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When To Plant
Seed a new lawn anytime it can be prepared, except in late
summer. March and April are the best planting months, but
quicker germination will occur during May, June and July.
After the soil gets cold in late fall (November in most areas)
it is again safe to seed because the Centipede seed will not
germinate until the soil warms next spring.
How Much Seed To Plant
To calculate the area to be planted, multiply the length
of the lot in feet by the width in feet to arrive at the number
of square feet. Deduct a reasonable amount for buildings,
paved drives and walks.
Plant not less than one-fourth (1/4) pound per 1,000 square.
One pound per 2,000 square feet often produces a good lawn
in two to three months of summer growth. Using plenty of
seed is the least expensive part of establishing a good lawn. "Saving"
on the cost of seed results in spending more on watering
and cutting weeds.
Successful Establishment ... is a Three Phase Operation
- Good Seedbed Preparation: Grade, level and smooth
your lawn. Remove debris, sticks and stones, and mix about
15 pounds balanced lawn fertilizer per 1,000 square feet
into the soil. Good formulas are 8-8-8, 10-10-10. See
special instructions for preparation and fertilization of
old lawns.
- Distribute seed: Use a Cyclone type seeder. Divide
seed in half and go over the area twice, sowing from east
to west and then north to south to insure uniformity.
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- Lightly rake into to 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil.
Roll to smooth. Use a mulch like wheat straw on sloping
areas where erosion might be problem. Distribute mulch thinly
so as not to shade young centipede seedlings.
After Planting
Water well immediately after planting, and continue to water
as often as necessary to keep your soil constantly moist.
Keep soil moist below 1/2 inch. After seedling emerge, water
less frequently until watering only as needed once the stand
is established.
Winter Plantings
If planting in winter, apply a light application of ryegrass
seed (2 to 3 pounds per 1000 S.F.).
Weeds
Control weeds by mowing frequently until centipede is established.
CAUTION: Do not use a weed and feed fertilizer or any
other weed control chemical except Roundup before seeding
Centipede because such chemicals will inhibit germination
or kill the Centipede seedlings as they sprout!
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