The Inclusion of Clover and Sowing Seed
Clover
Clover in a lawn is a controversial matter and it is also a personal one. Some prefer clover to the extent of having the lawn practically all clover and others consider it a weed. There is nothing wrong with having some clover. If the lawn is well supplied with nitrogen, the clover will never get out of hand. It should be pointed out however, that clover is slippery when bruised and where children play strenuous games it could be a hazard. Clover will also stain white shoes and clothes as well as garden water features such as garden statuary and outdoor fountains—the stain is permanent.
But it will grow on very poor soils. A small percentage could be mixed with ryegrass on a temporary lawn with benefit— say one ounce per pound of grass seed. It is not successful used exclusively as it makes a sod coarse in texture. It is weakened in winter when the tops are gone and it will not hold soil on slopes without other grasses. There are several strains—Wild White or Wild Dutch, the Kentish Strain discovered in English pastures and the latest—New Zealand strain. All have much in common.
Sowing Seed
The normal quantity of seed to sow for a close sod is about one-half lb. per 100 square feet. Nothing is gained by heavier seeding. Good seed on a well prepared soil should, other things being equal, give a high sprouting percentage. The main difficulty in seeding is getting an even distribution of seed. It is difficult to get an even covering when done by hand. If the lawn is of fair size it would pay to get one of the small gadgets for distributing the seed.
The accepted method is to divide the quantity into two portions. One portion is sown at right angles to the other. If the surface soil has a loose layer, a wooden rake is used to cover the seed. The reason for the wooden rake is that the teeth are blunt and won’t sink into the ground to leave the final raking unequal, as will an iron rake. The lawn is then rolled to put the seed in close contact with the ground.
Rolling must be done in accordance with the state of the soil and the presence of outdoor statues or a possible patio fountain. If your soil is heavy and damp, use a light roller. A heavier roller, say 300 lbs., can be used on a lighter soil or one in which a lot of organic matter has been incorporated. If the soil is dry and you have used peatmoss on the surface, it may blow away on a windy day and carry the seed with it into little heaps. Wet the surface first, allow standing for a day or more; then raking the surface, sow the seed and roll afterwards. Don’t roll the soil when the surface is wet. The seed will stick to the roller and to your feet.
with it into little heaps. Wet the surface first, allow standing for a day or more; then raking the surface, sow the seed and roll afterwards. Don’t roll the soil when the surface is wet. The seed will stick to the roller and to your feet.
when the surface is wet. The seed will stick to the roller and to your feet.
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