23rd No no PUBLISHED FIVE TIMES YEARLY FOR LAWNTHUSIASTS T . M. REO EASY WEED CONTROL IN SPITE of modern and easy weed control methods, there are those who still resort to hand digging to try to get rid of dandelions and their ilk. This really is as out-dated as cooking with wood. technicians, there is increasing accept- ance of the value of using the combi- nation fertilizer and weed control, a is easily applied dry compound that Not so many years ago the magic of spraying away weeds was hailed as a great emancipation. There are still those who don't seem to mind fuss- ing with sprayers, carry- ing water, and keeping the pressure pumped up. But that method should be considered a choice rather than a necessity. the turf the part of and On professionals to the lawn. This pro- originally cedure was suggested by scientists in the U. S. Department of Agriculture about five years ago. Scotts Lawn Research to workers were quick follow up this sugges- tion and since that time L A WN C A RE readers, by the hundreds of thou- sands, have found it the simplest way to clear up their lawns of most non- grass weeds, particularly just as the trees Before and after. This lawn, treated were beginning to leaf, was clear of dandelions by the time the trees were in full glory. 2 dandelions, plantain, buckhorn, heal-all, wild onion, thistle and ground ivy. Some weeds, such as chickweed and speedwell, are more resistant to chemi- cal weed controls. These are low grow- ing vining types which are particularly prolific in cold, wet weather of early spring. They can be controlled but treatments are usually needed, preferably late spring and early summer. two or in the three Lawrence Huber, superintendent of the famed Ohio State golf course, made an interesting observation last year. In June and July, he tried weed controls against chickweed in the form of sprays and compared results with dry applica- tions of Weed & Feed. Both methods removed the chickweed from fairway turf. However, crabgrass developed in abundance where the spray was used but not in the areas treated with the dry combination. Apparently the fer- tilizer provided slow, steady feeding of the desirable grass enabling it to hold the crabgrass in check. SCIENTISTS APPROVE METHOD In reporting on the studies of practi- cal lawn maintenance conducted at the Plant Industry Station at Beltsville, Maryland, the comment was made that "a weedy grass is a starved grass." Be- cause of this, application of plant food at the time of using weed control is of prime importance. A combination of fertilizer and weed control solves two problems simultaneously. They further pointed out that even distribution was one of the main factors in effectiveness and suggested either late spring or early fall application. Another comment was to the effect that the weed control in such a combi- nation will suppress clover temporarily but will not kill it. One of the country's leading agrono- mists, a specialist in weed investigation, spoke at a recent meeting of the Ameri- fact feeding that otherwise many SCOTTS L A WN C A RE can Fertilizer Control officials on the advantage of practical and weeding in one operation. He com- mented on the saving of time and on the folks might not bother with either feeding or weed control. He emphasized the fact that the proper use of fertilizer and weed control mixtures practically elimi- nated the danger of harmful drift onto valuable plants. As he pointed out, it is much more difficult to prevent drift from pressure sprays and that such fog- like drift may be carried quite some distance by the wind. Results on trial applications of weed and feed combinations in Pennsylvania have been reported in a State College bulletin. After making tests under wide ranges of conditions, they concluded that the method is "practical and satis- factory." Among It eliminates an extra operation, saves in- vestment in spray equipment that can- not be safely used for other than weed the advantages: Games On The Lawn A reader wonders if others "have the fun we do playing games on the lawn ?" "Our folks are partial to croquet and bad- like minton," he writes, saying they would suggestions from other readers. lawn "It doesn't take a big for croquet because you don't have to follow the stand- ard d i m e n s i o n s. A neighbor has what he calls leg' course since it forms an L across the back and around the side of his house. 'dog a "For badminton we just put up the net in the center of an 2 0 x 30 a r ea some f e e t, d o n 't e v en b o t h er w i th c o u rt lines. Oldsters as well as youngsters like to play—and generally they play barefoot. We encourage this as it saves the feel It's a pleasant sensation Scotts cool green carpet underfoot!" turf. to NUMBER 110 control purposes, and simplifies weed control program. Elaborating on the latter, they ex- plain the importance of providing plant food at the time of weed destruction and stimulating the grass "to fill in bare spots rapidly." The landscape specialist of the exten- sion service of Virginia Polytechnic Institute recommends the combination of fertilizer and weed control for Vir- ginia lawns. Those who have used Scotts Weed & Feed know it as a dry granular compound, of even consistency so it may be applied evenly and accurately. With the right spreader, the job takes hardly any time at all. Application is best made in late spring, early summer or in the fall when weeds are growing actively. Results are quicker if there is enough soil moisture for normal growth, but treatment should be made during a time of day when the grass is dry. Sprinkling should be delayed so the chemical stays on the weed leaves until it can be absorbed, a mat- ter of 8 or 10 hours. It is a good idea to then water the area thoroughly 24 hours after application. Not Burn, Starvation