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17 | Friday, April 18, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com HOME &GARDEN How to make seeding projects more successful Spring has sprung, and there are many activities to enjoy when the warmer weather arrives. Many homeowners make the most of warmer weather by tackling projects around their properties. While autumn is a better time to overseed a lawn for new growth, satisfactory results still can be had if seeding is done early enough in the spring. Grass needs ample time to establish roots and grow strong before the summer heat takes its toll. Many types of grass need six to 12 weeks of ideal temperatures and growing conditions to germinate and produce a sturdy grass that will grow and endure. Seeding can be done to rejuvenate an existing lawn and ll in bare spots. It also can be done to start a lawn from scratch. The following are some tips to help make seeding projects more successful. * Begin by raking the lawn to remove thatch and any fallen leaves leftover from autumn and winter. Raking also enables you to inspect the lawn for bare patches or matting of grass that may be indicative of a fungus or other problem. * Dust off the mower and trim the lawn short, especially if it was left long at the end of last season. This will help seed penetrate the blades of grass and get to the soil beneath. * High-traf c lawns may need aeration to counteract compacted soil. Moss on the ground is often an indication of compaction. Aeration will help with this problem, as it pokes holes into the soil to enable oxygenation that keeps new grass robust and promotes faster growth. * Spread a mixture of topsoil and compost over the top of the lawn. This will add nutrients through organic matter to the lawn and create a good base for the new seed to take root. * Test a sample of the soil to check the pH. Grass prefers a neutral pH, but some soil tends to lean toward the acidic side, especially if you see the presence of moss. Knowing the pH will help determine just how much lime per square foot you will need to adjust it accordingly. * Invest in a spreader to add seed to the lawn. The spreader will have various settings that enable you to calibrate the rate of seed dispersion depending on your walking speed. Fill the spreader with seed and begin to walk around the lawn. Drop spreaders require you to apply seed in rows with no overlap. Broadcast spreaders will cast seed widely and may need some overlap to guarantee complete coverage. * Spread another thin layer of compost mix over the seed and water thoroughly. The compost will help keep moisture in while the seeds germinate. * Aim for lawn watering two to three times per day. After seeds have germinated and established, you can reduce the frequency of watering but increase the depth of the watering to keep roots strong. (MCC) # in Patios & Driveways! 1 J.M.C Concrete Interlocking LIKE US ON LTD · Free Estimates · 24 Hour Service Custom Garden & Lawn Maintenance Packages as well as complete Design Services. We specialize in affordable Winner of the 2013 Reader's ChoiceAward for Best Landscape Company in Oakville! · Spring & Fall Clean-up · Garden and Lawn Maintenance · Landscape Concept Planning & Recommendations · Garden Design, Restoration, Planting & Removal of Materials Our comprehensive list of services include: · Seasonal Urns & Custom Planters · Lawn De-thatching, Seeding, Sodding · Installation of Compost, Mulch, RiverRock, Flagstone Walkways · Rock Gardens, Dry Wells · Disposal Services We are celebrating our 11th year in business! 905-333-1276 · eablakely@silverriverlandscaping.com www.silverriverlandscaping.com · www.facebook.com/SilverRiverLandscaping * Pictured is our growing family in our award winning garden in S.E. Burlington* · STAMPED CONCRETE · INTERLOCKING · EXPOSED AGGREGATE · FLAGSTONE · FRENCH CURBS · RETAINING WALLS · GARAGE FLOORS · FREE ESTIMATES Ask for www.jmcconcrete.ca CONCRETE · DRIVEWAYS · FRENCH CURBS 905-878-8595 JOHN Interlocking & Concrete Specialists · Pebble Concrete · Stamped Concrete · Flagstone · Walkways · Garage Floors · Patios · Driveways · Curbs (French) · PATIOS · STEPS · WALKWAYS · GARAGE FLOORS Tel: 905.842.7171 Call Mario · sunmarlandscape.com EXPOSED AGGREGATE (Pebble) uality At Its Best! Call Fernando 905-844-5518 · 1-888-944-5518 www.concretetrimmings.com FREE ESTIMATES