Saturday, November 18, 2006, 05:10 PM
Find more gardening blogs at www.technorati.com.
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Saturday, November 18, 2006, 04:46 PM - Gardening
The Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas blog has detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to plant a tree. The how-to guide includes photos.
How-to Plant a Tree
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Saturday, November 18, 2006, 02:00 AM - Landscaping
Full Sun
Place plants on the west and south side of your home.
Partial Sun
Place plant on the east side of your home.
Shade
Place plant on the north side of your home or in a densely foliated area of your lawn.
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Saturday, November 18, 2006, 01:57 AM - Christmas
Sod vs. Grass Seed
Lawn King sells sod and grass seed specifically for our region. Visit us for professional consultation prior to installation. Both sod and grass seed will take about 3 months to establish strong, healthy roots. Sod will take root faster, but grass seed roots will be stronger.
Prepping Your New Lawn
Preparation is key to a healthy lawn. Grass seed and sod both need about 1/4-inch of fresh topsoil before installation or planting. Be sure that you take the extra time and care to smooth out the topsoil and eliminate pockets for proper drainage. If your yard is sandy, you will need to first rototill 6 inches of topsoil into the ground to create a moisture-rich base. Rototill 4 to 6 inches of topsoil into a clay ground.
You can rent a commercial-grade rototiller from your local rental shop. Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 weekends preparing the soil prior to laying sod or seeding.
When to Sod or Seed
The best time of year to lay sod or plant grass seed is in early to mid-May or in late August through mid-September. The temperature of the ground should be at least 50 degrees, and the evenings must remain warm through the night.
Keep New Grass Moist
Keep the ground moist - don't let the grass completely dry out during those important first 3 weeks. Also, it's important to not drown your new grass. Sod will require a lot more water than grass seed and needs to be monitored much more closely. It's best to water your lawn in the morning.
Fertilizing New Grass
Make sure that your lawn is fully established before fertilizing the first time. Use a 10-10-10 low phosphorus/high potassium fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing on hot, sunny days to prevent burning your grass.
When to Mow
Mow your new lawn for the first time 10 to 14 days after installation. It is important to set your mower higher than normal the first time you mow. Catch or rake up grass clippings after the first mowing as well.
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Saturday, November 18, 2006, 01:55 AM - Christmas
Each roll of sod covers 13-1/2 sq. feet (or 1-1/2 sq. yards).
How to Measure a Rectangular Area of Lawn
Step 1) Measure your yard in feet.
Step 2) Length x width = total square feet
Step 3) Divide total square feet by 13.5 = # of sod rolls
How to Measure a Circular Area of Lawn
Step 1) Measure your yard in feet.
Step 2) Length x width = total square feet
Step 3) Multiply total square feet by 0.79 = # of sod rolls
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Saturday, November 18, 2006, 01:00 AM -
The U of M has many helpful articles, FAQs and ideas related to gardening and landscaping. Lawn King sponsors Master Gardener events at our garden center throughout the year.
University of Minnesota Resources
Ask a Master Gardener
Gardening Classes and Tours
Planting Information
Additional Garden Resources
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