Every Spring store salesmen fill their shelves with gobs of grass seed giving us the impression that now is the time to buy. We take it home, plant it with care, cheer as it begins to grow, and then watch it die with the first hot weather that hits St. Louis. “Why,” we ask, “after all our work?”
The answer can be found in the advise of experts, who say grass should be planted only in the Fall between September I and October 15. Established grass will survive the Summer better than Spring grown grass. Common Kentucky prennial bluegrass is recommended for our region, although some seedsmen prefer a mixture because soil and growing conditions vary on a single lawn.
If you didn’t know you were supposed to plant your grass last Fall. but would still like to try for a decent lawn, you might try the method my neighbor has that gives him the greenest lawn on the block every year. He does not, repeat, does not dig up his entire lawn. This practice is time consuming and simply gives wind-blown weed seeds a place to land and flourish. Here is his one day of work formula for a green lawn:
I. Wait for warm weather.
2. Rake leaves and debris off the lawn.
3. Fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizer that allows planting the same day.
4. Plant seed evenly over yard.
5. Cover lawn with straw (about 1½ bales does an average front yard).
6. Soak lawn with water, making sure the straw gets very wet
Keep your lawn well watered, every day if necessary. If your yard is not protected from the wind, a system of string tied across the yard on short pegs or light netting may be necessary to hold the straw down. After the grass is up rake almost all the straw away. (It can be used as garden mulch.) The remaining small pieces will help protect the new roots of your grass from the heat. Grass should never be cut lower than 2 inches, and 2½ to 3 inches is better. Water as conditions require.
If you have specific questions about lawn care or gardening,
call the Missouri Botanical Gardens Information Service, TO5-0440 every morning Monday through Friday, 9 – 12. (A nearby supplier of straw is • Allhoff Bros., 6676 Easton. Price: $2.50 (a bale.)
More information on growing a green lawn may be obtained by writing the University of Missouri Extension Division, 7900 Forsyth, Clayton, Mo. 63105 or by calling them at 889-2174. Ask for the free bulletins, Lawn Care Calendar and Improving Lawn and Landscape Soils.
Originally published in The Paper, March 1972.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1972_03.pdf, printed page 4.
