Question From: MICHIGAN
Q: Hello Nancy. I contacted Jeff several years before he passed away about my yard not having enough topsoil due to a contractor not putting in enough. As you know, Jeff was very big on using Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss. Due to cost constraints I only use it on patches. My problem is in the places I have used it such as reseeding our pet graves, the grass seed doesn't germinate. Even with watering twice a day the moss and topsoil dry out so quickly that the grass doesn't grow. I mix them together but it doesn't seem to matter. Do you have any ideas what I could be doing wrong?
A: Since your doing relatively small areas I suggest you try this. Get a bag or two or Organimax compost. It's available locally for you at English Gardens and Weigands. Spread one half inch on the surface of the soil. Spread the grass seed and water with a sprinkler. I would water the spots well the day before so the soil is damp when you start. Next cover the spot with a floating row cover also called a frost blanket. Anchor the edges down with small stones or garden staples made from the shoulders of cheap wire hangers. Leave the covers in place till the grass sprouts. You can water the area as moisture, air and light will pass through the material. That should do it. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
