but in spring, lawns face more weed competition as well as the immediate harsh conditions of summer," said Vigoro lawn expert John Mollick. "Plus, grass planted in the fall typically has the advantage of cooler temperatures and more soil moisture, in addition to less competition from deciduous trees."
The first step in reseeding a lawn, according to experts, is to loosen the soil, removing any dead grass and all the weeds. Now you're ready for seed. Choose a seed that is similar to the grass already established in your lawn. This will prevent your reseeded lawn from differing in color, height and grass blade thickness as compared to the original turf. You may want to consider planting one of the new Vigoro self-repairing grass seeds.
Following are a few additional tips from Vigoro for reseeding your lawn:
Mow your lawn as short as possible.
Rake thoroughly to expose soil, removing debris and dead grass.
Sow seed at the recommended rate and cover with no more than 1/4" of peat moss, weed-free humus or lawn soil. Cover bare areas with seeding mulch or wheat straw.
If soil pH is low, add lime at the rate of 40 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Add a starter fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to aid in root development.
Roll the lawn to establish firm contact between seed and soil.
Water, using a fine spray to keep soil moist until seeds are established, then resume normal watering procedures.
Rather than raking fall leaves and possibly damaging new grass blades, use a mulch mower.
For more tips on reseeding lawns or to find out information on new self-repairing grass seed, visit www.vigoro.com.
© Copyright by EveningsNews.com