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Beware Backflow When water flows backward through the water supply system, it is called backsiphonage or backflow. When that water is ... |
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Blade Balance A sharp mower blade is a key to a perfect cutting job. However, whenever you sharpen a blade yourself, always check it for ... |
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Blower Basics If you dread the tedious task of raking leaves each fall, you'll be amazed at the ease of using a leaf blower. These gasoline ... |
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Choosing a Spreader Cyclone or rotary spreaders work best with fertilizers. Drop spreaders work best with lime. |
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Clean Cut Mowing when the grass is wet or with a dull blade can cause the tip of the grass to shred, giving the lawn a brown appearance ... |
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Compost Aeration The microorganisms in the compost pile function best when the materials are as damp as a wrung-out sponge and have many air ... |
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Compost Materials Anything that was once alive will naturally decompose. However, some organic wastes should not be composted at home.
DO ... |
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Compost Surface If the microorganisms have more surface area to feed on, the materials will break down faster. Chopping your garden debris ... |
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Compost Volume Compost piles trap heat generated by the activity of millions of microorganisms. A 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot compost pile is ... |
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Construction Landscaping During construction, soil will often be without grass, trees, shrubs, and other plants. Without this protective vegetation, ... |
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Fertilize Regularly As a rule, you should fertilize at least three times a year; spring, summer and early fall. |
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Fertilizer Facts It is best to apply fertilizer when the soil is moist and then water lightly. This will help the fertilizer move into the root ... |
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Fertilizer Facts Before you apply fertilizer and lime you should know your soil nutrient values. Soil tests can be done at most Land Grant ... |
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Fertilizer Rules The general rule of thumb is to fertilize cool season turf grasses, e.g., bluegrass, fescue or ryegrass in the fall months and ... |
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First Cut The first cut in the spring and the last cut in the fall should be low. In the spring this removes any winter fungus and in ... |
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Grass Climate Choose a grass type that thrives in your climate. The right type of grass, one that suits your needs and likes the local ... |
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Grass Seeding Always buy "certified seed". This is identified by a blue tag saying certified. By spending a few extra cents up front, you ... |
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High-Nitrogen Fertilizer Nitrogen encourages leafy growth, often at the expense of flowers and fruit. Don't use high-nitrogen fertilizers on tomatoes, ... |
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Hydroseed Types Hydroseeding is a quick and inexpensive way to plant a new lawn. It's basically a blend of a variety of grass seeds mixed with ... |
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Hydroseeding For fast results, try hydroseeding your lawn. Hydroseed is prepared in a mixing tank. As the tank is filling with water, a ... |