This is something that would be good for Philadelphia. We already have a great start with a number of community gardening projects, but it needs to spread to more communities and individual yards. Encourage more children to learn to garden and eat what they grow. Learn to incorporate food gardening into your landscaping design.
Self-reliance can be incorporated into city life easier than you think. Learn more about the trend below:
Gangsta Gardening: How Guerrilla Gardening is Revolutionizing Urban Farming and Soon, the World:
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Helpful Tips for Starting or Improving a Lawn
If you've decided that it's time get a new lawn started or get the one you have in better shape but you're not sure where to start, here are some tips. Whether you're starting from scratch or just filling in bald patches, the first step is deciding which method to take. After you factor in the season, your budget, and how hands-on you want to get, several options are available.
Seeding
If you're starting a new area with seed, it's usually best to begin planting in late summer/early fall, according to the Penn State College of Agriculture Sciences. Planting seed at this time gives seedlings the benefit of having two cool seasons, fall and spring, to become established. Before starting any type of seeding, it's best to test your soil's pH level. This is easily accomplished by testing a small sample. Many lawn care providers or garden centers offer this service, as well as your local county extension office. By having your soil tested, you ensure that you're starting with a healthy foundation for grass seedlings to grow in.
If you're starting a new area with seed, it's usually best to begin planting in late summer/early fall, according to the Penn State College of Agriculture Sciences. Planting seed at this time gives seedlings the benefit of having two cool seasons, fall and spring, to become established. Before starting any type of seeding, it's best to test your soil's pH level. This is easily accomplished by testing a small sample. Many lawn care providers or garden centers offer this service, as well as your local county extension office. By having your soil tested, you ensure that you're starting with a healthy foundation for grass seedlings to grow in.
Overseeding
Filling in bald spots can be successfully achieved by scattering seed over bare areas, as long as the seeds make contact with the soil. Overseeding can be done during late-winter, spring and fall. It's best not to plant seed in the hottest months of the year, especially during a hot Philadelphia summer when the average high temperature reaches 87 degrees.
Filling in bald spots can be successfully achieved by scattering seed over bare areas, as long as the seeds make contact with the soil. Overseeding can be done during late-winter, spring and fall. It's best not to plant seed in the hottest months of the year, especially during a hot Philadelphia summer when the average high temperature reaches 87 degrees.
Sodding
Sod, or "instant lawn" is a portion of grass that has been cut into squares or rolls and removed whole. These portions are then quickly repositioned onto bare soil. Following installation, it is crucial that the sod be maintained properly with frequent watering to stay moist. Although spring or fall are best, sodding can be done at any time during the growing season, according to Better Homes & Gardens. Be extra careful about daily watering during very hot weather, but proper care of new sodding is a must at any time.
Sod, or "instant lawn" is a portion of grass that has been cut into squares or rolls and removed whole. These portions are then quickly repositioned onto bare soil. Following installation, it is crucial that the sod be maintained properly with frequent watering to stay moist. Although spring or fall are best, sodding can be done at any time during the growing season, according to Better Homes & Gardens. Be extra careful about daily watering during very hot weather, but proper care of new sodding is a must at any time.
Which to Choose
While it is far less expensive, starting from seed takes a long time to grow and can be patchy. For more instant gratification, starting with sod can be a great option. Although it's much more costly, (up to 20 times more than starting with seed,) the end result is dense and weed resistant, and is usable much more quickly.
Doing your own sod installation costs about $400 for a 1,000 square foot area. Having it professionally installed doubles the cost; however, sod is heavy and laying it is hard work. Be sure that you're prepared to commit the amount of time and effort needed to care for it, especially during the first 14 days. It can take upwards of two years to be fully rooted and mature. Hiring a reputable lawn care service can help you protect your investment.
While it is far less expensive, starting from seed takes a long time to grow and can be patchy. For more instant gratification, starting with sod can be a great option. Although it's much more costly, (up to 20 times more than starting with seed,) the end result is dense and weed resistant, and is usable much more quickly.
Doing your own sod installation costs about $400 for a 1,000 square foot area. Having it professionally installed doubles the cost; however, sod is heavy and laying it is hard work. Be sure that you're prepared to commit the amount of time and effort needed to care for it, especially during the first 14 days. It can take upwards of two years to be fully rooted and mature. Hiring a reputable lawn care service can help you protect your investment.
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