one ************************* FEEDING ************************* Apart from regular watering and cutting, most lawns will take care of themselves. The secret is in using the grass best suited to the location. Largely the choice rests between a coarse, tough wearing lawn, and a fine textured sward which needs more care and attention. Many homeowners try to maintain a meticulous, clean- looking lawn at the front of the house and a more durable lawn at the back of the house, particularly if it is to Two be subject to the considerations of pets and children. Under the section on grasses, is a list of the more popular grasses and reasons for their selection. For now we will concern ourselves with the maintenance of both coarse and fine textured lawns. Providing that both types of lawn are mown on a regular basis and are fairly weed free, it is possible to leave the cuttings as they fall from the mower, eventually providing a soft mulch to the lawn. If the grass tends to be overgrown, it is usually wiser to rake up the clippings and add them to threthe compost pile. You do have a compost heap don't you? Regardless of the type of lawn, grass benefits from regular feeding. Without going into the reasons for the various chemicals to be applied, you should know that the fertilizers used for plants and flowers differ from those used on lawns. Lawn fertilizers tend to be rich in nitr- ogen and lower in phosphorus and potassium. All fertil- izers are rated with three numbers which provide inform- ation on the proportion of Nitrogen(N), Phosphorus(P) and Potassium(K). Ratios suitable for lawns are usually thr shown in the proportion of 30-10-10 or similar ratios. In southern areas of the country, feeding is best done in the spring and early summer. Lawns located in the northern areas are best fertilized in the fall. It is preferable to feed gently on a regular schedule rather than feeding heavily at irregular intervals. You can usually see the results of your feeding rates and adjust accordingly. Too much fertilization and the mower has to work overtime. Excessive feeding can sometimes cause the grass to scorch and die back. Too little fourfeeding and the grass has poor color and texture. If you have problems with your lawn, all of the lawn fertilizer manufacturers have a special department which is more than ready to assist you in resolving your lawn or grass problems. END .....
