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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-04-23, Page 39Your Local ELrEPA'L`R.PHoM • New Dimensions in Home Entertainment • Dealer is GRANGER'S TV LTD. GODERICH 524-8925 ala PAGE 8 Proper mowing can help -No single cutural practice has ruined more lawns than improper mowing techni- ques," says Turf Researcher Nancy Pierce of the University of Guelph's horticultural science department_ In Canada, most lawns are a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue. The recommended mowing height for these grasses is between four centimetres and five cm. The best time to mow is when the grass is one-third taller than its recommended mow- ing height. "So, if you want to keep your lawn at the recommended five cm, mow when the grass has reached eight cm in height," she says. During the month of June, your^lawn will be growing quickly so„you may have to mow twice a week. Avoid mowing your lawn closer than the recommended height, — especially in early spring. This results in a shallow root system that will weaken the grass for the entire growing season and will force you to water and,fer- tilize the grass more often. "It is best to wait until the grass reaches a Sod can be put down anytime height of seven em to eight cm before mow- ing the first time this spring — no matter how tantalizing that fresh cut smell of your neighbor's lawn becomes,” she says. It IS also important to mow the grass when it is dry -- otherwise, you mow unevenly and the clippings tend to clump, suffocating the new tender grass blades underneath. The moistness of the grass could also play a part in the spread of disease. Alternating the direction in which you mow, especially during the spring when growth is at a maximum, encourages the grass plants to grow upright and reduces wear patterns. If your lawn is subjected to shade, in- crease your mowing height by about 1.5 cm in the late spring, when the tree canopies are fully developed. During hot summer months, the grass grows much slower, so yon won't have to mow the grass as often. By raising the height of the cut by about. one cm you can help shade the lower shoots and the soil surface. ' When the cooler weather arrives in the fall, lower the blade of the mower again to four cm to five cm. • Question: I just built a new house and would like to put in a sod lawn. Is it O.K. to do it right away? Answer: Assuming that you won't try to put your sod lawn in during a blizzard, tor- nado or hurricai►e, you can install a sad lawn almost any time of year. For cool - season grasses, however, late summer or early fall provide ideal growing conditions. The peak time for warm -season grasses is late spring and early summer. a7' LEAVE CLIPPINGS — If you leave grass clippings on the ground after mowing, then your fertilizer requirements will be about one-third less than a similar lawn where the clipp- ings were regularly removed, says Turf Researcher Nancy Pierce of the University of Guelph's horticultural science department. ( photo by the Ontario Ministry of "Agriculture and Food) . CLEANING? FIXING? PAINTING? GARDENING? Cutthose big jobs down to size, with Layman Dental e- i Britannia.Rd. See Us Today 2o9 BauFiela ra. Goclericn. 524- 2CJ9 Open 6 days n., Blake St. -r_nibn r.nn am moth )U 4.111. - J vv p.ttu. ' 8s For Television from Around The World Call LARRY FISHER 524-9595 eoo0 SATELLITE 10' Fiberglass dish (S yr. warranty) Polar Mount Unldon 1000, Receiver 65 Degreel„N.A. Polarotor attd more t ' 1 t ly im $ 1995. or 165. poor month SATELLITE SYSTEM SPECIAL 0' Perforated Dtsh . Insulted . 62000 Unldon Receiver ar . e tolled 179. P or VW pirm.nth' • Monthly Leasing Available • Home Demonstrations Value for your money - Backed by Service TV & STEREO SYSTEMS. SALES & SERVICE CHOICE OF COLOUR L & A SOUTHWEST SATELLITE `cli n......, ni...h. 594_OCOC