2 THE IFP * Home, Lawn & Garden, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 Premium lawn needs premium seed As our springtime lawn goes from soggy lifelessness to vibrant green, many homeowners are inspired to try their hand at improving the health and appearance of their turf. Re-seeding (or overseeding) is an easy way to revive a lawn but can deliver mixed results, so applying a little expertise will ensure the effort isn't wasted. "Some dedicated attention to our lawn is required from time to time," says Scott MacDonald at Scotts Canada, a leader in this field. "Overseeding will add significant new life--and that includes thickening the turf to crowd out weeds and help prevent damage by insects and other elements. However, simply throwing some seed over troubled areas rarely gives the lawn the boost it needs." Instead, MacDonald points out that a few dedicated `overseeding' steps will make all the difference. For example, sufficient water for the seedlings is going to be vital to your success. "If the seed dries out, it dies out so keeping it moist is critical," he continued. "It's true that this requirement is not always easy for busy homeowners, so why not improve the odds for success by using water-retaining seed? Look for the advanced Coated Grass Seed by Scotts Turf Builder. It's a premium blend and each seed is wrapped with a water absorbent coating that acts like a sponge to retain water. This means with gradual moisture release, the seeds have a better chance to stay hydrated even if you miss a day of watering." For optimum re-seeding success, here are a few more tips from Scotts: 1. First step: Mow the grass shorter than normal, 1-2 inches high, to ensure the seed has direct contact with the soil. 2. Rake thoroughly to remove thatch and debris and to loosen the ground. 3. Optional steps for best results: Aerate the soil and/or apply topdressing. Aerating helps the lawn to absorb water and nutrients easily, assisting the seeds to lodge and grow. Topdressing involves adding a layer of quality lawn soil or triple mix to the area. Read the label to be sure the soil is weed-free. 4. Apply the Coated Grass Seed with a broadcast spreader according to directions on the bag. Before purchasing, consider the growing conditions. Sun exposure for example is the main factor, so choose a seed mix that matches a high, medium, or low amount of daily sunlight. 5. Apply a specialized seed food like Turf Builder Starter Lawn Fertilizer. 6. Water immediately and keep the spots moist until the seed fully germinates. --www.newscanada.com MG342 MG342 AIR, HEATING & FIREPLACE AIR, HEATING & FIREPLACE AIR, HEATING & FIREPLACE AIR, HEATING & FIREPLACE · Furnaces · Air Conditioning · Pool Heaters · Gas Piping for BBQ's INSTALLATION, SALES, & SERVICE Spring Sale Saturday, April 14, 2012 10 am - 12 noon Christ The King S.S. 161 Guelph Street One-stop shopping for gently-used items for your kids, newborn to pre-teen. Shop for clothing, toys, books, baby equipment and more! $ www.mom2momgeorgetown.com 877-8023 AERATING & LAWN CARE SPECIALISTS 905.703.7609 FOR ALL YOUR RESIDENTIAL HVAC NEEDS. W W W. G E O R G E T O W N H E AT I N G . C A www.AsbuiltClimateCare.com DENTISTRY Consider Core Aeration for your lawn. We provide a wide range of lawn care packages, as well Grass Cutting, Top Dressing, Over Seeding, Sodding, and Dethatching. We are your local lawn care specialists with over 45 years experience. 2 admission Children and Grandparents enter FREE Dr. Anoop Sayal & Assoc. Since 1995 Located inside Georgetown Marketplace Mall Family & Cosmetic Dentistry BILL VAN RYN LAWN CARE 905-877-2594 CARPET, HARDWOOD, RUGS & TILE · Bonding · Extractions · Wisdom Teeth · Pola Teeth Whitening · Implants · Asleep Dentistry · Emergencies Seen Same Day HOURS: Mon. 9 am - 8 pm; Tues. 9 am - 6 pm; Wed. 8 am - 8 pm; Thur. 9 am - 6 pm; Sat. 8 am- 3 pm New Patients & Emergency Welcome! Grab bags to first 100 guests, food, raffles, and make and take crafts for kids. Check out our business vendors for stuff for you moms! Visit www.mom2momgeorgetown.com for more info. www.georgetowndental.com 905-877-2273 (CARE) SEPTIC ED PEAVOY SEPTIC SERVICE INC. PAINTING RENTAL STORAGE WE SELL MOVING SUPPLIES www.bauerpainting.com One store for a perfect floor 26 Guelph Street, Georgetown, EXTERIOR INTERIOR DECKS Call Today BOOKING EXTERIORS NOW Local References Available EQUIPMENT SALES SERVICE RENT-ALL INC. Everything for the Do-It-Yourselfer OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE PUMPING OF ·HOLDING TANKS ·SEPTIC TANKS ·AROBIC TANKS Lic. by the M.O.E. Pump and Servicing Pressure Line Flushing 2 Rosetta St., Georgetown (Mountainview Rd. North & River Rd.) 905-877-9896 905-703-1221 905-877-0157 334 Guelph St., Georgetown 519-833-9180 Toll free 1-877-232-0229 P.O. BOX 709, ERIN, ON 905-866-7464 www.aplusselfstorage.ca DIRECTORY DIRECT ORY Spring is here! To get started with your advertising call today! Call Amy for more information 905-873-0301 ext. 237.