that Quite often folks write in after plant food applications saying they seemed to have yel- the grass lowed streaks of grass and seems to be dying. The assumption is that burning is the cause. On investigation, it is usually found that instead of burn, the streaks are the result of starvation, that is, they were missed in the application of plant food. SIRS: "I have now tried your Weed & Feed on a portion of my lawn where I had quite a I am glad to say this lot of weed growth. the has disappeared, which to the efficiency of the weed killer content of product. The grasses appear to have been stimulated, so that it would seem your "Weed & Feed" works under Australian conditions just as well as in your own country. tribute is a DENHAM BROS. PTY. LTD. Rockhampton, Australia. the Grass Clippings 3 To fall or not to fall, that is the question. In answering this question to the satisfac- tion of all, Mr. Shakespeare would come in mighty handy. It is controversial only to this extent—is the lawn being maintained for its beauty or to return to the ground an inconse- quential amount of humus? The LAWN CARE position has been fre- quently stated. The clippings are probably of more value used elsewhere than on the lawn. They have food but do serve as a mulch for gardens or shrub beds. If allowed to dry on the ground 24 hours after mowing, the bulk necessary to rake up is greatly reduced. little or no plant Our best story about clippings came some years ago from a housewife who apparently had fought a heated battle with her husband on the subject. She wanted us to umpire the bout, provided we sided with her. She stated her position and gave us this helpful hint: "It that you agree with me because I have had very harsh words over this." is absolutely necessary A recent suggestion for "easier mowing" comes from LAWN CARE reader W. Philip McBride of Evanston, Illinois: "After the lush growth of spring is past,'! detach the catcher let the clippings fall. However, I mow and the plot, always walking completely around in a counter-clockwise direction. the mower throws the clippings to the left, that is into the uncut grass where they are cut over and scattered again when the grass is cut. In mowing along a walk, it is well to remember that the mower throws the clippings to the left. By walking in the proper direction, the clippings can be thrown back on the lawn or on the walk as desired." Since SIRS: "I have found that your Weed & Feed does a marvelous job of destruction on Canadian Thistles. They do not die they A. L. ALIE. Ft. Wayne, Ind. do die." fast, but Maryland Alert To "Black Dirt" Gyps fertilizer and grass illicit operation. Through the courtesy of L. E. Bopst, Maryland State Chemist, we learn that they were recently successful in secur- ing convictions against two peddlers of worthless trash sold as "magic hu- mus, restorer." Fines were meted out for false repre- sentations and failure to have licenses. Good work like this on the part of state officials, publicity in Better Busi- ness Bureaus' bulletins and other pub- lications have saved some folks from this it, many homeowners fall victim every year to truck peddlers who not only deliver poor materials but arrange to do so in such a way there is no chance to determine the amount applied. that various articles in LAWN CARE on this subject have saved them and their neighbors from succumbing to such schemes. To be from known sources only; be wary of itin- erant peddlers, no matter how glib their story. Many have written lawn materials In spite of safe: Buy Many Soil Samples Show Lime Need A summary of soil tests in the Scotts laboratories during the past two years shows an interesting pattern as to soil reaction. These tests were made on samples taken from thousands of home lawns across the country. New England soils were preponderantly on the extreme acid side with lime being recom- mended samples tested: Maine 9 3 %, New Hampshire 8 7 %, these proportions of for SCOTTS LAWN CARE FLASH! Wait for the June issue of LAWN CARE before you worry aboutCrabgrass in your l a w n. You will receive an extra issue of LAWN CARE in plenty of time to tell you of a new, easy w ay to control this pest. The days of Crabgrass are numbered. Its fate will soon be that of dandelions and other broad-leaved w e e d s- subdued by an easy spreader application of a dry com- pound. Massachusetts 88%, Rhode Island 9 5 %, Con- necticut 8 5 %. The Middle Atlantic States samples did not the figures in Delaware to Jersey show quite as much varying from a high of 8 6% around 6 0% and New York. for Pennsylvania, New lime need, Over 7 8% of Florida samples called lime, 6 5% in the Carolinas and Virginia. for low in relative number needing As was to be expected, mid-western soils ranked lime though over a third of the samples from Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota were too acid for best grass growth. Indiana, Illinois, Michi- gan and Nebraska were under 2 0% but over half the Missouri samples showed lime need. SENDING SAMPLES. Those residing east of Ohio or the Japanese Beetle Quarantine Zones should address samples of soil to: in the area of company at Marysville, Ohio. This Scotts service includes soil testing and examination of sod samples if such are sent. A report is mailed to the owner describing the physical classification of the soil, with sugges- tions regarding improvement and amount of lime needed, if any. The charge is one dollar for the first sample and fifty cents for each additional sample submitted at the same time. O. M. Scott & Sons Co. Ridgefield, New Jersey All other samples should be mailed to the O M SCOTT & SONS C O. fScotti) M A R Y S V I L LE - - O H IO EVERY PACKAGE OF SCOTTS LAWN CARE PRODUCTS BEARS THIS TRADE - MARK AND IS SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION