On Sep 4, 11:30 pm, cloud dreamer <S...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> raydil...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
wrote:
> > When is the latest in the fall that I can safely seed a new lawn and
> > not risk losing the lawn? Should I cover the area? Any suggestions
> > on seed/soil/fertilizer/lime, etc.?
>
> You can probably start mid-end September...just as the hot weather ends
> and the cold hasn't set in. You won't get significant coverage but it
> should be green before November. I did it once with no problem but it
> needed some TLC for bare patches in the spring.
>
> I'd highly recommend you use white clover (some recommend white dutch
> clover specifically). The clover resists weeds, cinch bug and drought.
> It also doesn't grow tall so you don't mow as often. You should be able
> to get it at the Co-op on Topsail Road (I got some at Gaze but it turns
> out some of the seed was red clover...ugh!). The white clover costs a
> little more than regular seed but you don't use it as thickly as regular
> seed.
>
> I find I get the best results when I put the seed down first then put
> the soil on top...no mixing. All you end up doing is exposing the seeds
> to the birds. Don't worry...the seeds will sprout in the direction of
> the sun). You don't need a spreader. Just drop it chicken feed style (no
> chickens required)...the clover will fill in nicely and you can seed
> again next spring.
>
> You really shouldn't fertilize a new lawn until you've cut it at least
> three times....so that will happen next spring/summer. Make sure you use
> regular fertilizer cause a weed-n-feed of any sort might kill the clover
> (that is...if you can even get weed-n-feed anymore). My lawn is about
> half clover now and I haven't had to fertilize it at all this year. It's
> lush and healthy.
>
> You can lime at any time of the year...but separate liming and
> fertilizing by three weeks. So, if you get some growth before November,
> get some pelletized lime and spread it (you guessed it) chicken feed
> style (no chickens required).
>
> You don't really have to worry about losing the lawn. What doesn't grow
> now can be seeded in the spring and what does grow will survive the
> winter. If you were trying to decide between now and the spring, I'd
> suggest waiting until the spring just because it means you do all the
> work once and it's done....but if you want something besides gravel in
> front of the house then starting now isn't a problem...with some TLC in
> the spring.
>
> Oh...and make sure the lawn is watered by you or Mother Nature until it
> has sprouted across the lawn (~3 weeks)...then water every second day
> for a couple more weeks then water as necessary. Lack of watering is one
> the biggest reasons why new lawns don't thrive.
>
> ..
>
> --
>
> We must change the way we live,
> or the climate will do it for us.
Thanks for this advice. On the issue of "clover", this is a lawn that
will be used heavily by young children-can clover stand up to this
activity?
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